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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 09-24-2023 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
(HT: Norrin Radd)
PIC NOTE
Today's pic comes to us courtesy of Norrin Radd. It's a charming little bookshop in Durango, Colorado called White Rabbit Books and Curiosities. HISTORICAL FICTION OrangeEnt sent me to a link to a Federalist article, "The Dearth of Historical Fiction is a Disservice to Curious Kids Everywhere." The author--who is a writer of Y.A. fiction--laments the fact that little to no fiction marketed to young adults these days explores history. Not like it used to, at any rate, as much of it is saturated with fantastical elements or included "woke" agendas that would be historically out of place, especially with respect to gender roles. However, historical fiction as a genre does seem to be alive and well, even if it may seem niche in comparison to other genres (e.g., fantasy or romance). I suspect part of the lack of historical fiction may stem simply from the glut of other books that are being published these days, both from mainstream publishing houses and from independent publishers. Nearly anyone who wants to write a book can figure out a way to get it published somehow. The term "historical fiction" almost sound like an oxymoron. If it's fictional, how can it be history? And if it's historical, why would it be fiction? The general definition seems to be that the characters and events of the story are fictional, but the story takes place in a real historical place and time. For example, you might write a book about the adventures of a gunman in the Wild West who just happened to cross paths with Billy the Kid (a real person). Authors who write about Sherlock Holmes in Victorian England would also be engaging in historical fiction of sorts. Of course, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories would *not* be considered historical fiction since he was setting Holmes in his own contemporary Victorian England, more or less. A key element of historical fiction is how the author pays attention to the social customs, manners, and other details of the period. Readers who are knowledgeable about the era will be very quick to point out faults in the way characters speak and act, or catch anachronisms that might be plausible, but were actually historically out of place. For example, a character attempting to use technology in a medieval setting that was not invented until many centuries later. Though part of the story might be *how* the character came to possess that technology, especially if it was an early prototype that is destroyed at the end of the story, or dug up by later archaeologists who are then presented with a new mystery. Historical fiction as a genre is actually fairly old. Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe (1819) is a prominent early example, as the story takes place in the Middle Ages, after the Norman conquest of England. Alexander Dumas' The Three Musketeers (1844) is another great example, as the story is set sometime during the 1620s, over 200 years before Dumas wrote the story. It turns out I have a number of books in my own meager collection that could be classified as historical fiction, albeit a few of them have science fiction elements to them. For instance, Emperor by Stephen Baxter documents the first couple of centuries of Roman occupation of England, opening and closing with someone uttering a prophecy in a "strange" tongue (actually a language that would not be spoken for centuries in that region). It's implied that *someone* is reaching back across time to set certain events in motion. Parke Godwin likes to reimagine fictional heroic characters in alternate historical settings. Instead of setting Robin Hood during the time of the Crusades, he tells the story of Robin resisting the Norman Conquest of England in Sherwood. What are some excellent historical fiction novels that you've read?
(HT: CharlieBrown'sDildo)
Comment: It really is frightening just how much America has changed since 2008, when Obama first rose to prominence and then to the ultimate power in the United States as its President. I attended one of his rallies when he came to campaign for POTUS in my state, mainly because I wanted to see his evil aura up close and personal. It is something to behold when you know what to look for. The man is pure, evil scum. Those who follow him are no better. MORON RECOMMENDATIONS
On Oct 30, 2008 Candidate Barack Obama said, in Columbia, Missouri, "We are five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America." This book is on how he did and continues to do that and destroying the American dream. The book is in 18 chapters written by 11 different authors starting with John Drew who knew Barack as a older teenager. Other chapters cover Muslim Brotherhood Infiltration of the government security departments, Marxists "No Border" and immigration, Benghazi diversion, Barack's Russian Collusion and the continuing to the Obama 2.0 administration, in the Biden White House in beginning of top 100 positions 74 worked in the Obama administration. So even today Barack Obama is still fundamentally transforming America and [I] wonder if we will survive. A wire service photo captured him crossing an airplane tarmac holding Fareed Zakaria's book The Post-American World; Obama was holding his place in the book with his finger, as if he didn't dare put it down and lose his place. Zakaria described his book this way: "This is not a book about the decline of America, but rather about the rise of everyone else." Make America equal to every other country is the way I have seen the Left for many years if not my whole lifetime.
Comment: This sounds very similar to Steven Barnes Daybreak series, where a number of terroristic actions, including EMPs leads to a near-instant devolution of human society after a few weeks. Worse, humans are prevented from ever attaining their former level of technology. So they naturally split into factions that then fight with each other in a futile attempt to restore the United States of America.
This week I read Five Years After by William R. Forstchen. This is the latest in the One Second After series about a dystopian U. S. after an EMP attack. In this book the fledgling civilian government must survive a military coup and an outbreak of the plaque [sic]. A good thriller. Posted by: Zoltan at September 17, 2023 09:04 AM (7EvEN)
Comment: I've always been a bit of a fan of the vampire mystique. Not the sparkly Twilight vampires, of course, but the dark, mysterious strangers living in gothic castles high on the hill, terrorizing the local populace. Many different cultures have their own spin on vampires. Kim Newman used this to great effect in his Anno Dracula series. I also enjoyed reading up a bit on vampire lore in the AD&D Ravenloft supplement, Van Richten's Guide to Vampires.
Encyclopedia Of Vampire Mythology, Theresa Bane. Loads of fun! It's an easy, fun read, just pick it up and read about cultures all over the world and their various kinds of vampires. Highly recommended! Posted by: LenNeal at September 17, 2023 09:23 AM (43xH1)
Comment: In the Agent Pendergast series and Nora Kelly series by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, one of the major characters (the titular Nora Kelly) is basically a forensic anthropologist/archaeologist. The mysteries involving her usually revolve around one or more bodies discovered under bizarre circumstances. The Nora Kelly series also includes Corrie Swanson, a young FBI agent with a background in forensic anthropology herself. It's an interesting field and has helped solve quite a few mysterious deaths, I'm sure. Of course, these days I suppose you can get into trouble by "misgendering" bones. More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (990 Moron-recommended books so far!)
I finished Bone Voyage, a Journey in Forensic Anthropology by Stanely Rhine. It is a discussion of Forensic Anthropology as it is practiced for Medical Examiners and Sheriff departments. The MEs are generally brought in for unattended, mysterious, accidental or suspicious deaths. The Forensic Anthropologists are brought in when the body is decomposed, burned or "scattered" He talks about reassembling bones, determining from charts probably heights, weights, and ages, determines sex and looks for "defects" that could indicate cause of death, and help with investigations. He talks about working on accidents, murders and actual archeological finds, in Bernilillo county NM, and elsewhere. There was another book about the subject called Bones, this one is more about the process, and the problems of investigating bodies that had been through plane accidents, fires, buried in shallow graves, or left in ditches for the scavengers. Also dealing with local law enforcement, and the excited local reporters. Posted by: Kindltot at September 17, 2023 10:03 AM (xhaym)
- Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn Book 3 - To Green Angel Tower by Tad Williams -- The conclusion to one of the best epic fantasy series of all time. Seriously. Even though I have not read it in a long, long time, I am amazed by how much of it I still recall and enjoy. Reading it as an older--and hopefully wiser--person does change one's perspective quite a bit, but I think it holds up very well.
- The Last King of Osten Ard Book 1 - The Witchwood Crown by Tad Williams -- We return to the lands of Osten Ard which have been ruled by King Seoman and his wife Queen Miriamele for the past thirty years or so. Now an ancient evil is stirring, eager for revenge against the pesky mortals who JUST WON'T DIE!
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Tolle Lege!
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at September 24, 2023 08:59 AM (PiwSw)
2
water
Posted by: Ciampino -- accurate is better than precise at September 24, 2023 08:59 AM (qfLjt)
3
I'm wearing pants!
Posted by: Ciampino -- accurate is better than precise at September 24, 2023 09:00 AM (qfLjt)
4
Tolle Lege
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:00 AM (fwDg9)
5
Turd.
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 09:00 AM (lrxmU)
6
Tolkien!
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 09:00 AM (zBbnK)
7
Read some things posted in the writer's group - some interesting writing going on there. Nearing the end of my western novel, otherwise, I didn't do much reading last week.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 09:01 AM (Angsy)
8
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 09:03 AM (7EjX1)
9
Still reading "Knights of Malta" (2nd in the Malta Anthologies series by Raconteur Press.) Haven't had a lot of time to read this week. One bit out of the story "Virtues of Command" by Ray Krawczyk got a full-on belly laugh out of me:
Burkett toyed with the idea of giving a two-word reply, that was not 'happy birthday', but relented. All communications were archived and it wouldn’t do to get gigged for conduct unbecoming with only minutes on the job.
Burkett toyed with the idea of giving a two-word reply, that was not 'happy birthday', but relented. All communications were archived and it wouldn’t do to get gigged for conduct unbecoming with only minutes on the job.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at September 24, 2023 09:04 AM (qPw5n)
10
no reading this week
Posted by: rhennigantx at September 24, 2023 09:05 AM (BRHaw)
11
Perfessor, thanks for yet another awesome Book Thread!
I think you've linked to some of his illustrations before, but this individual is definitely (at some level) One of Us.
https://www.tomgauld.com/
I think you've linked to some of his illustrations before, but this individual is definitely (at some level) One of Us.
https://www.tomgauld.com/
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at September 24, 2023 09:06 AM (PiwSw)
12
Norrin Radd is The Silver Surfer, one of my favorite comic book characters.
It's a shame they have never been able to do justice to the Fantastic Four in the movies.
It's a shame they have never been able to do justice to the Fantastic Four in the movies.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at September 24, 2023 09:07 AM (P6N+T)
13
Top picture is upside down.
Top picture is upside down.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 24, 2023 09:09 AM (enJYY)
14
Haven't really sought out historical fiction since I was a kid -- discovered science fiction when I was 13 and never went back to it. Been thinking about John Williams' Augustus, though -- if it's anywhere near as good as his STONER, it'd be a heckuva read.
I've heard it said (can't recall by whom) that novels from more than a couple of decades back could be regarded as historical fiction. Not sure I buy that entirely, but Austen, Dickens, Tolstoy, etc -- yeah, maybe.
I've heard it said (can't recall by whom) that novels from more than a couple of decades back could be regarded as historical fiction. Not sure I buy that entirely, but Austen, Dickens, Tolstoy, etc -- yeah, maybe.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at September 24, 2023 09:09 AM (a/4+U)
15
Good morning again dear morons and may you all be written down for good this year.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at September 24, 2023 09:11 AM (RIvkX)
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:12 AM (T4tVD)
17
Good Sunday morning, horde!
I like historical fiction. When it's well-researched, I can learn about an era in an interesting way. Of course, if I don't already know, I won't know if it's well-researched or bulls**t, so there's that.
One that I liked a lot was The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss. It's been several years since I read it, but I learned a bit about the Whiskey Rebellion--a situation that I don't remember studying in school. I think he could easily have cut a hundred pages from the book, though, and made the story tighter.
I like historical fiction. When it's well-researched, I can learn about an era in an interesting way. Of course, if I don't already know, I won't know if it's well-researched or bulls**t, so there's that.
One that I liked a lot was The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss. It's been several years since I read it, but I learned a bit about the Whiskey Rebellion--a situation that I don't remember studying in school. I think he could easily have cut a hundred pages from the book, though, and made the story tighter.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at September 24, 2023 09:12 AM (OX9vb)
Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 24, 2023 09:13 AM (enJYY)
19
My sister was cleaning out my mom's sewing room for their eventual move to a retirement place and a box of my books were back in a cubby hole and she wasn't going in. So went over hoping they were my Heavy Metal magazines, they weren't. But was a few books of mine since the 80s including my copy of the Sirimillion which might be the only book I have and never got through so going to try again.
If than grinds to a last at some point, Douglas Adam's Restaurant at the end of the Universe is next.
If than grinds to a last at some point, Douglas Adam's Restaurant at the end of the Universe is next.
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:13 AM (fwDg9)
20
In historical fiction, classic series of man in a medieval world interacting with technology is The Crosstime Engineer by Leo Frankowski. The title character is accidentally dropped in Poland about 10 years before the Mongols will show up to level the place. So he has to kick start the Industrial Revolution seven centuries early. The author also touches on how his title character must reconcile his socialism and Catholicism.
Posted by: Dread0 at September 24, 2023 09:13 AM (Wzyjq)
21
One of my ancient relatives was jailed in the Whiskey Rebellion
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:14 AM (fwDg9)
22
Dearth of historical fiction for YA? (Especially for boys) Well, I'm doing my bit to remedy that, with my Lone Star Sons series. Most of my other historicals are more for adults, but my first, To Truckee's Trail is also suitable for young readers. Some neighbors of mine were doing Christian home schooling, and used it as a way of teaching the kinds about the California-Oregon Trail/wagon train pioneer experience.
I started writing HF as a way to get readers interested in American history, knowing that it is a gateway drug for creating interest in history. Make it interesting, make it a ripping good yarn, grab people's interest with a fascinating story! A sidelight is that - sometimes what really-oh, truly-oh happened ... is even more incredible than anything I could make up.
I started writing HF as a way to get readers interested in American history, knowing that it is a gateway drug for creating interest in history. Make it interesting, make it a ripping good yarn, grab people's interest with a fascinating story! A sidelight is that - sometimes what really-oh, truly-oh happened ... is even more incredible than anything I could make up.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at September 24, 2023 09:15 AM (xnmPy)
23
I just started M. Stanton Evans' "Blacklisted By History: The Untold Story of Senator Joe McCarthy". Evans related, in the introduction, how many of the documents pertaining to the Cold War, including specifically a memo from a State Department official requesting investigation to grave security issues and Communist infiltration of the department, are mysteriously missing from the National Archive. Hmmmmmm...
Evans often had difficulty obtaining first hand documentation, either through obstruction or suspiciously targeted omission.
Evans often had difficulty obtaining first hand documentation, either through obstruction or suspiciously targeted omission.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 09:15 AM (zBbnK)
24
Max Collins wrote several historical fiction mysteries. The only one I recall at the moment is (of course) one I haven't read. It took place on the Hindenberg and featured Leslie Charteris, the writer of the Saint adventures, who actually was a passe ger on the airship.
I should look for that.
I should look for that.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:16 AM (p/isN)
25
{13} Top picture is upside down.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 24, 2023 09:09 AM (enJYY)
Disconnect from your VPN endpoint in Australia.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 24, 2023 09:09 AM (enJYY)
Disconnect from your VPN endpoint in Australia.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at September 24, 2023 09:16 AM (qPw5n)
26
I'm visiting Ed McBain's 87th Precinct, to which I am a relative newcomer. I've read only two in the series, including the first one. (Therein lies a tale, too long to relate here. Ask me at the TxMoMe.)
This book, "Killer's Choice," is from so early in the series that Miranda was probably in school then. I mention Miranda because of one episode: a detective is getting ready to kick in the door of a suspect's tenement apartment when his partner, a transfer from a lace-doily precinct, knocks on the door and says "Police." The guy inside opens fire, then flees. The newcomer's action causes much derision in the 87th. That was then; a no-knock entry today? Forget it!
As for the main story: A liquor shop employee is gunned down in the store. Her ex-husband and friends all have differing views of her. Who was she, really?
Separately, the new guy is hunting a robber who shoved a patrol officer into a glass window, which shattered, slicing him fatally. I hope these cases aren't connected.
This book, "Killer's Choice," is from so early in the series that Miranda was probably in school then. I mention Miranda because of one episode: a detective is getting ready to kick in the door of a suspect's tenement apartment when his partner, a transfer from a lace-doily precinct, knocks on the door and says "Police." The guy inside opens fire, then flees. The newcomer's action causes much derision in the 87th. That was then; a no-knock entry today? Forget it!
As for the main story: A liquor shop employee is gunned down in the store. Her ex-husband and friends all have differing views of her. Who was she, really?
Separately, the new guy is hunting a robber who shoved a patrol officer into a glass window, which shattered, slicing him fatally. I hope these cases aren't connected.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:17 AM (p/isN)
27
I, much to the wifes chagrin have embarked once again on my dives into 14th century England. More specifically Edward the Black Prince.
Someone posited a question as to who it was that built his tomb in Canturbury Cathredral.
Turns out it is quite the mystery.
I think the Austin Friars did it.
Someone posited a question as to who it was that built his tomb in Canturbury Cathredral.
Turns out it is quite the mystery.
I think the Austin Friars did it.
Posted by: Reforger, him who confuses kings at September 24, 2023 09:17 AM (B705c)
28
One of my ancient relatives was jailed in the Whiskey Rebellion
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:14 AM (fwDg9)
The United States' first tax revolt....
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:14 AM (fwDg9)
The United States' first tax revolt....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 09:17 AM (Angsy)
29
Cold with a book? Tempted to do a 451°F a lá Ray Bradbury.
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable at September 24, 2023 09:18 AM (qfLjt)
30
Not much reading this week. I had cataract surgery on my left eye and this coming Friday I am having the right eye done. Not a lot of time spent looking at computer screens but I’ll make an exception for the book thread which is one the highlights of my week. Thanks Perfessor.
Posted by: RetSgtRN at September 24, 2023 09:18 AM (DhOnb)
31
Prefer counterfactual history.
I think the last historical fiction I read was either Aztec or Shogun
I think the last historical fiction I read was either Aztec or Shogun
Posted by: San Franpsycho at September 24, 2023 09:19 AM (RIvkX)
32
it'll probably get me banned from the book thread, but based on all the glowing reviews of Tad Williams' books, I bought all three of the Dragonbone Chair series. Made it halfway through Stone of Farewell and it just became ... meh.
Maybe I'll pick it up again in the future. Maybe not.
Mostly re-reading old stuff. Bujold's Shards of Honor and Barrayar. And Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert (Nicolas Carter). Also from Ad Fontes a free ebook: Why Protestants Convert.
Maybe I'll pick it up again in the future. Maybe not.
Mostly re-reading old stuff. Bujold's Shards of Honor and Barrayar. And Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert (Nicolas Carter). Also from Ad Fontes a free ebook: Why Protestants Convert.
Posted by: yara at September 24, 2023 09:20 AM (xr64u)
33
18
Top picture is upside down.
ɯǝlqoɹd ou punoɹɐ ɹoʇıuoɯ ʎɯ uɹnʇ ʇsnɾ ll,ı
Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 24, 2023 09:13 AM (enJYY)
----
Is that you Pixy, in incognito?
Top picture is upside down.
ɯǝlqoɹd ou punoɹɐ ɹoʇıuoɯ ʎɯ uɹnʇ ʇsnɾ ll,ı
Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 24, 2023 09:13 AM (enJYY)
----
Is that you Pixy, in incognito?
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable? at September 24, 2023 09:20 AM (qfLjt)
34
It's been a Tolkien and related week of reading. (Big surprise, right?) September 22, the birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is International Hobbit Day. In their honor I smoked some Old Toby blend tobacco in a MacQueen Ranger churchwarden pipe. It's modelled after the pipe Aragorn smokes in The Prancing Pony scene and makes for a very pleasant smoke. Then I read the On Pipe Weed section in Fellowship. After that I continued with "Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator" and "The LOTR Sketchbook" by Alan Lee. Tolkien's own artwork is worth looking at for its connection to the stories and for its own sake. Alan Lee, aside from his huge technical skills, is wonderful the way he can capture a mood even with his simplest pencil sketches.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 09:22 AM (7EjX1)
35
Haven't read the 87th Precinct books in eons -- jeez, they were fun. Nifty police procedurals, Carella & the boys were terrific characters, and the stories went from grim to hilarious and back again without ever missing a beat. Should revisit those...
The books McBain wrote under his real name of Evan Hunter ain't too dusty either.
The books McBain wrote under his real name of Evan Hunter ain't too dusty either.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at September 24, 2023 09:23 AM (a/4+U)
36
Either here or Insty (because where else would I have seen it?) someone mentioned Jim Butcher's "Warriorborn -- Book 1.5 in the Cinder Spires series." It's basically an extended preface to whatever book is next. But it's pretty much standard pattern Butcher: some exposition, some set-building, a big fight scene, the end, just all compressed into novella length. If you like that sort of thing, read it on Amazon Unlimited or some other lending platform; don't pay real $ for it.
Posted by: Oddbob at September 24, 2023 09:23 AM (nfrXX)
37
I read the sci-fi classic, Eon, by Greg Bear. A large hallow asteroid suddenly appears in orbit around the Earth. It's up to researchers to find out its mysteries and, after a nuclear war on Earth, how to get home or exist in space. A well-written, interesting novel.
Posted by: Zoltan at September 24, 2023 09:23 AM (7EvEN)
38
Don't know whether this qualifies as historical fiction, but during grade school I read "The Johnny Cake Mine," set in Western Territorial days. The plot, naturally, involved mining.
That's all I remember of it. I know I enjoyed it.
That's all I remember of it. I know I enjoyed it.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:24 AM (p/isN)
39
This week's recommendation is Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson. Isaac Cline was an early meteorologist working for the fledgling US weather service in Galveston Texas. In the heady year of 1900, many people, Cline included, believed that we had mastered our universe, and we could measure and contain our environment. Recall that around this time, the US patent office was declaring that everything that could be invented had already been invented. What no one knew was that summer, a huge storm was moving from west Africa, over Cuba, and headed for what was then the largest city in Texas. The hurricane would kill more people than any storm before or since, and permanently change the city and state. Larson uses Cline's diaries and eyewitness accounts to recreate the storm of 1900 in a gripping manner. You can still see evidence of the storm today, as the entire island was raised ten feet through walls and backfill, and large houses that survived the storm that were too large to lift had their first floors filled in, and new entrances cut into the second floor. This fascinating story covers both the hubris and the personal tragedy of that day.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 24, 2023 09:25 AM (0ZnX5)
40
Is that you Pixy, in incognito?
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable?
2 ins don't make an out.
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable?
2 ins don't make an out.
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:26 AM (T4tVD)
41
LOL at CBD's sign.
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:26 AM (T4tVD)
42
Remember the Book Thread's recommendation of "Cold Storage"? Wikipedia says it's going to become a movie. No surprise; the author is a screenwriter.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:27 AM (p/isN)
43
Poor Tottenham
Posted by: Jamaica NYC at September 24, 2023 09:28 AM (Eeb9P)
44
38 Don't know whether this qualifies as historical fiction, but during grade school I read "The Johnny Cake Mine," set in Western Territorial days. The plot, naturally, involved mining.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:24 AM (p/isN)
Never heard of it, but for some reason, your mention triggered a memory of "Brighty of the Grand Canyon," which I loved. Kindle unlimited--I think I'll read it again.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:24 AM (p/isN)
Never heard of it, but for some reason, your mention triggered a memory of "Brighty of the Grand Canyon," which I loved. Kindle unlimited--I think I'll read it again.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at September 24, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
45
Historical:
Flashman series (miss the last one, though)
Gates of Fire and Tides of War
Aubrey/Maturin
Some of the Hornblower stuff
The Three Musketeers
The McAuslan series
The Day of the Jackal
Flashman series (miss the last one, though)
Gates of Fire and Tides of War
Aubrey/Maturin
Some of the Hornblower stuff
The Three Musketeers
The McAuslan series
The Day of the Jackal
Posted by: Vanya at September 24, 2023 09:28 AM (v27SO)
46
Got to bug out. Roof ain't gonna goop itself.
Gotta try and get it done before the sun gets to high in the sky or I will be snowblind for the rest of the day.
Then I have a 30 foot section of Redwood fence to put back up.
Oh the joys of home ownership.
Gotta try and get it done before the sun gets to high in the sky or I will be snowblind for the rest of the day.
Then I have a 30 foot section of Redwood fence to put back up.
Oh the joys of home ownership.
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 09:28 AM (B705c)
47
Nope, not kindle unlimited, my bad.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at September 24, 2023 09:29 AM (OX9vb)
48
Looking at Tolkien's art often includes the inscriptions he included. (Think of the writing on Thror's map in The Hobbit.) That got me thinking about calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts in general. I picked up a couple of books on the history and techniques of calligraphy. Fascinating stuff. Besides what it communicates, producing such beautiful results with such simple, handmade tools is interesting. It's another aspect of drawing, like any other visual art.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 09:32 AM (7EjX1)
49
Raining here; and no danger of malaria.
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:32 AM (T4tVD)
50
One of my ancient relatives was jailed in the Whiskey Rebellion
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:14 AM (fwDg9)
The United States' first tax revolt....
It was actually mostly FBI agents.
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:14 AM (fwDg9)
The United States' first tax revolt....
It was actually mostly FBI agents.
Posted by: Archimedes at September 24, 2023 09:33 AM (I/Qkd)
51
The Pants guy has blocked me from commenting.
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:33 AM (T4tVD)
52
This is one historical novel that sticks in my mind.
"American Falls" by John Calvin Batchelor
It's an unusual Civil War novel dealing with the real Confederate plot to burn down New York City. As such it plays more like a spy novel than a battle novel.
You meet historical characters in various levels of society. Very well done. Very Dickensonian in that the reach of the novel is wide.
The only weakness of the novel is that JCB probably likes his characters too much (it happens), and one that in the context of the story that should've died doesn't.
Still, a great read esp only these long cool fall nights.
"American Falls" by John Calvin Batchelor
It's an unusual Civil War novel dealing with the real Confederate plot to burn down New York City. As such it plays more like a spy novel than a battle novel.
You meet historical characters in various levels of society. Very well done. Very Dickensonian in that the reach of the novel is wide.
The only weakness of the novel is that JCB probably likes his characters too much (it happens), and one that in the context of the story that should've died doesn't.
Still, a great read esp only these long cool fall nights.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 24, 2023 09:34 AM (QzZeQ)
53
Morning, booken folk! I'm a little late today; doing some household chores before Miss Linda arrives to cook us some breakfast. Or perhaps brunch?
I finished Joe R. Lansdale's The Donut Legion, which starts slowly and picks up quite well toward the end. Interesting characters (especially the villains!), and some rapid-fire comic dialogue. I have another of his standalones, Moon Lake, in my TBR pile.
At one of those little take-a-book hutches in town I found a paperback edition of Willa Cather's 1932 Obscure Destinies. It features three novelettes about different groups of people in "the West," which to WC, I guess, was anywhere west of St. Louis. The first story, "Neighbour Rosicky," is a charming-yet-sad vision of farm life ca. 1928 for a Czech immigrant and his family. Clear and well-written, so that you feel you are there.
Odd, too, that this paperback is copyright 1974, yet it does not have a barcode on it. I thought barcodes were on *everything* by then.
I finished Joe R. Lansdale's The Donut Legion, which starts slowly and picks up quite well toward the end. Interesting characters (especially the villains!), and some rapid-fire comic dialogue. I have another of his standalones, Moon Lake, in my TBR pile.
At one of those little take-a-book hutches in town I found a paperback edition of Willa Cather's 1932 Obscure Destinies. It features three novelettes about different groups of people in "the West," which to WC, I guess, was anywhere west of St. Louis. The first story, "Neighbour Rosicky," is a charming-yet-sad vision of farm life ca. 1928 for a Czech immigrant and his family. Clear and well-written, so that you feel you are there.
Odd, too, that this paperback is copyright 1974, yet it does not have a barcode on it. I thought barcodes were on *everything* by then.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:34 AM (omVj0)
54
#39 - Yes, Isaac's Storm is a terrific read about the 1900 Galveston hurricane. So is another - Weeks "A Weekend in September". I used both of those books to create in my mind what it would have been like to live through that storm in one of my books (Sunset and Steel Rails). A Few years after I first moved to Texas, they were noting the 100th anniversary. There were still a number of people who survived as very small children, or who had been born afterwards to survivors. Almost every one said that their elders didn't talk much about the storm -- it had just been too horrific.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at September 24, 2023 09:34 AM (xnmPy)
55
One of my ancient relatives was jailed in the Whiskey Rebellion
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:14 AM (fwDg9)
Obviously not a friend of brandon.
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:14 AM (fwDg9)
Obviously not a friend of brandon.
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:35 AM (T4tVD)
56
I used to go to Southwest Book Trader in Durango quite a lot. It's an old house in downtown that looked as if it were held up by all the books inside. The owner was a crabby old man who didn't know where anything was and wasn't leaving the counter to help you find it. If you saw it, they had it. If you didn't, you probably missed it. It was in an old house that was maybe 600 square feet and every wall was covered with floor to ceiling shelves, including the hallway, which left you about two feet of clearance. You couldn't pass another person without getting to know them better than you wanted. Every flat surface was packed and stacked with books except the minimal path through the rooms. The wooden floor was uneven and creaked when you took a step like you might go through and it smelled like dust and old books. It looks like the outside of the store has been rehabbed, but the inside of the store could not be improved.
Posted by: huerfano at September 24, 2023 09:35 AM (7zEAH)
57
40 Is that you Pixy, in incognito?
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable?
2 ins don't make an out.
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:26 AM (T4tVD)
----
Yep, that was my typo.
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable?
2 ins don't make an out.
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:26 AM (T4tVD)
----
Yep, that was my typo.
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable?? at September 24, 2023 09:35 AM (qfLjt)
58
Greetings! I've finished "The Fourth Turning" by Neil Howe. It's pretty dense reading, somewhat provocative. I can't describe it as entertaining, more a slog to finish it. History is cyclical.
Moved on to lighter reading, "Hawaii" by James Michener. It is more my speed.
Moved on to lighter reading, "Hawaii" by James Michener. It is more my speed.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at September 24, 2023 09:35 AM (MeG8a)
59
"Isaac's Storm" is an incredibly good book, and the best account of the Galveston disaster ever written. (the unofficial death toll was much higher than the official one) For all those that say that every bad bit of weather has happened recently, it's worth noting that the Texas coast was hit by 3 hurricanes between 1875 and 1900 that were each more powerful than anything that has happened there during the following 123 years.
Posted by: Tom Servo at September 24, 2023 09:36 AM (q3gwH)
60
A little off from books: As we were watching an episode of the BBC series Ripper Street, before the episode there ran a promo for something called Dickensian. One scene from it features Inspector Bucket from Bleak House showing up to inquire of Bob Cratchit -- about the death of his employer. Neat idea . . .
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:37 AM (omVj0)
61
Durango is a very pretty little tourist trap. A lot of tourist traps can't really justify their own existences, but Durango is actually worth the trip. If you go to Silverton first, you can also take an absolutely gorgeous journey there on a lovingly maintained narrow-gauge train from the 1880s.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:37 AM (0FoWg)
62
2 ins don't make an out.
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:26 AM (T4tVD)
----
Yep, that was my typo.
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable?? at September 24, 2023 09:35 AM (qfLjt)
You coulda blamed a ghostwriter.....BOO !
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:26 AM (T4tVD)
----
Yep, that was my typo.
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable?? at September 24, 2023 09:35 AM (qfLjt)
You coulda blamed a ghostwriter.....BOO !
Posted by: JT at September 24, 2023 09:37 AM (T4tVD)
63
Many years ago I got summoned for jury duty at the federal level. Decided not to try to weasel out of it 'cuz I wanted to see how it worked. This was back in ancient days of flip phones, but the instructions were explicit: all of your personal effects would go into a locker with the exception of a book or magazine.
So I found myself in a drug store (remember those?) and I bought a paperback copy of "Fredericksburg" by Kirk Mitchell, historical fiction about the battle. Was only in the courthouse for a few hours, but once I started it I had to finish it.
So I found myself in a drug store (remember those?) and I bought a paperback copy of "Fredericksburg" by Kirk Mitchell, historical fiction about the battle. Was only in the courthouse for a few hours, but once I started it I had to finish it.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 24, 2023 09:38 AM (NBVIP)
64
Thomas Paine--That's an excellent recap of "Isaac's Storm." It's a really good book although tremendously sad because it explains how the loss of life could have been significantly less.
I grew up in Texas but didn't know about the hurricane until I was an adult. Nonetheless I remember visiting Galveston as a child and having a creepy, negative feeling the entire time we were there. I'm not a believer in the paranormal, but there is definitely some kind of phenomenon that lingers there.
I grew up in Texas but didn't know about the hurricane until I was an adult. Nonetheless I remember visiting Galveston as a child and having a creepy, negative feeling the entire time we were there. I'm not a believer in the paranormal, but there is definitely some kind of phenomenon that lingers there.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at September 24, 2023 09:39 AM (fTtFy)
65
When I was growing up I enjoyed the Altsheller Civil War books that are now probably out of print. They featured a pair of brothers one of whom fought for the North and one for the South.
Posted by: Norrin Radd, sojourner of the spaceways at September 24, 2023 09:40 AM (hsWtj)
66
I used to go to Southwest Book Trader in Durango quite a lot. It's an old house in downtown that looked as if it were held up by all the books inside.
Posted by: huerfano
I have made some of my best finds in 0laces just like that.
Posted by: huerfano
I have made some of my best finds in 0laces just like that.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 24, 2023 09:43 AM (0ZnX5)
67
I don't recall when I read my first "87th Precinct" story, it was so long ago. Certainly I read Give the Boys a Great Big Hand, which dates from the early Sixties, when I was in high school. But the series has been part of my reading life for decades. You always knew you were in for a good story when you picked up a McBain.
Oddly, though, I have only one of the series on my shelf: Ghosts, which dabbles around the edges of the supernatural, and provides a life-changing moment for Steve Carella.
The 1961 TV series was well done -- an hour show, so there was time to get character things in as well as plot. Robert Lansing (Gary Seven from Trek played Carella, and Norman Fell was Meyer. Several eps were based on the books, including the one that introduced The Deaf Man. And you know who played the character? Robert Vaughn, some three years before Napoleon Solo!
Oddly, though, I have only one of the series on my shelf: Ghosts, which dabbles around the edges of the supernatural, and provides a life-changing moment for Steve Carella.
The 1961 TV series was well done -- an hour show, so there was time to get character things in as well as plot. Robert Lansing (Gary Seven from Trek played Carella, and Norman Fell was Meyer. Several eps were based on the books, including the one that introduced The Deaf Man. And you know who played the character? Robert Vaughn, some three years before Napoleon Solo!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:43 AM (omVj0)
68
Went to a chain bookstore with the kids yesterday... I checked out their history section.
Somewhere along the lines, popular historians apparently decided that WWII is the only noteworthy event to ever occur since we emerged from the forests.
Somewhere along the lines, popular historians apparently decided that WWII is the only noteworthy event to ever occur since we emerged from the forests.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:43 AM (0FoWg)
69
Oh, by the way. There are some interested in the WG who haven't accepted the invite yet. It self cancels after two weeks, so if you're interested and didn't reply you can send email to maildrop62 at proton dot me and I'll resend.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 09:43 AM (Angsy)
70
I suppose the book that really fired up the dumping of historical figures into popular fiction was
"Ragtime" by E L Doctorow
A younger naturalfake read it long ago and far away and enjoyed it.
I suspect that if I read it now I would find it both anachronistic and twee in that 70s Leftist propaganda way.
Eh, who knows, if i can do it for free or close to free I might give it a whirl again.
"Ragtime" by E L Doctorow
A younger naturalfake read it long ago and far away and enjoyed it.
I suspect that if I read it now I would find it both anachronistic and twee in that 70s Leftist propaganda way.
Eh, who knows, if i can do it for free or close to free I might give it a whirl again.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 24, 2023 09:44 AM (QzZeQ)
71
I just remembered another work of historical fiction. This one's a comics maxiseries, 12 issues.
It's titled "The Kents," and it's about Jonathan Kent's ancestors during the Abolition years. It's framed by Jonathan's adopted son, Clark, going through a bunch of family papers that he discovered in an old trunk.
The main characters are a father and his two sons, who move to the Kansas territory from Massachusetts to do their part to make sure Kansas enters the Union as a free state. One of the sons is a bad seed, however.
The writer, John Ostrander, researched this era and put blood into what textbooks usually present as dry facts. I wished at the time that he would have written textbooks. Of course, he's a liberal, so I don't know whether I'd still want that.
Still, this story has my highest recommendation.
It's titled "The Kents," and it's about Jonathan Kent's ancestors during the Abolition years. It's framed by Jonathan's adopted son, Clark, going through a bunch of family papers that he discovered in an old trunk.
The main characters are a father and his two sons, who move to the Kansas territory from Massachusetts to do their part to make sure Kansas enters the Union as a free state. One of the sons is a bad seed, however.
The writer, John Ostrander, researched this era and put blood into what textbooks usually present as dry facts. I wished at the time that he would have written textbooks. Of course, he's a liberal, so I don't know whether I'd still want that.
Still, this story has my highest recommendation.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:45 AM (p/isN)
72
I've always enjoyed historical fiction, starting with Treasure Island when I was about seven years old. (It required a lot of use of the dictionary.) I consider historical fiction to use the historical aspect to lend context and power to the fiction.
Just a few title off the top of my head:
O'Brian's Aubrey series;
Horatio Hornblower books;
Three Musketeers and Count of Monte Cristo;
the Allan W. Eckert novels (starting with The Frontiersmen);
A case could be made for many Louis L'Amour books.
I'm interested in some of the series/titles others will come up with. Cool topic.
Just a few title off the top of my head:
O'Brian's Aubrey series;
Horatio Hornblower books;
Three Musketeers and Count of Monte Cristo;
the Allan W. Eckert novels (starting with The Frontiersmen);
A case could be made for many Louis L'Amour books.
I'm interested in some of the series/titles others will come up with. Cool topic.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 09:45 AM (7EjX1)
73
Reading James Ellroy's latest: The Enchanters. Historical fiction, to be sure. What really happened to Marilyn Monroe? And why?
If you give him the chance, Ellroy will tell you who killed the Kennedys in his Underworld USA trilogy. Spoiler: After all, it wasn't you and me.
If you give him the chance, Ellroy will tell you who killed the Kennedys in his Underworld USA trilogy. Spoiler: After all, it wasn't you and me.
Posted by: Rork at September 24, 2023 09:45 AM (EgYu9)
74
36 Either here or Insty (because where else would I have seen it?) someone mentioned Jim Butcher's "Warriorborn -- Book 1.5 in the Cinder Spires series." It's basically an extended preface to whatever book is next.
Posted by: Oddbob at September 24, 2023 09:23 AM (nfrXX)
Oddly, Just finished "The Aeronaut's Windlass", Book 1 in the Cinder Spires series. Not really worried about picking up Warriorborn, but am looking forward to Book 2 due out in November.
-SLV
Posted by: Oddbob at September 24, 2023 09:23 AM (nfrXX)
Oddly, Just finished "The Aeronaut's Windlass", Book 1 in the Cinder Spires series. Not really worried about picking up Warriorborn, but am looking forward to Book 2 due out in November.
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at September 24, 2023 09:46 AM (e/Osv)
75
My top historical fictions are, far and away, The Winds of War and its sequel, War and Remembrance, by Herman Wouk. The latter was made into a miniseries which, when I saw it, became one of Those Moments that I referred to earlier.
I read the books decades after the miniseries were made. (I actually took scenes from both and showed them to my history class last spring when going over WWII.)
I read the books decades after the miniseries were made. (I actually took scenes from both and showed them to my history class last spring when going over WWII.)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 09:46 AM (8sMut)
76
Ah! Just checked.
You can get a used copy of "American Falls" on Amazon for a song and a dance,
if it appeals to you.
You can get a used copy of "American Falls" on Amazon for a song and a dance,
if it appeals to you.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 24, 2023 09:46 AM (QzZeQ)
77
gy. Spoiler: After all, it wasn't you and me.
Posted by: Rork at September 24, 2023 09:45 AM (EgYu9)
Pleased to meet you; won’t you guess my name?
Posted by: Rork at September 24, 2023 09:45 AM (EgYu9)
Pleased to meet you; won’t you guess my name?
Posted by: The Devil at September 24, 2023 09:47 AM (8sMut)
78
The only true "old" bookstore I know about here, and it may still be in business, is on Chartres Street in the French Quarter just a block or so downriver from St. Louis Cathedral. Friendly fellow used to run it, and they had just about every category of book you can imagine. There are, or used to be, some newer neighborhood bookstores around where I work.
We used to have used paperback bookstores in lots of areas, but that was 20-30 years ago. Does anybody remember dedicated *new* paperback bookstores in the Sixties and Seventies? Only new paperbacks, no hardcovers. I picked up a lot of the paperbacks on my shelves now at stores like that.
We used to have used paperback bookstores in lots of areas, but that was 20-30 years ago. Does anybody remember dedicated *new* paperback bookstores in the Sixties and Seventies? Only new paperbacks, no hardcovers. I picked up a lot of the paperbacks on my shelves now at stores like that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:47 AM (omVj0)
79
My fun read was "Watch Me Disappear" by Janelle Brown. A year after a beautiful Berkeley mom goes missing on a wilderness hike, and is now presumed dead, her barely coping husband starts unearthing secrets about his late wife that make him question everything he presumed about her and their marriage. And his teenage daughter starts having vivid visions of her mother, still alive.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 09:50 AM (zBbnK)
80
Author (various fiction genres) Sarah Hoyt has asked for Latin translation of "If I want your opinion, I'll cut you open and read your entrails."
So far, the best has been "Si sententiam tuam vellum, te sacrificarem et exta inspicerem."
So far, the best has been "Si sententiam tuam vellum, te sacrificarem et exta inspicerem."
Posted by: sinmi at September 24, 2023 09:50 AM (rnRoW)
81
OK, hobbitses. We're talking JRRT today? I shall brag by proxy.
JRRT had a stylized version of his initials. which No. 1 Son had cut into his arm with ink:
https://tinyurl.com/arpeksdr
JRRT had a stylized version of his initials. which No. 1 Son had cut into his arm with ink:
https://tinyurl.com/arpeksdr
Posted by: Bandersnatch at September 24, 2023 09:50 AM (CnLzB)
82
29 Cold with a book? Tempted to do a 451°F a lá Ray Bradbury.
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable at September 24, 2023 09:18 AM (qfLjt)
233 Celsius
506 Kelvins
Posted by: Ciampino - Flammable or inflammable at September 24, 2023 09:18 AM (qfLjt)
233 Celsius
506 Kelvins
Posted by: The Devil at September 24, 2023 09:51 AM (8sMut)
83
A little known but very enjoyable book about the Civil War is "Gone for Dixie". I picked up a paperback version in Cedar Falls.
2 brothers join the union army, get on a troop ship at Davenport Iowa, join the battle for Vicksburg. One brother is killed right away, the other details his service from Vicksburg to Atlanta, to Savannah, and thence all the way to the victory parade in Washington DC, shoeless a great deal of the time. A powerful account. The brothers surname was Rath, the surviving brother went on to found the famous meat packing company.
2 brothers join the union army, get on a troop ship at Davenport Iowa, join the battle for Vicksburg. One brother is killed right away, the other details his service from Vicksburg to Atlanta, to Savannah, and thence all the way to the victory parade in Washington DC, shoeless a great deal of the time. A powerful account. The brothers surname was Rath, the surviving brother went on to found the famous meat packing company.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at September 24, 2023 09:51 AM (MeG8a)
84
The worst place you can work is at an old bookstore run by Johnny Depp.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:51 AM (0FoWg)
85
My top historical fictions are, far and away, The Winds of War and its sequel, War and Remembrance, by Herman Wouk. The latter was made into a miniseries which, when I saw it, became one of Those Moments that I referred to earlier.
I read the books decades after the miniseries were made. (I actually took scenes from both and showed them to my history class last spring when going over WWII.)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023
***
Herman Wouk is a top-notch writer -- for us, much like Dickens was in his time. Big big novels with gigantic character lists, a best-seller in his time, with a lot of his stuff made into popular entertainments (stage plays for Dickens in his time, movies for Wouk). HW wasn't as prolific, but otherwise they are a lot alike.
Caine Mutiny is so well written it practically reads itself to you, even if you know nothing about the U.S. Navy in WWII.
Trivia: The young James Garner had a tiny role in the stage play of Caine Mutiny Court Martial. I have a movie/play tie-in edition, and in the pics from the play, he's visible on stage.
I read the books decades after the miniseries were made. (I actually took scenes from both and showed them to my history class last spring when going over WWII.)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023
***
Herman Wouk is a top-notch writer -- for us, much like Dickens was in his time. Big big novels with gigantic character lists, a best-seller in his time, with a lot of his stuff made into popular entertainments (stage plays for Dickens in his time, movies for Wouk). HW wasn't as prolific, but otherwise they are a lot alike.
Caine Mutiny is so well written it practically reads itself to you, even if you know nothing about the U.S. Navy in WWII.
Trivia: The young James Garner had a tiny role in the stage play of Caine Mutiny Court Martial. I have a movie/play tie-in edition, and in the pics from the play, he's visible on stage.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:51 AM (omVj0)
86
Not aimed at young adults but Rush Limbaugh's "Rush Revere" series should qualify as historical fiction.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 09:52 AM (7EjX1)
87
You don't actually read Chesterton. You just quote him.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 23, 2023 11:29 AM (NBVIP)
I have to quote this from yesterday, just for the truthiness of it.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 23, 2023 11:29 AM (NBVIP)
I have to quote this from yesterday, just for the truthiness of it.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at September 24, 2023 09:53 AM (aD39U)
88
My fun read was "Watch Me Disappear" by Janelle Brown. A year after a beautiful Berkeley mom goes missing on a wilderness hike, and is now presumed dead, her barely coping husband starts unearthing secrets about his late wife that make him question everything he presumed about her and their marriage. And his teenage daughter starts having vivid visions of her mother, still alive.
Posted by: All Hail Eris
That sounds both fascinating and unsettling all at the same time.
Posted by: All Hail Eris
That sounds both fascinating and unsettling all at the same time.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 24, 2023 09:53 AM (0ZnX5)
89
The worst place you can work is at an old bookstore run by Johnny Depp.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:51 AM (0FoWg)
The Ninth Gate? Trying to get the reference.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:51 AM (0FoWg)
The Ninth Gate? Trying to get the reference.
Posted by: Vanya at September 24, 2023 09:53 AM (v27SO)
90
@61 --
C.W. McCall (Bill Fries) recorded a song about the Silverton train. Title is "The Silverton."
"You're gonna get a shiver
When you check out the river
Which is 400 feet
Straight down."
C.W. McCall (Bill Fries) recorded a song about the Silverton train. Title is "The Silverton."
"You're gonna get a shiver
When you check out the river
Which is 400 feet
Straight down."
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:53 AM (p/isN)
91
Odd, too, that this paperback is copyright 1974, yet it does not have a barcode on it. I thought barcodes were on *everything* by then.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:34 AM (omVj0)
The barcodes and UPCs started in 1974. Might not have gotten on everything by that point.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:34 AM (omVj0)
The barcodes and UPCs started in 1974. Might not have gotten on everything by that point.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 09:54 AM (8sMut)
Posted by: Bandersnatch at September 24, 2023 09:54 AM (CnLzB)
93
JRRT had a stylized version of his initials. which No. 1 Son had cut into his arm with ink:
https://tinyurl.com/arpeksdr
1) You have an extra 'c' in the blog name
2) Is that what that is? I've seen it on the book covers but never knew it was supposed to be his initials.
https://tinyurl.com/arpeksdr
1) You have an extra 'c' in the blog name
2) Is that what that is? I've seen it on the book covers but never knew it was supposed to be his initials.
Posted by: Oddbob at September 24, 2023 09:54 AM (nfrXX)
94
"You're gonna get a shiver
When you check out the river
Which is 400 feet
Straight down."
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023
***
"Me and Earl was haulin' chickens
On a flatbed out of Wiggins . . ."
When you check out the river
Which is 400 feet
Straight down."
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023
***
"Me and Earl was haulin' chickens
On a flatbed out of Wiggins . . ."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:55 AM (omVj0)
95
22 ... "Dearth of historical fiction for YA? (Especially for boys) Well, I'm doing my bit to remedy that, with my Lone Star Sons series. "
Sgt. Mom, Glad you reminded me about that series. (I enjoyed them.) We have a young nephew in Texas who would be about the right age for them. Might make for some good birthday gifts.
Sgt. Mom, Glad you reminded me about that series. (I enjoyed them.) We have a young nephew in Texas who would be about the right age for them. Might make for some good birthday gifts.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 09:55 AM (7EjX1)
96
42 Remember the Book Thread's recommendation of "Cold Storage"? Wikipedia says it's going to become a movie. No surprise; the author is a screenwriter.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:27 AM (p/isN)
--
I'm looking forward to it. It's got that guy from Stranger Things with the fabulous hair.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:27 AM (p/isN)
--
I'm looking forward to it. It's got that guy from Stranger Things with the fabulous hair.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 09:55 AM (zBbnK)
97
The Ninth Gate? Trying to get the reference.
Posted by: Vanya at September 24, 2023 09:53 AM (v27SO)
Yeah, where his bookstore minion gets murdered by wealthy Satanists.
Posted by: Vanya at September 24, 2023 09:53 AM (v27SO)
Yeah, where his bookstore minion gets murdered by wealthy Satanists.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:56 AM (0FoWg)
98
The barcodes and UPCs started in 1974. Might not have gotten on everything by that point.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023
***
I have a lot of books, mostly paperback, older than that. Anything without it gets my historical interest.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023
***
I have a lot of books, mostly paperback, older than that. Anything without it gets my historical interest.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:56 AM (omVj0)
99
About 100 pages to go, Ford Madox Ford is making his way through The Slump and his growing popularity in the States foreshadows his move to Olivet College in Michigan.
Tolkien's already appeared and one of the interesting developments of the past few years is his growing admiration is Catholic circles. He always had a few religious admirers, but for a long time his work was regarded as something of a guilty pleasure best left to children and hippies.
However, thanks in large part to his son Christopher keeping his legacy alive and systematically organizing and publishing his papers, it is now clear that his work has profound religious signficance. There is a movement within the Church to canonize him because his writings have moved so many people to explore Christianity and explain it as well. Of all miracles, conversion is considered the most important, and he has probably made a great many converts over the years.
There is also the fact that his mythology explains the deeper truths of the spiritual world in ways people can understand. In our present turmoil, where we are now seeing overt signs of spiritual warfare, this is vitally important.
Tolkien's already appeared and one of the interesting developments of the past few years is his growing admiration is Catholic circles. He always had a few religious admirers, but for a long time his work was regarded as something of a guilty pleasure best left to children and hippies.
However, thanks in large part to his son Christopher keeping his legacy alive and systematically organizing and publishing his papers, it is now clear that his work has profound religious signficance. There is a movement within the Church to canonize him because his writings have moved so many people to explore Christianity and explain it as well. Of all miracles, conversion is considered the most important, and he has probably made a great many converts over the years.
There is also the fact that his mythology explains the deeper truths of the spiritual world in ways people can understand. In our present turmoil, where we are now seeing overt signs of spiritual warfare, this is vitally important.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 09:57 AM (llXky)
100
I read lots of Historical Fiction, Patrick O'Brian, Bernard Cornwell, but maybe the Caine Mutiny might be a favorite.
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 09:57 AM (fwDg9)
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 09:58 AM (zBbnK)
102
Huh? Glass table in dining room just shattered. Back later.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 09:59 AM (Angsy)
103
I read lots of Historical Fiction, Patrick O'Brian, Bernard Cornwell, but maybe the Caine Mutiny might be a favorite.
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023
***
Bogart was the definitive Queeg, but Lloyd Nolan essayed the role in the Court Martial stage play. I'd have liked to see how he handled that.
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023
***
Bogart was the definitive Queeg, but Lloyd Nolan essayed the role in the Court Martial stage play. I'd have liked to see how he handled that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:59 AM (omVj0)
104
Shit. Had a drizzle last night. Guess I gotta wait for the sun to come up and dry the roof or nothing will stick
That's okay. Book thread is here.
I have actually been doing a little writing. (I suck to badly at it to join any group..) My goal is to leave everything unpublished, hand written and quite probably unfinished. When I die I hope the kid and grands see some value in it and I can give them a glimpse into the me they never knew.
Right now I'm almost finished outlining what I anticipate to be around a 200 page story on my deployment to Somalia.
Not bad for 30 years of effort. The pages in the notebook I started this in are yellowing and brittle now.
That's okay. Book thread is here.
I have actually been doing a little writing. (I suck to badly at it to join any group..) My goal is to leave everything unpublished, hand written and quite probably unfinished. When I die I hope the kid and grands see some value in it and I can give them a glimpse into the me they never knew.
Right now I'm almost finished outlining what I anticipate to be around a 200 page story on my deployment to Somalia.
Not bad for 30 years of effort. The pages in the notebook I started this in are yellowing and brittle now.
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (uUx9n)
105
Huh? Glass table in dining room just shattered. Back later.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 0
***
Sounds bad. Let us know which cat, dog, or child it was.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 0
***
Sounds bad. Let us know which cat, dog, or child it was.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (omVj0)
106
Durango is a very pretty little tourist trap. A lot of tourist traps can't really justify their own existences, but Durango is actually worth the trip. If you go to Silverton first, you can also take an absolutely gorgeous journey there on a lovingly maintained narrow-gauge train from the 1880s.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:37 AM
Take the train if you have time. That and the Cumbres and Toltec trains at Chama, NM are both worth the trip.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:37 AM
Take the train if you have time. That and the Cumbres and Toltec trains at Chama, NM are both worth the trip.
Posted by: huerfano at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (7zEAH)
Posted by: Oddbob at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (nfrXX)
108
Good morning horde. Sorry I'm late. Need to catch up.
Posted by: TRex at September 24, 2023 10:01 AM (IQ6Gq)
109
Speaking of historical fiction that is chock full o' 70s twee Leftist propaganda...
AVOID-
"A Public Burning" by Robert Coover
It's a very long, poorly written Richard Nixon hatefest presented as a fantasy account of the Rosenbergs Trial and execution.
To be fair, there are a few funny parts, but honestly it's just tiresome in Coover single minded hate.
Recommended only for those who really really really hate Nixon. And even then you're stuck with the boring and one-note writing for a long long time.
You've been warned.
AVOID-
"A Public Burning" by Robert Coover
It's a very long, poorly written Richard Nixon hatefest presented as a fantasy account of the Rosenbergs Trial and execution.
To be fair, there are a few funny parts, but honestly it's just tiresome in Coover single minded hate.
Recommended only for those who really really really hate Nixon. And even then you're stuck with the boring and one-note writing for a long long time.
You've been warned.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 24, 2023 10:01 AM (QzZeQ)
110
However, thanks in large part to his son Christopher keeping his legacy alive and systematically organizing and publishing his papers, it is now clear that his work has profound religious signficance. There is a movement within the Church to canonize him because his writings have moved so many people to explore Christianity and explain it as well. Of all miracles, conversion is considered the most important, and he has probably made a great many converts over the years.
There is also the fact that his mythology explains the deeper truths of the spiritual world in ways people can understand. In our present turmoil, where we are now seeing overt signs of spiritual warfare, this is vitally important.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 09:57 AM (llXky)
----
I'm not Catholic, but the idea of "Saint John Ronald Reuel Tolkien" sounds pretty cool...
There is also the fact that his mythology explains the deeper truths of the spiritual world in ways people can understand. In our present turmoil, where we are now seeing overt signs of spiritual warfare, this is vitally important.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 09:57 AM (llXky)
----
I'm not Catholic, but the idea of "Saint John Ronald Reuel Tolkien" sounds pretty cool...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 24, 2023 10:01 AM (BpYfr)
111
@94 --
The very first C.W. McCall song I heard. A friend during middle school brought it, and we listened to it during lunch breaks. Doubled over laughing.
The very first C.W. McCall song I heard. A friend during middle school brought it, and we listened to it during lunch breaks. Doubled over laughing.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 10:02 AM (p/isN)
112
How are Lefty and Scamp?
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 09:58 AM (zBbnK)
As calm as they ought be. How are yours?
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 09:58 AM (zBbnK)
As calm as they ought be. How are yours?
Posted by: Bandersnatch at September 24, 2023 10:02 AM (CnLzB)
113
Cats? Poltergeists? Climate change?
Posted by: Oddbob at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (nfrXX)
ALIENS.
Posted by: Oddbob at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (nfrXX)
ALIENS.
Posted by: Vanya, History Channel Expert at September 24, 2023 10:02 AM (v27SO)
114
My top historical fictions are, far and away, The Winds of War and its sequel, War and Remembrance, by Herman Wouk. The latter was made into a miniseries which, when I saw it, became one of Those Moments that I referred to earlier.
I read the books decades after the miniseries were made.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 09:46 AM (8sMut)
---
Same. I didn't like them. Wouk's Germans were cartoon versions of hackneyed parodies of racial bigots. I get it, they did bad things, but it seemed all of them were bullies, perverts and intellectual pygmies (I recall at one point it being noted that Germans didn't actually appreciate classical music, they were just trained to sit there like obedient mutts until it stopped playing).
I wanted to like the books, especially the first because the Phoney War is really interesting and there's something evocative about being on the precipice, almost certain war is coming, but it's not there yet. It's one of the things that makes "Casablanca" so great.
I read the books decades after the miniseries were made.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 09:46 AM (8sMut)
---
Same. I didn't like them. Wouk's Germans were cartoon versions of hackneyed parodies of racial bigots. I get it, they did bad things, but it seemed all of them were bullies, perverts and intellectual pygmies (I recall at one point it being noted that Germans didn't actually appreciate classical music, they were just trained to sit there like obedient mutts until it stopped playing).
I wanted to like the books, especially the first because the Phoney War is really interesting and there's something evocative about being on the precipice, almost certain war is coming, but it's not there yet. It's one of the things that makes "Casablanca" so great.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 10:02 AM (llXky)
115
I recently ran across something that explained the writing of Alexander Dumas more clearly than anything i had known before. A man named Thomas-Alexndre Dumas was born in the Caribbean to a wealthy French nobleman and one of his black slaves, Marie Cessate Dumas. He was born a slave and took his mothers name, but the boy grew up to be a powerful man, by all accounts the physical equivalent of any NFL player today. His father took a liking to him and sent him to France, where he joined the military, where he astounded everyone by always being at the front of every attack and devastating his enemies. He eventually rose to be one of Napoleon's top generals, but Napoleon appears to have become insanely jealous of him, both for his physical prowess and his battlefield accomplishments. He was captured by an enemy when his ship sunk, and Napoleon refused to ransom him, leaving him to languish in a dungeon for years. He was eventually freed, and started a family.
His son spent the rest of his life writing stories about men like his father.
His son spent the rest of his life writing stories about men like his father.
Posted by: Tom Servo at September 24, 2023 10:03 AM (q3gwH)
116
Caine Mutiny is so well written it practically reads itself to you, even if you know nothing about the U.S. Navy in WWII.
Trivia: The young James Garner had a tiny role in the stage play of Caine Mutiny Court Martial. I have a movie/play tie-in edition, and in the pics from the play, he's visible on stage.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:51 AM (omVj0)
I loved The Caine Mutiny. So much so that I said to myself “time to get off your ass, hit the way back machine, and grab his WWII epics.
Funny thing about The Winds of War. It came out on ABC in February 1983. Not long after that, boom, I was in Germany, as I had moved there (Army brat). Of course the fragments I remembered made no sense to me as a boy. By the time I left Germany, I had the outline of the history figured out. I see it as almost a sneak preview to the next 40+ years, as I wound up majoring in history.
Trivia: The young James Garner had a tiny role in the stage play of Caine Mutiny Court Martial. I have a movie/play tie-in edition, and in the pics from the play, he's visible on stage.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:51 AM (omVj0)
I loved The Caine Mutiny. So much so that I said to myself “time to get off your ass, hit the way back machine, and grab his WWII epics.
Funny thing about The Winds of War. It came out on ABC in February 1983. Not long after that, boom, I was in Germany, as I had moved there (Army brat). Of course the fragments I remembered made no sense to me as a boy. By the time I left Germany, I had the outline of the history figured out. I see it as almost a sneak preview to the next 40+ years, as I wound up majoring in history.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 10:04 AM (8sMut)
117
The barcodes and UPCs started in 1974. Might not have gotten on everything by that point.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023
***
I have a lot of books, mostly paperback, older than that. Anything without it gets my historical interest.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius,
I have several books that not only don't have bar codes, they don't even have ISBN because they predate the system.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023
***
I have a lot of books, mostly paperback, older than that. Anything without it gets my historical interest.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius,
I have several books that not only don't have bar codes, they don't even have ISBN because they predate the system.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 24, 2023 10:04 AM (0ZnX5)
118
Not aimed at young adults but Rush Limbaugh's "Rush Revere" series should qualify as historical fiction.
Posted by: JTB
Very good books. Tried to get grandson interested, but he was 12 and starting on girls. I enjoyed them, so did dad.
Posted by: JTB
Very good books. Tried to get grandson interested, but he was 12 and starting on girls. I enjoyed them, so did dad.
Posted by: Infidel at September 24, 2023 10:05 AM (CEX6j)
119
42 Remember the Book Thread's recommendation of "Cold Storage"? Wikipedia says it's going to become a movie. No surprise; the author is a screenwriter.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:27 AM (p/isN)
I enjoyed the book. I would see the movie. I think. Casting might screw up my image of the characters.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 09:27 AM (p/isN)
I enjoyed the book. I would see the movie. I think. Casting might screw up my image of the characters.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at September 24, 2023 10:06 AM (OX9vb)
120
Bogart was the definitive Queeg, but Lloyd Nolan essayed the role in the Court Martial stage play. I'd have liked to see how he handled that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:59 AM (omVj0)
---
I'm told that the movie is better than the book in part because of the casting choices. Queeg in the book is just a jerk, and the Navy Dept. wouldn't support the film because it was their position that no one that awful would get a command.
Bogart's age combined with his relatively low rank imply that he was a merchant sailor who took a wartime commission and was now losing it, making the story much more interesting because the antagonist is more complex.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 09:59 AM (omVj0)
---
I'm told that the movie is better than the book in part because of the casting choices. Queeg in the book is just a jerk, and the Navy Dept. wouldn't support the film because it was their position that no one that awful would get a command.
Bogart's age combined with his relatively low rank imply that he was a merchant sailor who took a wartime commission and was now losing it, making the story much more interesting because the antagonist is more complex.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
121
If you go to Silverton first, you can also take an absolutely gorgeous journey there on a lovingly maintained narrow-gauge train from the 1880s.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:37 AM (0FoWg
"Here comes the Silverton, up from Durango, here comes the Silverton a shoveling coal..."
The Silverton, C.W. McCall
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 24, 2023 09:37 AM (0FoWg
"Here comes the Silverton, up from Durango, here comes the Silverton a shoveling coal..."
The Silverton, C.W. McCall
Posted by: Fox2! at September 24, 2023 10:06 AM (Hf5HC)
122
I recall riding a narrow guage railroad out west as a child. It was a wood burner, because we were coughing the entire time and ended up covered with soot.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 24, 2023 10:08 AM (0ZnX5)
123
The Killer Angels if find quite evocative. I was never interested in Gettysburg because everyone made such a big deal out of it. That book got me to take a deeper look.
Totally not interested in the son's cash grab parody books.
Totally not interested in the son's cash grab parody books.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 10:08 AM (llXky)
124
This week I read (in about an hour, total) a classic old SF novel: Gladiator, by Philip Wylie.
IT's about a guy named Hugo Danner, whose supergenius father tries a prenatal experiment on him that gives Hugo incredible strength, speed, stamina, and toughness. He can leap nearly an eighth of a mile and nothing short of a bursting shell can penetrate his skin.
Sounds a little familiar, doesn't it?
Wylie sends him off to World War I in the French Foreign Legion, and he's just on the verge of flying to Berlin and ripping the General Staff apart with his bare hands when the war ends.
I won't reveal the ending. You'll either love it or hate it. My personal suspicion is that it was a desperation move by the author.
Philip Wylie is probably the most important science fiction writer nobody's ever heard of. Partly because he swam against the current in terms of social attitudes and conventional wisdom, and partly because he doesn't seem to have concerned himself with "fan" culture very much.
IT's about a guy named Hugo Danner, whose supergenius father tries a prenatal experiment on him that gives Hugo incredible strength, speed, stamina, and toughness. He can leap nearly an eighth of a mile and nothing short of a bursting shell can penetrate his skin.
Sounds a little familiar, doesn't it?
Wylie sends him off to World War I in the French Foreign Legion, and he's just on the verge of flying to Berlin and ripping the General Staff apart with his bare hands when the war ends.
I won't reveal the ending. You'll either love it or hate it. My personal suspicion is that it was a desperation move by the author.
Philip Wylie is probably the most important science fiction writer nobody's ever heard of. Partly because he swam against the current in terms of social attitudes and conventional wisdom, and partly because he doesn't seem to have concerned himself with "fan" culture very much.
Posted by: Trimegistus at September 24, 2023 10:09 AM (QZxDR)
125
Same. I didn't like them. Wouk's Germans were cartoon versions of hackneyed parodies of racial bigots. I get it, they did bad things, but it seemed all of them were bullies, perverts and intellectual pygmies (I recall at one point it being noted that Germans didn't actually appreciate classical music, they were just trained to sit there like obedient mutts until it stopped playing).
Now I’ll move into a funny thing about War and Remembrance. When I read that book, I was writing my master’s thesis. I found myself blundering left, right and center into books Wouk used for research, especially Admiral Standley’s Admiral Ambassador to Russia. As soon as Pug was told “You remember Admiral Standley. The Ambassador to Russia, that is”, I freaked. Sure enough, my thesis topic was visited upon in the book. And through this, I can say Wouk’s research is on point.
Now I’ll move into a funny thing about War and Remembrance. When I read that book, I was writing my master’s thesis. I found myself blundering left, right and center into books Wouk used for research, especially Admiral Standley’s Admiral Ambassador to Russia. As soon as Pug was told “You remember Admiral Standley. The Ambassador to Russia, that is”, I freaked. Sure enough, my thesis topic was visited upon in the book. And through this, I can say Wouk’s research is on point.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 10:09 AM (8sMut)
126
I enjoyed the book. I would see the movie. I think. Casting might screw up my image of the characters.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at September 24, 2023 10:06 AM (OX9vb)
It's like going to the TXMOME.
The morons and ettes who appear before you
are generally not the morons and ettes as pictured in your mind.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at September 24, 2023 10:06 AM (OX9vb)
It's like going to the TXMOME.
The morons and ettes who appear before you
are generally not the morons and ettes as pictured in your mind.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 24, 2023 10:10 AM (QzZeQ)
127
As calm as they ought be. How are yours?
Posted by: Bandersnatch at September 24, 2023 10:02 AM (CnLzB)
----
Abounding.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at September 24, 2023 10:02 AM (CnLzB)
----
Abounding.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 10:10 AM (zBbnK)
128
I'm not Catholic, but the idea of "Saint John Ronald Reuel Tolkien" sounds pretty cool...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 24, 2023 10:01 AM (BpYfr)
---
He would probably be known as "St. John Tolkien," but fans will call him "St. JRR Tolkien." If it moves forward, he would have to be beatified first, so for a while he'd be "the Blessed JRR Tolkien."
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 24, 2023 10:01 AM (BpYfr)
---
He would probably be known as "St. John Tolkien," but fans will call him "St. JRR Tolkien." If it moves forward, he would have to be beatified first, so for a while he'd be "the Blessed JRR Tolkien."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 10:10 AM (llXky)
129
My first recommendation in historical fiction would be Hilary Mantel's trilogy about Thomas Cromwell and the end is truly in sight, I have less than 100 pages to go. If I wasn't constantly getting distracted by football, I'd be done. The Hornblower novels were mentioned a couple of times and I concur.
Posted by: who knew at September 24, 2023 10:12 AM (4I7VG)
130
123 The Killer Angels if find quite evocative. I was never interested in Gettysburg because everyone made such a big deal out of it. That book got me to take a deeper look.
Totally not interested in the son's cash grab parody books.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 10:08 AM (llXky)
I rather enjoyed The Killer Angels. I read that because so many of my AFROTC peers read it, and it may have been required in Army ROTC. So I gave it a go and was very impressed.
Totally not interested in the son's cash grab parody books.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 10:08 AM (llXky)
I rather enjoyed The Killer Angels. I read that because so many of my AFROTC peers read it, and it may have been required in Army ROTC. So I gave it a go and was very impressed.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 10:12 AM (8sMut)
131
Last week was vacation, so I was able to read a couple of books.
First was a Moron recommendation, "The Last Boss of Brighton", by Douglas Century, about Boris "Biba" Nayfeld and the rise of the Russian mob in America. It was a good read, both for living conditions in the former USSR, and for how those immigrants "assimilated" in the US (or used to system to their advantage, as they continued the same practices as in the old country, although for different reasons).
The second was Christmas Trees Lit The Sky, Growing up in WWII Germany by Annaliese Heider Tisdale. This is her story of growing up, and especially of the war years when she was 11-17 years old in a suburb of Munich. It too was a fascinating read, but also very sad, as I see some similar responses to "govt" as is happening now in our country. Just ignore and keep your head down and hope it will all be over soon. I think humans just never learn.
First was a Moron recommendation, "The Last Boss of Brighton", by Douglas Century, about Boris "Biba" Nayfeld and the rise of the Russian mob in America. It was a good read, both for living conditions in the former USSR, and for how those immigrants "assimilated" in the US (or used to system to their advantage, as they continued the same practices as in the old country, although for different reasons).
The second was Christmas Trees Lit The Sky, Growing up in WWII Germany by Annaliese Heider Tisdale. This is her story of growing up, and especially of the war years when she was 11-17 years old in a suburb of Munich. It too was a fascinating read, but also very sad, as I see some similar responses to "govt" as is happening now in our country. Just ignore and keep your head down and hope it will all be over soon. I think humans just never learn.
Posted by: Grateful at September 24, 2023 10:12 AM (IQ6Gq)
132
Now I’ll move into a funny thing about War and Remembrance. When I read that book, I was writing my master’s thesis. I found myself blundering left, right and center into books Wouk used for research, especially Admiral Standley’s Admiral Ambassador to Russia. As soon as Pug was told “You remember Admiral Standley. The Ambassador to Russia, that is”, I freaked. Sure enough, my thesis topic was visited upon in the book. And through this, I can say Wouk’s research is on point.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 10:09 AM (8sMut)
---
One of the reasons I love the "North and South" miniseries is the way it works historical figures in like they're celebrities dropping in on "The Tonight Show."
That and the turbo-soap opera acting. Kirstie Alley's Virgilia was her best work.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 10:09 AM (8sMut)
---
One of the reasons I love the "North and South" miniseries is the way it works historical figures in like they're celebrities dropping in on "The Tonight Show."
That and the turbo-soap opera acting. Kirstie Alley's Virgilia was her best work.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 10:13 AM (llXky)
133
The morons and ettes who appear before you are generally not the morons and ettes as pictured in your mind.
I hire some dorky dude to go as me so as to preserve my deep cover.
I hire some dorky dude to go as me so as to preserve my deep cover.
Posted by: Oddbob at September 24, 2023 10:14 AM (nfrXX)
134
Yes to Philip Wylie! His "When Worlds Collide" is definitely old fashioned, and that's a good thing.
There's a beautiful passage wherein the lead characters watch the streets of New York become slowly submerged by the tide caused by the approaching rogue planet, with the moon reflecting on the rising waters.
There's a beautiful passage wherein the lead characters watch the streets of New York become slowly submerged by the tide caused by the approaching rogue planet, with the moon reflecting on the rising waters.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 10:18 AM (zBbnK)
135
The morons and ettes who appear before you
are generally not the morons and ettes as pictured in your mind.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 24, 2023 10:10 AM (QzZeQ)
Haha, so true! And often, the real ones are even better!
are generally not the morons and ettes as pictured in your mind.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 24, 2023 10:10 AM (QzZeQ)
Haha, so true! And often, the real ones are even better!
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at September 24, 2023 10:20 AM (OX9vb)
136
Book World Problems: (a subset of First World Problems) I have a small 10" wide bookcase, that I originally bought for my tiny apartment. I currently have a book series housed in that bookcase, and the whole series fit perfectly onto a single shelf! The books look solid from side-board to side-board, but they are still loose enough to easily pull off the shelf to read. Buuuuuuut...I just ordered a new installment to the series. And when it arrives, they will no longer fit cleanly on a single shelf, and I'll either have to split up the series, or find a new home for it. Book World Problems....
Posted by: Castle Guy at September 24, 2023 10:20 AM (Lhaco)
137
are generally not the morons and ettes as pictured in your mind.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 24, 2023 10:10 AM (QzZeQ)
I'd probably be 10 times more outclassed than I think. Relegated to the smoking area behind the pota-shitters with that other guy who thought the same thing.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 24, 2023 10:10 AM (QzZeQ)
I'd probably be 10 times more outclassed than I think. Relegated to the smoking area behind the pota-shitters with that other guy who thought the same thing.
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 10:20 AM (B705c)
138
I'm told that the movie is better than the book in part because of the casting choices. Queeg in the book is just a jerk, and the Navy Dept. wouldn't support the film because it was their position that no one that awful would get a command.
Bogart's age combined with his relatively low rank imply that he was a merchant sailor who took a wartime commission and was now losing it, making the story much more interesting because the antagonist is more complex.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023
***
Well, true, Queeg in the novel is professional Navy. After the court-martial Barney points out that Queeg and guys like him were doing their part to defend the country while so many others were comfortable as civilians. But Queeg is less a mere jerk than he is a man over his head. He probably was never meant for command, and certainly not in wartime. He'd have made a decent first officer or navigator (I think we're told his navigation skills are good -- or maybe I'm remembering Capt. Bligh).
And his tendency to paranoia didn't help.
Bogart's age combined with his relatively low rank imply that he was a merchant sailor who took a wartime commission and was now losing it, making the story much more interesting because the antagonist is more complex.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023
***
Well, true, Queeg in the novel is professional Navy. After the court-martial Barney points out that Queeg and guys like him were doing their part to defend the country while so many others were comfortable as civilians. But Queeg is less a mere jerk than he is a man over his head. He probably was never meant for command, and certainly not in wartime. He'd have made a decent first officer or navigator (I think we're told his navigation skills are good -- or maybe I'm remembering Capt. Bligh).
And his tendency to paranoia didn't help.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:20 AM (omVj0)
139
56 I went to Southwest Book Trader also when I was there. What a fire hazard. The owner was crabby. He asked what I was looking for and when I said history he seemed irritated for some reason.
Posted by: Norrin Radd, sojourner of the spaceways at September 24, 2023 10:20 AM (hsWtj)
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 10:21 AM (zBbnK)
141
G. A. Henty wrote dozens of historical fiction novels for YA. Since they're about a hundred years old, all public domain. Titles span from ancient Egypt and all throughout history to Boer war. Most but not all English centered.
I was introduced through a Chesty Puller biography. Henty's books were very popular when Chesty was a kid and he was an avid reader. Since the only cost was time, I enjoyed reading a few. They're enjoyable, but after a certain quantity you realize there's a definite formula in play.
I was introduced through a Chesty Puller biography. Henty's books were very popular when Chesty was a kid and he was an avid reader. Since the only cost was time, I enjoyed reading a few. They're enjoyable, but after a certain quantity you realize there's a definite formula in play.
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at September 24, 2023 10:23 AM (pbuig)
142
Well, true, Queeg in the novel is professional Navy. After the court-martial Barney points out that Queeg and guys like him were doing their part to defend the country while so many others were comfortable as civilians. But Queeg is less a mere jerk than he is a man over his head. He probably was never meant for command, and certainly not in wartime. He'd have made a decent first officer or navigator (I think we're told his navigation skills are good -- or maybe I'm remembering Capt. Bligh).
And his tendency to paranoia didn't help.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:20 AM (omVj0)
It’s been awhile since I read the book, but IIRC Queeg spent a lot of time onshore and I got the impression he was dropped into command of the Caine because, well, he needed the time at sea. A bit of a careerist move.
And his tendency to paranoia didn't help.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:20 AM (omVj0)
It’s been awhile since I read the book, but IIRC Queeg spent a lot of time onshore and I got the impression he was dropped into command of the Caine because, well, he needed the time at sea. A bit of a careerist move.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 10:24 AM (8sMut)
143
Jay R.R. Tokin'
*fierce rip on wizard bong*
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 10:21 AM (zBbnK)
---
*Turns up "Ramble On."*
Jay R.R. Tokin'
*fierce rip on wizard bong*
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 10:21 AM (zBbnK)
---
*Turns up "Ramble On."*
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 10:24 AM (llXky)
144
They're enjoyable, but after a certain quantity you realize there's a definite formula in play.
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at September 24, 2023 10:23 AM (pbuig)
See also the Brother Cadfael series. They're decent, but by God she had a flowchart and stuck to it.
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at September 24, 2023 10:23 AM (pbuig)
See also the Brother Cadfael series. They're decent, but by God she had a flowchart and stuck to it.
Posted by: Vanya, History Channel Expert at September 24, 2023 10:24 AM (v27SO)
145
But Queeg is less a mere jerk than he is a man over his head. He probably was never meant for command, and certainly not in wartime.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:20 AM (omVj0)
---
That was what the Navy objected to. Having him be an older man who is pushed beyond his limit achieves the same sort of story, but without the implication that the Navy promotes incompetents.
While the Boomers acted like they discovered PTSD in Vietnam, it was very much out in the open as shown in films like "Twelve O'Clock High" and "The Best Years of Our Lives."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:20 AM (omVj0)
---
That was what the Navy objected to. Having him be an older man who is pushed beyond his limit achieves the same sort of story, but without the implication that the Navy promotes incompetents.
While the Boomers acted like they discovered PTSD in Vietnam, it was very much out in the open as shown in films like "Twelve O'Clock High" and "The Best Years of Our Lives."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at September 24, 2023 10:28 AM (llXky)
146
@135 --
I'll take this opportunity to trot out my observation about bylines.
When you see a person, you know what he looks like, but you don't know his name. When you see a byline, you know the name but nothing else.
I would dream up characteristics for the people whose bylines I saw.
I'll take this opportunity to trot out my observation about bylines.
When you see a person, you know what he looks like, but you don't know his name. When you see a byline, you know the name but nothing else.
I would dream up characteristics for the people whose bylines I saw.
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 10:28 AM (p/isN)
147
Relegated to the smoking area behind the pota-shitters...
The TXMoMe is a 100% non-no-smoking zone. If you're not smoking, someone will assume that it's just because you ran out of cigars and offer you one.
The TXMoMe is a 100% non-no-smoking zone. If you're not smoking, someone will assume that it's just because you ran out of cigars and offer you one.
Posted by: Oddbob at September 24, 2023 10:28 AM (nfrXX)
148
24 ... "Max Collins wrote several historical fiction mysteries. The only one I recall at the moment is (of course) one I haven't read. It took place on the Hindenberg and featured Leslie Charteris, the writer of the Saint adventures, who actually was a passe ger on the airship."
Collins wrote a "disater" series like the Hindenberg one. Others involved Pearl Harbor, the War of the Worlds broadcast, and several others. I remember enjoying the ones I read.
Collins wrote a "disater" series like the Hindenberg one. Others involved Pearl Harbor, the War of the Worlds broadcast, and several others. I remember enjoying the ones I read.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 10:28 AM (7EjX1)
149
When young I read stacks of Landmark books for a very good grounding in history. A lot of historical fiction too, but I can't recall any author's names at the moment. One guy wrote a bunch of books about teenagers in the Revolutionary War, I remember the one with the climax being the battle for King's Mountain.
I remember another WWII historical novel for 'young readers' which relates the effort of soldiers to take a mountain in Italy, and it's rough stuff. I cannot remember the name of the book, I think it's just 'The Mountain' but I have not been able to locate it under that title! I'd love to get another copy.
There was another 'series' of historical biographies that were more 'fiction' style but featured actual people, read a lot of those.
Lawson's books, Ben and Me, Captain Kidd's Cat; The Great Wheel has always stuck with me.
I remember another WWII historical novel for 'young readers' which relates the effort of soldiers to take a mountain in Italy, and it's rough stuff. I cannot remember the name of the book, I think it's just 'The Mountain' but I have not been able to locate it under that title! I'd love to get another copy.
There was another 'series' of historical biographies that were more 'fiction' style but featured actual people, read a lot of those.
Lawson's books, Ben and Me, Captain Kidd's Cat; The Great Wheel has always stuck with me.
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 10:28 AM (43xH1)
150
Combination of topics here this morning, I recently read Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter. You would think the title would make it obvious fiction but the story actually makes sense and there are speech quotes and writings that appear legit to the point where I couldn't tell if the author was actually quoting or making it up. The history feels real, just the back story for events, fiction.
Pretty unique concept for a novel.
Pretty unique concept for a novel.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 10:29 AM (t/2Uw)
151
Still plowing through SLA Marshall's World War I. He does a good job of encapsulating a very big war in a 500 page single volume.
One thing that struck me is that the leaders of WWI, as stupid, clueless, and blinkered as they come, are still better than today's leaders.
One thing that struck me is that the leaders of WWI, as stupid, clueless, and blinkered as they come, are still better than today's leaders.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at September 24, 2023 10:30 AM (u82oZ)
152
Max Collins wrote several historical fiction mysteries.'
I knew Max pretty well from working a table at comic conventions. Super nice guy, met him when he was still doing Dick Tracy. He collected Chester Gould stuff, he must have an awesome collection.
I knew Max pretty well from working a table at comic conventions. Super nice guy, met him when he was still doing Dick Tracy. He collected Chester Gould stuff, he must have an awesome collection.
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 10:30 AM (43xH1)
153
Collins wrote a "disater" series like the Hindenberg one. Others involved Pearl Harbor, the War of the Worlds broadcast, and several others. I remember enjoying the ones I read.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023
***
He's also had a long-running series about a Chicago-based private eye, the stories starting in the Thirties and running onward. His lead meets Al Capone and loads of other historical figures -- including having an affair with Amelia Earhart!
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023
***
He's also had a long-running series about a Chicago-based private eye, the stories starting in the Thirties and running onward. His lead meets Al Capone and loads of other historical figures -- including having an affair with Amelia Earhart!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:31 AM (omVj0)
154
iirc, the storm which precipitates the actual Caine Mutiny was loosely based on Halsey's Typhoon Cobra.
Posted by: Tom Servo at September 24, 2023 10:31 AM (q3gwH)
155
I was in Hawaii when "War and Remembrance" was being filmed, and some of our command's sailors got to be extras.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 10:32 AM (zBbnK)
156
Good morning, Sharon!
I enjoyed Abaraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
I don't typically like the vampire and monster genre, but sometimes there is a good one--usually because it's unusual, like that.
I enjoyed Abaraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
I don't typically like the vampire and monster genre, but sometimes there is a good one--usually because it's unusual, like that.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at September 24, 2023 10:33 AM (OX9vb)
157
Pants? PANTS?
Is this not the interwebz?
Is this not the interwebz?
Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenko stuff, In Solidarity with The Struggle to maintain Moron standards a at September 24, 2023 10:33 AM (qWQc5)
158
Just a note, Capt Bligh went on to command war ships in battle and was made Admiral in the Napoleonic wars
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 10:33 AM (fwDg9)
159
On historical fiction: A few years back I ripped through the Sharpe's Riffles series by Bernard Cornwell. And that sparked an interest in the Iberian War, and the Napoleonic Age in general. I own a few other books because of that. ...Although the movies also helped spark those interests...
Posted by: Castle Guy at September 24, 2023 10:34 AM (Lhaco)
160
One of my favorite YA Historical fiction books is Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson. Completely accurate as long as you believe horses are as intelligent as humans, because it is told from the point of view of Revere's horse. Fun little scenes like Sam Adams always coming to the house to a) send poor Paul off to ride to the hinterlands and b) nobly volunteering to eat the meal left behind 
Good stuff.
Good stuff.Posted by: Sabrina Chase at September 24, 2023 10:35 AM (OinN3)
161
115 ... Tom Servo,
Tom Reiss wrote a biography of Alexandre Dumas' father called "The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo". It was a fascinating read. Not sure if that is what you referred to.
Tom Reiss wrote a biography of Alexandre Dumas' father called "The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo". It was a fascinating read. Not sure if that is what you referred to.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 10:35 AM (7EjX1)
162
Thanks for the book thread, Perfessor! Always enjoy reading it, but hardly ever able to catch it in real time. I'm working on George MacDonald Fraser's "Quartered Safe Out Here", his memoir of his time in Burma in WWII. Takes a bit of effort to get the hang of the speech of his fellow soldiers, but well worth it.
On topic, I reread his "Flashman" historical novel about a year ago. I liked those books as a yute, but found it less appealing this time around.
On topic, I reread his "Flashman" historical novel about a year ago. I liked those books as a yute, but found it less appealing this time around.
Posted by: NCDave at September 24, 2023 10:37 AM (39nDP)
163
Just a note, Capt Bligh went on to command war ships in battle and was made Admiral in the Napoleonic wars
Posted by: Skip
I have a book around here somewhere on Bligh. He, along with his loyal men were put in a longboat with a little food, water, and a sextant and, and he successfully navigated them 2000 miles to New Guinea and rescue. That is some phenomenal navigation.
Posted by: Skip
I have a book around here somewhere on Bligh. He, along with his loyal men were put in a longboat with a little food, water, and a sextant and, and he successfully navigated them 2000 miles to New Guinea and rescue. That is some phenomenal navigation.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 24, 2023 10:37 AM (0ZnX5)
164
This week I had a very interesting experience. Working on the Turkish Earthquake Project, the coordinator is a Businessman type, and I had a really unexpected problem! He's used to 'communication' in a business environment, and to my stupefaction, did not understand the concept of a 'book'!
This was forcefully brought home to me when he sent back a transcript I'd commented on asking for more information, a Word document, and he sent back a docx of 13.6Mb! I don's use Word so could not understand what had happened here, and finally discovered he was attaching large image files to his reply comments!!
Cont'd...
This was forcefully brought home to me when he sent back a transcript I'd commented on asking for more information, a Word document, and he sent back a docx of 13.6Mb! I don's use Word so could not understand what had happened here, and finally discovered he was attaching large image files to his reply comments!!
Cont'd...
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 10:37 AM (43xH1)
165
Tom Reiss wrote a biography of Alexandre Dumas' father called "The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo". It was a fascinating read. Not sure if that is what you referred to.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 10:35 AM (7EjX1)
It's definitely the man I referred to, but i have not seen that book, will have to look for it. Thanks for the tip!
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 10:35 AM (7EjX1)
It's definitely the man I referred to, but i have not seen that book, will have to look for it. Thanks for the tip!
Posted by: Tom Servo at September 24, 2023 10:38 AM (q3gwH)
166
Never got around to Shaara's Civil War novels (and probably won't), but sitting in The Amazing Colossal To-Be-Read Pile are Don Robertson's first three novels; all three were Civil War stories. After those he moved to writing more contemporary-set works, and after I found some of those, I grabbed anything I saw in a bookshop with his name on it. (I've said in other threads that if I could write something one-thousandth as good as Robertson's MYSTICAL UNION I would die a happy man.) Those first three are: THE THREE DAYS, BY ANTIETAM CREEK, and THE RIVER AND THE WILDERNESS. Anybody ever read them?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at September 24, 2023 10:39 AM (a/4+U)
167
Posted by: NCDave at September 24, 2023 10:37 AM (39nDP)
"Quartered Safe" is the only book where I got to the end, sat there for a couple of minutes, then turned back to the beginning and started reading it again.
The trick with the speech patterns in that book (and in the McAuslan series) is to read them out loud to yourself.
"Quartered Safe" is the only book where I got to the end, sat there for a couple of minutes, then turned back to the beginning and started reading it again.
The trick with the speech patterns in that book (and in the McAuslan series) is to read them out loud to yourself.
Posted by: Vanya, History Channel Expert at September 24, 2023 10:42 AM (v27SO)
168
Just a note, Capt Bligh went on to command war ships in battle and was made Admiral in the Napoleonic wars
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 10:33 AM
He was also appointed governor of New South Wales and the settlers and residents mutinied against and deposed him because of his autocratic style of governance. Heck of a sailor, though.
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 10:33 AM
He was also appointed governor of New South Wales and the settlers and residents mutinied against and deposed him because of his autocratic style of governance. Heck of a sailor, though.
Posted by: huerfano at September 24, 2023 10:42 AM (7zEAH)
169
Cont'd:
It develops he's accustomed to 'communication' techniques and I suspect has not actually 'read a book' in YEARS. For his job he uses social media, image files, MP4s, text messages, and electronic 'documents' and had/has NO idea how to craft a textual 'book' or, I suspect, really what a 'book' even is, conceptually!
I was forced to emphatically explain to him that a 'book' is a text document that uses a narrative structure to tell a story, and that images are added on if needed or desired, but the form is, uh, primarily WORDS, and we have to keep pictures and words separated in initial stages of development.
He for-real did not understand this and I had to laboriously explain what a 'book' is!
It develops he's accustomed to 'communication' techniques and I suspect has not actually 'read a book' in YEARS. For his job he uses social media, image files, MP4s, text messages, and electronic 'documents' and had/has NO idea how to craft a textual 'book' or, I suspect, really what a 'book' even is, conceptually!
I was forced to emphatically explain to him that a 'book' is a text document that uses a narrative structure to tell a story, and that images are added on if needed or desired, but the form is, uh, primarily WORDS, and we have to keep pictures and words separated in initial stages of development.
He for-real did not understand this and I had to laboriously explain what a 'book' is!
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 10:43 AM (43xH1)
170
Any ideas for killing off a character with food poisoning but hilariously?
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 24, 2023 10:43 AM (9yUzE)
171
Combination of topics here this morning, I recently read Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter. You would think the title would make it obvious fiction but the story actually makes sense and there are speech quotes and writings that appear legit to the point where I couldn't tell if the author was actually quoting or making it up. The history feels real, just the back story for events, fiction.
Pretty unique concept for a novel.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023
***
I realized that the pitch line for that novel is the same as the title! "All right, here it is. Abraham Lincoln -- Vampire Hunter!"
"Sold!"
Pretty unique concept for a novel.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023
***
I realized that the pitch line for that novel is the same as the title! "All right, here it is. Abraham Lincoln -- Vampire Hunter!"
"Sold!"
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:45 AM (omVj0)
172
Me: "A 'book' is a text document that tells a story, a narrative, with a beginning, a middle, and an end!"
Businessman: "Beginning, middle, end! Got it!"
Me: "I do not need images at this time! If you want to provide images to accompany the text that is terrific, but that is not what we are doing at this point in time, words and images are different things and communicate differently."
Businessman: "Words and images, different! Yes! Got it!"
Businessman: "Beginning, middle, end! Got it!"
Me: "I do not need images at this time! If you want to provide images to accompany the text that is terrific, but that is not what we are doing at this point in time, words and images are different things and communicate differently."
Businessman: "Words and images, different! Yes! Got it!"
Posted by: LenNeal, blown away on a video call at September 24, 2023 10:46 AM (43xH1)
173
Any ideas for killing off a character with food poisoning but hilariously?
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo
You will get style points for using the words projectile vomit.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo
You will get style points for using the words projectile vomit.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 24, 2023 10:47 AM (0ZnX5)
174
Not a big fan of historical fiction but I read a book that I think had won a bunch of awards and was recommended by the woke husband of my SIL. I probably set out to prove he was an ass but the book turned out to be wonderful. It was about the trials and tribulations of a war weary confederate soldier making his way home on foot after the Civil War. Traveling through the devastation that the war had brought to the families and the land felt real.
Can't remember the title but then that is not unusual for my very poor memory.
Can't remember the title but then that is not unusual for my very poor memory.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 10:47 AM (t/2Uw)
175
170 Any ideas for killing off a character with food poisoning but hilariously?
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 24, 2023 10:43 AM (9yUzE)
None...and I have to leave to see my mama today, but this promises to be interesting. I'll have to revisit this later to see responses!
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 24, 2023 10:43 AM (9yUzE)
None...and I have to leave to see my mama today, but this promises to be interesting. I'll have to revisit this later to see responses!
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at September 24, 2023 10:47 AM (OX9vb)
176
Wiki-ing the Dumas clan, I link-stumbled on an entry for actress Adah Isaacs Mencken: "she is delightfully unhampered by the shackles of talent."
Posted by: All Hail Eris at September 24, 2023 10:48 AM (zBbnK)
177
I have a book around here somewhere on Bligh. He, along with his loyal men were put in a longboat with a little food, water, and a sextant and, and he successfully navigated them 2000 miles to New Guinea and rescue. That is some phenomenal navigation.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 24, 2023
***
William Bligh and Ernest Shackleton: They'll Get You Home
(I know which of the two probably engendered more loyalty from his men. Shackleton was the real-life Capt. Kirk of the 20th Century.)
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 24, 2023
***
William Bligh and Ernest Shackleton: They'll Get You Home
(I know which of the two probably engendered more loyalty from his men. Shackleton was the real-life Capt. Kirk of the 20th Century.)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:48 AM (omVj0)
178
More or less on a whim, I read Anthony Horowitz' first James Bond novel, Trigger Mortis. I enjoyed it so much I am reading another, Forever And a Day, and I'm enjoyng it as well. No woke Bond here. This is the story of Bond's first mission as 007, investigating the murder of his predecessor 007.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at September 24, 2023 10:48 AM (FVME7)
179
You will get style points for using the words projectile vomit.
Posted by: Thomas Paine'
Two words: 'Bazooka barfing'.
Posted by: Thomas Paine'
Two words: 'Bazooka barfing'.
Posted by: Bill The Cat at September 24, 2023 10:49 AM (43xH1)
180
Depending on whether the editor's a fan of The Exorcist, projectile vomit might be seen as a bit too Blatty. Projectile diarrhea, maybe? Killer mocking victim as he dies: "You've been crapping on everybody for years -- now you can crap on yourself."
Okay, so it's not hilarious -- still working on my coffee here...
Okay, so it's not hilarious -- still working on my coffee here...
Posted by: Just Some Guy at September 24, 2023 10:50 AM (a/4+U)
181
Any ideas for killing off a character with food poisoning but hilariously?
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo'
Undiagnosed seafood allergies kill people pretty routinely. Lots of possibilities there.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo'
Undiagnosed seafood allergies kill people pretty routinely. Lots of possibilities there.
Posted by: Bill The Cat at September 24, 2023 10:50 AM (43xH1)
182
Interesting to compare Queeg with George Krause in "The Good Shepherd". Queeg is fearful he's not up to the job and it's clear he's not. Krause is fearful he's not up to the job but shows he's a good commander.
Interesting to compare Queeg with George Krause in "The Good Shepherd". Queeg is fearful he's not up to the job and it's clear he's not. Krause is fearful he's not up to the job but shows he's a good commander.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 10:52 AM (MoZTd)
183
The old pulp writers are a good source of Historical Fiction. (Although some of them blurred the line between historical fiction and fantasy) As I look at my selves, I've got two historical short-story collections from Robert E Howard (one of which is El Borak) and another by Harold Lamb. Harold Lamb's Khlit the Cossak: an adventurer in the 16th century (or thereabouts) steppes. Such a unique setting... I'll have to go back and re-read those stories sometime.
Posted by: Castle Guy at September 24, 2023 10:52 AM (Lhaco)
184
killing off a character with food poisoning but hilariously?'
Fish tacos from Taco Bell would probably kill almost anyone.
Fish tacos from Taco Bell would probably kill almost anyone.
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 10:54 AM (43xH1)
185
Joe Biden is good at historical fiction. It's telling the truth he has trouble with.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at September 24, 2023 10:55 AM (FVME7)
186
Sounds bad. Let us know which cat, dog, or child it was.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (omVj0)
Neither, it just went "poof." Nothing heavy on it, so I checked the back door and window for bullet holes, they're undisturbed. No reason for it to just fail. Now, I'll have to dig out the orig. paperwork and see how long ago we bought it. Tempered glass, so it shouldn't have broken without some impetus. It warn't cheap neither............
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (omVj0)
Neither, it just went "poof." Nothing heavy on it, so I checked the back door and window for bullet holes, they're undisturbed. No reason for it to just fail. Now, I'll have to dig out the orig. paperwork and see how long ago we bought it. Tempered glass, so it shouldn't have broken without some impetus. It warn't cheap neither............
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 10:55 AM (Angsy)
187
I thought the point about Queeg was that he was a long-serving regular Navy man, which meant he'd been doing all the thankless stuff between the wars while his (higher social status) officers were prospering in civilian life.
Posted by: Trimegistus at September 24, 2023 10:57 AM (QZxDR)
188
Sounds bad. Let us know which cat, dog, or child it was.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (omVj0)
Maybe some invisible feminist gnome shattered the glass ceiling?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 10:00 AM (omVj0)
Maybe some invisible feminist gnome shattered the glass ceiling?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 24, 2023 10:57 AM (hBUO2)
189
I wish someone had told me about forensic anthropology as a career when I was in college. Physical anthropology and linguistics were my favorite subjects, but the only paths pushed or even discussed were academic and there was no way in hell I was going to spend the rest of my life in academia.
Now, it's too late for me, but Bone Voyage sounds like a good read, at least.
I tried to get into the Agent Pendergast series after reading Relic and could not connect, probably because the stories focus on characters and plots that just doesn't work for me as a reader.
In my household, we've been listening to what we call "fluffy cream puff mysteries." It's a nice change of pace and allows your brain to turn off for the time that you're listening (reading?). The series we're working on is the Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke, also known as the source material for Hallmark's Murder, She Baked movies. Unfortunately (fortunately?) there are almost 30 books currently in the series. Lots of material, but audiobooks cost a fortune and reading them in print doesn't seem like it will be as fun.
Now, it's too late for me, but Bone Voyage sounds like a good read, at least.
I tried to get into the Agent Pendergast series after reading Relic and could not connect, probably because the stories focus on characters and plots that just doesn't work for me as a reader.
In my household, we've been listening to what we call "fluffy cream puff mysteries." It's a nice change of pace and allows your brain to turn off for the time that you're listening (reading?). The series we're working on is the Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke, also known as the source material for Hallmark's Murder, She Baked movies. Unfortunately (fortunately?) there are almost 30 books currently in the series. Lots of material, but audiobooks cost a fortune and reading them in print doesn't seem like it will be as fun.
Posted by: soulpile at September 24, 2023 10:58 AM (hiX0r)
190
Would love to have some advice: My husband and I have been remodeling a couple of houses and like to listen to Audible books, when possible. Nothing that increases our blood pressure, just escapist novels. We enjoyed Jack Carr’s Terminal List series and are now at the end of Jack Reacher/Lee Child books. Any suggestions to make the work a bit less tedious? And, thank you, Perfessor, for this forum.
Posted by: EveR at September 24, 2023 10:58 AM (MUpk6)
Posted by: Notorious BFD at September 24, 2023 10:58 AM (V8he0)
192
Oh, picked up Joseph Rosenberger's 'C.O.B.R.A. The Heroin Connection' (1986) hoping for more trashy fun. Unfortunately, it sucks. Like really, it's terrible.
Our assassin sneaks into a Mafia kingpin's compound and Rosenberger devotes 3 entire pages to the technique 'Skul' uses to tie a rope to a tree branch.
Our assassin sneaks into a Mafia kingpin's compound and Rosenberger devotes 3 entire pages to the technique 'Skul' uses to tie a rope to a tree branch.
Posted by: I shit you not. at September 24, 2023 10:59 AM (43xH1)
193
Businessman: "Words and images, different! Yes! Got it!"
Posted by: LenNeal, blown away on a video call at September 24, 2023 10:46 AM (43xH1)
Actually, the Dream Theater Album is called “Images & Words”. : o )
Businessman: "Words and images, different! Yes! Got it!"
Posted by: LenNeal, blown away on a video call at September 24, 2023 10:46 AM (43xH1)
Actually, the Dream Theater Album is called “Images & Words”. : o )
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 10:59 AM (8sMut)
194
This interview has shaken me to my core. The whole thing is worth listening to but at the 16 minute mark, attorney Aaron Siri starts to talk about how they are using baby parts.
It is far worse than we have been told.
Aaron Siri is the lead lawyer for CHD for vax lawsuits. His team have discovered these facts in the litigation process with Pharma company defendants. They use hundreds of baby fetuses in the production process because they have to use live -- that is, living human tissue -- to grow viruses in in order to manufacture these vaccines.
https://tinyurl.com/4utyc53c
It is far worse than we have been told.
Aaron Siri is the lead lawyer for CHD for vax lawsuits. His team have discovered these facts in the litigation process with Pharma company defendants. They use hundreds of baby fetuses in the production process because they have to use live -- that is, living human tissue -- to grow viruses in in order to manufacture these vaccines.
https://tinyurl.com/4utyc53c
Posted by: Beverly at September 24, 2023 11:01 AM (Epeb0)
195
What are some excellent historical fiction novels that you've read?
Blood Meridian Cormac McCarthy
It is an epic telling of 19th century western north American archetypes, something of a great road story filled with sharp descriptions of the land (many of which I know first hand) and the tensions between the Anglos, Mexicans, and the Locals (aka Native Americans). One of the great pleasures to be found in the novel is the use of precise language, much of which is not common; bring a dictionary and a notebook to write them all down.
Blood Meridian Cormac McCarthy
It is an epic telling of 19th century western north American archetypes, something of a great road story filled with sharp descriptions of the land (many of which I know first hand) and the tensions between the Anglos, Mexicans, and the Locals (aka Native Americans). One of the great pleasures to be found in the novel is the use of precise language, much of which is not common; bring a dictionary and a notebook to write them all down.
Posted by: lost in space at September 24, 2023 11:02 AM (P+nXg)
196
Any suggestions to make the work a bit less tedious? And, thank you, Perfessor, for this forum.
Posted by: EveR'
Believe it or not, Michael Crichton books are hugely entertaining, or at least I think so. He's my go-to for 'airport fiction'.
Posted by: EveR'
Believe it or not, Michael Crichton books are hugely entertaining, or at least I think so. He's my go-to for 'airport fiction'.
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 11:06 AM (43xH1)
197
Nothing funny about dying of food poisoning in itself. The humor will lie solely in what caused it. Taco Bell fish tacos is a good idea along that line.
Posted by: who knew at September 24, 2023 11:07 AM (4I7VG)
198
Nothing beats a surfeit of lampreys.
Posted by: Trimegistus at September 24, 2023 11:09 AM (QZxDR)
199
Nothing funny about dying of food poisoning in itself. The humor will lie solely in what caused it. Taco Bell fish tacos is a good idea along that line.
Posted by: who knew'
That was my thought too; I mean, who expects to NOT get poisoned by Taco Bell?
It's not like it's a true accidental tragedy...
Posted by: who knew'
That was my thought too; I mean, who expects to NOT get poisoned by Taco Bell?
It's not like it's a true accidental tragedy...
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 11:09 AM (43xH1)
200
196 Believe it or not, Michael Crichton books are hugely entertaining, or at least I think so. He's my go-to for 'airport fiction'.
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 11:06 AM (43xH1)
Ty! I have read most of his books, but years ago. That is a good idea! Such a brilliant guy.
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 11:06 AM (43xH1)
Ty! I have read most of his books, but years ago. That is a good idea! Such a brilliant guy.
Posted by: EveR at September 24, 2023 11:09 AM (MUpk6)
201
Finished "The Egg and I" by Betty MacDonald.
I thought for sure I had read it, but apparently I had not. Wasn't familiar in the least. I loved her prose. The descriptions of the mountains and the their environment was just so evocative. Made me want to pack a bag and get in the car and head west. I really enjoyed it.
I thought for sure I had read it, but apparently I had not. Wasn't familiar in the least. I loved her prose. The descriptions of the mountains and the their environment was just so evocative. Made me want to pack a bag and get in the car and head west. I really enjoyed it.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at September 24, 2023 11:10 AM (JrYM1)
202
Good morning Hordemates!
Posted by: Diogenes at September 24, 2023 11:11 AM (uSHSS)
203
The barcodes and UPCs started in 1974. Might not have gotten on everything by that point.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 09:54 AM (8sMut)
I remember MAD Magazine had a headline celebrating this miracle of modern technology: "Hitler's Moustache Cloned!!"
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 09:54 AM (8sMut)
I remember MAD Magazine had a headline celebrating this miracle of modern technology: "Hitler's Moustache Cloned!!"
Posted by: Brewingfrog at September 24, 2023 11:11 AM (Cdrad)
204
I thought the point about Queeg was that he was a long-serving regular Navy man, which meant he'd been doing all the thankless stuff between the wars while his (higher social status) officers were prospering in civilian life.
Posted by: Trimegistus at September 24, 2023 10:57 AM (QZxDR)
Concur. Plus his junior officers didn’t go to him and explain what they thought may be a better solution to this or that but loved talking about him behind his back like old wimmen do. If I remember right the My Three Sons asswipe even loved kissing his crazy ass.
Posted by: Trimegistus at September 24, 2023 10:57 AM (QZxDR)
Concur. Plus his junior officers didn’t go to him and explain what they thought may be a better solution to this or that but loved talking about him behind his back like old wimmen do. If I remember right the My Three Sons asswipe even loved kissing his crazy ass.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at September 24, 2023 11:11 AM (R/m4+)
205
Neither, it just went "poof." Nothing heavy on it, so I checked the back door and window for bullet holes, they're undisturbed. No reason for it to just fail. Now, I'll have to dig out the orig. paperwork and see how long ago we bought it. Tempered glass, so it shouldn't have broken without some impetus. It warn't cheap neither............
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 10:55 AM (Angsy)
I have lived in older houses much of my life, and my daughter currently lives in a bungalow from the 20's. We've both seen that "piece of glass shatters suddenly for no clear reason" more than once. Once it was an old brass bed frame, with ornamental glass balls on the 4 posts. One day one of them just spontaneously exploded. won't try to explain it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 10:55 AM (Angsy)
I have lived in older houses much of my life, and my daughter currently lives in a bungalow from the 20's. We've both seen that "piece of glass shatters suddenly for no clear reason" more than once. Once it was an old brass bed frame, with ornamental glass balls on the 4 posts. One day one of them just spontaneously exploded. won't try to explain it.
Posted by: Tom Servo at September 24, 2023 11:12 AM (q3gwH)
206
Tempered glass, so it shouldn't have broken without some impetus. It warn't cheap neither............
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 10:55 AM (Angsy)
Tempered glass has a great deal of frozen in stress, which makes it very tough, until it isn't. A small scratch or nick can cause sudden failure at some time after it is made. I broke both sliding glass panels in the rear window of my pickup by hitting them with welding sparks. One went "poof" while I was working, the other went overnight, and I found it the next day.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 10:55 AM (Angsy)
Tempered glass has a great deal of frozen in stress, which makes it very tough, until it isn't. A small scratch or nick can cause sudden failure at some time after it is made. I broke both sliding glass panels in the rear window of my pickup by hitting them with welding sparks. One went "poof" while I was working, the other went overnight, and I found it the next day.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 24, 2023 11:13 AM (2jRM4)
207
190 Would love to have some advice: My husband and I have been remodeling a couple of houses and like to listen to Audible books, when possible. Nothing that increases our blood pressure, just escapist novels. We enjoyed Jack Carr’s Terminal List series and are now at the end of Jack Reacher/Lee Child books. Any suggestions to make the work a bit less tedious? And, thank you, Perfessor, for this forum.
Posted by: EveR at September 24, 2023 10:58 AM (MUpk6)
Well, it looks like Humble Bundle currently has a deal on some sci-fi audio books. Some Ringworld stuff from Larry Niven, and assorted other stuff. No idea if that is up your alley, but that's a good website to check out every now and then. The run regular audiobook bundles ( I've bought some Warhammer 40K audios, as well as a generic fantasy bundle) along with ebooks, and even some digital comics.
Speaking of, I'll probably end up buying the Eerie comic bundle the site is currently listing. I have more digital comics than I'll ever read, but I'm a sucker for some non-superhero black-and-white comics. And even if they aren't as cool as I hope, the price isn't bad, and they won't be taking up shelf space...
Posted by: EveR at September 24, 2023 10:58 AM (MUpk6)
Well, it looks like Humble Bundle currently has a deal on some sci-fi audio books. Some Ringworld stuff from Larry Niven, and assorted other stuff. No idea if that is up your alley, but that's a good website to check out every now and then. The run regular audiobook bundles ( I've bought some Warhammer 40K audios, as well as a generic fantasy bundle) along with ebooks, and even some digital comics.
Speaking of, I'll probably end up buying the Eerie comic bundle the site is currently listing. I have more digital comics than I'll ever read, but I'm a sucker for some non-superhero black-and-white comics. And even if they aren't as cool as I hope, the price isn't bad, and they won't be taking up shelf space...
Posted by: Castle Guy at September 24, 2023 11:15 AM (Lhaco)
208
The trouble with the Silverton and Durango is that you can only ride it as a round-trip excursion. You can't just go from Silverton to Durango. Not far from Durango is Ouray, where CW McCall (Billy Dale Fries) was mayor, 30 years back. Ouray is the mythic source of Galt's Gulch.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at September 24, 2023 11:15 AM (4PZHB)
209
Sgt Mom, I only see one Lone Star Sons book at Amazon. Are there more?
Posted by: TecumsehTea at September 24, 2023 11:15 AM (JrYM1)
210
Terrific Michael Crichton book is Dragon Teeth:
The year is 1876. Warring Indian tribes still populate America’s western territories even as lawless gold-rush towns begin to mark the landscape. In much of the country it is still illegal to espouse evolution. Against this backdrop two monomaniacal paleontologists pillage the Wild West, hunting for dinosaur fossils, while surveilling, deceiving and sabotaging each other in a rivalry that will come to be known as the Bone Wars.
Into this treacherous territory plunges the arrogant and entitled William Johnson...
Based on a true story.
The year is 1876. Warring Indian tribes still populate America’s western territories even as lawless gold-rush towns begin to mark the landscape. In much of the country it is still illegal to espouse evolution. Against this backdrop two monomaniacal paleontologists pillage the Wild West, hunting for dinosaur fossils, while surveilling, deceiving and sabotaging each other in a rivalry that will come to be known as the Bone Wars.
Into this treacherous territory plunges the arrogant and entitled William Johnson...
Based on a true story.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:15 AM (t/2Uw)
211
I have lived in older houses much of my life, and my daughter currently lives in a bungalow from the 20's. We've both seen that "piece of glass shatters suddenly for no clear reason" more than once. Once it was an old brass bed frame, with ornamental glass balls on the 4 posts. One day one of them just spontaneously exploded. won't try to explain it.
Posted by: Tom Servo at September 24, 2023 11:12 AM (q3gwH)
Yep, I can see no explanation for it. Probably just buy a piece of plywood to replace until SS checks start next spring.
Posted by: Tom Servo at September 24, 2023 11:12 AM (q3gwH)
Yep, I can see no explanation for it. Probably just buy a piece of plywood to replace until SS checks start next spring.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (Angsy)
212
I don't really read, i do crosswords. I was an English major and taught English for a year, so I've read and enjoy it fine, but life gets in the way. Still, against my better judgment I accepted a book from a guy at work about Doug Coombs (incredible extreme skier in the 90's, died around '06) written by a fanboy whose writing can be pretty amateurish. For example "He was a matador, deftly seducing that great bull of a mountain."
Yeesh
Yeesh
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (TyXok)
213
My schedule hasn't allowed me to follow the Book Thread as it happens recently.
But it is still great and a highlight of my week.
I read the Memory, Thorn and Sorrow series about 6mnths ago based on what you had said about it, PS.
I almost quit at the 1/3 mark of the first book but continued on after your re-assurances.
I finished it without regret. But also whithout thinking it was all that great.
I think the style was the issue. It's unhurried and incredibly "descriptive" and "detailed".
Neither of which is bad but the two together were an issue for me.
That being said, at this point, there are as many scenes and themes from it in my head as there are from other books that I tremendously enjoyed reading.
Very strange.
But it is still great and a highlight of my week.
I read the Memory, Thorn and Sorrow series about 6mnths ago based on what you had said about it, PS.
I almost quit at the 1/3 mark of the first book but continued on after your re-assurances.
I finished it without regret. But also whithout thinking it was all that great.
I think the style was the issue. It's unhurried and incredibly "descriptive" and "detailed".
Neither of which is bad but the two together were an issue for me.
That being said, at this point, there are as many scenes and themes from it in my head as there are from other books that I tremendously enjoyed reading.
Very strange.
Posted by: Thesokorus at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (s0IMC)
214
Possible food poisoning death:
Swallowing a goldfish on a dare and belatedly discovering a seafood allergy. That's a pretty good Dumb Way To Die.
Swallowing a goldfish on a dare and belatedly discovering a seafood allergy. That's a pretty good Dumb Way To Die.
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 11:17 AM (43xH1)
215
174 ... "It was about the trials and tribulations of a war weary confederate soldier making his way home on foot after the Civil War. Traveling through the devastation that the war had brought to the families and the land felt real."
Sharon, Probably not the book you were describing but you might like "The Shadow Riders" by Louis L'Amour which has a similar theme. It was also a TV movie with Tom Selleck and Sam Elliot that I enjoyed.
Sharon, Probably not the book you were describing but you might like "The Shadow Riders" by Louis L'Amour which has a similar theme. It was also a TV movie with Tom Selleck and Sam Elliot that I enjoyed.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 11:17 AM (7EjX1)
216
If I remember right the My Three Sons asswipe even loved kissing his crazy ass.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at September 24, 2023
***
Right, while still running him down to the other officers. It was pretty much his idea that Queeg should be removed -- though of course he didn't admit it at the court-martial. Fred MacMurray was an amazing actor, who could play downright rats like that, Sheldrake in The Apartment, and Walter in Double Indemnity -- but also heroic characters in Westerns and comic roles in Disney films and on TV. According to lore, he never took any classes in acting, he just showed up and did what was required.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at September 24, 2023
***
Right, while still running him down to the other officers. It was pretty much his idea that Queeg should be removed -- though of course he didn't admit it at the court-martial. Fred MacMurray was an amazing actor, who could play downright rats like that, Sheldrake in The Apartment, and Walter in Double Indemnity -- but also heroic characters in Westerns and comic roles in Disney films and on TV. According to lore, he never took any classes in acting, he just showed up and did what was required.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:17 AM (omVj0)
217
Reforger, no one is less experienced than me. The WG is open to everyone who wants to write.
maildrop62 at proton dot me
maildrop62 at proton dot me
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 11:17 AM (Angsy)
218
Hi, horde! I finished the first 3 novels of Anthony Powell's, "A Dance to the Music of Time" - I picked the book up without knowing that it contained the first 3 of 12 novels following the lives of the main characters from the 1920's until the '70's. However, I think I've had enough. Powell's world is the world of Eton and upper class Brits and how it was intertwined with the artistic/bohemian fringes and far left politics during the 20th century. Interesting enough, but his characters don't interest me enough to continue tracking them through 9 more volumes. Apparently, Powell's work was a lot of fun for Brits who moved in those circles and enjoyed conjecturing who the real-life people the characters were modeled on might have been. But I just can't bring myself to care about any of them. I found them very tedious by the end of the second novel.
Now I'm reading "Mao: The Unknown Story" by Jung Chang. One theme that connects both Powell's novel and Chang's bio is the weird attraction Communism holds for upper class, privileged people. Mao got lots of backing from wealthy patrons in his early days and it was very posh to be a Commie at those fancy English dinner parties.
Now I'm reading "Mao: The Unknown Story" by Jung Chang. One theme that connects both Powell's novel and Chang's bio is the weird attraction Communism holds for upper class, privileged people. Mao got lots of backing from wealthy patrons in his early days and it was very posh to be a Commie at those fancy English dinner parties.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&V at September 24, 2023 11:17 AM (HabA/)
219
Ed McBain's 87th Precinct books have been mentioned here today -- if they're available as audio books, they'd be good choices too.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at September 24, 2023 11:17 AM (a/4+U)
220
For food poisoning themes, I'd go with wild mushrooms. They're relatively fast acting.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at September 24, 2023 11:18 AM (MeG8a)
221
I was looking at the $10 million the Rock and Oprah donated and then had the gall to ask every one else to donate.
Those two have a net worth of $2.8 billion.
That's 0.35% of their net worth.
Or, let's say you have $100k in savings-- that would be like giving $357. Or, if that $100k is earning a measly 1%, you gave $357 out of the $1,000 it gained that month.
They basically gave the loose change in their pocket.
That's how cheap they are ....
Those two have a net worth of $2.8 billion.
That's 0.35% of their net worth.
Or, let's say you have $100k in savings-- that would be like giving $357. Or, if that $100k is earning a measly 1%, you gave $357 out of the $1,000 it gained that month.
They basically gave the loose change in their pocket.
That's how cheap they are ....
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at September 24, 2023 11:19 AM (TzW+Y)
222
210 Based on a true story.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:15 AM (t/2Uw)
I don’t bl I read that, ty for the suggestion. I, also, want to thank you, Sharon, for the suggestion you made about the series on a Luxembourg cop on Netflix (I think.) I really did not see the end coming.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:15 AM (t/2Uw)
I don’t bl I read that, ty for the suggestion. I, also, want to thank you, Sharon, for the suggestion you made about the series on a Luxembourg cop on Netflix (I think.) I really did not see the end coming.
Posted by: EveR at September 24, 2023 11:20 AM (MUpk6)
223
Tempered glass has a great deal of frozen in stress, which makes it very tough, until it isn't. A small scratch or nick can cause sudden failure at some time after it is made. I broke both sliding glass panels in the rear window of my pickup by hitting them with welding sparks. One went "poof" while I was working, the other went overnight, and I found it the next day.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 24, 2023 11:13 AM (2jRM4)
Yeah, I did some research on tempered glass failure. Could have been anything. Bought it from the scratch and dent section. Maybe defective already, just gave way now. Haven't found the paperwork yet to see if it has a warranty.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 24, 2023 11:13 AM (2jRM4)
Yeah, I did some research on tempered glass failure. Could have been anything. Bought it from the scratch and dent section. Maybe defective already, just gave way now. Haven't found the paperwork yet to see if it has a warranty.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 11:20 AM (Angsy)
224
The scenario I've worked out is the character in question is an abusive kitchen supervisor who berates her staff mercilessly, often picking up the nearest wet rag and throwing it at whoever she is angry at.
So, one of her new hires is a bit more of a sociopath than the others, makes sure there is a wet rag just dripping with e coli nearby the next time she goes into a rage, and after she tosses is, says "You have something under your eye. No, your other eye. Now, it's by your mouth. OK, you got it."
And then, when she drops dead during a health inspection, he jumps on a table, gives the entire staff a harsh lecture on the dangers of cross-contamination, and is promptly promoted as her replacement.
Thoughts?
So, one of her new hires is a bit more of a sociopath than the others, makes sure there is a wet rag just dripping with e coli nearby the next time she goes into a rage, and after she tosses is, says "You have something under your eye. No, your other eye. Now, it's by your mouth. OK, you got it."
And then, when she drops dead during a health inspection, he jumps on a table, gives the entire staff a harsh lecture on the dangers of cross-contamination, and is promptly promoted as her replacement.
Thoughts?
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 24, 2023 11:21 AM (9yUzE)
225
Thanks JTB, I'll check it out. Being on this thread, I realize how many times I read books I never would have thought to read except for recommendations here.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:22 AM (t/2Uw)
226
For example "He was a matador, deftly seducing that great bull of a mountain."
Yeesh
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (TyXok)
How do you think I feel!
Yeesh
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (TyXok)
How do you think I feel!
Posted by: Mountain with a sore backside at September 24, 2023 11:23 AM (Angsy)
227
37 I read the sci-fi classic, Eon, by Greg Bear. A large hallow asteroid suddenly appears in orbit around the Earth. It's up to researchers to find out its mysteries and, after a nuclear war on Earth, how to get home or exist in space. A well-written, interesting novel.
Posted by: Zoltan at September 24, 2023 09:23 AM (7EvEN)
The entire trilogy (Eon, Eternity, Legacy) is very good.
Posted by: Zoltan at September 24, 2023 09:23 AM (7EvEN)
The entire trilogy (Eon, Eternity, Legacy) is very good.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at September 24, 2023 11:23 AM (PiwSw)
228
According to lore, he never took any classes in acting, he just showed up and did what was required.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:17 AM (omVj0)
Yup…Fred MacMurray that’s him. I meant he played an asswipe in the movie as I always thought he was a great actor and a good guy too.
Thanks Wolfus!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:17 AM (omVj0)
Yup…Fred MacMurray that’s him. I meant he played an asswipe in the movie as I always thought he was a great actor and a good guy too.
Thanks Wolfus!
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at September 24, 2023 11:23 AM (R/m4+)
229
TY, CastleGuy and Just Some Guy. I will investigate both of those suggestions. Nothing more boring than painting; I need those audio books!
Posted by: EveR at September 24, 2023 11:24 AM (MUpk6)
230
EveR, I love things that surprise both books and movies. The ones where the twist is so unexpected you gasp when it is exposed.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:24 AM (t/2Uw)
231
53 Wolfus Aurelius
I read that Willa Cather's short story that you mentioned, "Neighbor Rosicky", in an anthology of Cather's I had stumbled across. I think it was one of the few stories in that collection that I liked. I found it so real, and true, that sometimes I still think about it. Her other short stories I found really odd. I love her novels, though.
I read that Willa Cather's short story that you mentioned, "Neighbor Rosicky", in an anthology of Cather's I had stumbled across. I think it was one of the few stories in that collection that I liked. I found it so real, and true, that sometimes I still think about it. Her other short stories I found really odd. I love her novels, though.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at September 24, 2023 11:26 AM (JrYM1)
232
Someone please stop me. I'm toying with the idea of writing a book about dog shows, the events and the sport in general, based on Delilah's illustrious career.
Why am I never satisfied with utter anonymity?
Someone please stop me. I'm toying with the idea of writing a book about dog shows, the events and the sport in general, based on Delilah's illustrious career.
Why am I never satisfied with utter anonymity?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 11:26 AM (MoZTd)
233
Gotta run some errands and walk the pup. BBL.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 11:28 AM (7EjX1)
234
I don't really read, i do crosswords. I was an English major and taught English for a year, so I've read and enjoy it fine, but life gets in the way. Still, against my better judgment I accepted a book from a guy at work about Doug Coombs (incredible extreme skier in the 90's, died around '06) written by a fanboy whose writing can be pretty amateurish. For example "He was a matador, deftly seducing that great bull of a mountain."
Yeesh
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (TyXok)
That's not a book, that's a doorstop.
Or in the apocalypse, firewood.
Yeesh
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (TyXok)
That's not a book, that's a doorstop.
Or in the apocalypse, firewood.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:28 AM (ycqcm)
235
For food poisoning themes, I'd go with wild mushrooms. They're relatively fast acting.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at September 24, 2023 11:18 AM (MeG8a)
...and the old woman said, "bastard wouldn't eat his mushrooms."
Posted by: gourmand du jour at September 24, 2023 11:18 AM (MeG8a)
...and the old woman said, "bastard wouldn't eat his mushrooms."
Posted by: Just the Punchline at September 24, 2023 11:29 AM (2jRM4)
236
Sharon, I'm sure the book you're describing is Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier. If not there's some pretty serious plot stealing going on.
Posted by: who knew at September 24, 2023 11:29 AM (4I7VG)
237
Someone please stop me. I'm toying with the idea of writing a book about dog shows, the events and the sport in general, based on Delilah's illustrious career.
Why am I never satisfied with utter anonymity?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 11:26 AM (MoZTd)
Why not do it? I'm sure it's as cutthroat as any beauty pageant or bodybuilding competition. Better than another purple-haired, fat, PIBOC, daddy-hating revenge fantasy that comes out every week.
Why am I never satisfied with utter anonymity?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 11:26 AM (MoZTd)
Why not do it? I'm sure it's as cutthroat as any beauty pageant or bodybuilding competition. Better than another purple-haired, fat, PIBOC, daddy-hating revenge fantasy that comes out every week.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 11:29 AM (Angsy)
238
I read somewhere that when Mao died in 1976, China was in much worse shape than when he took power in 1949.
I read somewhere that when Mao died in 1976, China was in much worse shape than when he took power in 1949.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 11:30 AM (MoZTd)
239
230 Sharon, that ending was definitely a, “…what?” If it is still available this winter, will probably watch again, looking for clues (I missed previously.)
Posted by: EveR at September 24, 2023 11:30 AM (MUpk6)
240
I read that Willa Cather's short story that you mentioned, "Neighbor Rosicky", in an anthology of Cather's I had stumbled across. I think it was one of the few stories in that collection that I liked. I found it so real, and true, that sometimes I still think about it. Her other short stories I found really odd. I love her novels, though.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at September 24, 2023
***
I could see the people in the story, cast the actors I mean, which always helps me visualize the characters. (Being a visual creature, I do that in my own stuff too.)
The other two stories look intriguing as well. The third, "Old Mrs. Harris," is described on the back cover as being unlike anything else she ever wrote.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at September 24, 2023
***
I could see the people in the story, cast the actors I mean, which always helps me visualize the characters. (Being a visual creature, I do that in my own stuff too.)
The other two stories look intriguing as well. The third, "Old Mrs. Harris," is described on the back cover as being unlike anything else she ever wrote.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:32 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: Toilet Paper Shortage at September 24, 2023 11:33 AM (v27SO)
242
I don't really read, i do crosswords. I was an English major and taught English for a year, so I've read and enjoy it fine, but life gets in the way. Still, against my better judgment I accepted a book from a guy at work about Doug Coombs (incredible extreme skier in the 90's, died around '06) written by a fanboy whose writing can be pretty amateurish. For example "He was a matador, deftly seducing that great bull of a mountain."
Yeesh
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (TyXok)
Lol. Crosswords? You're like a little baby.
I'm obsessed with Scrabble.
Because I have a truly noble soul.
Though I suspect the brutish crossworders would take us in a brawl.
Yeesh
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (TyXok)
Lol. Crosswords? You're like a little baby.
I'm obsessed with Scrabble.
Because I have a truly noble soul.
Though I suspect the brutish crossworders would take us in a brawl.
Posted by: Thesokorus at September 24, 2023 11:34 AM (/jyQy)
243
Doug Coombs (incredible extreme skier in the 90's, died around '06) written by a fanboy whose writing can be pretty amateurish. For example "He was a matador, deftly seducing that great bull of a mountain."
Yeesh
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (TyXok)
I worked in the industry in the late 90's. There was/is and extreme lack of brains in it.
Everyone was stoned stupid. Lots of these "Extreme" Skiers and Snowboarders would work as lift operators and slopes groomers.
Job during the season was a nightmare chasing immature shits all hell bent on being the next "Jackass".
Yeesh
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:16 AM (TyXok)
I worked in the industry in the late 90's. There was/is and extreme lack of brains in it.
Everyone was stoned stupid. Lots of these "Extreme" Skiers and Snowboarders would work as lift operators and slopes groomers.
Job during the season was a nightmare chasing immature shits all hell bent on being the next "Jackass".
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 11:34 AM (B705c)
244
"I read somewhere that when Mao died in 1976, China was in much worse shape than when he took power in 1949. "
2 significant events happened, the Cultural Revolution and a series of very destructive earthquakes.
We in the US are in a sort of Cultural Revolution right now.
2 significant events happened, the Cultural Revolution and a series of very destructive earthquakes.
We in the US are in a sort of Cultural Revolution right now.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at September 24, 2023 11:34 AM (MeG8a)
245
I haven't read The Winds of War. Just saw that I can consume it via the UToobz, so I will.
Thanks Book Thread!
Thanks Book Thread!
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 24, 2023 11:34 AM (NBVIP)
246
#209 - there should be two more: Lone Star Glory, and Lone Star Blood, in Kindle and print, both.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at September 24, 2023 11:34 AM (xnmPy)
247
I had a dream last night (this morning, really), I was a student, and I was not myself, but someone else who would have been a student in another era, another place.
One thing I distinctly remember, I was either a student newspaper editor, or was in a class, and had written an interview with someone famous (I don't know who). The interview contained long, florid questions, to which the celeb answered with one or two words each.
As a writer, I was particularly impressed with my cleverness, and was ready to submit it. I wanted my friends to read it first.
There were other details in the dream that could be fleshed out, if I had any intention of doing so. Which I don't. I'm sure I could have written dozens of books in my lifetime, and the one thing that has stopped me more than anything else is the utter uselessness (in my mind) of putting that much effort into something that will go largely unnoticed and have no real impact on the world.
I wonder if I'm just like so many other people in this world, who COULD have been a writer, but is not for reasons other than the ability or imagination or whatever.
One thing I distinctly remember, I was either a student newspaper editor, or was in a class, and had written an interview with someone famous (I don't know who). The interview contained long, florid questions, to which the celeb answered with one or two words each.
As a writer, I was particularly impressed with my cleverness, and was ready to submit it. I wanted my friends to read it first.
There were other details in the dream that could be fleshed out, if I had any intention of doing so. Which I don't. I'm sure I could have written dozens of books in my lifetime, and the one thing that has stopped me more than anything else is the utter uselessness (in my mind) of putting that much effort into something that will go largely unnoticed and have no real impact on the world.
I wonder if I'm just like so many other people in this world, who COULD have been a writer, but is not for reasons other than the ability or imagination or whatever.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:35 AM (f30aK)
248
EveR, I love things that surprise both books and movies. The ones where the twist is so unexpected you gasp when it is exposed.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023
***
What John Dickson Carr called "the thunderbolt" as regards the mystery story. So many modern mysteries utterly lack that, or any real imagination.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023
***
What John Dickson Carr called "the thunderbolt" as regards the mystery story. So many modern mysteries utterly lack that, or any real imagination.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:35 AM (omVj0)
249
Sharon, I'm sure the book you're describing is Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier. If not there's some pretty serious plot stealing going on.
Posted by: who knew
Yes, that's it. I had seriously never read anything in that genre before being a sci fi addict at the time(it was quite a while ago). It gave a real feel for what it must have been like trudging through the mountains being witness to what the country had become.
Posted by: who knew
Yes, that's it. I had seriously never read anything in that genre before being a sci fi addict at the time(it was quite a while ago). It gave a real feel for what it must have been like trudging through the mountains being witness to what the country had become.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:35 AM (t/2Uw)
250
Hadrian the Seventh, if you play it for laughs you'll have to be careful not to reproduce Christopher Guest's mockumentary "Best in Show"
Posted by: who knew at September 24, 2023 11:36 AM (4I7VG)
251
Guten morgen horden.
(Headache day from not enough sleep. 2nd night of doggeh runs. Strangely he doesn't have to go as much during daytime .
I guess they are vampire runs.)
Listening to Harry Dresden books -- read these years ago, long enough forget details. I didn't realize James Marsters (Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is the narrator.
Before that I listened to Holly Black's The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, and Book of Night
(Headache day from not enough sleep. 2nd night of doggeh runs. Strangely he doesn't have to go as much during daytime .
I guess they are vampire runs.)
Listening to Harry Dresden books -- read these years ago, long enough forget details. I didn't realize James Marsters (Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is the narrator.
Before that I listened to Holly Black's The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, and Book of Night
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:37 AM (vHIgi)
252
tening to Harry Dresden books -- read these years ago, long enough forget details. I didn't realize James Marsters (Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is the narrator. . . .
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023
***
From what I know of that series, Marsters would have made a great Harry in a film version.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023
***
From what I know of that series, Marsters would have made a great Harry in a film version.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:38 AM (omVj0)
253
Or in the apocalypse, firewood.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:28 AM (ycqcm)
Ahem.
Posted by: Toilet Paper Shortage at September 24, 2023 11:33 AM (v27SO)
And after that, food.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:28 AM (ycqcm)
Ahem.
Posted by: Toilet Paper Shortage at September 24, 2023 11:33 AM (v27SO)
And after that, food.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:39 AM (f30aK)
254
I worked in the industry in the late 90's. There was/is and extreme lack of brains in it.
__________
I don't want to generalize from a personal experience, but I had the opportunity to take a ski trip to Vail many years ago. It was the biggest agglomeration of assholes this side of DC.
Maybe it's a case, like in boating, the higher up on the cost scale, the more annoying the behavior.
I worked in the industry in the late 90's. There was/is and extreme lack of brains in it.
__________
I don't want to generalize from a personal experience, but I had the opportunity to take a ski trip to Vail many years ago. It was the biggest agglomeration of assholes this side of DC.
Maybe it's a case, like in boating, the higher up on the cost scale, the more annoying the behavior.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 11:39 AM (MoZTd)
255
215 174 ... "It was about the trials and tribulations of a war weary confederate soldier making his way home on foot after the Civil War. Traveling through the devastation that the war had brought to the families and the land felt real."
Sharon, Probably not the book you were describing but you might like "The Shadow Riders" by Louis L'Amour which has a similar theme. It was also a TV movie with Tom Selleck and Sam Elliot that I enjoyed.
Posted by: JTB
********
The book sounds like Cold Mountain, which was a decent movie, too.
Sharon, Probably not the book you were describing but you might like "The Shadow Riders" by Louis L'Amour which has a similar theme. It was also a TV movie with Tom Selleck and Sam Elliot that I enjoyed.
Posted by: JTB
********
The book sounds like Cold Mountain, which was a decent movie, too.
Posted by: Cosda at September 24, 2023 11:41 AM (E+tPc)
256
Though I suspect the brutish crossworders would take us in a brawl.
Posted by: Thesokorus at September 24, 2023 11:34 AM (/jyQy)
-------
Scrabble's good. I really enjoy the British style Cryptic Crosswords - they take a fair amount of mental gymnastics.
The key is both types of crosswords put me to sleep. I would read more, but I can't read in bed because it keeps me up (weird, I know). But there's no storyline or continuity to crosswords - you can put it down at any time.
Posted by: Thesokorus at September 24, 2023 11:34 AM (/jyQy)
-------
Scrabble's good. I really enjoy the British style Cryptic Crosswords - they take a fair amount of mental gymnastics.
The key is both types of crosswords put me to sleep. I would read more, but I can't read in bed because it keeps me up (weird, I know). But there's no storyline or continuity to crosswords - you can put it down at any time.
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:42 AM (Gpu6T)
257
Listening to Harry Dresden books -- read these years ago, long enough forget details. I didn't realize James Marsters (Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is the narrator.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:37 AM (vHIgi)
I thought, out of everyone on that show (other than maybe SMG), he would explode into Hollowood stardom.
However, I've since come to understand, such things have little to do with talent, and only slightly more so, with looks. And I don't believe the fans have much to do with deciding who is and is not a "star."
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:37 AM (vHIgi)
I thought, out of everyone on that show (other than maybe SMG), he would explode into Hollowood stardom.
However, I've since come to understand, such things have little to do with talent, and only slightly more so, with looks. And I don't believe the fans have much to do with deciding who is and is not a "star."
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:42 AM (f30aK)
258
Any suggestions to make the work a bit less tedious?
-
I enjoyed the Buck Reilly Adventure Series by John H. Cunningham. Buck is a disgraced tramp sea plane pilot operating out of Key West. Buck Reilly wants only three things out of life: A plane to fly, a treasure to find, and a beautiful woman to rescue. Also he tries to avoid his FBI agent nemesis. A friend (?) made fun of my enjoyment of this series by comparing it to the old (pre pervert) Disney cartoon series Talespin.
https://tinyurl.com/yeyr48bf
-
I enjoyed the Buck Reilly Adventure Series by John H. Cunningham. Buck is a disgraced tramp sea plane pilot operating out of Key West. Buck Reilly wants only three things out of life: A plane to fly, a treasure to find, and a beautiful woman to rescue. Also he tries to avoid his FBI agent nemesis. A friend (?) made fun of my enjoyment of this series by comparing it to the old (pre pervert) Disney cartoon series Talespin.
https://tinyurl.com/yeyr48bf
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at September 24, 2023 11:43 AM (FVME7)
259
I don't want to generalize from a personal experience, but I had the opportunity to take a ski trip to Vail many years ago. It was the biggest agglomeration of assholes this side of DC.
Maybe it's a case, like in boating, the higher up on the cost scale, the more annoying the behavior.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh'
In Hokkaido there is a lot of skiing and it was the only time I saw other identifiable White foreigners in the outlying area where we stayed. They were there to ski and they were, to an individual, mind-blowingly arrogant and utterly insufferable. It was embarrassing.
Maybe it's a case, like in boating, the higher up on the cost scale, the more annoying the behavior.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh'
In Hokkaido there is a lot of skiing and it was the only time I saw other identifiable White foreigners in the outlying area where we stayed. They were there to ski and they were, to an individual, mind-blowingly arrogant and utterly insufferable. It was embarrassing.
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 11:45 AM (43xH1)
260
From what I know of that series, Marsters would have made a great Harry in a film version.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius,
He was snarky enough, but not tall enough.
It's a fun series, one of my favorites.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius,
He was snarky enough, but not tall enough.
It's a fun series, one of my favorites.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:45 AM (vHIgi)
261
I wonder if I'm just like so many other people in this world, who COULD have been a writer, but is not for reasons other than the ability or imagination or whatever.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:35 AM (f30aK)
You never know until you try.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:35 AM (f30aK)
You never know until you try.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 11:45 AM (Angsy)
262
But there's no storyline or continuity to crosswords - you can put it down at any time.
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:42 AM (Gpu6T)
I show extreme addicitve behavior towards crosswords and scrabble and dwarf fortress.
I am currently "clean". But this will not last. "Sadly".
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:42 AM (Gpu6T)
I show extreme addicitve behavior towards crosswords and scrabble and dwarf fortress.
I am currently "clean". But this will not last. "Sadly".
Posted by: Thesokorus at September 24, 2023 11:46 AM (/jyQy)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at September 24, 2023 11:46 AM (a/4+U)
264
Reforger - where did you work?
I'm from a ski-heavy family. My brother was a liftie and he was the only one who kept passing the drug tests and would actually show up, so he kept getting promoted. Another brother was a sports agent for top alpine racers and snowboarders. He and I both raced for a Div. I college (late 80's).
I always felt, disdainfully, that if the extreme skiers could really ski they'd be racing. I realize now that they are, in fact, really good skiers but I had a chip on my shoulder back then.
I'm from a ski-heavy family. My brother was a liftie and he was the only one who kept passing the drug tests and would actually show up, so he kept getting promoted. Another brother was a sports agent for top alpine racers and snowboarders. He and I both raced for a Div. I college (late 80's).
I always felt, disdainfully, that if the extreme skiers could really ski they'd be racing. I realize now that they are, in fact, really good skiers but I had a chip on my shoulder back then.
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:46 AM (Gpu6T)
265
Thanks, Sgt Mom. I'll look for them. Grandson has a bday coming up.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at September 24, 2023 11:47 AM (JrYM1)
266
I don't want to generalize from a personal experience, but I had the opportunity to take a ski trip to Vail many years ago. It was the biggest agglomeration of assholes this side of DC.
Maybe it's a case, like in boating, the higher up on the cost scale, the more annoying the behavior.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 11:39 AM (MoZTd)
To a point. I think Vail is in some ways, the hoosier end of ski money. By that I mean, it's a crass, ugly town, built on the side of a highway, where unspeakable amounts of money get poured in, but it can't ever overcome its origins.
It's like the cliche of upper class British society, where the families with "old money" never really accept the industrialists and others who made their fortunes by "working" for it.
Maybe it's a case, like in boating, the higher up on the cost scale, the more annoying the behavior.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 11:39 AM (MoZTd)
To a point. I think Vail is in some ways, the hoosier end of ski money. By that I mean, it's a crass, ugly town, built on the side of a highway, where unspeakable amounts of money get poured in, but it can't ever overcome its origins.
It's like the cliche of upper class British society, where the families with "old money" never really accept the industrialists and others who made their fortunes by "working" for it.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:47 AM (f30aK)
267
Yes, Fred MacMurray "was no actor." He was a saxophone player, a band leader in the early dance-band era, and was in the pit band at Warner Brothers when he was offered a bit part.
There's an amusing story of how a woman berated him in public for "The Apartment." She'd taken her kids to see it, assuming it was pleasant family fare. He talked it over with his wife, and never did anything but "Son of Flubber" roles from then on. He was a really spooky heavy in "Double Indemnity."
There's an amusing story of how a woman berated him in public for "The Apartment." She'd taken her kids to see it, assuming it was pleasant family fare. He talked it over with his wife, and never did anything but "Son of Flubber" roles from then on. He was a really spooky heavy in "Double Indemnity."
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at September 24, 2023 11:47 AM (4PZHB)
268
I recently rewatched the Harry Dresden series on FreeVee. It is too bad they only made one season.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:47 AM (t/2Uw)
269
It is too bad they only made one season.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:47 AM (t/2Uw)
Very sad
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:47 AM (t/2Uw)
Very sad
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (vHIgi)
270
I am currently "clean". But this will not last. "Sadly".
Posted by: Thesokorus at September 24, 2023 11:46 AM (/jyQy)
-------
"Another friend of Will S."
(Will Shortz - NYTimes crossword editor for years)
Posted by: Thesokorus at September 24, 2023 11:46 AM (/jyQy)
-------
"Another friend of Will S."
(Will Shortz - NYTimes crossword editor for years)
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (Gpu6T)
271
You never know until you try.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 11:45 AM (Angsy)
Which I'm never going to do. I don't see that as any sort of tragedy, either.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 11:45 AM (Angsy)
Which I'm never going to do. I don't see that as any sort of tragedy, either.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (f30aK)
272
He was snarky enough, but not tall enough.
It's a fun series, one of my favorites.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:45 AM (vHIgi)
Ain't read 'em so I don't know, but isn't Jack Reacher supposed to be really tall? And you got that five foot midget playing him in the movie?
It's a fun series, one of my favorites.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:45 AM (vHIgi)
Ain't read 'em so I don't know, but isn't Jack Reacher supposed to be really tall? And you got that five foot midget playing him in the movie?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (Angsy)
273
Also this week I finally installed another bookshelf. A front room (old house, it would have been the parlor originally) has shitty pine boards over the ruined plaster, so I left it and screw those heavy metal closet brackets into them and use 1x10s or 1x12s for shelves. I put up six more linear feet and
...it was instantly full. Dammit!
...it was instantly full. Dammit!
Posted by: I've GOT to do something about all these books! at September 24, 2023 11:50 AM (43xH1)
274
I thought, out of everyone on that show (other than maybe SMG), he would explode into Hollowood stardom.
However, I've since come to understand, such things have little to do with talent, and only slightly more so, with looks. And I don't believe the fans have much to do with deciding who is and is not a "star."
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023
***
I thought the same about Michael Biehn of Terminator, Tombstone, and Aliens fame.
However, I've since come to understand, such things have little to do with talent, and only slightly more so, with looks. And I don't believe the fans have much to do with deciding who is and is not a "star."
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023
***
I thought the same about Michael Biehn of Terminator, Tombstone, and Aliens fame.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:50 AM (omVj0)
275
"Another friend of Will S."
(Will Shortz - NYTimes crossword editor for years)
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (Gpu6T)
Heh.
I shouldn't say this, but alcoholics are the naval gazers of addiction. They think they're special, and they're not.
Anyone can become addicted to anything.
(Will Shortz - NYTimes crossword editor for years)
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (Gpu6T)
Heh.
I shouldn't say this, but alcoholics are the naval gazers of addiction. They think they're special, and they're not.
Anyone can become addicted to anything.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:51 AM (f30aK)
276
I watched a Dick Cavett interview of Ribert Mitchum last night. Cavett was terrified. Hahahah
Mitchum said he went to see himself with his wife in an early Hopalong Cassidy and two ladies in front of him were talking during the movie and when his character came in screen one gasped and said:
"That's the most immoral face I have ever seen!"
Mitchum said he went to see himself with his wife in an early Hopalong Cassidy and two ladies in front of him were talking during the movie and when his character came in screen one gasped and said:
"That's the most immoral face I have ever seen!"
Posted by: Thesokorus at September 24, 2023 11:51 AM (/jyQy)
277
Maybe it's a case, like in boating, the higher up on the cost scale, the more annoying the behavior.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 11:39 AM (MoZTd)
I worked at Lake Tahoe. It is. They're one and the same, boat asshole in summer and ski asshole in winter. Throw in Golf with that too.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 24, 2023 11:39 AM (MoZTd)
I worked at Lake Tahoe. It is. They're one and the same, boat asshole in summer and ski asshole in winter. Throw in Golf with that too.
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 11:51 AM (B705c)
278
Susanna Kearsley writes good historical novels, especially "The Winter Sea," which is set in Scotland in the early 1700s.
I also love "The Killer Angels," and anything by Herman Wouk.
I also love "The Killer Angels," and anything by Herman Wouk.
Posted by: Linnet at September 24, 2023 11:51 AM (KV2Vn)
279
I thought the same about Michael Biehn of Terminator, Tombstone, and Aliens fame.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:50 AM (omVj0)
*Movie trailer voice*
In a world, where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lawrence can become stars.....
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:50 AM (omVj0)
*Movie trailer voice*
In a world, where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lawrence can become stars.....
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:52 AM (f30aK)
280
Which I'm never going to do. I don't see that as any sort of tragedy, either.
Posted by: BurtTC'
You can write a book about how you never wrote a book!
Posted by: BurtTC'
You can write a book about how you never wrote a book!
Posted by: It's genius! at September 24, 2023 11:52 AM (43xH1)
281
I enjoyed the Buck Reilly Adventure Series by John H. Cunningham. Buck is a disgraced tramp sea plane pilot operating out of Key West. Buck Reilly wants only three things out of life: A plane to fly, a treasure to find, and a beautiful woman to rescue. Also he tries to avoid his FBI agent nemesis. A friend (?) made fun of my enjoyment of this series by comparing it to the old (pre pervert) Disney cartoon series Talespin.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at September 24, 2023 11:43 AM (FVME7)
As a kid who watched cartoons in the 90s, any mention of a seaplane will remind me of Tailspin! No idea if the cartoon still holds up, but the setting is straight out of the pulps! Sea planes, evil business tycoons, a neighboring commie empire, pirates operating out of a helicarrier, flying through a narrow gorge every time you go in or out of your home port...
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at September 24, 2023 11:43 AM (FVME7)
As a kid who watched cartoons in the 90s, any mention of a seaplane will remind me of Tailspin! No idea if the cartoon still holds up, but the setting is straight out of the pulps! Sea planes, evil business tycoons, a neighboring commie empire, pirates operating out of a helicarrier, flying through a narrow gorge every time you go in or out of your home port...
Posted by: Castle Guy at September 24, 2023 11:52 AM (Lhaco)
282
Which I'm never going to do. I don't see that as any sort of tragedy, either.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (f30aK)
(Sadly puts big contract back in desk)
And I had this all ready for him.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (f30aK)
(Sadly puts big contract back in desk)
And I had this all ready for him.
Posted by: Editor in Chief, Random House at September 24, 2023 11:53 AM (Angsy)
283
Hadrian - I agree on skiers and ski money. A good many can be real snobby jerks. I've always been on hand-me-down equipment with shabby coats and pants, etc... There's no way I would have been accepted by any of them except I could ski circles around them.
Skiers can come off as jerks, no doubt.
Skiers can come off as jerks, no doubt.
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:53 AM (Gpu6T)
284
Sea Planes are only slightly.less cool than Zepplins
Posted by: Thesokorus at September 24, 2023 11:53 AM (/jyQy)
285
As a kid who watched cartoons in the 90s, any mention of a seaplane will remind me of Tailspin! No idea if the cartoon still holds up, but the setting is straight out of the pulps! Sea planes, evil business tycoons, a neighboring commie empire, pirates operating out of a helicarrier, flying through a narrow gorge every time you go in or out of your home port...
Posted by: Castle Guy at September 24, 2023
***
Jonny Quest and the reanimated mummy, or the giant spider robot . . .
Posted by: Castle Guy at September 24, 2023
***
Jonny Quest and the reanimated mummy, or the giant spider robot . . .
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:54 AM (omVj0)
286
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, along with fantasy, scifi, and mysteries.
I guess that's why I like time travel stories, since they generally combine at least 2 of those.
But I'm wary of historical fiction where the main characters are just modern people in period dress, who are there to show how backward and evil the mores of the past are.
I hate the belief that current day sensibilities are the pinnacle of human culture. To be fair, writers of all ages fall prey to this. 19th century writers are specially prone to this, almost as bad as 21st century woke writers.
I guess that's why I like time travel stories, since they generally combine at least 2 of those.
But I'm wary of historical fiction where the main characters are just modern people in period dress, who are there to show how backward and evil the mores of the past are.
I hate the belief that current day sensibilities are the pinnacle of human culture. To be fair, writers of all ages fall prey to this. 19th century writers are specially prone to this, almost as bad as 21st century woke writers.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:54 AM (vHIgi)
287
Day 1, I didn't write anything today...
Day 2, again, no writing.
Day 3, no writing, something is up...
Day 2, again, no writing.
Day 3, no writing, something is up...
Posted by: gourmand du jour at September 24, 2023 11:55 AM (MeG8a)
288
I thought the same about Michael Biehn of Terminator, Tombstone, and Aliens fame.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:50 AM (omVj0)
Maybe they weren't willing to submit to some f@g producer's casting couch?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 24, 2023 11:50 AM (omVj0)
Maybe they weren't willing to submit to some f@g producer's casting couch?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 11:55 AM (Angsy)
289
Thanks Perfessor for an entertaining morning. Still raining here and cold. Have to figure out how to get some gainzzz.
Have a great day bookfriends.❤️
Have a great day bookfriends.❤️
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:55 AM (t/2Uw)
290
Which I'm never going to do. I don't see that as any sort of tragedy, either.
Posted by: BurtTC'
You can write a book about how you never wrote a book!
Posted by: It's genius! at September 24, 2023 11:52 AM (43xH1)
But that's the problem! Should I make it a tragedy or comedy or sci-fi adventure??
Posted by: BurtTC'
You can write a book about how you never wrote a book!
Posted by: It's genius! at September 24, 2023 11:52 AM (43xH1)
But that's the problem! Should I make it a tragedy or comedy or sci-fi adventure??
Posted by: BurtTC at September 24, 2023 11:56 AM (f30aK)
291
OK, I'm off!
Thanks Perfesser!
Thanks Perfesser!
Posted by: gourmand du jour at September 24, 2023 11:56 AM (MeG8a)
292
273 Also this week I finally installed another bookshelf. A front room (old house, it would have been the parlor originally) has shitty pine boards over the ruined plaster, so I left it and screw those heavy metal closet brackets into them and use 1x10s or 1x12s for shelves. I put up six more linear feet and
...it was instantly full. Dammit!
Posted by: I've GOT to do something about all these books! at September 24, 2023 11:50 AM (43xH1)
The curse of us book collectors. I put together a bookcase at my parents house (my Dad has all the tools to do it) where it is still awaiting staining/finishing. Alas, once that happens and the bookcase arrives at my house, its shelfspace is spoken for in its near entirety. But at least that will free up shelfspace on other bookcases....
...it was instantly full. Dammit!
Posted by: I've GOT to do something about all these books! at September 24, 2023 11:50 AM (43xH1)
The curse of us book collectors. I put together a bookcase at my parents house (my Dad has all the tools to do it) where it is still awaiting staining/finishing. Alas, once that happens and the bookcase arrives at my house, its shelfspace is spoken for in its near entirety. But at least that will free up shelfspace on other bookcases....
Posted by: Castle Guy at September 24, 2023 11:56 AM (Lhaco)
293
This week I read Five Years After by William R. Forstchen. This is the latest in the One Second After series...
--------
Forstchen is a local author, I read 'One Second After' soon after it was published. What made the book far impactful was the fact that a great deal of it takes place *here*. The landmarks, and other places mentioned are immediate to me. That certainly lends a far more disconcerting note to the book.
This week I read Five Years After by William R. Forstchen. This is the latest in the One Second After series...
--------
Forstchen is a local author, I read 'One Second After' soon after it was published. What made the book far impactful was the fact that a great deal of it takes place *here*. The landmarks, and other places mentioned are immediate to me. That certainly lends a far more disconcerting note to the book.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 24, 2023 11:56 AM (clWQn)
Posted by: Gorgeous brainy woman with a love of literature at September 24, 2023 11:57 AM (43xH1)
295
On our Drive back from vacation we started listening to the Will Wilder series very Faith Based adventure, and adventure Stories about Demons trying to destroy or Corrupt Humanity. They use Relic's of Saints to drive out Demons. We liked how the Author weaves in stories of the bible and How Saints lived and Died.
Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at September 24, 2023 11:58 AM (dKiJG)
296
On the topic of dystopian novels, I will mention a book with which many of you are familiar, simply because it seems increasingly relevant, 'Camp of the Saints'.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 24, 2023 11:59 AM (clWQn)
297
I tried going back to church today. It still sucked. Covid wrecked it for me. I have zero faith these "Christians" I used to pray with would defend their religion, or even themselves when push comes to shove. They'll be the ones asking for an orderly transition from the Sanctuary to the cattle cars.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at September 24, 2023 11:59 AM (7Fj9P)
298
wolfus, I'm going to look for that other short story. I can find a lot of short stories online. Thanks.
wolfus, I'm going to look for that other short story. I can find a lot of short stories online. Thanks.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at September 24, 2023 11:59 AM (JrYM1)
299
"James Cameron has suggested that perhaps “what held Michael back was that he didn’t like playing the Hollywood game — schmoozing people and all that. For him it was all about the work.” Biehn has never hired a publicist and was reportedly never interested in the "fame aspect of the business, even though his agent — and Cameron — both believed he had what it took to be a major star"
In 2019, he stated that he had prioritized his family over his acting career by turning down projects involving long film shoots"
Guess there's your answer.
In 2019, he stated that he had prioritized his family over his acting career by turning down projects involving long film shoots"
Guess there's your answer.
Posted by: LenNeal at September 24, 2023 12:00 PM (43xH1)
300
On our Drive back from vacation we started listening to the Will Wilder series very Faith Based adventure, and adventure Stories about Demons trying to destroy or Corrupt Humanity. They use Relic's of Saints to drive out Demons. We liked how the Author weaves in stories of the bible and How Saints lived and Died.
I forgot it's for Kids and Families and the Audiobook is very well done each Character is done in Their Voice which I think helps you keep track of the Characters.
I forgot it's for Kids and Families and the Audiobook is very well done each Character is done in Their Voice which I think helps you keep track of the Characters.
Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at September 24, 2023 12:00 PM (dKiJG)
301
A NOOD IS UPON US
Posted by: Skip at September 24, 2023 12:01 PM (fwDg9)
302
Skiers can come off as jerks, no doubt.
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:53 AM (Gpu6T)
I've Skied all my life. Don't even remember learning. The culture had a mass appeal to me as a kid but when I was allowed in (yes they rate you) I found it petty and stupid. I have like one friend left from that time. It was fun acting like I was somebody for the three years I did it but what ultimately chased me out was seeing a bunch of kids getting hurt alll the time. Sliding on snow is dangerous.
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 11:53 AM (Gpu6T)
I've Skied all my life. Don't even remember learning. The culture had a mass appeal to me as a kid but when I was allowed in (yes they rate you) I found it petty and stupid. I have like one friend left from that time. It was fun acting like I was somebody for the three years I did it but what ultimately chased me out was seeing a bunch of kids getting hurt alll the time. Sliding on snow is dangerous.
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 12:01 PM (B705c)
303
300 On our Drive back from vacation we started listening to the Will Wilder series very Faith Based adventure, and adventure Stories about Demons trying to destroy or Corrupt Humanity.
***
Sounds interesting!
***
Sounds interesting!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 12:02 PM (vHIgi)
304
The curse of us book collectors.
--
At what point do we become book 'accumulators'? Hoarders?
If I am honest with myself, very, very few of my books will be re-read, but...they are like a collection of old friends.
The curse of us book collectors.
--
At what point do we become book 'accumulators'? Hoarders?
If I am honest with myself, very, very few of my books will be re-read, but...they are like a collection of old friends.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 24, 2023 12:02 PM (MbWzp)
305
Ski towns are hard to live in. (I should know, I somehow ended up in one) They tend to attract the super-rich, and the....well, ski bums. People who just want to ski and be outdoors, and work whatever odd jobs/supporting jobs that let them live their dream. Each cohort comes with their issues (the rich can be snobs, and the ski-bums can be....well, druggy, dirty, or bummy) and there usually isn't a whole lot of room for normal people.
Literally, not much room. The mountains that you ski on tend to limit where you can build housing, or normal office-space and the like. So, yeah, ski towns attract a very eccentric crowd.
Literally, not much room. The mountains that you ski on tend to limit where you can build housing, or normal office-space and the like. So, yeah, ski towns attract a very eccentric crowd.
Posted by: Castle Guy at September 24, 2023 12:03 PM (Lhaco)
306
And you got that five foot midget playing him in the movie?
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Rules don't apply to Big Stars who can also be producers.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Rules don't apply to Big Stars who can also be producers.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 12:04 PM (vHIgi)
307
The saddest part of Sunday morning, again. The end of the Book Thread. Thanks, Perfessor.
(goes looking for a broom to sweep up broken glass)
(goes looking for a broom to sweep up broken glass)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 12:04 PM (Angsy)
308
238
'China was in much worse shape than when he took power in 1949.'
It was 45 million people lighter.
'China was in much worse shape than when he took power in 1949.'
It was 45 million people lighter.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at September 24, 2023 12:05 PM (roH4R)
309
Thank you for another excellent Book Thread.
With regard to food poisoning, I recall an episode of Emergency! in which the patient was very ill with botulism from improperly canned mushrooms. I'm no expert on E. coli, but I imagine there would be a lot of GI symptoms prior to any death, so dropping dead is probably not realistic. Though if the character was hated enough, making them miserable with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea first might be lots of fun.
I'm still chipping away at Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Collection. I'm impressed that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle could come up with so many different stories for one character. Though I have heard that he was rather tired of writing Holmes by the end.
I realize it's late in the thread, but I'm a bit fuzzy on what constitutes a "historical novel." Would nearly any story that took place in the past fall into the category or does it require well known historical figures or events? There are so many aspects of stories and writing I'd never given much thought to but I do now thanks to you all.
With regard to food poisoning, I recall an episode of Emergency! in which the patient was very ill with botulism from improperly canned mushrooms. I'm no expert on E. coli, but I imagine there would be a lot of GI symptoms prior to any death, so dropping dead is probably not realistic. Though if the character was hated enough, making them miserable with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea first might be lots of fun.
I'm still chipping away at Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Collection. I'm impressed that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle could come up with so many different stories for one character. Though I have heard that he was rather tired of writing Holmes by the end.
I realize it's late in the thread, but I'm a bit fuzzy on what constitutes a "historical novel." Would nearly any story that took place in the past fall into the category or does it require well known historical figures or events? There are so many aspects of stories and writing I'd never given much thought to but I do now thanks to you all.
Posted by: KatieFloyd at September 24, 2023 12:05 PM (2mE2r)
310
I worked at Lake Tahoe. It is. They're one and the same, boat asshole in summer and ski asshole in winter. Throw in Golf with that too.
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 11:51 AM (B705c)
-------
I bet it was beautiful, though. Still, you were surrounded by tons of jackasses who had no problem letting everyone else know they were jackasses.
I skied mostly at Cochran's in VT. It's a tiny place - still only a T-bar and rope tow - where Mickey Cochran taught his kids how to ski. Barbara Cochran won Olympic gold and her brother Bobby has a tram named after him in Europe for one of his world cup wins. They, and their other 2 sisters Marilyn and Lindy, are some of the nicest and humblest people I've met.
I skied at Cochrans as a youth out of necessity - it was by far the cheapest place around. However, I went there as an adult by choice because the people are so down to earth. Many's the time I've seen world cup skiers hop off the T-bar because some little kiddo took a spill or needed a hand. Everyone pitches in, from top to bottom, to foster and encourage young skiers. If I could wave a wand and make every ski area however I wanted, it would be in Cochran's image.
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 11:51 AM (B705c)
-------
I bet it was beautiful, though. Still, you were surrounded by tons of jackasses who had no problem letting everyone else know they were jackasses.
I skied mostly at Cochran's in VT. It's a tiny place - still only a T-bar and rope tow - where Mickey Cochran taught his kids how to ski. Barbara Cochran won Olympic gold and her brother Bobby has a tram named after him in Europe for one of his world cup wins. They, and their other 2 sisters Marilyn and Lindy, are some of the nicest and humblest people I've met.
I skied at Cochrans as a youth out of necessity - it was by far the cheapest place around. However, I went there as an adult by choice because the people are so down to earth. Many's the time I've seen world cup skiers hop off the T-bar because some little kiddo took a spill or needed a hand. Everyone pitches in, from top to bottom, to foster and encourage young skiers. If I could wave a wand and make every ski area however I wanted, it would be in Cochran's image.
Posted by: 496 at September 24, 2023 12:06 PM (Gpu6T)
311
I realize it's late in the thread, but I'm a bit fuzzy on what constitutes a "historical novel." Would nearly any story that took place in the past fall into the category or does it require well known historical figures or events? There are so many aspects of stories and writing I'd never given much thought to but I do now thanks to you all.
Posted by: KatieFloyd at September 24, 2023 12:05 PM (2mE2r)
I would say a story with a character who lives during a seminal even in history who interacts with real people.
Posted by: KatieFloyd at September 24, 2023 12:05 PM (2mE2r)
I would say a story with a character who lives during a seminal even in history who interacts with real people.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 24, 2023 12:08 PM (Angsy)
312
Good young adult historical fiction from back in the day.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
The Sherwood Ring
Mr.Revere and I (told from his horse’s pov)
Red Streak of the Iroquois
The Spanish Bride which is a historical novel based on the early life of Smith and his wife for whom Ladysmith SA is named
Traveler by Richard Adams (told from Robert E Lees horses pov)
For older readers I recommend any of James Michener’s novels the Source being one of my favorites
Sarum by Rutherford history of England from prehistoric days on up.
So many good older books with out the woke crap.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
The Sherwood Ring
Mr.Revere and I (told from his horse’s pov)
Red Streak of the Iroquois
The Spanish Bride which is a historical novel based on the early life of Smith and his wife for whom Ladysmith SA is named
Traveler by Richard Adams (told from Robert E Lees horses pov)
For older readers I recommend any of James Michener’s novels the Source being one of my favorites
Sarum by Rutherford history of England from prehistoric days on up.
So many good older books with out the woke crap.
Posted by: 42 at September 24, 2023 12:11 PM (hf6fI)
313
the patient was very ill with botulism from improperly canned mushrooms.
Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out. [Dies.]
Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out. [Dies.]
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at September 24, 2023 12:13 PM (4PZHB)
314
232 ... "Someone please stop me. I'm toying with the idea of writing a book about dog shows, the events and the sport in general, based on Delilah's illustrious career."
Hadrian,
Are you thinking fiction or non-fiction? Laurien Berensen has a cozy mystery series about dogs and dog shows.
Hadrian,
Are you thinking fiction or non-fiction? Laurien Berensen has a cozy mystery series about dogs and dog shows.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 12:15 PM (7EjX1)
315
"The Dearth of Historical Fiction is a Disservice to Curious Kids Everywhere."
------
With that in mind, I recently re-read 'Johnny Tremain'.
------
With that in mind, I recently re-read 'Johnny Tremain'.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 24, 2023 12:15 PM (rpirE)
316
I still live on the desert side of Tahoe about 25 miles away. I could go to Heavenly and have a job tomorrow. Lift Mechanics are in short suppy. The commute sucks in Winter though and yes Tahoe is paradise. Just need the locals gone and it would be heavenly.
Posted by: Reforger at September 24, 2023 12:16 PM (wDXTR)
317
286
'I hate the belief that current day sensibilities are the pinnacle of human culture.'
We live in an era where this isn't even remotely close to true.
'I hate the belief that current day sensibilities are the pinnacle of human culture.'
We live in an era where this isn't even remotely close to true.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at September 24, 2023 12:20 PM (roH4R)
318
I have yet to see an armed thug mob doing a smash and grab at a book store. Hmmm . . .
Posted by: Ray Mota at September 24, 2023 12:24 PM (sw3xv)
319
269 It is too bad they only made one season.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:47 AM (t/2Uw)
Very sad
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (vHIgi)
Reminds me of Nathan Fillion. "Greatest sci-fi series ever, so, of course they cancelled it." Referring of course to Firefly. But he's snuck that line into a couple of his other roles.
But yes, I thought they were doing an admirable job of the Dresden TV series as well.
-SLV
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at September 24, 2023 11:47 AM (t/2Uw)
Very sad
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 11:49 AM (vHIgi)
Reminds me of Nathan Fillion. "Greatest sci-fi series ever, so, of course they cancelled it." Referring of course to Firefly. But he's snuck that line into a couple of his other roles.
But yes, I thought they were doing an admirable job of the Dresden TV series as well.
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at September 24, 2023 12:29 PM (e/Osv)
320
Author (various fiction genres) Sarah Hoyt has asked for Latin translation of "If I want your opinion, I'll cut you open and read your entrails."
So far, the best has been "Si sententiam tuam vellum, te sacrificarem et exta inspicerem."
Posted by: sinmi at September 24, 2023 09:50 AM (rnRoW)
Si sententiam eius vellem haruspicem eum visceribus suis
So far, the best has been "Si sententiam tuam vellum, te sacrificarem et exta inspicerem."
Posted by: sinmi at September 24, 2023 09:50 AM (rnRoW)
Si sententiam eius vellem haruspicem eum visceribus suis
Posted by: Kindltot at September 24, 2023 12:32 PM (xhaym)
321
Late to the thread, but I recommend William Safire's sprawling novel "Freedom". Set mostly in Washington, DC in the period between the Firing on Fort Sumter to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, it is a detailed, fascinating account of the evolving political dynamics leading up to the Proclamation through the eyes of the participants.
Cracking good stuff with real spies, generals, presidential secretaries, cabinet members, and advisers. Safire felt the need to reconcile the novel to the actual history of events, so he added a historical book at the end of the novel. Minor quibbles: Safire confuses General C. F Smith with William "Baldy" Smith and General Jubal Early with JEB Stuart, but it's the political war that's the heart of the story.
Cracking good stuff with real spies, generals, presidential secretaries, cabinet members, and advisers. Safire felt the need to reconcile the novel to the actual history of events, so he added a historical book at the end of the novel. Minor quibbles: Safire confuses General C. F Smith with William "Baldy" Smith and General Jubal Early with JEB Stuart, but it's the political war that's the heart of the story.
Posted by: mrp at September 24, 2023 12:43 PM (rj6Yv)
322
Not aimed at young adults but Rush Limbaugh's "Rush Revere" series should qualify as historical fiction.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 09:52 AM (7EjX1)
Then also is The Tuttle Twins series by Connor Boyack.
There are also Ahistorical novels, like Perchance by Michael Kurland, and the Crosstime Traffic series by Harry Turtledove - alternate earth histories.
Posted by: JTB at September 24, 2023 09:52 AM (7EjX1)
Then also is The Tuttle Twins series by Connor Boyack.
There are also Ahistorical novels, like Perchance by Michael Kurland, and the Crosstime Traffic series by Harry Turtledove - alternate earth histories.
Posted by: Kindltot at September 24, 2023 12:43 PM (xhaym)
323
Author (various fiction genres) Sarah Hoyt has asked for Latin translation of "If I want your opinion, I'll cut you open and read your entrails."
It's better in the original Klingon: tlhoy bInejHa'chugh, vaj tlhoy bInejtaHvIS
It's better in the original Klingon: tlhoy bInejHa'chugh, vaj tlhoy bInejtaHvIS
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 24, 2023 12:45 PM (9yUzE)
324
Author (various fiction genres) Sarah Hoyt has asked for Latin translation of "If I want your opinion, I'll cut you open and read your entrails."
So far, the best has been "Si sententiam tuam vellum, te sacrificarem et exta inspicerem."
Posted by: sinmi at September 24, 2023 09:50 AM (rnRoW)
Si sententiam eius vellem haruspicem eum visceribus suis
Posted by: Kindltot
---------
As an aside, Podex pefectus es. Which you say means, 'You did a a terrific job'
But actually means, 'You are a total asshole'
So far, the best has been "Si sententiam tuam vellum, te sacrificarem et exta inspicerem."
Posted by: sinmi at September 24, 2023 09:50 AM (rnRoW)
Si sententiam eius vellem haruspicem eum visceribus suis
Posted by: Kindltot
---------
As an aside, Podex pefectus es. Which you say means, 'You did a a terrific job'
But actually means, 'You are a total asshole'
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 24, 2023 12:57 PM (HsC66)
325
Businessman: "Words and images, different! Yes! Got it!"
Posted by: LenNeal, blown away on a video call at September 24, 2023 10:46 AM (43xH1)
I suppose you could do the Turkish Earthquake Graphic Novel.
Posted by: LenNeal, blown away on a video call at September 24, 2023 10:46 AM (43xH1)
I suppose you could do the Turkish Earthquake Graphic Novel.
Posted by: Kindltot at September 24, 2023 12:58 PM (xhaym)
326
Posted by: EveR at September 24, 2023 10:58 AM (MUpk6)
The Audible book I recently heard pushed was Space 1969 which is about JKF's Third presidential term, where he pushed through the establishment of the US Moon Base, and the book is narrated in part by the once Vice President turned NY lawyer, Richard Nixon
Speaking of Ahistorical fiction
The Audible book I recently heard pushed was Space 1969 which is about JKF's Third presidential term, where he pushed through the establishment of the US Moon Base, and the book is narrated in part by the once Vice President turned NY lawyer, Richard Nixon
Speaking of Ahistorical fiction
Posted by: Kindltot at September 24, 2023 01:05 PM (xhaym)
327
Rereading Lecarre's Karla Trilogy. I do that every couple of years. I don't know why. English introspection is totally nuts. But I guess the story line carries me through Smiley's convoluted, almost unreadable internal conversations with himself.
Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- Persian cats are nothing more than 24/7 shedding machines. at September 24, 2023 01:18 PM (6TzTY)
Posted by: Weak Geek at September 24, 2023 01:34 PM (p/isN)
329
I've been reading "Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality" by Elizer Yudkowsky. This is fanfic, which I downloaded to my iPad. I'm not sure where I found it, but there is a website: HPMOR dot COM.
This is a reimaging of HP's life and his first year at Hogwarts. This Harry was raised by a loving aunt and uncle, who happens to be a biochemist. Harry is confident and extremely rational, questioning everything, including magic. He is still The-Boy-Who-Lived and still has the scar; however, his body is on a 26-hour cycle. Lots of discussion regarding Rationality and the scientific method.
This is a reimaging of HP's life and his first year at Hogwarts. This Harry was raised by a loving aunt and uncle, who happens to be a biochemist. Harry is confident and extremely rational, questioning everything, including magic. He is still The-Boy-Who-Lived and still has the scar; however, his body is on a 26-hour cycle. Lots of discussion regarding Rationality and the scientific method.
Posted by: March Hare at September 24, 2023 01:41 PM (WOU9P)
330
I'm about half way through In This House of Brede, by Rumor Godden, which was recommended by a moron last year. Im still working through the classics and this probably doesn't count, but like many classics, it is slow paced, well-written, interesting, and reveals a life that I know very little about.
Posted by: LASue at September 24, 2023 02:13 PM (llS7k)
331
330 I'm about half way through In This House of Brede, by Rumor Godden, which was recommended by a moron last year.
***
I really liked it
***
I really liked it
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 02:17 PM (vHIgi)
332
"Historical fiction as a genre is actually fairly old..."
Uhmmm...Yeah it is. ALL of the Greek/Roman "Histories" are in the main "Fictional" to some degree or another, and all were in Latin, Lost for millennia until their "re-discovery", which also occurred very near the time of Chaucer's Tales, and the subsequent popularity of printed stories(other than just those of the Bible), the 1st books printed/available in vernacular language instead of only Latin.
I'm a fan of Eric Flint and his 1632 tales, wherein 1980's West(by gawd) Virginians are dropped into Germany during the 100years wars.
I have started re-reading Patrick O'Briens "Master and Commander" series, 1st read as they were published, often with long periods in between. I remembered them as good, but after the 1st one am actually "Surprised" by just "Howe" good.(I am a sailor, and have spent time working on, repairing/restoring, sailing, Tall Ships, so the vernacular, history, and settings are much more familiar to me than most, perhaps)
Uhmmm...Yeah it is. ALL of the Greek/Roman "Histories" are in the main "Fictional" to some degree or another, and all were in Latin, Lost for millennia until their "re-discovery", which also occurred very near the time of Chaucer's Tales, and the subsequent popularity of printed stories(other than just those of the Bible), the 1st books printed/available in vernacular language instead of only Latin.
I'm a fan of Eric Flint and his 1632 tales, wherein 1980's West(by gawd) Virginians are dropped into Germany during the 100years wars.
I have started re-reading Patrick O'Briens "Master and Commander" series, 1st read as they were published, often with long periods in between. I remembered them as good, but after the 1st one am actually "Surprised" by just "Howe" good.(I am a sailor, and have spent time working on, repairing/restoring, sailing, Tall Ships, so the vernacular, history, and settings are much more familiar to me than most, perhaps)
Posted by: birddog at September 24, 2023 02:54 PM (1E8/t)
333
When historical fiction is done well it is one of my favorite genres. Of course the requirement that it be done well eliminates 90% plus of what is published in this category. All too often the writers only have a superficial knowledge of the period they set their stories in and/or their characters display attitudes and behaviors that are completely anachronistic for the time. When historical fiction is good it gives the reader a sense of how strange and wonderful the past was and what amazing stories it holds.
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at September 24, 2023 03:18 PM (2SWLc)
334
61 Durango ...you can also take an absolutely gorgeous journey there on a lovingly maintained narrow-gauge train from the 1880s.
The highway from Ouray to Durango is one of the best drives in the USA.
The highway from Ouray to Durango is one of the best drives in the USA.
Posted by: Hal Dall MD at September 24, 2023 03:35 PM (mhRvo)
335
An author I will strongly recommend to those searching for good historical fiction is Gillian Bradshaw. IIRC, I have recommended her in this thread in the past. Most of her books are set in the Classical period. Titles that stand out to me are: "The Beacon at Alexandria", "Island of Ghosts", "The Sand-Reckoner" (a young Archimedes is the lead character), "The Alchemy of Fire" and "Render Unto Caesar".
One of Bradshaw's strengths as a writer of historical fiction is her clear eyed understanding of the realities of power in the ancient world. In an afterword to "Render Unto Caesar" she remarks that she has never had any trouble finding suitably vicious villains for her stories who are well attested in the historical record. Her good guys she has to invent.
Another two titles I recommend are set in the time of the English Civil War(s). They are "London in Chains" and it sequel "A Corruptible Crown".
One of Bradshaw's strengths as a writer of historical fiction is her clear eyed understanding of the realities of power in the ancient world. In an afterword to "Render Unto Caesar" she remarks that she has never had any trouble finding suitably vicious villains for her stories who are well attested in the historical record. Her good guys she has to invent.
Another two titles I recommend are set in the time of the English Civil War(s). They are "London in Chains" and it sequel "A Corruptible Crown".
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at September 24, 2023 03:39 PM (2SWLc)
336
321 I was going to mention Freedom, but you beat me to it.
The Aubrey/Maturin series is superb. Few historical novels deal with multiple, very technical areas.
The Aubrey/Maturin series is superb. Few historical novels deal with multiple, very technical areas.
Posted by: Hal Dall MD at September 24, 2023 03:42 PM (mhRvo)
337
The Warlord series and the King Arthur trilogy by Bernard Cornwell.
The Arthur series takes place in England, of course, some years after the Romans leave. Cornwell imagines a world with Roman ruins and regions controlled by kings or warlords most of which follow the old (and nearly wiped out) druid religion. There are plenty of Christians growing their religion and invading Saxons to contend with. Arthur follows the old pagan druid religion personified in Merlin. The familiar names from the Arthur tales are present as well. Complicated, brutal and compelling make for a good read.
The Bernie Gunther series by Philip Kerr. A homicide detective in WW2 era Berlin has misadventures solving murders for the Nazis. Not for everyone but very interesting and dark. I'm on my third round through the series.
The Arthur series takes place in England, of course, some years after the Romans leave. Cornwell imagines a world with Roman ruins and regions controlled by kings or warlords most of which follow the old (and nearly wiped out) druid religion. There are plenty of Christians growing their religion and invading Saxons to contend with. Arthur follows the old pagan druid religion personified in Merlin. The familiar names from the Arthur tales are present as well. Complicated, brutal and compelling make for a good read.
The Bernie Gunther series by Philip Kerr. A homicide detective in WW2 era Berlin has misadventures solving murders for the Nazis. Not for everyone but very interesting and dark. I'm on my third round through the series.
Posted by: Yawrate at September 24, 2023 03:42 PM (MPJiE)
338
Another good name for those looking for quality historical fiction is L. Sprague De Camp. De Camp is probably best remember these days for his Conan pastiches. I am not one of the Robert E. Howard fans who rant and rave about De Camp as a defiler of the sacred texts but I do think he was better when he was doing his own work (rather than imitating another's). His historical novels include "An Elephant for Aristotle", "The Arrows of Hercules", "The Bronze God of Rhodes" and "The Dragon of the Ishtar Gate". The last title is my favorite. It involves an epic journey from the capitol of the Persian Empire to the sources of the Nile and back again in quest of a dragon whose blood will be a key ingredient in the immortality potion a wizard has promised King Xerxes. The dragon quest was De Camp's invention but, as he explains in an afterword, there is hard archeological evidence that someone actually made such an amazing journey at this period. Who and how and why are all lost to the mists of history but we know someone did it and survived.
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at September 24, 2023 04:07 PM (2SWLc)
339
Reading Biography of Vladimir Arsenyev a hearty Russian explorer.
Posted by: 13times at September 24, 2023 04:34 PM (f57y6)
340
Reading Children of Yesterday: The Twenty Fourth Infantry Division in World War II by Jan Valtin
War in the Philippines
War in the Philippines
Posted by: 13times at September 24, 2023 04:36 PM (f57y6)
341
340 Reading Children of Yesterday: The Twenty Fourth Infantry Division in World War II by Jan Valtin
===
Where did you get a copy, 13times?
===
Where did you get a copy, 13times?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at September 24, 2023 04:54 PM (vHIgi)
342
"And you got that five foot midget playing him in the movie?
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Rules don't apply to Big Stars who can also be producers."
It also hinged upon Tom Cruise BUYING the movie rights, personally, waaaaay back when no one else would...That influx of money was the only thing that kept Childs afloat, and allowed him to write more books... Books that then became popular. It's interesting that Cruise waited decades before finally choosing to do a movie, casting himself, after exhausting several other options to get others to do it, with other actors.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Rules don't apply to Big Stars who can also be producers."
It also hinged upon Tom Cruise BUYING the movie rights, personally, waaaaay back when no one else would...That influx of money was the only thing that kept Childs afloat, and allowed him to write more books... Books that then became popular. It's interesting that Cruise waited decades before finally choosing to do a movie, casting himself, after exhausting several other options to get others to do it, with other actors.
Posted by: birddog at September 24, 2023 05:02 PM (1E8/t)
343
RE: Skiers are assholes
Yes, yes they are.
That said...perhaps my favorite woman of all time, the ONE I prolly should have married. Met randomly by an apt share advert in Sausalito, had grown up splitting time between Tiburon and Tahoe. Was a skier, but also chief assistant to the biggest name in Ski movies, when we met she was personal assistant to George Lucas. She had lived in those "Worlds" all her life, but wasn't "One of those people". I wish I knew where to find her...
Yes, yes they are.
That said...perhaps my favorite woman of all time, the ONE I prolly should have married. Met randomly by an apt share advert in Sausalito, had grown up splitting time between Tiburon and Tahoe. Was a skier, but also chief assistant to the biggest name in Ski movies, when we met she was personal assistant to George Lucas. She had lived in those "Worlds" all her life, but wasn't "One of those people". I wish I knew where to find her...
Posted by: birddog at September 24, 2023 05:11 PM (1E8/t)
344
"This is a reimaging of HP's life and his first year at Hogwarts."
I read the first few chapters too, but then it was not clear whether this version of Harry Potter would turn out to be gay and I stopped. Perhaps you can help clarify.
I read the first few chapters too, but then it was not clear whether this version of Harry Potter would turn out to be gay and I stopped. Perhaps you can help clarify.
Posted by: PG at September 24, 2023 07:15 PM (afPT4)
345
"Smith and his wife for whom Ladysmith SA is named"
There's also Harrismith in the Free State (formerly the Orange Free State) named after Sir Harry (Henry) Smith.
There's also Harrismith in the Free State (formerly the Orange Free State) named after Sir Harry (Henry) Smith.
Posted by: Pope John 20th at September 24, 2023 08:07 PM (cYrkj)
346
245 I haven't read The Winds of War. Just saw that I can consume it via the UToobz, so I will.
Thanks Book Thread!
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 24, 2023 11:34 AM (NBVIP)
You will find that long stretches of the miniseries are word for word from the book. It helps that Herman Wouk wrote the screenplay.
Seriously. There is a section of the miniseries I call “the 15 minutes of television that previewed the next 40+ years” and I followed along with the novel. Word for word, just about. (And yes, there is a good version of the miniseries on YT you can see for free.)
Thanks Book Thread!
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 24, 2023 11:34 AM (NBVIP)
You will find that long stretches of the miniseries are word for word from the book. It helps that Herman Wouk wrote the screenplay.
Seriously. There is a section of the miniseries I call “the 15 minutes of television that previewed the next 40+ years” and I followed along with the novel. Word for word, just about. (And yes, there is a good version of the miniseries on YT you can see for free.)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at September 24, 2023 08:19 PM (8sMut)
347
Dearth of historical fiction? Maybe in English, in Catalan there's a lot of them: Consipracio al Tarraco: an alt history where Caesarion survives and plots his revenge. There 1715 trilogy about the siege of Barcelona.
Here's the biggest Catalan publisher's selection
https://www.grup62.cat/llibres/novela-historica/00013
11 pages representing 154 books.
Here's the biggest Catalan publisher's selection
https://www.grup62.cat/llibres/novela-historica/00013
11 pages representing 154 books.
Posted by: Xaver Basora at September 24, 2023 08:48 PM (14zVy)
348
330 -- I loved In This House of Brede. Packed into this one book are so many stkries. The nuns are not two dimensional. They experience the same problems of the outside world while raising apart from it.
Sad to say, I never got interested in another Rumer Godden book.
Sad to say, I never got interested in another Rumer Godden book.
Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- Persian cats are nothing more than 24/7 shedding machines. at September 24, 2023 11:03 PM (6TzTY)
349
Hi there would you mind stating which blog platform you're working with?
I'm going to start my own blog in the near future but I'm having a hard time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique.
P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
I'm going to start my own blog in the near future but I'm having a hard time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique.
P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Posted by: league predictions champions league predictions today at September 26, 2023 11:20 AM (3coTf)
350
Hello! I know this is kinda off topic however , I'd figured I'd ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing
a blog post or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same topics
as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from
each other. If you are interested feel free
to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Excellent blog by the way!
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing
a blog post or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same topics
as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from
each other. If you are interested feel free
to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Excellent blog by the way!
Posted by: free bet prediction at September 26, 2023 06:13 PM (3coTf)
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