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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 10-02-2022 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
++++++++++
PIC NOTE
Since it's now October, that means spookiness is in the air! I love October and Halloween. So why not celebrate with a "haunted" library pic? This is, of course, a still from the classic movie Ghostbusters. Naturally, you can find a lot of lists of haunted libraries out there. There is just something inherently creepy about stacks of moldy books in dank, ancient buildings. A library (not haunted) plays a prominent role in one of my favorite spooky books: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury. This was later made into one of the creepiest movies I've ever seen (by DISNEY!). DO "BEST OF" LISTS WORK? A popular pasttime of the internet is "lists" of things. Most of these are just clickbait timewasters. Fun to read through, but ultimately meaningless except for generating ad revenue. Lists of literature have been around quite a long time, with the NY Times Bestseller list being among the more famous. Here are a couple of lists from that bastion of journalistic excellence, Esquire: Now, I consider myself to be a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to fantasy and science fiction literature. But I must not run in the "right" circles, because I only recognized a fraction of these books. According to these "best of" lists, I've only read 34% of the "best" science fiction and only 18% of the "best" fantasy. I get the sense that Dune and Lord of the Rings are only as high on the lists as they are because the compilers of these lists grudgingly put them there, rather than out of any sense of actual desire to do so. For comparison, here are *MY* Top 50 selections in both Fantasy and Science Fiction... I found another list that is more my speed. It's notable that the compiler doesn't really put these in any order, but just recommends them as ten books based on Dungeons and Dragons. In this case, I own and have read each of these books multiple times. If you just want something fun to read, it's hard to go wrong with any of these (assuming you enjoy fantasy): Some of these are genuinely great, with complex characters and themes that withstand the test of time. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman are among the best fantasy authors of all time, IMHO. Richard A Knaak's The Legend of Huma is a throwback to classic chivalric romance novels. Here are a few more lists in other genres...- The 30 Best Mystery Books of All Time
- Best Mystery Books of All Time: Top 25 Novels
- The 60 Best Romance Novels to Sweep You Off Your Feet
- The 27 Greatest Romance Novels to Read in Your Lifetime
- The best war novels: 30 greatest war novels of all time
- The Best Western Books of All Time
- The 100 best nonfiction books of all time: the full list
- 10 Dino Erotica Books You Should Be Reading Right Now - Sadly, this is a REAL category...
(ht: sharon(willow's apprentice))
Wearing the Cat is a comic picaresque novel divided into two volumes: Wearing the Cat - The Complete Novel, Volume One and Wearing the Cat - The Complete Novel, Volume Two. Set in 1988, with America near the height of her power, prestige, and influence, Wearing the Cat concerns the exuberant and blackly comic misadventures of Lt. Nick McGill, dentist in the United States Navy Dental Corps. In Wearing the Cat, Lt Nick McGill feels that his life has gone wrong. He joined the Navy as a way to add excitement to his life only to discover a distinct lack of wine, women, and adventure in the day to day drill and fill of the Williamsville Naval Dental Clinic. Tooth decay? Oh, yeah. Plenty of that. Bad breath? Goes with the territory. The three little words? If only he didn't have to hear those three little words ever again. Worst of all, in his boredom and loneliness, McGill finds himself questioning past decisions, and feeling nostalgic about past girlfriends. Perhaps all he needs to do is to get laid. When into his life steps his new, wondrously sexy Dental Assistant, DT2 Sayers. That is, Dental Technician Second Class Sayers. But, there's a problem. Well, actually, two problems. One, sex between officers and enlisted, dating even, is fraternization, a court-martial offense, which McGill's Commanding Officer, the Old Man, is a stickler for. That is, when not giving McGill the kind of lecture which makes him want to count the freckles on his arm. And two, there are rumors that DT2 Sayers got kicked out of Japan. By the Japanese government. What is that all about? McGill's idiotic yet brilliant solutions to his dilemmas lead to an exquisite series of surprises, twists, shocks, and laughs as just about everything that could possibly go wrong for McGill does. And changes his life forever. Wry and ribald, deeply human and wildly hilarious, sexy and subversive, with excellent oral hygiene, Wearing the Cat is a fun, funny, and satisfying read.
Comment: I like to include recommendations of Moron-Authored books when I can. It's just a way to show support and encourage other aspiring Moron Authors to take a chance...
Been reading that A.H. Llloyd guy's Long Live Death. It's amusing (and not so much) to see how the commies have been consistently asshoe over the years. There are definitely some similarities to our current situation, but it has also got me thinking about the possible / likely *differences*. Posted by: Helena Handbasket at September 25, 2022 09:12 AM (llON
Comment: Doc Savage is a larger-than-life character that inspired numerous comic book heroes and other pulp-fiction characters. I may have to try one of these books someday because they do sound like fun...
Among the stuff, I found a box full of the Kenneth Robeson Doc Savage paperbacks (I think Robeson was just a pen name for these, which were reprints of the original stories). Back in the 70s, I bought every one of these as soon as they were released using the money I earned from my paper route. I couldn't believe she kept them. Brought a tear to my eye. They had great covers. https://tinyurl.com/2h2tu2fy Anyway, I've been reading through them again this week. They fit in the guilty pleasure category. Having a ton of fun. (It's a little weird holding these books again that I last held as a boy.) Posted by: Biergood at September 25, 2022 09:33 AM (FQWHA)
Comment: Climbing Mt. Everest is no easy task, even with all of the modern equipment and science at our disposal. It takes a lot of courage and fortitude. Wouldn't catch me doing it, that's for sure...
Picked up and read (for a second time) in one day, The Climb by Anatoli Boukreev and G. Weston DeWalt, an alternate telling of the story of the multiple deaths that occurred on Mt. Everest on May 10 - 11, 1996. Boukreev was the sole non-native person (and a guide on one of the commercial teams) who spent most of the night of May 10 - 11 out searching for climbers lost on the South Col in the blizzard that had hindered their return to Camp IV. His is a compelling account and his courage was beyond doubt. Of course someone found fault with the man -- Jon Krakauer, author of Into Thin Air (and also on the mountain) -- and published misleading falsehoods regarding Boukreev's actions and motivation despite the latter having spoken and written to him in order to convey the true story. I felt nothing but contempt for Krakauer upon finishing this book. Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at September 25, 2022 10:07 AM (pNxlR)
Comment: It looks like Richard Llewellyn has written a number of books. It could be a challenge to find some of his books, however. Other than How Green Was My Valley, it's unclear how many of them might still remain in print. This is why we have used bookstores. Good luck hunting down his books, Fen! More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (430 Moron-recommended books so far!)
I mentioned yesterday or Friday that after rewatching the movie How Green Was My Valley I decided to re-read the book which I read probably 20 years ago or more. It is a lovely book about family and faith and miners in Wales. The library did not have any other of his books. I'd like to see other things which he wrote. Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 25, 2022 10:34 AM (vci4Q)
WHAT I'VE ACQUIRED THIS PAST WEEK: Picked up the following from the Community Bookshelf outside the English Department. Good finds, but I've noticed that these books often come with annotations in the margins, which is kind of annoying. I don't like other people's notations in "my" books (yes, I realize they belonged to someone else who has cast them aside for me to now enjoy).
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley -- I already own a copy, but this one is in better shape and has fewer annotations
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde -- Always nice to have a classic, plus it's relatively short. And for some reason I always thought it was called The PORTRAIT of Dorian Gray.
- King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard -- Classic pulp fiction that influenced numerous other authors such as Edgar Rice Burroughs and H.P. Lovecraft (and probably Robert E. Howard as well).
- Firstborn by Paul B. Thompson & Tonya C. Carter -- Book I of Dragonlance: Elven Nations Trilogy which is basically a history of how the Qualinesti elves separated from their Silvanesti kin
- The Kinslayer Wars by Douglas Niles -- Book II of Dragonlance: Elven Nations Trilogy
- Qualinesti by Paul B. Thompson & Tonya C. Carter -- Book III of Dragonlance: Elven Nations Trilogy
("Huggy" Squirrel reading up on how to wear a cat!)
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Tolle Lege
Posted by: Skip at October 02, 2022 09:00 AM (xhxe8)
2
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 09:01 AM (7EjX1)
3
Finished Dominic Lieven Russia Against Napoleon
And starting a more technical manual
Tactics of the Russian Army in the Napoleonic Wars by Alexander and Yurit Zhmodikov
And starting a more technical manual
Tactics of the Russian Army in the Napoleonic Wars by Alexander and Yurit Zhmodikov
Posted by: Skip at October 02, 2022 09:02 AM (xhxe8)
4
Those pants are fine. I guess.
Posted by: Eye Dunno at October 02, 2022 09:03 AM (sn5EN)
5
Did you ever think Casper through? He's a dead kid.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:03 AM (7bRMQ)
6
Wearing the Cat is included in Amazon Unlimited
Posted by: rhennigantx at October 02, 2022 09:04 AM (BRHaw)
7
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman are among the best fantasy authors of all time, IMHO
---
I did not think that sentence would ever be uttered in seriousness.
---
I did not think that sentence would ever be uttered in seriousness.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:05 AM (llXky)
8
Since it's October, Perfessor, any nominations for a list of the best ghost writers?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:05 AM (7bRMQ)
9
Point being to demonstrate exactly how units operated in warfare in my Napoleonic era armies
Posted by: Skip at October 02, 2022 09:05 AM (xhxe8)
10
That fantasy list is shit. Martin, Sanderson, Tolkien and Jordan with a bunch who I have never even heard of. Gaiman, I have heard of but was never a fan.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:06 AM (dNqv+)
11
"Did you ever think Casper through? He's a dead kid."
His mom used her right to choose. He should have haunted her.
His mom used her right to choose. He should have haunted her.
Posted by: fd at October 02, 2022 09:06 AM (sn5EN)
12
My 8th grade English teacher told me to stop making every assignment about A Clockwork Orange. Not sure its "science fiction" though.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:06 AM (EZebt)
13
Wearing the Cat is included in Amazon Unlimited
Posted by: rhennigantx at October 02, 2022 09:04 AM (BRHaw)
---
I've read it and it's got some great moments.
If you like the "escalating absurdity" thing where plausible events snowball, it's a treat.
Posted by: rhennigantx at October 02, 2022 09:04 AM (BRHaw)
---
I've read it and it's got some great moments.
If you like the "escalating absurdity" thing where plausible events snowball, it's a treat.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:06 AM (llXky)
Posted by: Barky McDogeaterface at October 02, 2022 09:07 AM (sn5EN)
15
Steven Erikson is an overlooked gem. Came up about the same time as Martin so did the tragic thing (without quite the sadistic/pedophilic edge of Martin.) There is a lot of good stuff in his Malazan Book of the Fallen series.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:07 AM (dNqv+)
16
The Godfather is a mystery book?
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:08 AM (Zzbjj)
17
I read The Man Behind The Curtain: Inside the Secret Network of George Soros by Matt Palumbo. This thin volume details Soros' involvement in foreign regime changes, currency collapses, education, Secretary of State and DA elections here in the United States, and his interference in the 2020 Presidential election. A man who never builds but only destroys.
Posted by: Zoltan at October 02, 2022 09:08 AM (xpLRw)
18
Since it's October, Perfessor, any nominations for a list of the best ghost writers?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:05 AM (7bRMQ)
---
Jonah Goldberg's mom - or whoever it was that wrote Liberal Fascism. Jonah obviously never read it, much less wrote it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:05 AM (7bRMQ)
---
Jonah Goldberg's mom - or whoever it was that wrote Liberal Fascism. Jonah obviously never read it, much less wrote it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:08 AM (llXky)
19
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman are among the best fantasy authors of all time, IMHO
---
I did not think that sentence would ever be uttered in seriousness.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:05 AM (llXky)
---
As a team, they are really, really good. Weis provides the characters and dialog. Hickman is a world builder and ideas man...
---
I did not think that sentence would ever be uttered in seriousness.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:05 AM (llXky)
---
As a team, they are really, really good. Weis provides the characters and dialog. Hickman is a world builder and ideas man...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:09 AM (K5n5d)
20
Book sighting!
I saw a Carol Burnett sketch last week in which she's trying to read a book while a smarmy guy tries to chat her up. I recognized the front and back covers of her paperback -- Executioner No. 25, "Colorado Kill-Zone." I own it, along with the rest of the original Executioner series.
Call me sexist, but I never imagined any woman reading that series.
I saw a Carol Burnett sketch last week in which she's trying to read a book while a smarmy guy tries to chat her up. I recognized the front and back covers of her paperback -- Executioner No. 25, "Colorado Kill-Zone." I own it, along with the rest of the original Executioner series.
Call me sexist, but I never imagined any woman reading that series.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 02, 2022 09:09 AM (Om/di)
21
That list of Best Fantasy Novels...hmmm. Seems to have a recency (is that a word?) bias and a relevancy and representation bias.
With a few exceptions, I haven't heard of any of these.
With a few exceptions, I haven't heard of any of these.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 09:09 AM (Dc2NZ)
22
I finished "Shield." I thought it would be an adventure tale, but it was much more a political essay. With his deep skepticism of what we now call the Deep State, Poul Anderson could have been one of the Horde, were he with us today.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 02, 2022 09:10 AM (Om/di)
23
Really enjoying Willard Sterne Randall's "Unshackling America: How the War of 1812 Truly Ended the American Revolution".
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 only halted the overt conflict of the Revolutionary War and granted political autonomy, but it did not guarantee American economic independence and agency. For fully three more contentious decades that led to another war -- the War of 1812 -- Britain continued to deny the United States sovereignty.
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 only halted the overt conflict of the Revolutionary War and granted political autonomy, but it did not guarantee American economic independence and agency. For fully three more contentious decades that led to another war -- the War of 1812 -- Britain continued to deny the United States sovereignty.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 09:11 AM (Dc2NZ)
24
I read Esquire when I was a college twit.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:11 AM (EZebt)
25
21 Recent means "inclusive"
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:11 AM (Zzbjj)
26
Steven Erikson is an overlooked gem. Came up about the same time as Martin so did the tragic thing (without quite the sadistic/pedophilic edge of Martin.) There is a lot of good stuff in his Malazan Book of the Fallen series.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:07 AM (dNqv+)
----
After I finish Wheel of Time this year, that series is next on my list of epics for next year (reading one book a month).
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:07 AM (dNqv+)
----
After I finish Wheel of Time this year, that series is next on my list of epics for next year (reading one book a month).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:11 AM (K5n5d)
27
For a change of pace, I picked up one of Donald Westlake's early crime comedy novels, "The Busy Body." Charlie, a drug courier for Duh Mob, suffers a fatal heart attack, and he's buried in his best suit, chosen by his widow. Whoops -- that's the suit he wore for his drug runs, and that means $250,000 worth of heroin is six feet underground. The big boss assigns his top aide (Aloysius, the central character) to dig up the grave that night. But the grave is empty!
Where's Charlie? Can Al find him before the boss decides to fire him -- or fire at him?
Oh, it's so nice to laugh again.
Where's Charlie? Can Al find him before the boss decides to fire him -- or fire at him?
Oh, it's so nice to laugh again.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 02, 2022 09:11 AM (Om/di)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 09:12 AM (Dc2NZ)
29
Good Sunday morning, horde!
For my family book club, my daughter wanted creepy or spooky books for October. So I suggested Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher, which has been in my TBR list for about 45 years.
I am underwhelmed. Man, is that guy verbose! I suppose it was creepy enough in its day, but didn't seem scary by today's standards.
So, my daughter's choice is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. A young woman who can see ghosts is given a scholarship at Yale in exchange for keeping tabs on the activities of the secret societies. It's fascinating so far.
For my family book club, my daughter wanted creepy or spooky books for October. So I suggested Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher, which has been in my TBR list for about 45 years.
I am underwhelmed. Man, is that guy verbose! I suppose it was creepy enough in its day, but didn't seem scary by today's standards.
So, my daughter's choice is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. A young woman who can see ghosts is given a scholarship at Yale in exchange for keeping tabs on the activities of the secret societies. It's fascinating so far.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:13 AM (OX9vb)
30
Okay, more Weiss and Hickman spleen.
On the advice of an (ex) friend, I bought the Dragonlance Chronicles, which were abjectly terrible. Still, I was told to stick with it, so then I did the next series with Big Dumb Bro and Hourglass Eyes and that was even more painful.
A new series came out, and that had Legend of Huma, which was half-decent. But the next one was tooth-grindingly bad.
The only positive thing about the series was the Tales series, which were short story compilations set in the world and which used some of the characters. Volume III was the big payoff because a contributor did a parodic retelling of the whole story that made me weep with laughter because it was so spot on. Just a brutal take-down of all the characters being total idiots and the real brains (a gnome) was written out of the story.
I disliked them so much, I purged them from the collection some years ago.
On the advice of an (ex) friend, I bought the Dragonlance Chronicles, which were abjectly terrible. Still, I was told to stick with it, so then I did the next series with Big Dumb Bro and Hourglass Eyes and that was even more painful.
A new series came out, and that had Legend of Huma, which was half-decent. But the next one was tooth-grindingly bad.
The only positive thing about the series was the Tales series, which were short story compilations set in the world and which used some of the characters. Volume III was the big payoff because a contributor did a parodic retelling of the whole story that made me weep with laughter because it was so spot on. Just a brutal take-down of all the characters being total idiots and the real brains (a gnome) was written out of the story.
I disliked them so much, I purged them from the collection some years ago.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:13 AM (llXky)
31
I read a lot of the Doc Savage books, picking them up at the used book store. They were pretty great. There was a summer movie series at a local theater, you paid, I don't know, $15 and you could go to 10 out of 15 movies on the punchcard or something. Anyway, Doc Savage: Man of Bronze was scheduled and I could not wait! Arrived at the theater and there was some problem with delivery, it was not Doc Savage, it was Pippi Longstocking.
I don't think I have ever gotten over it. Now I have to find if it is available online somewhere.
I don't think I have ever gotten over it. Now I have to find if it is available online somewhere.
Posted by: blaster at October 02, 2022 09:13 AM (pwExq)
32
There are so many great works missing from that list.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:14 AM (EZebt)
33
In my Zoom book club, we have been using the Hugo as a filter for whether something is SciFi or not.
Some questionable things fall into the category.
Some questionable things fall into the category.
Posted by: blaster at October 02, 2022 09:16 AM (pwExq)
34
IMO, someone else's annotations can either add to or subtract reading value from a book. If a note makes me think of something that I wouldn't have, that's a plus. If someone felt the need to write "Duh" in the margin, well, that's just defacing the book. In college, I always looked for used textbooks where someone had marked up what I would have marked up. Ones where someone had highlighted entire paragraphs and pages went back on the stack.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 09:18 AM (nfrXX)
35
BOOKZZZ!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 09:18 AM (2xlV3)
36
You can't go wrong with King Solomon's Mines. Haggard is always a fun read, especially if you can forget the last 100-plus years and get in the mindset of of a Victorian era reader. The man didn't just tell great stories. There are moments of sarcasm (especially regarding politicians) and humor.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 09:18 AM (7EjX1)
37
After I finish Wheel of Time this year, that series is next on my list of epics for next year (reading one book a month).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:11 AM (K5n5d)
Good luck. It takes a bit of getting used to (especially if you are coming off Jordan.) He has a... casual manner with his characters. It is an odd series.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:11 AM (K5n5d)
Good luck. It takes a bit of getting used to (especially if you are coming off Jordan.) He has a... casual manner with his characters. It is an odd series.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:19 AM (dNqv+)
38
As a team, they are really, really good. Weis provides the characters and dialog. Hickman is a world builder and ideas man...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:09 AM (K5n5d)
---
Maybe they got better in later work, but the Dragonlance stuff was a hot mess, with continuity errors all over the place.
I actually got into the setting, had the dungeons and even the wargame, but the world didn't work as written. Maybe they retconned it or did something else that was good.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:09 AM (K5n5d)
---
Maybe they got better in later work, but the Dragonlance stuff was a hot mess, with continuity errors all over the place.
I actually got into the setting, had the dungeons and even the wargame, but the world didn't work as written. Maybe they retconned it or did something else that was good.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:20 AM (llXky)
39
Daughter asked me what a book club was. I gave her the standard answer. I later found a paper on her homework desk, written up like a flyer saying "Book Club" at the top. I'll have to ask her if she's planning on starting one or she's just playing around with it. She does a lot of craft type things already: paper puppets, her own stickers, drawings and other things like that. The thing is, she's said she doesn't like to read much....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:20 AM (7bRMQ)
40
Weis did a fantasy/sci-fi series called Star of the Guardian about 20 years ago. It followed the same pattern as many series. The first book was lightning (I bought it in an airport to read on a plane.) The follow ups lost the magic.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:20 AM (dNqv+)
41
#10
10. Pimp Dino by Tani Fredricks
10. Pimp Dino by Tani Fredricks
Posted by: rhennigantx at October 02, 2022 09:21 AM (BRHaw)
42
Add:
I, Robot by Asimov
1985 by Burgess
The first Retief by Laumer
Make Room, Make Room! by Harrison
This Perfect Day by Levin
I, Robot by Asimov
1985 by Burgess
The first Retief by Laumer
Make Room, Make Room! by Harrison
This Perfect Day by Levin
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:21 AM (EZebt)
43
Mark Twain
ersonal Recollections of Joan of Arc...the turn of phrases and typical daily words of the late 19th century yo!!! I wanted something completely different, and I got it!!!
ersonal Recollections of Joan of Arc...the turn of phrases and typical daily words of the late 19th century yo!!! I wanted something completely different, and I got it!!!Posted by: Qmark at October 02, 2022 09:22 AM (ttO/Q)
44
Most of my reading, but not all, has been in art related books, both how-to draw stuff and appreciating art. That can be how to use pen and ink and the works of Beatrix Potter and other classics with the original illustrations. It's pleasant and educational.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 09:23 AM (7EjX1)
45
Weis did a fantasy/sci-fi series called Star of the Guardian about 20 years ago. It followed the same pattern as many series. The first book was lightning (I bought it in an airport to read on a plane.) The follow ups lost the magic.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:20 AM (dNqv+)
---
Hilariously, the plot is the exact *opposite* of Star Wars, where the heroes are trying to take down a corrupt republic and establish the rightful monarchy.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:20 AM (dNqv+)
---
Hilariously, the plot is the exact *opposite* of Star Wars, where the heroes are trying to take down a corrupt republic and establish the rightful monarchy.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:23 AM (K5n5d)
46
OrangeEnt, how old is your daughter? Maybe she feels like she wants to like to read, and a shared experience would make it more fun for her?
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:24 AM (OX9vb)
47
Reading-wise, I finished Peter Kemp's memoir of the Spanish Civil War, Mine Were of Trouble, and am looking forward to continuing the series as he goes into World War II.
Kemp is one of those marvelous Englishmen that seek out adventure almost as an afterthought. "Nothing planned for the month, old shoe, thought I'd go to Spain for a lark." And everyone in society thought that made sense!
When he isn't in the front line, he's bumping into school chums, or friends of friends just larking around as journalists or volunteers. Crazy stuff and well-written.
Kemp is one of those marvelous Englishmen that seek out adventure almost as an afterthought. "Nothing planned for the month, old shoe, thought I'd go to Spain for a lark." And everyone in society thought that made sense!
When he isn't in the front line, he's bumping into school chums, or friends of friends just larking around as journalists or volunteers. Crazy stuff and well-written.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:24 AM (llXky)
48
Morning again, all! Having breakfast and perusing the Book Thread is one of my week's highlights.
Wearing the Cat sounds dynamite -- like one of those charming books the Reader's Digest used to pop into their Condensed Books series.
My own news: The Writers of the Future Contest tapped my long short story, "Elephants' Graveyard," as an Honorable Mention in the last quarter! No, no money involved -- that's for the 1st to 3rd winners. But it's a star for the resume. It also tells me that the story itself is worthy of attention. There are places in it where I can see how to "hook" more events and incidents, and action and suspense as well as emotional moments, to make, perhaps, a novel.
Encouraged, I've submitted another story to them for this quarter.
Wearing the Cat sounds dynamite -- like one of those charming books the Reader's Digest used to pop into their Condensed Books series.
My own news: The Writers of the Future Contest tapped my long short story, "Elephants' Graveyard," as an Honorable Mention in the last quarter! No, no money involved -- that's for the 1st to 3rd winners. But it's a star for the resume. It also tells me that the story itself is worthy of attention. There are places in it where I can see how to "hook" more events and incidents, and action and suspense as well as emotional moments, to make, perhaps, a novel.
Encouraged, I've submitted another story to them for this quarter.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (c6xtn)
49
I am rereading A Farewell to Arms. I joined an online group, and the posts made me want to revisit it.
Hemingway has a lot of detractors here, but who cares?
Hemingway has a lot of detractors here, but who cares?
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (Zzbjj)
50
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:20 AM (llXky)
The thing about Dragonlance is: generic fantasy world (with the aforementioned dragons front and center.) A handful of great and interesting characters. They seemed to have a theme: Characters falling into darkness and evil and the characters who are tempted to it by their attraction to those characters. I think that is mostly Weis because she had the same kind of themes in her Star of the Guardian series.
Dragonlance would probably seem pretty bad if I went back and read it now (I have the books around here somewhere) but I remember it fondly at least. Scratched a romantic itch back when.
The thing about Dragonlance is: generic fantasy world (with the aforementioned dragons front and center.) A handful of great and interesting characters. They seemed to have a theme: Characters falling into darkness and evil and the characters who are tempted to it by their attraction to those characters. I think that is mostly Weis because she had the same kind of themes in her Star of the Guardian series.
Dragonlance would probably seem pretty bad if I went back and read it now (I have the books around here somewhere) but I remember it fondly at least. Scratched a romantic itch back when.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (dNqv+)
51
The only list "Catherynne Valente" belongs on is "most cringe-worthy fake-sounding name ever".
Yeah, they compiled this list by collecting a steaming pile of the latest trendy woke crap and sprinkling a few actual classics on top in an attempt to hide the stench.
Yeah, they compiled this list by collecting a steaming pile of the latest trendy woke crap and sprinkling a few actual classics on top in an attempt to hide the stench.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:26 AM (bW8dp)
52
News here trying to goose the known-death figures from Ian by adding Cuban and U.S. totals together.
Posted by: andycanuck at October 02, 2022 09:26 AM (yikp0)
53
43 Mark Twain's Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc...the turn of phrases and typical daily words of the late 19th century yo!!! I wanted something completely different, and I got it!!!
Posted by: Qmark
I have a copy of that, found at the used book store. I haven't read it yet--I think I'll strategically pull that out a little on the shelf so it will stand out when I'm looking for a new and different read.
Soon as I finish these others I'm reading.
Posted by: Qmark
I have a copy of that, found at the used book store. I haven't read it yet--I think I'll strategically pull that out a little on the shelf so it will stand out when I'm looking for a new and different read.
Soon as I finish these others I'm reading.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:26 AM (OX9vb)
54
Hemingway has a lot of detractors here, but who cares?
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (Zzbjj)
Hemmingway is a natural sprinter. It is when I get bogged down in the full book that I start having problems.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (Zzbjj)
Hemmingway is a natural sprinter. It is when I get bogged down in the full book that I start having problems.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:26 AM (dNqv+)
55
Oh, it is the month for spookiness. These days, to me, that means TexMoMe, Oktoberfest, and cursing at fallen leaves.
But in the realm of fright, I just picked up a new reprint of four Lovecraft tales. Spur-of-the-moment purchase despite my statements that I have topped out on book acquisitions. As my future daughter-in-law said, "Stop lying to yourself."
And maybe I will resume and finish the horror comics series "Ghosted," which begins with a master thief who is recruited to steal a ghost.
But in the realm of fright, I just picked up a new reprint of four Lovecraft tales. Spur-of-the-moment purchase despite my statements that I have topped out on book acquisitions. As my future daughter-in-law said, "Stop lying to yourself."
And maybe I will resume and finish the horror comics series "Ghosted," which begins with a master thief who is recruited to steal a ghost.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 02, 2022 09:27 AM (Om/di)
56
Congratulations Wolfus
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:28 AM (EZebt)
57
The Godfather is a mystery book?
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022
***
A "crime" novel rather than a mystery. Some people lump them all together, as they do science fiction and fantasy. Pay no attention to such people; they probably are sitll wearing masks everywhere.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022
***
A "crime" novel rather than a mystery. Some people lump them all together, as they do science fiction and fantasy. Pay no attention to such people; they probably are sitll wearing masks everywhere.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:28 AM (c6xtn)
58
Four or five years ago, I added "The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet" to my (Kindle) reading stack on the recommendation of a co-worker. I never got around to it because I sort of assumed it would be a "message" book. I finally started it this week and have to say that it's better than I expected. I haven't finished it yet so there might still be some in-your-face moralizing at the end.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 09:29 AM (nfrXX)
59
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (c6xtn)
Very good news!
Very good news!
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:29 AM (Zzbjj)
60
OrangeEnt, how old is your daughter? Maybe she feels like she wants to like to read, and a shared experience would make it more fun for her?
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:24 AM (OX9vb)
She's ten, April. She attends a classical curriculum charter school, so they read the classic novels. Her cousin in the mid-west reads a lot of books-but her mom pays her to-so I'm thinking it's just something between the girls.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:24 AM (OX9vb)
She's ten, April. She attends a classical curriculum charter school, so they read the classic novels. Her cousin in the mid-west reads a lot of books-but her mom pays her to-so I'm thinking it's just something between the girls.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:29 AM (7bRMQ)
61
A handful of great and interesting characters. T
Dragonlance would probably seem pretty bad if I went back and read it now (I have the books around here somewhere) but I remember it fondly at least. Scratched a romantic itch back when.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (dNqv+)
---
The most interesting characters died stupidly, and whenever Weis and Hickman had a chance to elevate the plot into something noteworthy, they went the other way.
I did actually re-read part of it some years later, and that's where the defects became glaring. For example, two characters meet for the first time in years. First character: "Wow, check out your new armor! Where did you get that?"
"It is all I have of my father." Later on in the same scene the first character muses that the armor has more dents and wear than it did the last time he saw it. REALLY? Did the guy fall down some stairs in the few minutes that elapsed? Stupid stuff.
Dragonlance would probably seem pretty bad if I went back and read it now (I have the books around here somewhere) but I remember it fondly at least. Scratched a romantic itch back when.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (dNqv+)
---
The most interesting characters died stupidly, and whenever Weis and Hickman had a chance to elevate the plot into something noteworthy, they went the other way.
I did actually re-read part of it some years later, and that's where the defects became glaring. For example, two characters meet for the first time in years. First character: "Wow, check out your new armor! Where did you get that?"
"It is all I have of my father." Later on in the same scene the first character muses that the armor has more dents and wear than it did the last time he saw it. REALLY? Did the guy fall down some stairs in the few minutes that elapsed? Stupid stuff.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:31 AM (llXky)
62
A "crime" novel rather than a mystery. Some people lump them all together, as they do science fiction and fantasy. Pay no attention to such people; they probably are sitll wearing masks everywhere.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:28 AM (c6xtn)
I generally ignore modern best book, or best anything, lists. They tend to be ideologically driven, and in the case of the "mysteries", use impaired definitions.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:28 AM (c6xtn)
I generally ignore modern best book, or best anything, lists. They tend to be ideologically driven, and in the case of the "mysteries", use impaired definitions.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:31 AM (Zzbjj)
63
I haven't perused the lists above except the 35 Best Western Movies, which I think MisHum linked to last week sometime. But the value on these lists is twofold:
1) You may run across a gem, something you think is a gem, that you'd missed before
2) The compiler of the list is a name you should remember. If his list does indeed provide good reading value, look for his name in future. If the list is drek, look for his name -- and avoid it.
1) You may run across a gem, something you think is a gem, that you'd missed before
2) The compiler of the list is a name you should remember. If his list does indeed provide good reading value, look for his name in future. If the list is drek, look for his name -- and avoid it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:32 AM (c6xtn)
64
She's ten, April. She attends a classical curriculum charter school, so they read the classic novels. Her cousin in the mid-west reads a lot of books-but her mom pays her to-so I'm thinking it's just something between the girls.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:29 AM (7bRMQ)
===
But this exposes her to subversive and poisonous ideas!
--the NEA
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:29 AM (7bRMQ)
===
But this exposes her to subversive and poisonous ideas!
--the NEA
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (EZebt)
65
Great thread, Perfessor!
The clickbait lists of today are created by sub-literate wokesters who's only acquaintance with the books referenced: they were mentioned during a conversation over their chai latte at the local hipster coffee shop.
The clickbait lists of today are created by sub-literate wokesters who's only acquaintance with the books referenced: they were mentioned during a conversation over their chai latte at the local hipster coffee shop.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (5pTK/)
66
I am rereading A Farewell to Arms. I joined an online group, and the posts made me want to revisit it.
Hemingway has a lot of detractors here, but who cares?
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (Zzbjj)
---
I think it's one of his better works. Crisp, gets to the point.
Hemingway has a lot of detractors here, but who cares?
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (Zzbjj)
---
I think it's one of his better works. Crisp, gets to the point.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (llXky)
67
I've been reading the Kinsey Millhone books by Sue Grafton. I have no idea how I missed them when they first came out, must have been reading something else. It's interesting to go back to life in the 1980s before cell phones and the internet made everything so easy to find. They are funny and smart and it's just too bad there will never be a Z.
Posted by: huerfano, stochastic commenter at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (dTFZY)
68
Lists usually suck.
Wearing the Cat rapidly escalates to retarded unreadability, and if a physical copy, would have been tossed 3/4 through into the fire starter bucket.
I hate myself and should die in a fire.
Lists usually suck.
Wearing the Cat rapidly escalates to retarded unreadability, and if a physical copy, would have been tossed 3/4 through into the fire starter bucket.
I hate myself and should die in a fire.
Posted by: G. Soros, Esq. at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (/DEJZ)
69
There was an interesting series by... Alan Dean Foster about 20 years ago called... (had to go look the book up) The Damned. It was interesting because it had the traditional 'Aliens come to Earth' set up, but changed a few key components. Humans are not dominated by the aliens, but compared to the races of the galaxy are penultimate warriors. Faster reflexes, aggression, strength, they quickly dominate the landscape of the great galactic conflict (which the aliens first came to earth looking for allies.)
I am not sure it ever fulfilled it's promise, but it was an interesting idea.
I am not sure it ever fulfilled it's promise, but it was an interesting idea.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (dNqv+)
70
The clickbait lists of today are created by sub-literate wokesters who's only acquaintance with the books referenced: they were mentioned during a conversation over their chai latte at the local hipster coffee shop.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (5pTK/)
---
Remember when Evelyn Waugh was listed among great female writers? Utter idiots.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (5pTK/)
---
Remember when Evelyn Waugh was listed among great female writers? Utter idiots.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:34 AM (llXky)
71
My reading is increasingly for pleasure and hobbies. To that end I dug out my copy of "The Old Man and the Boy" by Robert Ruark and have the "Liturgical Mysteries series at hand. Pat McManus may also put in an appearance. No politics, no current 'culture' or fashions. Just enjoyment of the words (anything by CS Lewis, Tolkien, and poets) and illustrations from classics.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 09:34 AM (7EjX1)
72
Spur-of-the-moment purchase despite my statements that I have topped out on book acquisitions. As my future daughter-in-law said, "Stop lying to yourself."
----
I tell myself I'm getting hard copies for my Redoubt Library. Those editions of "Rocket To the Morgue" or "Robot Brains" may be the only ones left after the Robo-Zombie-Alien-SMODpocalypse.
----
I tell myself I'm getting hard copies for my Redoubt Library. Those editions of "Rocket To the Morgue" or "Robot Brains" may be the only ones left after the Robo-Zombie-Alien-SMODpocalypse.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 09:34 AM (Dc2NZ)
73
As we approach Halloween, one of the truly great short stories in the ghostly tale field is "Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad" by M.R. James. It is amazingly creepy and effective, and will make you nervous about walking on deserted beaches -- and about handling flutes.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:35 AM (c6xtn)
74
Encouraged, I've submitted another story to them for this quarter.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (c6xtn)
Don't forget to make it available for us here!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:25 AM (c6xtn)
Don't forget to make it available for us here!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:35 AM (7bRMQ)
75
"It is all I have of my father." Later on in the same scene the first character muses that the armor has more dents and wear than it did the last time he saw it. REALLY? Did the guy fall down some stairs in the few minutes that elapsed? Stupid stuff.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:31 AM (llXky)
Ahhh, the 'Knight' character. A lot of those works from that period seem to be all the authors setting up with the rules of whatever Roleplaying game and building characters for a session, then making it a book series.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:31 AM (llXky)
Ahhh, the 'Knight' character. A lot of those works from that period seem to be all the authors setting up with the rules of whatever Roleplaying game and building characters for a session, then making it a book series.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:35 AM (dNqv+)
76
Reading (re-reading after many years) James Buchanan’s 98 page “Cost and Choice.” “Cost” is the simplest concept in the world… which is why everyone in the world - including economists - gets it totally confused and wrong. Brilliant, important, and enlightening book. Also surprisingly enjoyable.
Posted by: Durak Kazyol at October 02, 2022 09:35 AM (4zxRq)
77
Perfessor,
Absolutely prefer your list to the woke schlock on the other lists. Major Props for rating Tad Williams so high. Loved "Green Angel Tower" (parts 1 & 2). May have to pull them out of the shelf after I finish Jordan (currently stalled halfway thru "Gathering Storm, which is where Brandon Sanderson took over).
-SLV
Absolutely prefer your list to the woke schlock on the other lists. Major Props for rating Tad Williams so high. Loved "Green Angel Tower" (parts 1 & 2). May have to pull them out of the shelf after I finish Jordan (currently stalled halfway thru "Gathering Storm, which is where Brandon Sanderson took over).
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at October 02, 2022 09:36 AM (SEa82)
78
I'm still reading my way through Miranda Jones' "Cat in the Stacks" cozy mysteries series, nice gentle tales of a Mississippi librarian and his Maine Coon.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (Dc2NZ)
79
I'd like to know how Joe Haldeman's "the Forever War" isn't on that list. When that book came out, it was pretty ground breaking.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (5pTK/)
80
Wearing the Cat rapidly escalates to retarded unreadability, and if a physical copy, would have been tossed 3/4 through into the fire starter bucket.
No really, what did you think? That's kind of harsh but I will admit that I started it, put it down, and haven't picked it back up. That's not necessarily a pan though, since I do that with many books.
No really, what did you think? That's kind of harsh but I will admit that I started it, put it down, and haven't picked it back up. That's not necessarily a pan though, since I do that with many books.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (nfrXX)
81
66. It's my favorite of his novels. His poetry, isn't. I like a lot of his stories, and I very much enjoyed the published letters.
A Moveable Feast is another favorite of mine. I read it the first time at age 15. I spent that summer babysitting at a cousin's lake house, and was allowed to use anything from their library. The wife was an English major and had a great collection.
A Moveable Feast is another favorite of mine. I read it the first time at age 15. I spent that summer babysitting at a cousin's lake house, and was allowed to use anything from their library. The wife was an English major and had a great collection.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (Zzbjj)
82
She attends a classical curriculum charter school, so they read the classic novels. Her cousin in the mid-west reads a lot of books-but her mom pays her to-so I'm thinking it's just something between the girls.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Oh! I'll bet she's just tired of her curriculum. Maybe she wants to read something a little more modern and fun. Whichever, I hope she forms her book club and develops a true love for reading.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Oh! I'll bet she's just tired of her curriculum. Maybe she wants to read something a little more modern and fun. Whichever, I hope she forms her book club and develops a true love for reading.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (OX9vb)
83
"Few young adult fantasy novels have been as instantly successful as Adeyemi’s 2018 debut."
Amazon sales rank: #42,000 (~7 copies sold per day)
Compare to Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein, written well over 60 years ago.
Amazon sales rank: #7,491 (~21 copies sold per day)
Amazon sales rank: #42,000 (~7 copies sold per day)
Compare to Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein, written well over 60 years ago.
Amazon sales rank: #7,491 (~21 copies sold per day)
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (bW8dp)
84
I read King Solomon's Mines to my kids when they were young. Entertaining for a book written in less than a week.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 02, 2022 09:38 AM (EDLpL)
85
the Robo-Zombie-Alien-SMODpocalypse
Boy, doesn't that sound as if it would make a wild book or series!
Boy, doesn't that sound as if it would make a wild book or series!
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 02, 2022 09:38 AM (Om/di)
86
I was glad to see RA Salvator at the top of the list for DnD books. I've read all of them and they were the only ones I could get through. The others in the TSR series just flop with me before about page 20.
I started into the Halflings Gem as a get the grandkid to go to sleep book and failed miserably. He is glued every night. I have to stop or he'll let me read all night. Totally into the story.
Not many Kindergarteners know what Scrimshaw is.
Fewer know what a Dark Elf is.
He wants to be Drizzit for Halloween.
I started into the Halflings Gem as a get the grandkid to go to sleep book and failed miserably. He is glued every night. I have to stop or he'll let me read all night. Totally into the story.
Not many Kindergarteners know what Scrimshaw is.
Fewer know what a Dark Elf is.
He wants to be Drizzit for Halloween.
Posted by: Reforger at October 02, 2022 09:39 AM (POTzq)
87
The 30 Best Mystery Books list has a lot of good recommendations. They are actually willing to reach back into the past for Agatha Christie, John D. MacDonald, and even Wilkie Collins. No Ellery Queen or Rex Stout, so they lose there.
The 25 best list of mysteries has a lot of the same items, a lot of "new" titles, and again no EQ or Stout. Bzzzt! So sorry, thank you for playing!
The 25 best list of mysteries has a lot of the same items, a lot of "new" titles, and again no EQ or Stout. Bzzzt! So sorry, thank you for playing!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:39 AM (c6xtn)
88
Speaking of lists, I was in the mood for dystopian fiction so I looked up a "best of" list. I had already read many of them, but I did finish Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Now I am reading Blindness by José Saramago. I liked Never well enough. Blindness is going to be interesting.
Also, that is awesome Wolfus! Congratulations!
Also, that is awesome Wolfus! Congratulations!
Posted by: Quirky bookworm at October 02, 2022 09:40 AM (gBvlU)
89
I seldom look at 'best of' lists unless the compiler is someone who interests me. It's usually a waste of time. If they agree with my taste (rarely) it is worthwhile and can be interesting. But if they don't list my favorites they are obviously subhuman scum, possibly in league with the devil, who are only worthy of my contempt.
If I want to feel and express contempt, I'll listen to the news.
If I want to feel and express contempt, I'll listen to the news.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 09:40 AM (7EjX1)
90
> would have been tossed 3/4 through into the fire starter bucket.
Many years ago, Spider Robinson had a gig writing book reviews for one of the SF magazines, which meant that he got free copies of everything arriving in the mail.
At the time he was living in a cabin in rural Nova Scotia, and he noted that he never lacked for starter for the wood stove the entire time he had that gig.
Many years ago, Spider Robinson had a gig writing book reviews for one of the SF magazines, which meant that he got free copies of everything arriving in the mail.
At the time he was living in a cabin in rural Nova Scotia, and he noted that he never lacked for starter for the wood stove the entire time he had that gig.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:40 AM (bW8dp)
91
77 Perfessor,
Absolutely prefer your list to the woke schlock on the other lists. Major Props for rating Tad Williams so high. Loved "Green Angel Tower" (parts 1 & 2). May have to pull them out of the shelf after I finish Jordan (currently stalled halfway thru "Gathering Storm, which is where Brandon Sanderson took over).
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at October 02, 2022 09:36 AM (SEa82)
Here is my problem with Memory, Sorrow and Thorn- I wanted more with the actual swords! Not the teenage soap opera of he likes her, she bangs this other guy, then tells our hero she banged this guy who cast her aside because he just wanted to get laid. Our hero is flabbergasted and is hurt. Hey. Hey! Focus! What about the big dragon slaying sword you just used?!
Absolutely prefer your list to the woke schlock on the other lists. Major Props for rating Tad Williams so high. Loved "Green Angel Tower" (parts 1 & 2). May have to pull them out of the shelf after I finish Jordan (currently stalled halfway thru "Gathering Storm, which is where Brandon Sanderson took over).
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at October 02, 2022 09:36 AM (SEa82)
Here is my problem with Memory, Sorrow and Thorn- I wanted more with the actual swords! Not the teenage soap opera of he likes her, she bangs this other guy, then tells our hero she banged this guy who cast her aside because he just wanted to get laid. Our hero is flabbergasted and is hurt. Hey. Hey! Focus! What about the big dragon slaying sword you just used?!
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:40 AM (dNqv+)
92
Ahhh, the 'Knight' character. A lot of those works from that period seem to be all the authors setting up with the rules of whatever Roleplaying game and building characters for a session, then making it a book series.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:35 AM (dNqv+)
---
Yeah, and naturally he got killed by a super-sexy hot warrior-chick because that's what the stat sheet said.
Honestly, I don't even mind that stupidity so much as the flat, tiresome plotting. Like the knight dude, who was completely dull. There's a hint that some elf chick falls for him but of course nothing happens. But why not? Why have them have a fling on the down low and then everyone can go "Wow, Mr. Lawful Good had an oopsie!"
Nope, Awful Good is dull and everyone else is whiny and can't make up their freaking minds. The short story in Tales III actually says one of them liked to walk on the battlements talking to a skull. "Which way should I go?" he'd whine. Brutal takedown.
The story also said that all the characters that died knew the truth and would have stood up for him.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:35 AM (dNqv+)
---
Yeah, and naturally he got killed by a super-sexy hot warrior-chick because that's what the stat sheet said.
Honestly, I don't even mind that stupidity so much as the flat, tiresome plotting. Like the knight dude, who was completely dull. There's a hint that some elf chick falls for him but of course nothing happens. But why not? Why have them have a fling on the down low and then everyone can go "Wow, Mr. Lawful Good had an oopsie!"
Nope, Awful Good is dull and everyone else is whiny and can't make up their freaking minds. The short story in Tales III actually says one of them liked to walk on the battlements talking to a skull. "Which way should I go?" he'd whine. Brutal takedown.
The story also said that all the characters that died knew the truth and would have stood up for him.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:41 AM (llXky)
93
But this exposes her to subversive and poisonous ideas!
--the NEA
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (EZebt)
Oh those charter schools!
--the NEA
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:33 AM (EZebt)
Oh those charter schools!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:41 AM (7bRMQ)
94
"Few young adult fantasy novels have been as instantly successful as Adeyemi’s 2018 debut."
Amazon sales rank: #42,000 (~7 copies sold per day)
Compare to Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein, written well over 60 years ago.
Amazon sales rank: #7,491 (~21 copies sold per day)
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (bW8dp)
---
In preparing today's Book Thread, I did go through the Best of Fantasy and Science fiction lists to see how the books ranked on Amazon. Many of them were really low down on the list, as in the hundreds of thousands below the top.
Amazon sales rank: #42,000 (~7 copies sold per day)
Compare to Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein, written well over 60 years ago.
Amazon sales rank: #7,491 (~21 copies sold per day)
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (bW8dp)
---
In preparing today's Book Thread, I did go through the Best of Fantasy and Science fiction lists to see how the books ranked on Amazon. Many of them were really low down on the list, as in the hundreds of thousands below the top.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:42 AM (K5n5d)
95
I don't think the pants guy owns a weedwhacker (if you catch my drift....)
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 09:42 AM (T4tVD)
96
hiya
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 09:42 AM (T4tVD)
97
If I want to feel and express contempt, I'll listen to the news.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 09:40 AM (7EjX1)
This.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 09:40 AM (7EjX1)
This.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:42 AM (dNqv+)
98
Perfesser I have read only 1/50 on your list. Not much of a fantasy reader.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:42 AM (EZebt)
99
It B wet out thar. And unwarm....
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 09:43 AM (T4tVD)
100
I have a question/ request of sorts. I'm trying to write a short story (for an open call submission). Deadline is Oct 7! (In my defense I only recently heard of it).
It's outlined, now need to write it.
Think it's possible to finish it in time? Anyone want to give some encouragement or a reality slap?
Thanks!
It's outlined, now need to write it.
Think it's possible to finish it in time? Anyone want to give some encouragement or a reality slap?
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 09:43 AM (aJ/fS)
101
Anyone here have an opinion on "Savage Realms Monthly"? Amazon has been recommending it to me lately, and it appears to be a short-story magazine about fantasy/sword and sorcery adventures. I'm wondering if its good, or if its the same sort of drek as the classic anthology magazines that we've been lamenting over the past several weeks.
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 02, 2022 09:43 AM (Lhaco)
102
A Moveable Feast is another favorite of mine. I read it the first time at age 15. I spent that summer babysitting at a cousin's lake house, and was allowed to use anything from their library. The wife was an English major and had a great collection.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (Zzbjj)
---
That's also on my purchase list. Honestly, I should check the local library because I'm paying property tax to support it anyway.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (Zzbjj)
---
That's also on my purchase list. Honestly, I should check the local library because I'm paying property tax to support it anyway.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:43 AM (llXky)
103
93. The NEA is a poisonous idea.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:44 AM (Zzbjj)
104
Good morning all.
I couldn't even get through that fantasy list because of how annoying the page was with the giant ads. The only one that jumped out before I quit trying to page down was Sanderson's Way of Kings which is near the top of my all time favorite lists.
I couldn't even get through that fantasy list because of how annoying the page was with the giant ads. The only one that jumped out before I quit trying to page down was Sanderson's Way of Kings which is near the top of my all time favorite lists.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 09:44 AM (Y+l9t)
105
> Many of them were really low down on the list, as in the hundreds of thousands below the top.
"Booger Tic Tac" -- I can't be bothered to look up his real name... the one who threw a huge fit because the Worldcon people forgot to call him "xim" (or whatever it was) in the program -- has won two Hugo Awards, despite not having anything with a sales rank higher than the millions.
But trans!
"Booger Tic Tac" -- I can't be bothered to look up his real name... the one who threw a huge fit because the Worldcon people forgot to call him "xim" (or whatever it was) in the program -- has won two Hugo Awards, despite not having anything with a sales rank higher than the millions.
But trans!
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:45 AM (bW8dp)
106
Think it's possible to finish it in time? Anyone want to give some encouragement or a reality slap?
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 09:43 AM (aJ/fS)
------------
You are more than clever enough to get the job done.
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 09:43 AM (aJ/fS)
------------
You are more than clever enough to get the job done.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at October 02, 2022 09:46 AM (5pTK/)
107
Just looking at the first page of the 50 best fantasy books of all time I see they are skewed towards recently published books.
Seems like a marketing gimmick.
Seems like a marketing gimmick.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 09:47 AM (aJ/fS)
108
Perfessor, I appreciate the MoMe countdown clock. It's sneaking up on me. Got a gallon of bourbon yesterday. Bailey's factory is about to get in full swing.
I was hoping to have a review for you but things got busy and I didn't get the book fully re-read. I'll mention it here and send you the full review for next week.
Beyond This Valley was published last week.
It was written by my neighbor, Ray Morgan. He gave me the typewritten manuscript in 2021. He'd been writing it for years. It was a fascinating read...full of family stories written to be readable. I told him, "You need to publish this."
And so he did. It's been fun watching this thing unfold from close up. The publisher has shepherded Ray through the process patiently, from editing to cover art to vendor placement, and the result is definitely worth the read. Ray was on Cloud Nine yesterday when I took him my copy to be signed and he's starting on his second book.
Full review next week, I promise. In the meantime, it's most economical on Thriftbooks.
https://tinyurl.com/ytxff2wt
I was hoping to have a review for you but things got busy and I didn't get the book fully re-read. I'll mention it here and send you the full review for next week.
Beyond This Valley was published last week.
It was written by my neighbor, Ray Morgan. He gave me the typewritten manuscript in 2021. He'd been writing it for years. It was a fascinating read...full of family stories written to be readable. I told him, "You need to publish this."
And so he did. It's been fun watching this thing unfold from close up. The publisher has shepherded Ray through the process patiently, from editing to cover art to vendor placement, and the result is definitely worth the read. Ray was on Cloud Nine yesterday when I took him my copy to be signed and he's starting on his second book.
Full review next week, I promise. In the meantime, it's most economical on Thriftbooks.
https://tinyurl.com/ytxff2wt
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 09:47 AM (fOyQ3)
109
The story also said that all the characters that died knew the truth and would have stood up for him.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:41 AM (llXky)
Ever read McKiernan? In hindsight, I really like his stuff. Requited love. Uncompromised endings- while still having a cost. He at least knows WHY we read this stuff.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:41 AM (llXky)
Ever read McKiernan? In hindsight, I really like his stuff. Requited love. Uncompromised endings- while still having a cost. He at least knows WHY we read this stuff.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:47 AM (dNqv+)
110
I think the biggest thing keeping me from writing a fantasy novel is the fact that other than Tolkien, I don't much care for the genre. I enjoyed playing D&D back in the day, still have a bunch of books and modules, but placing a story in that kind of world never quite works out for me.
If I ever write something in the genre, it will be closer to R.E. Howard's Conan/Atlantis concept of an antediluvian world.
If I ever write something in the genre, it will be closer to R.E. Howard's Conan/Atlantis concept of an antediluvian world.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:47 AM (llXky)
111
102. Our local library has become crap. Woke stuff prevails, the books I checked our for my kids when they were little have long since been sold off to make room for garbage, PCs, multiple copies of woke best sellers, and other nonsense as it's become an unofficial babysitting service.
I can get some books via their ILL service, but the wait can be long and the experience unfriendly.
So I turn to Thriftbooks and ebay.
I can get some books via their ILL service, but the wait can be long and the experience unfriendly.
So I turn to Thriftbooks and ebay.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:48 AM (Zzbjj)
112
I haven't read Boukreev's The Climb. I have read Krakauer's Into Thin Air, which I thought was a good account of the Everest disaster with some reasonable conclusions. I didn't know he had a reputation for being a prick, though, which I suppose could color his views.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 09:49 AM (tp+tP)
113
Other than How Green Was My Valley, it's unclear how many of them might still remain in print. This is why we have used bookstores. Good luck hunting down his books, Fen!
A quick search at the alibis.com showed at least half of Richard Llewellyn's books are available for purchase.
Other than How Green Was My Valley, it's unclear how many of them might still remain in print. This is why we have used bookstores. Good luck hunting down his books, Fen!
A quick search at the alibis.com showed at least half of Richard Llewellyn's books are available for purchase.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at October 02, 2022 09:49 AM (pNxlR)
114
No "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" on the science fiction? Or do you classify that as political science?
Posted by: markreardon at October 02, 2022 09:49 AM (EC/pP)
115
Too many books are mailed via an atrocity called OSM, One Stop Mailing. I have had several "lost" by that service, and I assume lost means stolen, but thrift refunds with no issue.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:50 AM (Zzbjj)
116
Ever read McKiernan? In hindsight, I really like his stuff. Requited love. Uncompromised endings- while still having a cost. He at least knows WHY we read this stuff.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:47 AM (dNqv+)
---
No, don't recall the name. In high school I read the Dragonlance stuff, then David Eddings, and then shifted away from fantasy. Other than discovering R.E. Howard a decade or more ago, I haven't gotten back into it.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:47 AM (dNqv+)
---
No, don't recall the name. In high school I read the Dragonlance stuff, then David Eddings, and then shifted away from fantasy. Other than discovering R.E. Howard a decade or more ago, I haven't gotten back into it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:50 AM (llXky)
117
That was a horrible sci-fi list by Esquire. Lots of new woke trash that only get noticed because it checks the right boxes. Ender's Game is not on there because Card annoyed the SJW high priesthood with his statement on the alphabet people. Clarke's Childhood's End is an anti-Christian diatribe wrapped in nonsense.
Posted by: WiNO at October 02, 2022 09:51 AM (EpDzw)
118
I have a question/ request of sorts. I'm trying to write a short story (for an open call submission). Deadline is Oct 7! (In my defense I only recently heard of it).
It's outlined, now need to write it.
Think it's possible to finish it in time? Anyone want to give some encouragement or a reality slap?
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022
***
How many words are you shooting for, and how many is their limit? You've got 4 days; 2 pages a day is about 2000 words in 4 days.
It's outlined, now need to write it.
Think it's possible to finish it in time? Anyone want to give some encouragement or a reality slap?
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022
***
How many words are you shooting for, and how many is their limit? You've got 4 days; 2 pages a day is about 2000 words in 4 days.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:51 AM (c6xtn)
119
Our local library is on the haunted list. I'm there a lot but never felt a ghost. It has great atmosphere though.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 09:51 AM (aJ/fS)
120
> "Booger Tic Tac" -- I can't be bothered to look up his real name.
Eh... what the hell.
Bogi Takács.
According to Wikipedia, "e/em/eir/emself" is a disabled, intersex, "agender" trans Jewish writer.
I'm not sure if they mean he's transexual and Jewish, or whether "trans-Jewish" is now a thing.
Eh... what the hell.
Bogi Takács.
According to Wikipedia, "e/em/eir/emself" is a disabled, intersex, "agender" trans Jewish writer.
I'm not sure if they mean he's transexual and Jewish, or whether "trans-Jewish" is now a thing.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:51 AM (bW8dp)
121
Finally finds the list of Squirrels (hey, I skim the posts):
Anno Dracula! Nice. Another one where the rest of the series did not live up to the promise of the first lightning in a bottle book.
I disagree with rating MS&T above Jordan- and I would not put Eye of the world in the top spot of that series. I would probably go with either book 4 or 5 (Shadow Rising or Fires of Heaven) as the best of the WoT series.
Anno Dracula! Nice. Another one where the rest of the series did not live up to the promise of the first lightning in a bottle book.
I disagree with rating MS&T above Jordan- and I would not put Eye of the world in the top spot of that series. I would probably go with either book 4 or 5 (Shadow Rising or Fires of Heaven) as the best of the WoT series.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:52 AM (dNqv+)
122
I seldom look at 'best of' lists unless the compiler is someone who interests me. It's usually a waste of time. If they agree with my taste (rarely) it is worthwhile and can be interesting. But if they don't list my favorites they are obviously subhuman scum, possibly in league with the devil, who are only worthy of my contempt.
If I want to feel and express contempt, I'll listen to the news.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 09:40 AM (7EjX1)
What we really need is a list of the best and worst lists out there.
If I want to feel and express contempt, I'll listen to the news.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 09:40 AM (7EjX1)
What we really need is a list of the best and worst lists out there.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 09:52 AM (tp+tP)
123
I'm with you on the two mystery lists. I'm glad they included some of the classic writers but skipping Stout (especially) and EQ is pretty unforgiveable. And I agree that they stretched the definition of "mystery" to include some faddish newer books (Dan Brown? Bleaaach) and books that would normally be classed as thrillers.
I have to wonder if they've ever read the Wilkie Collins books. I have read both "The Moonstone" and "The Woman in White" and while they are interesting, I can't imagine that they'd attract modern readers like those who complied these lists.
I have to wonder if they've ever read the Wilkie Collins books. I have read both "The Moonstone" and "The Woman in White" and while they are interesting, I can't imagine that they'd attract modern readers like those who complied these lists.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at October 02, 2022 09:52 AM (fTtFy)
124
Hold on hold on hold on.
A top 50 Sci-Fi list that doesn't mention Arthur C. Clarke and only gives 1 mention to Ray Bradbury???
A top 50 Sci-Fi list that doesn't mention Arthur C. Clarke and only gives 1 mention to Ray Bradbury???
Posted by: Java Joe at October 02, 2022 09:53 AM (VsPm9)
125
> it's become an unofficial babysitting service.
At least it's not full of masturbating drunks watching porn on the computers, or junkies shooting up in the bathroom.
That's the library experience in most major cities today. No one in their right mind would even bring a child into the building, let alone leave them there for babysitting.
At least it's not full of masturbating drunks watching porn on the computers, or junkies shooting up in the bathroom.
That's the library experience in most major cities today. No one in their right mind would even bring a child into the building, let alone leave them there for babysitting.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:53 AM (bW8dp)
126
Our local library has become crap. Woke stuff prevails, the books I checked our for my kids when they were little have long since been sold off to make room for garbage, PCs, multiple copies of woke best sellers, and other nonsense as it's become an unofficial babysitting service.
I can get some books via their ILL service, but the wait can be long and the experience unfriendly.
So I turn to Thriftbooks and ebay.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:48 AM (Zzbjj)
---
East Lansing Public Library is of course woke, but they have some good stuff. A very extensive collection of Waugh, for example. That's how I started reading him. It is spotty, though, because it's basically a taxpayer subsidized book club for cat ladies combined with teen day care after high school lets out.
I can get some books via their ILL service, but the wait can be long and the experience unfriendly.
So I turn to Thriftbooks and ebay.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:48 AM (Zzbjj)
---
East Lansing Public Library is of course woke, but they have some good stuff. A very extensive collection of Waugh, for example. That's how I started reading him. It is spotty, though, because it's basically a taxpayer subsidized book club for cat ladies combined with teen day care after high school lets out.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:53 AM (llXky)
127
Oh! I'll bet she's just tired of her curriculum. Maybe she wants to read something a little more modern and fun. Whichever, I hope she forms her book club and develops a true love for reading.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (OX9vb)
Wouldn't surprise me. She said she doesn't like The Secret Garden, that's what they're reading now. She did like Black Beauty and Farmer Boy from a year or two ago. Her cousin is two years younger so she's reading books like Junie B Jones and other slim chapter books. We'll see how it goes.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:37 AM (OX9vb)
Wouldn't surprise me. She said she doesn't like The Secret Garden, that's what they're reading now. She did like Black Beauty and Farmer Boy from a year or two ago. Her cousin is two years younger so she's reading books like Junie B Jones and other slim chapter books. We'll see how it goes.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 09:54 AM (7bRMQ)
128
No, don't recall the name. In high school I read the Dragonlance stuff, then David Eddings, and then shifted away from fantasy. Other than discovering R.E. Howard a decade or more ago, I haven't gotten back into it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:50 AM (llXky)
Oooh. I would recommend Eye of the Hunter or Voyage of the Fox Rider as starters for McKiernan. They are more his stories than the others set in the same world because I think he desperately wanted to write in Tolkien's world and had some very good story ideas, but could not get the rights.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:50 AM (llXky)
Oooh. I would recommend Eye of the Hunter or Voyage of the Fox Rider as starters for McKiernan. They are more his stories than the others set in the same world because I think he desperately wanted to write in Tolkien's world and had some very good story ideas, but could not get the rights.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:54 AM (dNqv+)
129
Did any of the SF best lists include anything by Larry Niven, especially Ringworld?
Did the fantasy lists include anything by Fred Saberhagen?
If not, they're missing out.
Did the fantasy lists include anything by Fred Saberhagen?
If not, they're missing out.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:54 AM (c6xtn)
130
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:51 AM (bW8dp)
If God does not exist, then everything is permitted.
If God does not exist, then everything is permitted.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (Zzbjj)
131
Trivia bit:
The ghostly librarian in the Ghostbusters shot is Ruth Oliver, Hollywood astrologer and mother of actress Susan Oliver (Zina from the Star Trek OS episode The Cage and many other roles).
The ghostly librarian in the Ghostbusters shot is Ruth Oliver, Hollywood astrologer and mother of actress Susan Oliver (Zina from the Star Trek OS episode The Cage and many other roles).
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (ZSK0i)
132
I clicked through the 50 Best SF link at the top. I suspect it was compiled by sending out a mass email asking "what are your favorite SF books?" and some of the respondents didn't actually read SF but just ^C^V the question into google.
I may be somewhat cyberpunk biased but I think Neuromancer should be much higher and Snow Crash is overrated. I notice the lack of any Bruce Sterling, in particular Schismatrix.
I may be somewhat cyberpunk biased but I think Neuromancer should be much higher and Snow Crash is overrated. I notice the lack of any Bruce Sterling, in particular Schismatrix.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (nfrXX)
133
Just went through your list Perfessor and I noticed something. There is a distinct lack of female authors. (Raised eyebrow emoji)
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (Y+l9t)
134
Also - where are Asimov and Heinlein on your top 50? Are you from Mars?
Posted by: Java Joe at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (VsPm9)
135
According to Wikipedia, "e/em/eir/emself" is a disabled, intersex, "agender" trans Jewish writer.
I'm not sure if they mean he's transexual and Jewish, or whether "trans-Jewish" is now a thing.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:51 AM (bW8dp)
Or just a writer with mental illness and/or a strong need for attention.
I'm not sure if they mean he's transexual and Jewish, or whether "trans-Jewish" is now a thing.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:51 AM (bW8dp)
Or just a writer with mental illness and/or a strong need for attention.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (tp+tP)
136
69 There was an interesting series by... Alan Dean Foster about 20 years ago called... (had to go look the book up) The Damned. It was interesting because it had the traditional 'Aliens come to Earth' set up, but changed a few key components. Humans are not dominated by the aliens, but compared to the races of the galaxy are penultimate warriors. Faster reflexes, aggression, strength, they quickly dominate the landscape of the great galactic conflict (which the aliens first came to earth looking for allies.)
I am not sure it ever fulfilled it's promise, but it was an interesting idea.
Posted by: Aetius451AD
I vaugely remember a book that sound similar: most aliens had an intense aversion to killing, to the point where they would freeze up and die rather than fight back. The aliens were surprised that even ordinary Humans had the capacity for violence in self-defense, and had a relatively easy time training up for actual soldiery. The writer pinned this on Earth's fragmented geography, contrasted with a pangea-esque homeland for most aliens.
I don't remember any more from the book I read.
I am not sure it ever fulfilled it's promise, but it was an interesting idea.
Posted by: Aetius451AD
I vaugely remember a book that sound similar: most aliens had an intense aversion to killing, to the point where they would freeze up and die rather than fight back. The aliens were surprised that even ordinary Humans had the capacity for violence in self-defense, and had a relatively easy time training up for actual soldiery. The writer pinned this on Earth's fragmented geography, contrasted with a pangea-esque homeland for most aliens.
I don't remember any more from the book I read.
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 02, 2022 09:56 AM (Lhaco)
137
Hmmm, Black Company. Proto George the Pirate with less creepiness.
That was a series that was interesting, then confusing, then boring then what?
That was a series that was interesting, then confusing, then boring then what?
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:56 AM (dNqv+)
138
It's outlined, now need to write it.
Think it's possible to finish it in time? Anyone want to give some encouragement or a reality slap?
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion
You can do it ! I've got faith in ya !
Think it's possible to finish it in time? Anyone want to give some encouragement or a reality slap?
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion
You can do it ! I've got faith in ya !
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 09:56 AM (T4tVD)
139
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:53 AM (llXky)
Do you have access to the campus libraries?
Do you have access to the campus libraries?
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:56 AM (Zzbjj)
140
I have to wonder if they've ever read the Wilkie Collins books. I have read both "The Moonstone" and "The Woman in White" and while they are interesting, I can't imagine that they'd attract modern readers like those who complied these lists.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at October 02, 2022
***
They are historically interesting in the development of the mystery. But I've never read them.
Another glaring omission: John Dickson Carr, esp. The Three Coffins, prob. the finest "locked room" story ever written.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at October 02, 2022
***
They are historically interesting in the development of the mystery. But I've never read them.
Another glaring omission: John Dickson Carr, esp. The Three Coffins, prob. the finest "locked room" story ever written.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 09:56 AM (c6xtn)
141
Always liked looking over 'best books' lists -- either I find something new, or I get to see that someone else mostly agrees with my own unbelievably sound judgment, or I get to laugh at someone who clearly has no idea what he's talking about. Win-win-win.
I stopped following a lot of genre fiction some time ago, and there are a number of the books on those 'bests' lists I've never heard of. I'm out of touch, and I kinda like that.
Some time this week, I'll start on Dickens' Bleak House.
I stopped following a lot of genre fiction some time ago, and there are a number of the books on those 'bests' lists I've never heard of. I'm out of touch, and I kinda like that.
Some time this week, I'll start on Dickens' Bleak House.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 02, 2022 09:56 AM (a/4+U)
142
I disagree with rating MS&T above Jordan- and I would not put Eye of the world in the top spot of that series. I would probably go with either book 4 or 5 (Shadow Rising or Fires of Heaven) as the best of the WoT series.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:52 AM (dNqv+)
---
All lists are highly subjective, of course. My rationale for MS&T at the number two spot probably has to do with where I was in life at the time I was reading it (same age as main character). Also, Tad Williams is consistently much, much better than Robert Jordan across all of his books. As for why EoTW is ranked so high instead of others in the series is because it introduced me to the Wheel of Time (and I picked up off a shelf of free books on a whim). Just a solid fantasy book that checks all the right boxes and leaves me wanting more.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 09:52 AM (dNqv+)
---
All lists are highly subjective, of course. My rationale for MS&T at the number two spot probably has to do with where I was in life at the time I was reading it (same age as main character). Also, Tad Williams is consistently much, much better than Robert Jordan across all of his books. As for why EoTW is ranked so high instead of others in the series is because it introduced me to the Wheel of Time (and I picked up off a shelf of free books on a whim). Just a solid fantasy book that checks all the right boxes and leaves me wanting more.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:56 AM (K5n5d)
143
No "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" on the science fiction? Or do you classify that as political science?
It's there. Somewhat surprisingly since I figured Heinlein would be on the ungood list these days.
It's there. Somewhat surprisingly since I figured Heinlein would be on the ungood list these days.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 09:57 AM (nfrXX)
144
A top 50 Sci-Fi list that doesn't mention Arthur C. Clarke and only gives 1 mention to Ray Bradbury???
Posted by: Java Joe at October 02, 2022 09:53 AM (VsPm9)
===
Childhood's a]End is in there, snd Ray Bradbury wrote more than one book?
-the teens at Esquire
Posted by: Java Joe at October 02, 2022 09:53 AM (VsPm9)
===
Childhood's a]End is in there, snd Ray Bradbury wrote more than one book?
-the teens at Esquire
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 02, 2022 09:57 AM (EZebt)
145
So, my daughter's choice is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. A young woman who can see ghosts is given a scholarship at Yale in exchange for keeping tabs on the activities of the secret societies. It's fascinating so far.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:13 AM (OX9vb
It's a good book! Does it have a sequel yet?
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 09:13 AM (OX9vb
It's a good book! Does it have a sequel yet?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 09:57 AM (aJ/fS)
146
Also - where are Asimov and Heinlein on your top 50? Are you from Mars?
Posted by: Java Joe at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (VsPm9)
---
There is a huge bias against acknowledging non-female pioneers in anything these days, and one way to do this is simply erase the work from the canon, which also makes it easier for mediocrities to claim distinction they would otherwise lack.
It's funny how much of my kids' entertainment is of my era. I'm not even pushing it on them, they're seeking it out because the current content is woke garbage. Same with music. I get in the car and immediately the youngest wants me to put on the 80s hits station.
Posted by: Java Joe at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (VsPm9)
---
There is a huge bias against acknowledging non-female pioneers in anything these days, and one way to do this is simply erase the work from the canon, which also makes it easier for mediocrities to claim distinction they would otherwise lack.
It's funny how much of my kids' entertainment is of my era. I'm not even pushing it on them, they're seeking it out because the current content is woke garbage. Same with music. I get in the car and immediately the youngest wants me to put on the 80s hits station.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:59 AM (llXky)
147
David Eddings, and then shifted away from fantasy. Other than discovering R.E. Howard a decade or more ago, I haven't gotten back into it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:50 AM (llXky)
David Eddings taught creative writitng for a while at my local CC. I was never able to get into the class as they filled up really fast.
I really wish I could have.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 09:50 AM (llXky)
David Eddings taught creative writitng for a while at my local CC. I was never able to get into the class as they filled up really fast.
I really wish I could have.
Posted by: Reforger at October 02, 2022 09:59 AM (POTzq)
148
"Booger Tic Tac" -- I can't be bothered to look up his real name... the one who threw a huge fit because the Worldcon people forgot to call him "xim" (or whatever it was) in the program -- has won two Hugo Awards, despite not having anything with a sales rank higher than the millions.
But trans!
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:45 AM (bW8dp)
Booger McFarland > Booger Tic Tac
But trans!
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:45 AM (bW8dp)
Booger McFarland > Booger Tic Tac
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at October 02, 2022 09:59 AM (R/m4+)
149
Weis & Hickman - I enjoyed The Belgariad a lot as a teen. The Mallorran too, but it felt a lot like dejavu.
There was another series, maybe was just by Weis, I liked. Something about hell maybe?
There was another series, maybe was just by Weis, I liked. Something about hell maybe?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 10:00 AM (aJ/fS)
150
133 Just went through your list Perfessor and I noticed something. There is a distinct lack of female authors. (Raised eyebrow emoji)
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (Y+l9t)
With all due respect Sharon- women by and large are shit at fantasy (Janny Wurts?) Their female characters clang and they do not focus on the things that fire young dude's interest. Plus, and I say this with all the love in the world for women- they have a real tendency to work out their issues through their characters. Melanie Rawn and... Laurel K Hamilton are very good examples. It's not all female authors, but there are a few egregious examples (just like their are for dudes- like Donaldson.)
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (Y+l9t)
With all due respect Sharon- women by and large are shit at fantasy (Janny Wurts?) Their female characters clang and they do not focus on the things that fire young dude's interest. Plus, and I say this with all the love in the world for women- they have a real tendency to work out their issues through their characters. Melanie Rawn and... Laurel K Hamilton are very good examples. It's not all female authors, but there are a few egregious examples (just like their are for dudes- like Donaldson.)
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:00 AM (dNqv+)
151
Since it's October, Perfessor, any nominations for a list of the best ghost writers?
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Number one spot is taken; argue over the rest.
1. The Holy Ghost - The Bible
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Number one spot is taken; argue over the rest.
1. The Holy Ghost - The Bible
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:01 AM (P1f+c)
152
My top 25 mysteries list would include:
Ellery Queen, either The Siamese Twin Mystery, Cat of Many Tails (proto-serial killer novel), or The King Is Dead
Rex Stout, Murder By the Book or Might As Well Be Dead
John Dickson Carr, The Three Coffins or The Crooked Hinge
Philip MacDonald, Murder Gone Mad
Josephine Tey, The Daughter of Time or The Singing Sands
Ellery Queen, either The Siamese Twin Mystery, Cat of Many Tails (proto-serial killer novel), or The King Is Dead
Rex Stout, Murder By the Book or Might As Well Be Dead
John Dickson Carr, The Three Coffins or The Crooked Hinge
Philip MacDonald, Murder Gone Mad
Josephine Tey, The Daughter of Time or The Singing Sands
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:01 AM (c6xtn)
153
About a month ago, I felt the urge to watch the film version of "The Phantom of the Opera" musical. Halfway through the movie, I remembered that it was based on a novel, and, hey, there is a free version of the novel available on Amazon!
....Alas, this was not a case where 'the book was better.' The first half of the book was a slog to get through. Boring vignettes, constant shifting of point-of-view characters, and when something interesting did happen, the author would change perspective from actually narrating the events to listening to a character summarize them after-the-fact. The second half of the book still had the latter problems (including changing the main character to someone who wasn't even present in the first half) but at least things were happening and the narrative was compelling. The characters, however, wish annoying, wishy-washy, and overly lovestruck the whole way through. Can't say I recommend it.
....Alas, this was not a case where 'the book was better.' The first half of the book was a slog to get through. Boring vignettes, constant shifting of point-of-view characters, and when something interesting did happen, the author would change perspective from actually narrating the events to listening to a character summarize them after-the-fact. The second half of the book still had the latter problems (including changing the main character to someone who wasn't even present in the first half) but at least things were happening and the narrative was compelling. The characters, however, wish annoying, wishy-washy, and overly lovestruck the whole way through. Can't say I recommend it.
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 02, 2022 10:03 AM (Lhaco)
154
My wife said a Lyle the Crocodile movie is in the works. From her description, Lyle will get the "Harvey" treatment.
I remember very little about the book(s?). Will check the library website to see whether Lyle is still a guest.
I remember very little about the book(s?). Will check the library website to see whether Lyle is still a guest.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 02, 2022 10:03 AM (Om/di)
155
Do you have access to the campus libraries?
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:56 AM (Zzbjj)
---
I used to, but my card probably expired. It's such a pain to get over to campus these days.
It's funny, but for Alumni Band the out of towners are asking me about that building or this expansion because I live in town and I'm explaining that I just have no reason to go on campus so I rarely do.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 09:56 AM (Zzbjj)
---
I used to, but my card probably expired. It's such a pain to get over to campus these days.
It's funny, but for Alumni Band the out of towners are asking me about that building or this expansion because I live in town and I'm explaining that I just have no reason to go on campus so I rarely do.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:03 AM (llXky)
156
At the urging of No. 2 Spawn, I just read Dune 1-3, so now I know what y'all are always on about.
It needed more sex. We see Alia naked, and there is lots of speculation about incest that never happens but it doesn't really deliver.
It needed more sex. We see Alia naked, and there is lots of speculation about incest that never happens but it doesn't really deliver.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at October 02, 2022 10:04 AM (e+csY)
157
With all due respect Sharon- women by and large are shit at fantasy (Janny Wurts?)
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:00 AM (dNqv+)
Since when is the Book Thread devoted to just fantasy? Personally, I'd give my left font if just once this didn't turn into a fantasy/sci-fi fest.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:00 AM (dNqv+)
Since when is the Book Thread devoted to just fantasy? Personally, I'd give my left font if just once this didn't turn into a fantasy/sci-fi fest.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (fOyQ3)
158
I think you have a solid list Perfesser, were all going to have additions. it would be awesome to lock those cells then open the page up for moron additions.
Posted by: Motion view, new phone, too lazy for full nic at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (sQ0Ra)
159
Their female characters clang and they do not focus on the things that fire young dude's interest.
++++
I think you just made my point in posing the question/comment.
++++
I think you just made my point in posing the question/comment.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (Y+l9t)
160
'Tis rare for a movie to improve on a book. My list:
Hunt for Red October, Die Hard (novel is Nothing Lasts Forever), and Whitley Strieber's Wolfen. Also Jaws. And that's about all I can think of.
Hunt for Red October, Die Hard (novel is Nothing Lasts Forever), and Whitley Strieber's Wolfen. Also Jaws. And that's about all I can think of.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (c6xtn)
161
I am about one third through reading "The Indispensables -- The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware" by Patrick K. O'Donnell. I came to it from having recently rewatched "The Crossing" A&E movie, which dealt with Washington and the Continental Army crossing the Delaware River and delivering a fine "Welcome!" to the Hessians in Trenton, NJ on December 26, 1776.
Colonel John Glover of Marblehead, MA and his regiment were major players in that campaign, and other, earlier campaigns, too. Thus I decided to get and read this.
It starts out slowly (don't let the "diverse" element deter you from reading it, BTW). It covers events from April 1769 through Trenton and Princeton. Inoculation against smallpox was new, and receptiveness toward it broke along Patriot / Loyalist lines even before the fighting started. Of course, there were other matters, too. That Lexington and Concord were the scenes of the first fighting was circumstantial -- there were other, earlier incidents where matters could have been set off.
Worth reading.
I am about one third through reading "The Indispensables -- The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware" by Patrick K. O'Donnell. I came to it from having recently rewatched "The Crossing" A&E movie, which dealt with Washington and the Continental Army crossing the Delaware River and delivering a fine "Welcome!" to the Hessians in Trenton, NJ on December 26, 1776.
Colonel John Glover of Marblehead, MA and his regiment were major players in that campaign, and other, earlier campaigns, too. Thus I decided to get and read this.
It starts out slowly (don't let the "diverse" element deter you from reading it, BTW). It covers events from April 1769 through Trenton and Princeton. Inoculation against smallpox was new, and receptiveness toward it broke along Patriot / Loyalist lines even before the fighting started. Of course, there were other matters, too. That Lexington and Concord were the scenes of the first fighting was circumstantial -- there were other, earlier incidents where matters could have been set off.
Worth reading.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (pNxlR)
162
Thanks for the List, Perfessor. It confirms a few of my own biases and gives me suggestions for new reads.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (dNqv+)
163
VMom, do you have any already written work you could submit instead of trying to rush one through? I have a few things written already that aren't ready to submit anywhere, but it'd be quicker than writing for the deadline. You'd need rewrite time.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (7bRMQ)
164
Ok. I would hope they haven't gutted their classics to make room for woke BS, but you never know.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (Zzbjj)
165
Plus, and I say this with all the love in the world for women- they have a real tendency to work out their issues through their characters.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:00 AM (dNqv+)
---
You write what you know.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:00 AM (dNqv+)
---
You write what you know.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (llXky)
166
Since when is the Book Thread devoted to just fantasy? Personally, I'd give my left font if just once this didn't turn into a fantasy/sci-fi fest.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (fOyQ3)
Valid. I was just speaking on the list, which is a lot of fantasy.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (fOyQ3)
Valid. I was just speaking on the list, which is a lot of fantasy.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:07 AM (dNqv+)
167
Since when is the Book Thread devoted to just fantasy? Personally, I'd give my left font if just once this didn't turn into a fantasy/sci-fi fest.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (fOyQ3)
----
It's really not meant to be. That's why I included lists from other genres so that you all could argue about them...
What's a topic you'd like to see on the Book Thread? I'll see what I can do to make that happen.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (fOyQ3)
----
It's really not meant to be. That's why I included lists from other genres so that you all could argue about them...
What's a topic you'd like to see on the Book Thread? I'll see what I can do to make that happen.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 10:08 AM (K5n5d)
168
I finished The Shepherd's Life by James Rebanks. Not sure why I got sidetracked on this one as it's a good read. He grew up in a family that had raised sheep for generations. It was all he wanted to do. Hated school and thought he was terrible at it but discovered he wasn't dumb. He winds up attending Oxford, then returning to the farm to pick up his ild life and raise a family. He is a good advocate for his neighbors, who just want to be able to make a living and live their lives.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at October 02, 2022 10:08 AM (uz3Px)
169
Plus, and I say this with all the love in the world for women- they have a real tendency to work out their issues through their characters.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:00 AM (dNqv+)
Maybe they spent time in hospitals and/or therapy. Working your issues through on paper is highly encouraged.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:00 AM (dNqv+)
Maybe they spent time in hospitals and/or therapy. Working your issues through on paper is highly encouraged.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:08 AM (Zzbjj)
170
How many words are you shooting for, and how many is their limit? You've got 4 days; 2 pages a day is about 2000 words in 4 days.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere
The limit is 5k. It does seem unrealistic. However, Maybe I'll write it anyway and just file it if I miss the deadline.
Thanks, and CONGRATS on your good news!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere
The limit is 5k. It does seem unrealistic. However, Maybe I'll write it anyway and just file it if I miss the deadline.
Thanks, and CONGRATS on your good news!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 10:09 AM (aJ/fS)
171
Ok. I would hope they haven't gutted their classics to make room for woke BS, but you never know.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (Zzbjj)
---
I don't think they have reduced the collection at all. They have a remote storage facility though, so browsing the stacks won't always show you their full holdings. I suspect the older works are off-site.
I haven't been to the library in at least five years, maybe longer, and ground floor is basically a cybercafe/study area.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (Zzbjj)
---
I don't think they have reduced the collection at all. They have a remote storage facility though, so browsing the stacks won't always show you their full holdings. I suspect the older works are off-site.
I haven't been to the library in at least five years, maybe longer, and ground floor is basically a cybercafe/study area.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:09 AM (llXky)
172
I think you just made my point in posing the question/comment.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (Y+l9t)
Actually, I meant to say that their male characters ring false. Their female characters often feel more natural, depending.
As far as confirmation, I live but to serve.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (Y+l9t)
Actually, I meant to say that their male characters ring false. Their female characters often feel more natural, depending.
As far as confirmation, I live but to serve.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:09 AM (dNqv+)
173
It starts out slowly (don't let the "diverse" element deter you from reading it, BTW). It covers events from April 1769 through Trenton and Princeton. Inoculation against smallpox was new, and receptiveness toward it broke along Patriot / Loyalist lines even before the fighting started. Of course, there were other matters, too. That Lexington and Concord were the scenes of the first fighting was circumstantial -- there were other, earlier incidents where matters could have been set off.
Worth reading.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (pNxlR)
Sounds a bit like "Paul Revere's Ride" by Fischer, which similarly does a lot of scene-setting leading up to Lexington Green and showing all the confrontations that preceded it. A bit repetitive in places, and Fischer clearly thinks New England is just God's gift to man (barf), but still a good read.
Worth reading.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (pNxlR)
Sounds a bit like "Paul Revere's Ride" by Fischer, which similarly does a lot of scene-setting leading up to Lexington Green and showing all the confrontations that preceded it. A bit repetitive in places, and Fischer clearly thinks New England is just God's gift to man (barf), but still a good read.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 10:09 AM (tp+tP)
174
I'm slowly making my way through The Divine Comedy. Slow is how I read literature like that.
If I read too quickly the words on the page become a blur.
I've also started slow reading the sonnets of Petrarch which I bought many years ago while a member of The Heritage Book Club. The introduction recommends reading no more than two or three sonnets in a go.
If I read too quickly the words on the page become a blur.
I've also started slow reading the sonnets of Petrarch which I bought many years ago while a member of The Heritage Book Club. The introduction recommends reading no more than two or three sonnets in a go.
Posted by: That NLurker guy at October 02, 2022 10:10 AM (eGTCV)
175
Princess Bride movie is infinitely better than the book, which is suitable only for outhouse use...
Princess Bride movie is infinitely better than the book, which is suitable only for outhouse use...
Posted by: G. Soros, Esq. at October 02, 2022 10:10 AM (Ypn7P)
176
It was hard to get through that Best Western Books of All Time list. The writer has a prissy English type name and he used "whilst" in two sentences back to back. I don't know how old that column was because he put The Sisters Brothers on it and said it'd make a great movie.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 10:11 AM (7bRMQ)
177
Maybe they spent time in hospitals and/or therapy. Working your issues through on paper is highly encouraged.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:08 AM (Zzbjj)
---
That doesn't mean it makes good reading.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:08 AM (Zzbjj)
---
That doesn't mean it makes good reading.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:11 AM (llXky)
178
I decided to break my usual rule about reading only one book at a time. I am about 25% of the way through "Disinformation," a book about the Soviet / Eastern Bloc methods of spreading lies and rewriting history for political advantage. I mentioned this book a week or two ago; it's written by a Romanian general and intelligence chief who defected back in the late 70s. So far, he's mostly focused on Stalin's smear campaign against Pope Pius XII. I had previously heard references to a Pope who was supportive of the Nazis, but had not dug into it. This book demonstrates how Pius XII was actively working to shelter Jews during WWII. Of course, the Soviets always had willing dupes in the west to spread propaganda. I'm hoping he gets more into operational details and moves outside of the disinformation campaigns against the Pope and various church officials. Thus far, it's recommended.
Posted by: PabloD at October 02, 2022 10:12 AM (xhp1z)
179
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
I don't recall seeing the movie, but the book...
I have it. It's creepy. It wrings new fears from a common American thing, the traveling circus.
And I really should buy a lightning rod. Ya never know.
I don't recall seeing the movie, but the book...
I have it. It's creepy. It wrings new fears from a common American thing, the traveling circus.
And I really should buy a lightning rod. Ya never know.
Posted by: GnuBreed at October 02, 2022 10:12 AM (JOtiF)
180
Think it's possible to finish it in time? Anyone want to give some encouragement or a reality slap?
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 09:43 AM (aJ/fS)
*Cheerleading for vmom* You can do it, yes you can!!
Just have to ignore us Morons for the better part of five days. It's hard, I know!
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 09:43 AM (aJ/fS)
*Cheerleading for vmom* You can do it, yes you can!!
Just have to ignore us Morons for the better part of five days. It's hard, I know!
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 10:13 AM (OX9vb)
181
OrangeEnt, no, my last writing attempt was horrible stuff from around 20years ago. LOL
If I finish this story and miss the deadline (which seems likely), would anyone who's into PG fantasy want to give it a beta read for future improvement?
If I finish this story and miss the deadline (which seems likely), would anyone who's into PG fantasy want to give it a beta read for future improvement?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 10:13 AM (aJ/fS)
182
I see that both mystery lists contain two books that I would not have included, And Then There None and The Hound of the Baskervilles. And Then There None is an OK book but I would have replaced it with The Murder of Roger Ackoyd in which Christie broke all the rules. Holmes isn't even in half of Hounds. I would have replaced that with A Study In Scarlet, the book that introduced the world to Holmes.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:14 AM (FVME7)
183
Plus, and I say this with all the love in the world for women- they have a real tendency to work out their issues through their characters.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022
***
Possibly related to that: Women authors have a tendency to play unfair, to make their female characters annoyingly unflawed (and that's before we get into Mary Sue-type characters), and to have their men be fools, outright evil, or both. Anne Tyler and Anne Rivers Siddons don't do that; they are among the few women authors in relatively recent times whose work I enjoy and have on my shelves.
Older women authors did not: Christie, Tey, Craig Rice, and others. Maybe because the requirements of book publishing back then didn't cater to stuff like in my previous paragraph. First and foremost they had to tell a story to sell.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022
***
Possibly related to that: Women authors have a tendency to play unfair, to make their female characters annoyingly unflawed (and that's before we get into Mary Sue-type characters), and to have their men be fools, outright evil, or both. Anne Tyler and Anne Rivers Siddons don't do that; they are among the few women authors in relatively recent times whose work I enjoy and have on my shelves.
Older women authors did not: Christie, Tey, Craig Rice, and others. Maybe because the requirements of book publishing back then didn't cater to stuff like in my previous paragraph. First and foremost they had to tell a story to sell.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:14 AM (c6xtn)
184
Since when is the Book Thread devoted to just fantasy? Personally, I'd give my left font if just once this didn't turn into a fantasy/sci-fi fest.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (fOyQ3)
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You must have missed some of the spirited discussions about Tom Clancy in past threads, or the recurring references to Waugh and Hemingway.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:05 AM (fOyQ3)
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You must have missed some of the spirited discussions about Tom Clancy in past threads, or the recurring references to Waugh and Hemingway.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:14 AM (llXky)
185
I don't usually like horror or ghost stories, but one I did enjoy was "Dan Shamble: Zombie PI" by Kevin J. Anderson. Mr. Shamble is trying to solve his own murder (he was shot in the back of the head and never saw his attacker). Entertaining and funny!
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at October 02, 2022 10:14 AM (BbSpR)
186
If I finish this story and miss the deadline (which seems likely), would anyone who's into PG fantasy want to give it a beta read for future improvement?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022
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Certainly I would! Though I'm not sure what "PG" fantasy is.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022
***
Certainly I would! Though I'm not sure what "PG" fantasy is.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:15 AM (c6xtn)
187
Maybe they spent time in hospitals and/or therapy. Working your issues through on paper is highly encouraged.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:08 AM (Zzbjj)
Could be. There are a few series I can think of that seem like therapy when you consider them 20 years after reading them. Stephen Donaldson's Covenant series, the Gap dreck, et al do not seem so much lie therapy, but something else. Something darker. David Gerrold's Furry Caterpillar series gives off the same vibe.
LKH (Laurel K Hamilton) is an interesting one. The first four books are wonderful. Tight, action packed, good characterization. Then things got weird. Then they got really weird and I stopped reading. The early books serve as predecessors for Jim Butcher's stuff (which makes sense since he was on a fan email list for LKH back around '98 or so.) He never has quite gotten off into the weeds as much as she did.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:08 AM (Zzbjj)
Could be. There are a few series I can think of that seem like therapy when you consider them 20 years after reading them. Stephen Donaldson's Covenant series, the Gap dreck, et al do not seem so much lie therapy, but something else. Something darker. David Gerrold's Furry Caterpillar series gives off the same vibe.
LKH (Laurel K Hamilton) is an interesting one. The first four books are wonderful. Tight, action packed, good characterization. Then things got weird. Then they got really weird and I stopped reading. The early books serve as predecessors for Jim Butcher's stuff (which makes sense since he was on a fan email list for LKH back around '98 or so.) He never has quite gotten off into the weeds as much as she did.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:15 AM (dNqv+)
188
Slight edit to the actual blurb for Sarah Hoyt's Deep Pink (which feels somewhat spoilery, but doesn't reveal how goofy the book really is):
When an old client asks Seamus Lebanon Magis to investigate why Death Metal bands are dressing in pink - with butterfly mustache clips - and singing about puppies and kittens in a bad imitation of K-pop bands, Leb knows there’s something foul in the realm of music.
If you're looking for something silly to pass the time this will do.
When an old client asks Seamus Lebanon Magis to investigate why Death Metal bands are dressing in pink - with butterfly mustache clips - and singing about puppies and kittens in a bad imitation of K-pop bands, Leb knows there’s something foul in the realm of music.
If you're looking for something silly to pass the time this will do.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2022 10:16 AM (llON8)
189
I started reading a book called "Blackout" by Erin Flanagan, and it read like a Kurt Schlicter parody of Blue America, only serious. All of the stereotypical feminist tropes are taken for granted as true: rape culture, white privilege, frat boy rape parties, the whole works. I kept thinking the NPC heroine would end up being red-pilled, but no.
Posted by: Toad-O at October 02, 2022 10:16 AM (cct0t)
190
I would very much like a threat devoted to Leigh Brackett... What a magnificent female author!
Classic Sci-Fi! Classic Westerns!
NO queer-bitch psychopathology!
I would very much like a threat devoted to Leigh Brackett... What a magnificent female author!
Classic Sci-Fi! Classic Westerns!
NO queer-bitch psychopathology!
Posted by: Ped Xing at October 02, 2022 10:16 AM (Ypn7P)
191
Holmes isn't even in half of Hounds. I would have replaced that with A Study In Scarlet, the book that introduced the world to Holmes.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022
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The Valley of Fear also lacks Holmes on stage a lot of the time, but it is one of the best and most ingenious mysteries Doyle ever wrote.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022
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The Valley of Fear also lacks Holmes on stage a lot of the time, but it is one of the best and most ingenious mysteries Doyle ever wrote.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:16 AM (c6xtn)
192
That doesn't mean it makes good reading.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:11 AM (llXky)
Of course not, but it could be the genesis of their writing and character creation.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:11 AM (llXky)
Of course not, but it could be the genesis of their writing and character creation.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:16 AM (Zzbjj)
193
Older women authors did not: Christie, Tey, Craig Rice, and others. Maybe because the requirements of book publishing back then didn't cater to stuff like in my previous paragraph. First and foremost they had to tell a story to sell.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:14 AM (c6xtn)
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That is likely because they lived in a pre-online world where it was much harder to live in a bubble.
If you have to interact with actual people in person, you can't nurse bizarre notions that humans are perfectable or that men can become women.
You also don't get virtual mobs running around threatening to cancel people - people have to take the physical risk of saying it to your face.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:14 AM (c6xtn)
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That is likely because they lived in a pre-online world where it was much harder to live in a bubble.
If you have to interact with actual people in person, you can't nurse bizarre notions that humans are perfectable or that men can become women.
You also don't get virtual mobs running around threatening to cancel people - people have to take the physical risk of saying it to your face.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (llXky)
194
This quote from "The Indispensables -- The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware" is relevant today --
In an interview years after the war, Captain Levi Preston shed light on why Americans fought, risking their fortune, lives, and way of life for revolution.
Was it about the Stamp Act?
"I never saw one of those stamps."
Was it about the tea tax?
"I never drank a drop of that stuff; the boys threw it all overboard."
The interviewer asked him about several esoteric concepts that Preston dismissed. Much of it boiled down to the fact that Americans don't like to be told what to do. As he then responded, "Young man, what we meant in going for those red-coats was this: we always had governed ourselves, and we always meant to. They didn't mean we should."
This quote from "The Indispensables -- The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware" is relevant today --
In an interview years after the war, Captain Levi Preston shed light on why Americans fought, risking their fortune, lives, and way of life for revolution.
Was it about the Stamp Act?
"I never saw one of those stamps."
Was it about the tea tax?
"I never drank a drop of that stuff; the boys threw it all overboard."
The interviewer asked him about several esoteric concepts that Preston dismissed. Much of it boiled down to the fact that Americans don't like to be told what to do. As he then responded, "Young man, what we meant in going for those red-coats was this: we always had governed ourselves, and we always meant to. They didn't mean we should."
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (pNxlR)
195
Listening to an audio version of Moby Dick, which I never got through in the last 54 years. The reader has Ishmael as a bit of a fop, a know it all, and it is so funny. I mean, it is an enjoyable book, The reader if Hootkins: https://tinyurl.com/35rswut3 I guess, I always had it my head it was over serious, ponderous. Like listening to a dubious book bible. Tone makes all the difference.
Posted by: Legion of Boom at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (TPtpa)
196
Mention of Alan Dean Foster made me remember his "Pip and Flinx" series. Fun stuff.
Remember fun fiction?
Remember fun fiction?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (Dc2NZ)
197
Princess Bride movie is infinitely better than the book, which is suitable only for outhouse use...
Posted by: G. Soros, Esq. at October 02, 2022 10:10 AM (Ypn7P)
I'd agree with this.
Posted by: G. Soros, Esq. at October 02, 2022 10:10 AM (Ypn7P)
I'd agree with this.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (dNqv+)
198
I'm back on my mystery kick, and a few weeks ago, I read "Murder on the Orient Express" and enjoyed it. However, the 2017 Kenneth Branaugh movie version has landed on top of my list of Bad Movies That Piss Me Off. The first great annoyance was the dead squirrel that Branaugh plastered across his face to serve as Poirot's mustache. The second was the introduction of Hollywood's favorite topic - racism - into a story that has nothing to do with race. The third - the transformation of Poirot into Super Action Hero, apparently because Branaugh thinks we're all too dumb to appreciate a movie unless it has a shootout and a chase scene. I could go on about the other 10,000 ways that this movie irritated and annoyed me, but instead I will recommend the 1974 movie version and (even better, to my mind) the made for TV version starring David Suchet. The 1974 version is lighter and packed with stars like Bacall and Guinness but I liked the way the TV version captured the claustrophobic atmosphere of being trapped in a long metal tube (a luxurious one to be sure) with a killer.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&&V at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (HabA/)
199
196 Mention of Alan Dean Foster made me remember his "Pip and Flinx" series. Fun stuff.
Remember fun fiction?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (Dc2NZ)
Oh dear lord, yes.
Remember fun fiction?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (Dc2NZ)
Oh dear lord, yes.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:18 AM (dNqv+)
200
The first book in the Sci-fi series I've been recommending The Empire Corps by Christopher Nuttall is $1.00 on Amazon.
I am on my 6th book in the series. It is worth a look people.
I am on my 6th book in the series. It is worth a look people.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:18 AM (Y+l9t)
201
Certainly I would! Though I'm not sure what "PG" fantasy is.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
Oh, rated PG - I guess it means has violence but no smut
It has mermaids, which is the open call theme
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
Oh, rated PG - I guess it means has violence but no smut
It has mermaids, which is the open call theme
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 10:19 AM (aJ/fS)
202
I see that both mystery lists contain two books that I would not have included, And Then There None and The Hound of the Baskervilles. And Then There None is an OK book but I would have replaced it with The Murder of Roger Ackoyd in which Christie broke all the rules. Holmes isn't even in half of Hounds. I would have replaced that with A Study In Scarlet, the book that introduced the world to Holmes.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:14 AM (FVME7)
I like A Study in Scarlet, but Hound of the Baskervilles is, I would say, far better from a technical standpoint. (Holmes' absence even works out, as it gives Watson a rare chance to shine.) Murder of Roger Ackroyd and Then There Were None are both excellent, and I could see an argument either way.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:14 AM (FVME7)
I like A Study in Scarlet, but Hound of the Baskervilles is, I would say, far better from a technical standpoint. (Holmes' absence even works out, as it gives Watson a rare chance to shine.) Murder of Roger Ackroyd and Then There Were None are both excellent, and I could see an argument either way.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 10:19 AM (tp+tP)
203
Clancy is odd. I never could quite get into Hunt or Red Storm. I liked Without Remorse. The personal story pulled me in, I think. He feels uneven a lot.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:20 AM (dNqv+)
204
What's a topic you'd like to see on the Book Thread? I'll see what I can do to make that happen.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 10:08 AM (K5n5d)
Humor. I'm desperate for anything that brings a smile these days. Biographies, both auto and other. Tech stuff, even...the lawdog post reminded me learning can be fun. Good mysteries with believable plots. Histories.
I'm never going to be a sci-fi/fantasy fan but I can read almost anything else if it's well-written.
Um...I think I just found the problem.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 10:08 AM (K5n5d)
Humor. I'm desperate for anything that brings a smile these days. Biographies, both auto and other. Tech stuff, even...the lawdog post reminded me learning can be fun. Good mysteries with believable plots. Histories.
I'm never going to be a sci-fi/fantasy fan but I can read almost anything else if it's well-written.
Um...I think I just found the problem.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:20 AM (fOyQ3)
205
Bandersnatch sighting! The film is grainy and poorly lit, but it's clearly him!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 10:21 AM (Dc2NZ)
206
I'm off to Mass shortly, but before I go, a quick update on Walls of Men, my book on China.
It's still locked in editing, and my timeline for publication may slip a little. Based on my experience with Long Live Death (thanks for the shoutout above!), I'm willing to delay it in the interest of having less mistakes. China's history is complex enough, so I may as well make the effort to keep the text as clean as possible.
It's still locked in editing, and my timeline for publication may slip a little. Based on my experience with Long Live Death (thanks for the shoutout above!), I'm willing to delay it in the interest of having less mistakes. China's history is complex enough, so I may as well make the effort to keep the text as clean as possible.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:22 AM (llXky)
207
Hmmm, notice Sword of Truth is not on the list. Probably a good call. Goodkind was another who seemed to be working out issues in the writing. Still liked Wizard's First Rule when it came out, but in hindsight, all the tells are probably there.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:22 AM (dNqv+)
208
Humor. I'm desperate for anything that brings a smile these days. Biographies, both auto and other. Tech stuff, even...the lawdog post reminded me learning can be fun. Good mysteries with believable plots. Histories.
I'm never going to be a sci-fi/fantasy fan but I can read almost anything else if it's well-written.
Um...I think I just found the problem.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:20 AM (fOyQ3)
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Thanks for the suggestions!
I'm never going to be a sci-fi/fantasy fan but I can read almost anything else if it's well-written.
Um...I think I just found the problem.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:20 AM (fOyQ3)
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Thanks for the suggestions!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 10:22 AM (K5n5d)
209
Um...I think I just found the problem.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:20 AM (fOyQ3)
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Evelyn Waugh is your answer. Start with Black Mischief, and then try Scoop. Thank me later.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:20 AM (fOyQ3)
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Evelyn Waugh is your answer. Start with Black Mischief, and then try Scoop. Thank me later.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:22 AM (llXky)
210
I'm never going to be a sci-fi/fantasy fan but I can read almost anything else if it's well-written.
Um...I think I just found the problem.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:20 AM (fOyQ3)
Heh.
Um...I think I just found the problem.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:20 AM (fOyQ3)
Heh.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:23 AM (dNqv+)
211
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&&V at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (HabA/)
Then don't watch last year's Death on the Nile. It's basically Branagh telling his Orient Express critics "F*ck you, have some more."
Then don't watch last year's Death on the Nile. It's basically Branagh telling his Orient Express critics "F*ck you, have some more."
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 10:23 AM (tp+tP)
212
"Since when is the Book Thread devoted to just fantasy? Personally, I'd give my left font if just once this didn't turn into a fantasy/sci-fi fest."
It was a fantasy list that was being responded to. Fiction and other genres aren't usually included on fantasy lists. Unless you are living in some fantastic alternate fantasy setting.
It was a fantasy list that was being responded to. Fiction and other genres aren't usually included on fantasy lists. Unless you are living in some fantastic alternate fantasy setting.
Posted by: Somewhere South of I-80 at October 02, 2022 10:24 AM (1DgE4)
213
"Bandersnatch sighting!"
Pffft, it's probably just some guy in a Bandersnatch suit, trying to fool the tourists. It's how they market the little figurines at the souvenir shop.
Pffft, it's probably just some guy in a Bandersnatch suit, trying to fool the tourists. It's how they market the little figurines at the souvenir shop.
Posted by: PabloD at October 02, 2022 10:24 AM (xhp1z)
214
Or just a writer with mental illness and/or a strong need for attention.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (tp+tP)
That one.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (tp+tP)
That one.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 10:25 AM (OX9vb)
215
Worth reading.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (pNxlR)
I had a period of Revolutionary Era book reading. Read a bio on Nathaniel Greene, bought a bio of Washington, found a Hessian diary that Townsend's had talked about, although it seems to have disappeared from the library. I can't find it on the shelves or in the catalogue. Irked me because I was reading it on visits to the library and I hadn't finished it. Now, it's hard to read that era considering what we have now. If they knew what we know....
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at October 02, 2022 10:06 AM (pNxlR)
I had a period of Revolutionary Era book reading. Read a bio on Nathaniel Greene, bought a bio of Washington, found a Hessian diary that Townsend's had talked about, although it seems to have disappeared from the library. I can't find it on the shelves or in the catalogue. Irked me because I was reading it on visits to the library and I hadn't finished it. Now, it's hard to read that era considering what we have now. If they knew what we know....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 10:25 AM (7bRMQ)
216
CJ Cherryh, The Faded Sun trilogy. That's my favorite, about the adaptability of humans.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at October 02, 2022 10:25 AM (uz3Px)
217
Then don't watch last year's Death on the Nile. It's basically Branagh telling his Orient Express critics "F*ck you, have some more."
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 10:23 AM (tp+tP)
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His work really went down hill after he and Emma split up.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 10:23 AM (tp+tP)
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His work really went down hill after he and Emma split up.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:25 AM (llXky)
218
I'm currently reading lack Dog by Stuart Woods, a Stone Barrington novel.
I've read all of the Stone Barrington books and he recently beame a multimillionaire, along with his former partner Dino,
In this story his secretary Joan inherits hundreds of millions of dollars. This is a type of fantasy.
I've read all of the Stone Barrington books and he recently beame a multimillionaire, along with his former partner Dino,
In this story his secretary Joan inherits hundreds of millions of dollars. This is a type of fantasy.
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 10:26 AM (T4tVD)
219
There are many recorded readings from the Bible performed by David Suchet. Apparently he had done the entire work, but recordings from individual chapters can be accessed and listened to on YouTube.
There are many recorded readings from the Bible performed by David Suchet. Apparently he had done the entire work, but recordings from individual chapters can be accessed and listened to on YouTube.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at October 02, 2022 10:26 AM (pNxlR)
220
I got a book about the Spanish Civil War, called "Hooray for Death" or something like that. The author sounds Welsh. Pretty good book, though.
One depressing thing is that even now people think the Loyalists were the good guys in that war.
One depressing thing is that even now people think the Loyalists were the good guys in that war.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 02, 2022 10:26 AM (QZxDR)
221
nstead I will recommend the 1974 movie version and (even better, to my mind) the made for TV version starring David Suchet. The 1974 version is lighter and packed with stars like Bacall and Guinness but I liked the way the TV version captured the claustrophobic atmosphere of being trapped in a long metal tube (a luxurious one to be sure) with a killer.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&&V at October 02, 2022
***
When I read that novel at 15, I was disgusted with Christie's solution. As a grownup I've come to appreciate it a little better. But the continued elevation of Christie to near-goddess among "classic" mystery writers, when Ellery Queen and John Dickson Carr have been almost forgotten, annoys me. She was neither the plotter those 2 (really 3) could be, nor was her prose all that special compared to theirs.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&&V at October 02, 2022
***
When I read that novel at 15, I was disgusted with Christie's solution. As a grownup I've come to appreciate it a little better. But the continued elevation of Christie to near-goddess among "classic" mystery writers, when Ellery Queen and John Dickson Carr have been almost forgotten, annoys me. She was neither the plotter those 2 (really 3) could be, nor was her prose all that special compared to theirs.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:26 AM (c6xtn)
222
Vmom, looks like Ninth House has a sequel: Hell Bent. Alex Stern book 2.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 10:27 AM (OX9vb)
223
Stuart Woods' first novel Chiefs is one of the best books I've ever read.
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 10:28 AM (T4tVD)
224
I got a book about the Spanish Civil War, called "Hooray for Death" or something like that. The author sounds Welsh.
You can't understand what he's saying ?
You can't understand what he's saying ?
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 10:29 AM (T4tVD)
225
ertainly I would! Though I'm not sure what "PG" fantasy is.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*
Oh, rated PG - I guess it means has violence but no smut
It has mermaids, which is the open call theme
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022
***
PG is the kind of thing I write myself. Never have done a mermaid story yet! Drop me a line at benz admiral [at sign] proton mail [dot] com (remove the obvious spaces!).
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*
Oh, rated PG - I guess it means has violence but no smut
It has mermaids, which is the open call theme
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022
***
PG is the kind of thing I write myself. Never have done a mermaid story yet! Drop me a line at benz admiral [at sign] proton mail [dot] com (remove the obvious spaces!).
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:29 AM (c6xtn)
226
I may have to make my cat Allie the honorary "Book Thread Kitty" as she's been hanging out with me at my desk all morning...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 10:30 AM (K5n5d)
227
I got a book about the Spanish Civil War, called "Hooray for Death" or something like that. The author sounds Welsh. Pretty good book, though.
One depressing thing is that even now people think the Loyalists were the good guys in that war.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 02, 2022 10:26 AM (QZxDR)
---
I've heard of that guy. Wildly successful in life, too.
Stanley G. Payne has done several books studying Marxist revolutions in Europe and they are well-written. I actually exchanged emails with him, so he's a good guy and excellent writer.
One depressing thing is that even now people think the Loyalists were the good guys in that war.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 02, 2022 10:26 AM (QZxDR)
---
I've heard of that guy. Wildly successful in life, too.
Stanley G. Payne has done several books studying Marxist revolutions in Europe and they are well-written. I actually exchanged emails with him, so he's a good guy and excellent writer.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:30 AM (llXky)
228
Thanks for the suggestions!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 10:22 AM (K5n5d)
You're welcome, Perfessor. Than YOU for making our transition so smooth. It means the world to us.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 10:22 AM (K5n5d)
You're welcome, Perfessor. Than YOU for making our transition so smooth. It means the world to us.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:31 AM (fOyQ3)
229
You can't understand what he's saying ?
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 10:29 AM (T4tVD)
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Doesn't use vowels. Also, inverted sentence structure he uses, look you.
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 10:29 AM (T4tVD)
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Doesn't use vowels. Also, inverted sentence structure he uses, look you.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:31 AM (llXky)
230
> I'm not even pushing it on them, they're seeking it out because the current content is woke garbage.
Some of the Woko Haram attempt to explain the enduring popularity of writers like Heinlein by screeching "old white men...yadda, yadda, yadda".
Sorry, sweetcheeks. The old white men all bought their copies of Starship Troopers decades ago. The people buying it now are of your generation. No one put you in charge for "speaking for" them. No one put you in charge of anything.
Some of the Woko Haram attempt to explain the enduring popularity of writers like Heinlein by screeching "old white men...yadda, yadda, yadda".
Sorry, sweetcheeks. The old white men all bought their copies of Starship Troopers decades ago. The people buying it now are of your generation. No one put you in charge for "speaking for" them. No one put you in charge of anything.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 10:31 AM (bW8dp)
231
Humor? Some of Donald Westlake's stuff is funny as hell. Unlike some of the other posters here, I laughed all the way through William Goldman's novel The Princess Bride (and prefer it to the movie). And John Collier's short story "Over Insurance" has a closing line that I still can't read without cracking up.
And then there's Dave Barry...
And then there's Dave Barry...
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 02, 2022 10:32 AM (a/4+U)
232
Good morning!
Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.
Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:32 AM (u82oZ)
233
Creeper, have you read Ann Cleeland's Acton and Doyle mystery books? She used to comment here a lot but hasn't been around in a while.
I really like the books as there are lots of mysterious twists and turns and her characters are very well drawn.
I really like the books as there are lots of mysterious twists and turns and her characters are very well drawn.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:32 AM (Y+l9t)
Posted by: PabloD at October 02, 2022 10:32 AM (xhp1z)
235
And then there's Dave Barry...
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 02, 2022 10:32 AM (a/4+U)
---
My kids discovered my copy of Dave Barry Slept Here and they loved it, even though I'm sure a lot of the cultural references were lost.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 02, 2022 10:32 AM (a/4+U)
---
My kids discovered my copy of Dave Barry Slept Here and they loved it, even though I'm sure a lot of the cultural references were lost.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 02, 2022 10:33 AM (llXky)
236
Trivia bit:
The ghostly librarian in the Ghostbusters shot is Ruth Oliver, Hollywood astrologer and mother of actress Susan Oliver (Zina from the Star Trek OS episode The Cage and many other roles).
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (ZSK0i)
Thanks for that trivia. The Oliver men are lucky dudes.
The ghostly librarian in the Ghostbusters shot is Ruth Oliver, Hollywood astrologer and mother of actress Susan Oliver (Zina from the Star Trek OS episode The Cage and many other roles).
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (ZSK0i)
Thanks for that trivia. The Oliver men are lucky dudes.
Posted by: Count de Monet at October 02, 2022 10:33 AM (4I/2K)
237
Boukreev’s account of the Everest disaster, “The Climb,” is far, far better than Krakauer’s. Boukreev explains very clearly what happened, and tells a gripping and tragic story. OTOH Krakauer reports things that even he admits could not have happened - he was hallucinating from oxygen deprivation and exhaustion - and creates from thin air (yeah) a narrative in which Boukreev is the villain - despite Boukreev saving several climbers from death, and at personal risk.
Because Krakauer is a sort of celeb his fiction has become the standard account, sadly, and Boukreev went to his death with this on his head.
Goran Kropp’s “Ultimate High” also briefly refers to the Everest disaster and is definitely worth reading. Kropp was in Everest base camp at the time recovering from a solo attempt. Kropp’s story of bicycling from Sweden to Nepal and climbing solo is really something.
Because Krakauer is a sort of celeb his fiction has become the standard account, sadly, and Boukreev went to his death with this on his head.
Goran Kropp’s “Ultimate High” also briefly refers to the Everest disaster and is definitely worth reading. Kropp was in Everest base camp at the time recovering from a solo attempt. Kropp’s story of bicycling from Sweden to Nepal and climbing solo is really something.
Posted by: Durak Kazyol at October 02, 2022 10:34 AM (4zxRq)
238
Speaking of Glen Cook, who nobody was, except for me.
His latest two books are probably his best. IMHO. Port of Shadows, set early after the Battle at Charm and A Path to Coldness of Heart, bringing the return of Braggi Ragnarsson to the throne.
If you are a fan of either series, I highly recommend both.
I have read rumors that Cook has another Black Company novel waiting to be published but you know, rumors.
His latest two books are probably his best. IMHO. Port of Shadows, set early after the Battle at Charm and A Path to Coldness of Heart, bringing the return of Braggi Ragnarsson to the throne.
If you are a fan of either series, I highly recommend both.
I have read rumors that Cook has another Black Company novel waiting to be published but you know, rumors.
Posted by: Somewhere South of I-80 at October 02, 2022 10:34 AM (1DgE4)
239
Um...I think I just found the problem.
Posted by: creeper
There are a few aspects to it.
AoS readership skews male. And skews libertarian (classical don't-tread-on-me version, not modern puff-puff-pass version). Classic sci-fi and fantasy appeal to our demographic.
And sci-fi and fantasy have more re-read value than most genres, so we can keep talking about them forever. Mysteries are good once, then you know whodunnit. Also tough to really chat about without spoilers. Bios, histories, and other non-fiction: once you've learned it, you've learned it. There's not a lot of re-read value in any of those, unless you're Joe Biden.
Posted by: creeper
There are a few aspects to it.
AoS readership skews male. And skews libertarian (classical don't-tread-on-me version, not modern puff-puff-pass version). Classic sci-fi and fantasy appeal to our demographic.
And sci-fi and fantasy have more re-read value than most genres, so we can keep talking about them forever. Mysteries are good once, then you know whodunnit. Also tough to really chat about without spoilers. Bios, histories, and other non-fiction: once you've learned it, you've learned it. There's not a lot of re-read value in any of those, unless you're Joe Biden.
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:35 AM (P1f+c)
240
Since it's October, Perfessor, any nominations for a list of the best ghost writers?
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Number one spot is taken; argue over the rest.
1. The Holy Ghost - The Bible
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:01 AM (P1f+c)
aka The Adventures of Big Daddy, Junior, and the Spook.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Number one spot is taken; argue over the rest.
1. The Holy Ghost - The Bible
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:01 AM (P1f+c)
aka The Adventures of Big Daddy, Junior, and the Spook.
Posted by: Count de Monet at October 02, 2022 10:35 AM (4I/2K)
241
Love the T-Rex cartoon drawing. If only I had $32 million bux.
T. rex skeleton sells for $31.8 million setting new world record
Since it is CNN, no linky. I wonder if Bill Watterson was the buyer. He could afford it. He could afford 10 of them if he'd just license Calvin and Hobbes for commercial marketing, something he has long refused to do *respect respect*.
********
I'm currently reading Thrice Upon a Time, by James P. Hogan. I'd say he rivals Charles Sheffield in the the genre of 'hard' sci-fi; one of my favorite sci-fi categories.
T. rex skeleton sells for $31.8 million setting new world record
Since it is CNN, no linky. I wonder if Bill Watterson was the buyer. He could afford it. He could afford 10 of them if he'd just license Calvin and Hobbes for commercial marketing, something he has long refused to do *respect respect*.
********
I'm currently reading Thrice Upon a Time, by James P. Hogan. I'd say he rivals Charles Sheffield in the the genre of 'hard' sci-fi; one of my favorite sci-fi categories.
Posted by: GnuBreed at October 02, 2022 10:35 AM (JOtiF)
242
"Perfessor" Squirrel
Thank you for recommendations for a 1988 Navy Dentist book. I could have been one of his patients.
Will look it up.
Have source material for a book on the 1986 actions off of Libya. Plan to write it when I actually retire.
Thank you for recommendations for a 1988 Navy Dentist book. I could have been one of his patients.
Will look it up.
Have source material for a book on the 1986 actions off of Libya. Plan to write it when I actually retire.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:35 AM (u82oZ)
Posted by: Bandersnatch at October 02, 2022 10:36 AM (e+csY)
244
233 Creeper, have you read Ann Cleeland's Acton and Doyle mystery books? She used to comment here a lot but hasn't been around in a while.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:32 AM (Y+l9t)
I have not, but I will look for them. Thanks, Sharon.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:32 AM (Y+l9t)
I have not, but I will look for them. Thanks, Sharon.
Posted by: creeper at October 02, 2022 10:36 AM (fOyQ3)
245
"Perfessor" Squirrel
How about a Horde-wide callout for lists of the top ten books that influenced you?
How about a Horde-wide callout for lists of the top ten books that influenced you?
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:37 AM (u82oZ)
246
Thank you very much for the kind re-promote Perfessor Squirrel.
You, sir, are a Perfessor among professors. And a Squirrel among squirrels! Thanks again.
I think I'll take newcomer, George Soros' angry review as a reverse compliment. Xhe must've been offended xomething. Love. Hate. It's a strong reaction and all good.
You, sir, are a Perfessor among professors. And a Squirrel among squirrels! Thanks again.
I think I'll take newcomer, George Soros' angry review as a reverse compliment. Xhe must've been offended xomething. Love. Hate. It's a strong reaction and all good.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 10:37 AM (KLPy8)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 10:37 AM (Dc2NZ)
248
Remember fun fiction?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (Dc2NZ)
That is not allowed! Fiction writing is to indoc, er teach you how wrong you are!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 10:17 AM (Dc2NZ)
That is not allowed! Fiction writing is to indoc, er teach you how wrong you are!
Posted by: Scolds at October 02, 2022 10:38 AM (7bRMQ)
249
Doesn't use vowels. Also, inverted sentence structure he uses, look you.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Maybe a vowel skeered him when he was little..."A-E-I-O BOO !
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Maybe a vowel skeered him when he was little..."A-E-I-O BOO !
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 10:38 AM (T4tVD)
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 10:38 AM (bW8dp)
251
Stanley G. Payne has done several books studying Marxist revolutions in Europe and they are well-written.
-
In his book The Spanish Civil War, he argues that Franco rose because he decided it was more dangerous to do nothing
than to do something. Not that that has any relevance to today.
-
In his book The Spanish Civil War, he argues that Franco rose because he decided it was more dangerous to do nothing
than to do something. Not that that has any relevance to today.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:38 AM (FVME7)
252
Okay, too nice to be stuck inside. I'll be back later to critique everybody's opinions.
Thanks for keeping the Book Thread alive and kicking, Perf!
Thanks for keeping the Book Thread alive and kicking, Perf!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 10:38 AM (Dc2NZ)
253
Listening to the 12 Byzantine series of lectures I mentioned. One thing I have noticed: due to differences in pronunciation, it is sometimes hard to understand or follow what is going on from read work to work.
Aetius
A-tius (how I usually pronounce it in my head)
Et-tius (how I usually hear it pronounced)
aye-ee-schus (how this guy pronounced it)
It took me a minute to realize who he was referring to and it is my own nic!
Aetius
A-tius (how I usually pronounce it in my head)
Et-tius (how I usually hear it pronounced)
aye-ee-schus (how this guy pronounced it)
It took me a minute to realize who he was referring to and it is my own nic!
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:39 AM (dNqv+)
254
. . . Mysteries are good once, then you know whodunnit. Also tough to really chat about without spoilers. . . .
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022
***
Your points are well taken. But some authors, like Rex Stout, transcend this. I reread some Nero Wolfes every year, even when I remember whodunit. To be fair, his work was rarely about the dazzling puzzle and the thunderbolt solution, but more about the interplay between Wolfe and his "Watson," narrator Archie Goodwin. Josephine Tey is another -- good plots, but well-drawn characters and a special flavor to his prose and settings set her apart. As for the other point, that's true, but it makes for a neat challenge to hint at how things work out rather than just say them.
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022
***
Your points are well taken. But some authors, like Rex Stout, transcend this. I reread some Nero Wolfes every year, even when I remember whodunit. To be fair, his work was rarely about the dazzling puzzle and the thunderbolt solution, but more about the interplay between Wolfe and his "Watson," narrator Archie Goodwin. Josephine Tey is another -- good plots, but well-drawn characters and a special flavor to his prose and settings set her apart. As for the other point, that's true, but it makes for a neat challenge to hint at how things work out rather than just say them.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:39 AM (c6xtn)
255
In preparing today's Book Thread, I did go through the Best of Fantasy and Science fiction lists to see how the books ranked on Amazon. Many of them were really low down on the list, as in the hundreds of thousands below the top.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:42 AM (K5n5d)
Seems to me the sheer number of books written has created more of a Tower of Babel than back when publishing houses controlled what got published and what didn't.
I'm not saying that's a good thing, just that today there's a great deal more of people talking past each other, rather than TO each other. After all, words are designed to communicate, and as with social media and all that rot, the more that gets said does not seem to be increasing the quality of our communication.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 09:42 AM (K5n5d)
Seems to me the sheer number of books written has created more of a Tower of Babel than back when publishing houses controlled what got published and what didn't.
I'm not saying that's a good thing, just that today there's a great deal more of people talking past each other, rather than TO each other. After all, words are designed to communicate, and as with social media and all that rot, the more that gets said does not seem to be increasing the quality of our communication.
Posted by: BurtTC at October 02, 2022 10:40 AM (TGNA8)
256
According to Wikipedia, "e/em/eir/emself" is a disabled, intersex, "agender" trans Jewish writer.
I'm not sure if they mean he's transexual and Jewish, or whether "trans-Jewish" is now a thing.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:51 AM (bW8dp)
If it has to promote itself, and its literary(?) output by hitting all those buttons, then it's safe to assume that it is a piece of shit.
I'm not sure if they mean he's transexual and Jewish, or whether "trans-Jewish" is now a thing.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 09:51 AM (bW8dp)
If it has to promote itself, and its literary(?) output by hitting all those buttons, then it's safe to assume that it is a piece of shit.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 02, 2022 10:40 AM (sddmH)
257
THe SF list makes no sense; unless it is politically generated. Been reading SF for 70 years. Some outstanding books not here:
World of NullA, Spaceship Troopers, Stranger in a Strange land,Enders Game, Space Merchants, Puppet Masters
1984 IS NOT SF its Alternate history, Since it is here where is: Conn Yankee in King Arthur's, Guns of the South, In the Balance.
Have not read most of these but the list , to me , is BS.
World of NullA, Spaceship Troopers, Stranger in a Strange land,Enders Game, Space Merchants, Puppet Masters
1984 IS NOT SF its Alternate history, Since it is here where is: Conn Yankee in King Arthur's, Guns of the South, In the Balance.
Have not read most of these but the list , to me , is BS.
Posted by: an ol exJarhead at October 02, 2022 10:40 AM (/eA72)
258
Thanks for keeping the Book Thread alive and kicking, Perf!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord
Seconded !
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord
Seconded !
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 10:41 AM (T4tVD)
259
I could go on about the other 10,000 ways that this movie irritated and annoyed me, but instead I will recommend the 1974 movie version and (even better, to my mind) the made for TV version starring David Suchet.
No question about how awful the Branagh version was. Always the tiresome race obsession with modern movies. The beginning had a completely irrelevant episode where a nasty white British colonial officer (Boo! Hiss!) commits a crime and tries to implicate the peaceable, saintly Muslim and Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. I didn't care for the Suchet version though - they turned Poirot into a blubbing Catholic neurotic by the end, all of his humor was gone.
I recommend the 2015 Japanese TV version, 'Oriento kyuukou satsujin jiken'. The whole story is transplanted to 1930s Japan, but it's beautiful and stylish. It's a 2-part adaptation, with the first part following the book, and the second part recreating the actual original crime years ago.
No question about how awful the Branagh version was. Always the tiresome race obsession with modern movies. The beginning had a completely irrelevant episode where a nasty white British colonial officer (Boo! Hiss!) commits a crime and tries to implicate the peaceable, saintly Muslim and Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. I didn't care for the Suchet version though - they turned Poirot into a blubbing Catholic neurotic by the end, all of his humor was gone.
I recommend the 2015 Japanese TV version, 'Oriento kyuukou satsujin jiken'. The whole story is transplanted to 1930s Japan, but it's beautiful and stylish. It's a 2-part adaptation, with the first part following the book, and the second part recreating the actual original crime years ago.
Posted by: Dr. Mabusette at October 02, 2022 10:41 AM (CKLBN)
260
I have read rumors that Cook has another Black Company novel waiting to be published but you know, rumors.
Posted by: Somewhere South of I-80 at October 02, 2022 10:34 AM (1DgE4)
He turned the main character into an immobile golem. Hmmm. I guess you could work with that.
Posted by: Somewhere South of I-80 at October 02, 2022 10:34 AM (1DgE4)
He turned the main character into an immobile golem. Hmmm. I guess you could work with that.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:41 AM (dNqv+)
261
Oh, rated PG - I guess it means has violence but no smut
It has mermaids, which is the open call theme
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 10:19 AM (aJ/fS)
So, it's going for the princess reading demographic?
A couple of years ago at the library picking out books for the now fifth grader, she came across a series about mermaid cats. Purrmaids. Underwater living cats.
It has mermaids, which is the open call theme
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 10:19 AM (aJ/fS)
So, it's going for the princess reading demographic?
A couple of years ago at the library picking out books for the now fifth grader, she came across a series about mermaid cats. Purrmaids. Underwater living cats.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 10:41 AM (7bRMQ)
262
I just got back from a constitutional with the lively and athletic Mrs naturalfake.
Holy Cow! What a beautiful morning! Crisp, cool air, and bright sunlight.
We wandered longer than usual all.
Got to enjoy the 3 minutes of Fall we get here in Texas.
Holy Cow! What a beautiful morning! Crisp, cool air, and bright sunlight.
We wandered longer than usual all.
Got to enjoy the 3 minutes of Fall we get here in Texas.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 10:42 AM (KLPy8)
263
Haunted libraries and the top pic:
Dr. Raymond Stantz: Symmetrical book stacking. Just like the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947.
Dr. Peter Venkman: You're right, no HUMAN BEING would stack books like this.
Sorry, good book people. It had to be done. I'll go back to lurking in the corner now.
Dr. Raymond Stantz: Symmetrical book stacking. Just like the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947.
Dr. Peter Venkman: You're right, no HUMAN BEING would stack books like this.
Sorry, good book people. It had to be done. I'll go back to lurking in the corner now.
Posted by: Count de Monet at October 02, 2022 10:43 AM (4I/2K)
264
Anne McCaffrey, Ursula LeGuin, Robin Hobb, Mercedes Lackey, C.J.Cherry....
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:43 AM (Y+l9t)
265
Humans are not dominated by the aliens, but compared to the races of the galaxy are penultimate warriors. Faster reflexes, aggression, strength, they quickly dominate the landscape of the great galactic conflict
Posted by: Aetius451AD
We were the "ultimate" warriors, then, using "Ultimate: adj. Best."
"Penultimate" just means "next to last," based on "Ultimate: adj. Final," so almost the opposite of what you meant.
This has been your Book Thread Pedantry Moment.
Posted by: Aetius451AD
We were the "ultimate" warriors, then, using "Ultimate: adj. Best."
"Penultimate" just means "next to last," based on "Ultimate: adj. Final," so almost the opposite of what you meant.
This has been your Book Thread Pedantry Moment.
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:44 AM (P1f+c)
266
214 Or just a writer with mental illness and/or a strong need for attention.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (tp+tP)
That one.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 10:25 AM (OX9vb)
I assume therapeutic journaling is how Susanna Kaysen got her start. Years ago, I was given an advance copy of one of her books, which should have been published, if it had to be published, in the form of a Roaring Springs composition notebook.
Posted by: Dr. T at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (tp+tP)
That one.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at October 02, 2022 10:25 AM (OX9vb)
I assume therapeutic journaling is how Susanna Kaysen got her start. Years ago, I was given an advance copy of one of her books, which should have been published, if it had to be published, in the form of a Roaring Springs composition notebook.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:44 AM (Zzbjj)
267
Oh, rated PG - I guess it means has violence but no smut
It has mermaids, which is the open call theme
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022
*
So, it's going for the princess reading demographic?
A couple of years ago at the library picking out books for the now fifth grader, she came across a series about mermaid cats. Purrmaids. Underwater living cats.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022
***
Darn. Now I have to dig up the notes I made for my "merpeople" story a few years ago. Not cutesy stuff at all, I seem to remember. I was having plot problems, so I moved on to something else. Maybe because I was forcing it to have a twist ending/revelation. Not every story needs that.
It has mermaids, which is the open call theme
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022
*
So, it's going for the princess reading demographic?
A couple of years ago at the library picking out books for the now fifth grader, she came across a series about mermaid cats. Purrmaids. Underwater living cats.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022
***
Darn. Now I have to dig up the notes I made for my "merpeople" story a few years ago. Not cutesy stuff at all, I seem to remember. I was having plot problems, so I moved on to something else. Maybe because I was forcing it to have a twist ending/revelation. Not every story needs that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:44 AM (c6xtn)
268
He turned the main character into an immobile golem. Hmmm. I guess you could work with that.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:41 AM (dNqv+)
Port of Shadows went backward. No reason he can't do it again. It is a fantasy, afterall.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:41 AM (dNqv+)
Port of Shadows went backward. No reason he can't do it again. It is a fantasy, afterall.
Posted by: Somewhere South of I-80 at October 02, 2022 10:44 AM (1DgE4)
269
If it has to promote itself, and its literary(?) output by hitting all those buttons, then it's safe to assume that it is a piece of shit.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 02, 2022 10:40 AM (sddmH)
True, but that slop does get it published.
If it has to promote itself, and its literary(?) output by hitting all those buttons, then it's safe to assume that it is a piece of shit.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 02, 2022 10:40 AM (sddmH)
True, but that slop does get it published.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 10:45 AM (Zzbjj)
270
"Perfessor" Squirrel
How about a Horde-wide callout for lists of the top ten books that influenced you?
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:37 AM (u82oZ)
---
That is a great idea!
How about a Horde-wide callout for lists of the top ten books that influenced you?
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:37 AM (u82oZ)
---
That is a great idea!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 10:45 AM (K5n5d)
271
"Penultimate" just means "next to last," based on "Ultimate: adj. Final," so almost the opposite of what you meant.
This has been your Book Thread Pedantry Moment.
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:44 AM (P1f+c)
Dammit. I was thinking the usage might be wrong, but got lazy and did not double check. Thanks.
This has been your Book Thread Pedantry Moment.
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:44 AM (P1f+c)
Dammit. I was thinking the usage might be wrong, but got lazy and did not double check. Thanks.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:46 AM (dNqv+)
272
> One depressing thing is that even now people think the Loyalists were the good guys in that war.
They should read Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia".
Remember that Orwell was a socialist, and remained one till the day he died. But he was a relatively honest socialist, and depicted the commies in Spain as they were.
They should read Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia".
Remember that Orwell was a socialist, and remained one till the day he died. But he was a relatively honest socialist, and depicted the commies in Spain as they were.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 10:46 AM (bW8dp)
273
I dropped in a Barnes and Noble yesterday, they re-arranged their layout again.
Science-Fiction: 3 shelving units
Fantasy: 6 units
Manga: 15 units
Young Adult: 20 units
Very frustrating. Men need to go back to reading, writing, and publishing science fiction.
And get off of my lawn.
Science-Fiction: 3 shelving units
Fantasy: 6 units
Manga: 15 units
Young Adult: 20 units
Very frustrating. Men need to go back to reading, writing, and publishing science fiction.
And get off of my lawn.
Posted by: motionview, a MAGA Republican (who supports DeSantis) at October 02, 2022 10:47 AM (469KY)
274
Anne McCaffrey, Ursula LeGuin, Robin Hobb, Mercedes Lackey, C.J.Cherry....
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022
***
I'll be the first to say that Leguin's Left Hand of Darkness is fine SF and a good story. As Larry Niven put it, if you're trying to introduce SF to a literary-oriented teacher, "it's fine stuff by their standards as well as our own." (By that he meant SF readers and writers.) LHoD has sense of wonder, adventure, a palpable atmosphere, and literary skill all blended together.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022
***
I'll be the first to say that Leguin's Left Hand of Darkness is fine SF and a good story. As Larry Niven put it, if you're trying to introduce SF to a literary-oriented teacher, "it's fine stuff by their standards as well as our own." (By that he meant SF readers and writers.) LHoD has sense of wonder, adventure, a palpable atmosphere, and literary skill all blended together.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:47 AM (c6xtn)
275
271 "Perfessor" Squirrel
How about a Horde-wide callout for lists of the top ten books that influenced you?
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:37 AM (u82oZ)
---
That is a great idea!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
*********
Do it! But not today. My wife is telling me to get to work.
How about a Horde-wide callout for lists of the top ten books that influenced you?
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:37 AM (u82oZ)
---
That is a great idea!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
*********
Do it! But not today. My wife is telling me to get to work.
Posted by: Durak Kazyol at October 02, 2022 10:47 AM (4zxRq)
276
Commies- always professing and perceived as having the best of intentions- always brutal, childish monsters in practice.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:48 AM (dNqv+)
277
The author of most of the Doc Savage books was Lester Dent, who lived in Missouri.
The first book, The Man of Bronze is OK on rereading, but the best is probably Fortress Of Solitude.
Fair warning. You can only be 13 once. Lots of formalistic writing, with plot holes galore. A good author could make a much better series.
Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life by Philip Jose Farmer is a compendium, biography, and critique of the entire series. This complements his "autobiography" of Tarzan.
The first book, The Man of Bronze is OK on rereading, but the best is probably Fortress Of Solitude.
Fair warning. You can only be 13 once. Lots of formalistic writing, with plot holes galore. A good author could make a much better series.
Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life by Philip Jose Farmer is a compendium, biography, and critique of the entire series. This complements his "autobiography" of Tarzan.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:48 AM (u82oZ)
278
> If it has to promote itself, and its literary(?) output by hitting all those buttons, then it's safe to assume that it is a piece of shit.
No book that ranks above the millions in Amazon Sales Rank.
Somehow still wins two Hugo Awards
Temember that the Hugo is supposed to be a "fan award", not a "critics award" -- of course it hasn't been a "fan award" in over 20 years, but it's SUPPOSED to be one.
No book that ranks above the millions in Amazon Sales Rank.
Somehow still wins two Hugo Awards
Temember that the Hugo is supposed to be a "fan award", not a "critics award" -- of course it hasn't been a "fan award" in over 20 years, but it's SUPPOSED to be one.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 10:49 AM (bW8dp)
279
Very frustrating. Men need to go back to reading, writing, and publishing science fiction.
And get off of my lawn.
Posted by: motionview, a MAGA Republican (who supports DeSantis) at October 02, 2022 10:47 AM (469KY)
Manga has resisted a lot of the commie drift that fantasy/sci-fi has gotten bogged down in. Not for me, but I understand the appeal to young people. Attractive women. Swords. Heroes on the brink. Blood. Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. True love. Miracles!
And get off of my lawn.
Posted by: motionview, a MAGA Republican (who supports DeSantis) at October 02, 2022 10:47 AM (469KY)
Manga has resisted a lot of the commie drift that fantasy/sci-fi has gotten bogged down in. Not for me, but I understand the appeal to young people. Attractive women. Swords. Heroes on the brink. Blood. Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. True love. Miracles!
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:50 AM (dNqv+)
280
Max Baer, Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Chief Justice, Dies
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I didn't know Jethro went into the law.
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I didn't know Jethro went into the law.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:50 AM (FVME7)
281
271 "Perfessor" Squirrel
How about a Horde-wide callout for lists of the top ten books that influenced you?
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:37 AM (u82oZ)
---
That is a great idea!
clearly, we need a list of the ten best top ten lists
How about a Horde-wide callout for lists of the top ten books that influenced you?
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 10:37 AM (u82oZ)
---
That is a great idea!
clearly, we need a list of the ten best top ten lists
Posted by: anachronda at October 02, 2022 10:50 AM (+kiA+)
282
No reason to think had Communists won in Spain they wouldn't have followed what Communists do after taking over and murdered millions, not that thousands weren't murdered.
Posted by: Skip at October 02, 2022 10:51 AM (xhxe8)
283
A couple of years ago at the library picking out books for the now fifth grader, she came across a series about mermaid cats. Purrmaids. Underwater living cats.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
The Japanese word for "seagull" is "umineko." Literally "sea cat." Because seagulls' calls sound like cats. The translation of the book would be unique.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
The Japanese word for "seagull" is "umineko." Literally "sea cat." Because seagulls' calls sound like cats. The translation of the book would be unique.
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:51 AM (P1f+c)
284
clearly, we need a list of the ten best top ten lists
Posted by: anachronda at October 02, 2022 10:50 AM (+kiA+)
*golfclap*
Posted by: anachronda at October 02, 2022 10:50 AM (+kiA+)
*golfclap*
Posted by: Aetius451AD at October 02, 2022 10:51 AM (dNqv+)
285
I like A Study in Scarlet, but Hound of the Baskervilles is, I would say, far better from a technical standpoint.
If we're being honest about it, Scarlet and Valley aren't even really mystery stories. They are thinly disguised polemics against Mormonism and labor unions repectively. Holmes just kind of pops in to introduce the story and then again at the end to say "Aha!"
If we're being honest about it, Scarlet and Valley aren't even really mystery stories. They are thinly disguised polemics against Mormonism and labor unions repectively. Holmes just kind of pops in to introduce the story and then again at the end to say "Aha!"
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 10:52 AM (nfrXX)
286
TO A. H. Lloyd: Do you make more money from the paperback or the kindle version of Long Live Death? I'll buy whichever version puts a few extra pennies in your pocket.
Posted by: who knew at October 02, 2022 10:53 AM (4I7VG)
287
clearly, we need a list of the ten best top ten lists
Posted by: anachronda
*****
We need *lists* of the top ten lists.
Which of course leads to…
(“Coming dear”
Posted by: anachronda
*****
We need *lists* of the top ten lists.
Which of course leads to…
(“Coming dear”
Posted by: Durak Kazyol at October 02, 2022 10:54 AM (4zxRq)
288
The author of most of the Doc Savage books was Lester Dent, who lived in Missouri.
The first book, The Man of Bronze is OK on rereading, but the best is probably Fortress Of Solitude.
Fair warning. You can only be 13 once. Lots of formalistic writing, with plot holes galore. A good author could make a much better series.
I went through a big Doc Savage phase when in the 11-13 age bracket. Man. did I love those books!
I revisited the good Doc a couple of years ago and more or less had the same reaction as you did.
I saw what I had loved there but was no longer 12 and it didn't have the same effect.
Sad.
The first book, The Man of Bronze is OK on rereading, but the best is probably Fortress Of Solitude.
Fair warning. You can only be 13 once. Lots of formalistic writing, with plot holes galore. A good author could make a much better series.
I went through a big Doc Savage phase when in the 11-13 age bracket. Man. did I love those books!
I revisited the good Doc a couple of years ago and more or less had the same reaction as you did.
I saw what I had loved there but was no longer 12 and it didn't have the same effect.
Sad.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 10:54 AM (KLPy8)
289
Love the T-Rex cartoon drawing. If only I had $32 million bux.
T. rex skeleton sells for $31.8 million setting new world record
Since it is CNN, no linky. I wonder if Bill Watterson was the buyer. He could afford it. He could afford 10 of them if he'd just license Calvin and Hobbes for commercial marketing, something he has long refused to do *respect respect*.
********
I'm currently reading Thrice Upon a Time, by James P. Hogan. I'd say he rivals Charles Sheffield in the the genre of 'hard' sci-fi; one of my favorite sci-fi categories.
Posted by: GnuBreed at October 02, 2022 10:35 AM (JOtiF)
A Thesaurus was featured in Bored of the Rings.
T. rex skeleton sells for $31.8 million setting new world record
Since it is CNN, no linky. I wonder if Bill Watterson was the buyer. He could afford it. He could afford 10 of them if he'd just license Calvin and Hobbes for commercial marketing, something he has long refused to do *respect respect*.
********
I'm currently reading Thrice Upon a Time, by James P. Hogan. I'd say he rivals Charles Sheffield in the the genre of 'hard' sci-fi; one of my favorite sci-fi categories.
Posted by: GnuBreed at October 02, 2022 10:35 AM (JOtiF)
A Thesaurus was featured in Bored of the Rings.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 02, 2022 10:55 AM (BVWhU)
290
Video: Former NFL Bad Boy Antonio Brown Exposes Himself to Stunned Guests in Hotel Pool
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Former?
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Former?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:56 AM (FVME7)
291
Maybe because I was forcing it to have a twist ending/revelation. Not every story needs that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:44 AM (c6xtn)
That's right. A good old fashioned gun down of the bad guy is just as good as a twist ending.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 10:44 AM (c6xtn)
That's right. A good old fashioned gun down of the bad guy is just as good as a twist ending.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 10:56 AM (7bRMQ)
292
A Thesaurus was featured in Bored of the Rings.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 02, 2022 10:55 AM (BVWhU)
---
I'm pretty sure they also roam the stacks of the Library at Unseen University on the Discworld...
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 02, 2022 10:55 AM (BVWhU)
---
I'm pretty sure they also roam the stacks of the Library at Unseen University on the Discworld...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 10:56 AM (K5n5d)
293
I am now on the 5th book of a 6 novel detective novel series by "Robert Galbraith." I cannot get over how excellent these books are. The dialog is masterfully done; the characters are realistic, and the author seems to be able to handle perfectly the inner perspective of both men and women. I keep looking forward to returning to my reading.
"Robert Galbraith" is in fact J.K. Rowling, something I learned only very recently. I had assumed that she was caught up in Hollywood and endless Harry Potter spinoffs, and it turned out she had been writing these novels the whole time.
In retrospect, I can see it, a little. I'd never have guessed. I cannot tell that the novels were written by a woman, a thing that is usually quickly obvious. One of the things that impressed me about the Harry Potter books was how well she managed to portray the inner experience of a boy at different ages. The Harry Potter books also have strongly defined, memorable characters. She has a gift for pulling readers in, and making them care about the characters.
Highly recommended for fans of detective novels.
"Robert Galbraith" is in fact J.K. Rowling, something I learned only very recently. I had assumed that she was caught up in Hollywood and endless Harry Potter spinoffs, and it turned out she had been writing these novels the whole time.
In retrospect, I can see it, a little. I'd never have guessed. I cannot tell that the novels were written by a woman, a thing that is usually quickly obvious. One of the things that impressed me about the Harry Potter books was how well she managed to portray the inner experience of a boy at different ages. The Harry Potter books also have strongly defined, memorable characters. She has a gift for pulling readers in, and making them care about the characters.
Highly recommended for fans of detective novels.
Posted by: Splunge at October 02, 2022 10:57 AM (cm/80)
294
Video: Former NFL Bad Boy Antonio Brown Exposes Himself to Stunned Guests in Hotel Pool
Yup a real class act. Any comment from blm?
Yup a real class act. Any comment from blm?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 02, 2022 10:58 AM (Irn0L)
295
If you're looking for quick, entertaining reads (though sometimes a little dated) you could do worse than "The Destroyer" series by Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir.
Those have been made available on Kindle.
What brought 'em to mind is that Fred Ward, who played Remo Williams in the movie, sadly passed on this week.
Entertaining movie, too, by the way, not the least because Joel Grey playing a Korean dude gives the SJWs the vapors.
Those have been made available on Kindle.
What brought 'em to mind is that Fred Ward, who played Remo Williams in the movie, sadly passed on this week.
Entertaining movie, too, by the way, not the least because Joel Grey playing a Korean dude gives the SJWs the vapors.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 10:58 AM (bW8dp)
296
Chechen Leader Says Putin Should Use Low-Yield Nuclear Weapon in Ukraine
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Thank God we've finally got some moderation!
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Thank God we've finally got some moderation!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:59 AM (FVME7)
297
Working down Squirrel's list, I spot at #25 --
25 Vengeance of the Dancing Gods Chalker, Jack L. The Dancing Gods - Book 03
Jack Chalker rings in pretty high on my list of fantasy authors. I have his collection of Well World novels. Good stuff.
25 Vengeance of the Dancing Gods Chalker, Jack L. The Dancing Gods - Book 03
Jack Chalker rings in pretty high on my list of fantasy authors. I have his collection of Well World novels. Good stuff.
Posted by: GnuBreed at October 02, 2022 10:59 AM (JOtiF)
298
Chechen Leader Says Putin Should Use Low-Yield Nuclear Weapon in Ukraine
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Thank God we've finally got some moderation!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:59 AM (FVME7)
He must be 1/2 palestinian
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Thank God we've finally got some moderation!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:59 AM (FVME7)
He must be 1/2 palestinian
Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 02, 2022 11:00 AM (Irn0L)
299
Errr, Fred Ward passed last May.
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at October 02, 2022 11:01 AM (ZSK0i)
300
295 If you're looking for quick, entertaining reads (though sometimes a little dated) you could do worse than "The Destroyer" series by Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir.
Those have been made available on Kindle.
What brought 'em to mind is that Fred Ward, who played Remo Williams in the movie, sadly passed on this week.
Entertaining movie, too, by the way, not the least because Joel Grey playing a Korean dude gives the SJWs the vapors.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 10:58 AM (bW8dp)
loved all those books. Highly recommend reading them!
Those have been made available on Kindle.
What brought 'em to mind is that Fred Ward, who played Remo Williams in the movie, sadly passed on this week.
Entertaining movie, too, by the way, not the least because Joel Grey playing a Korean dude gives the SJWs the vapors.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 10:58 AM (bW8dp)
loved all those books. Highly recommend reading them!
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of the military SCI FI series Outward Frontier on AMAZON at October 02, 2022 11:01 AM (V0xPF)
301
Jack Chalker rings in pretty high on my list of fantasy authors. I have his collection of Well World novels. Good stuff.
Posted by: GnuBreed at October 02, 2022 10:59 AM (JOtiF)
---
I think his Rings of the Master series is just very, very cool. Also a lot of shout-outs to Tolkien and Victor Hugo...
Posted by: GnuBreed at October 02, 2022 10:59 AM (JOtiF)
---
I think his Rings of the Master series is just very, very cool. Also a lot of shout-outs to Tolkien and Victor Hugo...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 02, 2022 11:02 AM (K5n5d)
302
Splunge, thanks for the recommendation. It is not something I would have run across otherwise and I like detective novels and have read all the Harry Potter books(-:
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 11:03 AM (Y+l9t)
303
A Thesaurus was featured in Bored of the Rings.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
I'm pretty sure they also roam the stacks of the Library at Unseen University on the Discworld...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
And I was thinking it sounded like something from the Xanth novels. I'm not going to read all 45 books to check, though.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
I'm pretty sure they also roam the stacks of the Library at Unseen University on the Discworld...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
And I was thinking it sounded like something from the Xanth novels. I'm not going to read all 45 books to check, though.
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 11:04 AM (P1f+c)
304
"Penultimate" just means "next to last," based on "Ultimate: adj. Final," so almost the opposite of what you meant.
This has been your Book Thread Pedantry Moment.
A surprising number of educated people seem to think penultimate means "ultimate but even better" or "mostest ultimatest."
The word for "second to last" is antepenultimate. Look for a way to slip it into an a work email.
This has been your Book Thread Pedantry Moment.
A surprising number of educated people seem to think penultimate means "ultimate but even better" or "mostest ultimatest."
The word for "second to last" is antepenultimate. Look for a way to slip it into an a work email.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 11:04 AM (nfrXX)
305
As for the lists, I find the book lists perfectly useless to me, because I'm not going to read 99% of what's on lists. Mostly because I don't even bother with most genres of fiction, but also I'm a slow, slow reader.
The teevee show list though, it certainly looks like it was written by a committee... with a clear race and gender quota. But ignoring that aspect of it, I don't have any significant complaints about it. Shows I never watched are on the list, but other people seemed to like them, and shows I loved, they're treated well enough, that the number rank is not relevant, as far as I'm concerned.
The teevee show list though, it certainly looks like it was written by a committee... with a clear race and gender quota. But ignoring that aspect of it, I don't have any significant complaints about it. Shows I never watched are on the list, but other people seemed to like them, and shows I loved, they're treated well enough, that the number rank is not relevant, as far as I'm concerned.
Posted by: BurtTC at October 02, 2022 11:04 AM (TGNA8)
306
> Errr, Fred Ward passed last May.
So he did.
Somehow I just saw an article about it this week, though. My mistake for not noting the date.
So he did.
Somehow I just saw an article about it this week, though. My mistake for not noting the date.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 11:04 AM (bW8dp)
307
Apparently, I don't read fantasy. I only recognized three or four authors, and had only read one listed book, Tolkien's.
I could of sworn I had read more.
I could of sworn I had read more.
Posted by: From about that time at October 02, 2022 11:04 AM (4780s)
308
Late to the party this morning. Had to walk Robby.
I've been reading a lot as of late.
Finished Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power. Great read; lots of historical vignettes and analysis into human nature and decision making. Upon retrospect, hearing that this book is banned in prisons is laughable. Most criminals lack intelligence and good decision making- hence prison. It's a good study on how people may manipulate you, but to really apply the principles in the book would take years of study, attempt and time. I'd read it for situational awareness.
Also reading "Boyd" the biography of the famous USAF fighter pilot. This is a heavy tome and it goes way beyond the OODA Loop principles he is known for. Still slogging through it.
I've been reading a lot as of late.
Finished Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power. Great read; lots of historical vignettes and analysis into human nature and decision making. Upon retrospect, hearing that this book is banned in prisons is laughable. Most criminals lack intelligence and good decision making- hence prison. It's a good study on how people may manipulate you, but to really apply the principles in the book would take years of study, attempt and time. I'd read it for situational awareness.
Also reading "Boyd" the biography of the famous USAF fighter pilot. This is a heavy tome and it goes way beyond the OODA Loop principles he is known for. Still slogging through it.
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of the military SCI FI series Outward Frontier on AMAZON at October 02, 2022 11:05 AM (V0xPF)
309
Still working my way thru
"Complete Tales of the Unexpected" by Roald Dahl.
He's the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory guy. Incredibly successful novelist for kiddos.
But, also wrote weird, twisted little short stories often anthologized and turned into TV scripts in series like the Alfred Hitchcock show.
Man, was this guy a good writer. Even when the story is merely good and not great, it's still joy to read.
Give his short stories or his wild and bawdy novel, "My Uncle Oswald" a spin for a very different side to the "children's" writer.
"Complete Tales of the Unexpected" by Roald Dahl.
He's the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory guy. Incredibly successful novelist for kiddos.
But, also wrote weird, twisted little short stories often anthologized and turned into TV scripts in series like the Alfred Hitchcock show.
Man, was this guy a good writer. Even when the story is merely good and not great, it's still joy to read.
Give his short stories or his wild and bawdy novel, "My Uncle Oswald" a spin for a very different side to the "children's" writer.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 11:05 AM (KLPy8)
310
Chechen Leader Says Putin Should Use Low-Yield Nuclear Weapon in Ukraine
Thank God we've finally got some moderation!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:59 AM (FVME7)
One question on the Russian adventure in Ukraine is where is the vaunted former Red Air Force?
Bears, Bisons, Backfires and Blackjacks Oh My!
Thank God we've finally got some moderation!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 10:59 AM (FVME7)
One question on the Russian adventure in Ukraine is where is the vaunted former Red Air Force?
Bears, Bisons, Backfires and Blackjacks Oh My!
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at October 02, 2022 11:06 AM (R/m4+)
311
One of Galbraith's books is full of Blue Oyster Cult song titles. She is a big fan.
Posted by: SFGoth at October 02, 2022 11:06 AM (KAi1n)
312
Off to make lunch, read Hemingway, enjoy a quiet rainy day.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 11:07 AM (Zzbjj)
313
Off to take my wife to a high-class estate sale. They might even let me in.
May everyone have good books to read.
May everyone have good books to read.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at October 02, 2022 11:08 AM (u82oZ)
314
> Bears, Bisons, Backfires and Blackjacks Oh My!
We still get Bear incursions on a regular basis here in the Upper One.
We still get Bear incursions on a regular basis here in the Upper One.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 11:08 AM (bW8dp)
315
The Japanese word for "seagull" is "umineko." Literally "sea cat." Because seagulls' calls sound like cats. The translation of the book would be unique.
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:51 AM (P1f+c)
Could be, but they're early reader books, so I doubt it have much interest.
Ghost writer post was funny. And true.
Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2022 10:51 AM (P1f+c)
Could be, but they're early reader books, so I doubt it have much interest.
Ghost writer post was funny. And true.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 11:09 AM (7bRMQ)
316
The word for "second to last" is antepenultimate. Look for a way to slip it into an a work email.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 11:04 AM (nfrXX)
I feel a sudden urge to write a novel with a character named,
"Auntie Penultimate".
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 11:04 AM (nfrXX)
I feel a sudden urge to write a novel with a character named,
"Auntie Penultimate".
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 11:09 AM (KLPy8)
317
> We still get Bear incursions on a regular basis here in the Upper One.
It rarely makes the Lower 48 news.
According to a friend who was at Elmendorf back in the Cold War, the game was to intercept the Bear before it got within cruise missile range of Anchorage.
They didn't always manage to do it.
It rarely makes the Lower 48 news.
According to a friend who was at Elmendorf back in the Cold War, the game was to intercept the Bear before it got within cruise missile range of Anchorage.
They didn't always manage to do it.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at October 02, 2022 11:10 AM (bW8dp)
318
Library had a copy of The Cuckoo's calling by Robert Galbraith immediately available to download.
If she wasn't writing under a pseudonym, there probably would have been a long waiting list to get a copy. But both hardcover and ebook copies readily available in multiple,libraries.
If she wasn't writing under a pseudonym, there probably would have been a long waiting list to get a copy. But both hardcover and ebook copies readily available in multiple,libraries.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 11:10 AM (Y+l9t)
319
Also finished reading "Atomic Habits" and "The Power of Habit."
Atomic Habits has a lot of hype. I found the writing shallow at best. It struck me as similar in writing and conclusions as "The 5 Hour Work Week." Like I'm being sold something. And I was! Signing up for the author's news letter! Cliffs Notes version: do small things to enforce habits. For example, if you want to start working out, place your workout gear near the bed so you see it when you wake up. You recall you need to workout, you put on your clothes, you go get it done. Habit! Boom! Lots of fluff, little substance or research.
Yeah, not reality for me. The Power of Habit was good- lots of scientific research. Big takeaway for me was learning that we have a finite amount of willpower each day- and as it gets diminished at work or through your day, you are less likely to go to the gym at the end of the day or complete something else. But willpower can be increased through training. I recommend this one.
Atomic Habits has a lot of hype. I found the writing shallow at best. It struck me as similar in writing and conclusions as "The 5 Hour Work Week." Like I'm being sold something. And I was! Signing up for the author's news letter! Cliffs Notes version: do small things to enforce habits. For example, if you want to start working out, place your workout gear near the bed so you see it when you wake up. You recall you need to workout, you put on your clothes, you go get it done. Habit! Boom! Lots of fluff, little substance or research.
Yeah, not reality for me. The Power of Habit was good- lots of scientific research. Big takeaway for me was learning that we have a finite amount of willpower each day- and as it gets diminished at work or through your day, you are less likely to go to the gym at the end of the day or complete something else. But willpower can be increased through training. I recommend this one.
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of the military SCI FI series Outward Frontier on AMAZON at October 02, 2022 11:11 AM (V0xPF)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at October 02, 2022 11:12 AM (FVME7)
321
174 I'm slowly making my way through The Divine Comedy. Slow is how I read literature like that.
If I read too quickly the words on the page become a blur.
. . .
Posted by: That NLurker guy at October 02, 2022 10:10 AM (eGTCV)
Yeah, me too. Having recently successfully completed the Divine Comedy through being chivvied along by the 100 Days of Dante project last year, I am now giving the Comedy a re-look (but not a re-read) by watching the videos (on youtube) -- 3 cantos per week.
174 I'm slowly making my way through The Divine Comedy. Slow is how I read literature like that.
If I read too quickly the words on the page become a blur.
. . .
Posted by: That NLurker guy at October 02, 2022 10:10 AM (eGTCV)
Yeah, me too. Having recently successfully completed the Divine Comedy through being chivvied along by the 100 Days of Dante project last year, I am now giving the Comedy a re-look (but not a re-read) by watching the videos (on youtube) -- 3 cantos per week.
Posted by: sinmi at October 02, 2022 11:12 AM (A5IVt)
322
A novel considered among the best to come from WW2 is Guard of Honor by James Gould Cozzens, which won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize. An examination of 48 hours on an Army Air Forces base in Florida, it probes the demands and limitations of command and commanders.
A novel considered among the best to come from WW2 is Guard of Honor by James Gould Cozzens, which won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize. An examination of 48 hours on an Army Air Forces base in Florida, it probes the demands and limitations of command and commanders.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2022 11:12 AM (1Nxff)
323
"Huggy" Squirrel kills me.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at October 02, 2022 11:12 AM (ngi5Q)
324
My other reading is a slow read of Landmark Herodotus, along with Kapucinski's Travels with Herodotus (very readable!). Also Luke.
The fun/easy reads are Naomi Novik's Scholomance series -- an intelligent version of the modern teen magicians in public school -- very good and fun. Also re-reading Michelle Diener's space opera Verdant String series.
For Spanish, I am re-reading Denevi's Rosaura a las Diez. This mystery is worth a read in English. Vivid characters.
The fun/easy reads are Naomi Novik's Scholomance series -- an intelligent version of the modern teen magicians in public school -- very good and fun. Also re-reading Michelle Diener's space opera Verdant String series.
For Spanish, I am re-reading Denevi's Rosaura a las Diez. This mystery is worth a read in English. Vivid characters.
Posted by: sinmi at October 02, 2022 11:14 AM (A5IVt)
325
Well, all the long-deferred summer yard maintenance chores are beckoning as my "it's too danged hot" excuse sounds lame in the face of 78 degrees and low humidity.
Last week and the coming week are the glorious weather patterns we SE Texans get as payoff for enduring the hot and steamy 5 months since the end of April.
Later . . .
Last week and the coming week are the glorious weather patterns we SE Texans get as payoff for enduring the hot and steamy 5 months since the end of April.
Later . . .
Posted by: Count de Monet at October 02, 2022 11:14 AM (4I/2K)
326
Has anyone here read Under The Volcano?
Posted by: Head puddi at October 02, 2022 11:15 AM (LTLE1)
327
I really enjoy some mid to late Victorian fiction such as Jules Verne (needs a good translation, not the Disney crap), H. Rider Haggard, and even Conan Doyle's non-Sherlock writing. They were using little known locations where myth and mystery were still possible and science opened new possibilities, especially against the experience of the 'modern' characters. Essentially, they were building the worlds of the stories. As such, they were lavish with their descriptions, making for slower, more appreciative reading. Their books were to be savored, not flipped through. And their writing influenced so many later authors: ERB, Robert E. Howard, etc. The key to enjoying their stories is to relax and ignore a century or more of similar stuff that has dulled the wonder of the originals with familiarity.
I really believe "King Solomon's Mines", which I read in grade school, helped me accept and appreciate LOTR when I read it in junior high.
I really believe "King Solomon's Mines", which I read in grade school, helped me accept and appreciate LOTR when I read it in junior high.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 11:16 AM (7EjX1)
328
And then there's Dave Barry...
A couple of years ago I bought a copy of "Homes and Other Black Holes" for a young coworker who was buying his first house. Twenty-plus years old and still seventeen bucks on Kindle! That, dear Moron authors, is success.
A couple of years ago I bought a copy of "Homes and Other Black Holes" for a young coworker who was buying his first house. Twenty-plus years old and still seventeen bucks on Kindle! That, dear Moron authors, is success.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 11:16 AM (nfrXX)
329
My friend saw that Antonio Brown picture and his only comment was, "wow, there is a lot of space between his hand and his body. That guys hung like a horse."
Ha!
Ha!
Posted by: CA Token at October 02, 2022 11:17 AM (2+yws)
330
>>> 264 Anne McCaffrey, Ursula LeGuin, Robin Hobb, Mercedes Lackey, C.J.Cherry....
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:43 AM (Y+l9t)
Insufficiently woke.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:43 AM (Y+l9t)
Insufficiently woke.
Posted by: leftists at October 02, 2022 11:18 AM (llON8)
331
Vey grey and rainy day here. Oh, what should I do?
Think I'll read a book...
Have a good one book friends.
Think I'll read a book...
Have a good one book friends.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 11:18 AM (Y+l9t)
332
I am now on the 5th book of a 6 novel detective novel series by "Robert Galbraith." I cannot get over how excellent these books are. The dialog is masterfully done; the characters are realistic, and the author seems to be able to handle perfectly the inner perspective of both men and women. I keep looking forward to returning to my reading.
"Robert Galbraith" is in fact J.K. Rowling, something I learned only very recently. I had assumed that she was caught up in Hollywood and endless Harry Potter spinoffs, and it turned out she had been writing these novels the whole time. . . .
Highly recommended for fans of detective novels.
Posted by: Splunge at October 02, 2022
***
Are they cleverly plotted and fairly clued? By which I mean, are you honestly surprised at the revelation of the criminal, and does the detective uncover that person's identity by means of a chain of clues, not just one?
"Robert Galbraith" is in fact J.K. Rowling, something I learned only very recently. I had assumed that she was caught up in Hollywood and endless Harry Potter spinoffs, and it turned out she had been writing these novels the whole time. . . .
Highly recommended for fans of detective novels.
Posted by: Splunge at October 02, 2022
***
Are they cleverly plotted and fairly clued? By which I mean, are you honestly surprised at the revelation of the criminal, and does the detective uncover that person's identity by means of a chain of clues, not just one?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:19 AM (c6xtn)
333
A couple of years ago I bought a copy of "Homes and Other Black Holes" for a young coworker who was buying his first house.
__________
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is an evergreen classic.
A couple of years ago I bought a copy of "Homes and Other Black Holes" for a young coworker who was buying his first house.
__________
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is an evergreen classic.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2022 11:19 AM (1Nxff)
334
My friend saw that Antonio Brown picture and his only comment was, "wow, there is a lot of space between his hand and his body. That guys hung like a horse."
Ha!
Posted by: CA Token at October 02, 2022 11:17 AM (2+yws)
So what they say is true? And us jewish white guys have no chance?
Ha!
Posted by: CA Token at October 02, 2022 11:17 AM (2+yws)
So what they say is true? And us jewish white guys have no chance?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 02, 2022 11:20 AM (Irn0L)
335
I feel a sudden urge to write a novel with a character named,
"Auntie Penultimate".
When my kids were little, there was a kids' show with a character named Auntie Macassar.
"Auntie Penultimate".
When my kids were little, there was a kids' show with a character named Auntie Macassar.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 11:20 AM (nfrXX)
336
204 ... Creeper suggested featuring humor as a topic for a future book thread. Agreed!! Just thinking of some of the writers I would include in such a list brings a smile as I recall the laughter, sometimes the poignancy, in humor books.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 11:21 AM (7EjX1)
337
So what they say is true? And us jewish white guys have no chance?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 02, 2022 11:20 AM (Irn0L)
Hey Now! Leave me outta this...
Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 02, 2022 11:20 AM (Irn0L)
Hey Now! Leave me outta this...
Posted by: Ron Jeremy, The Hedgehog at October 02, 2022 11:21 AM (R/m4+)
338
If the list is drek, look for his name -- and avoid it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
The Kevin Kelly effect, a movie reviewer for the Boston Globe back in the day. If he liked it, forget it. If he hated it, seek it out.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
The Kevin Kelly effect, a movie reviewer for the Boston Globe back in the day. If he liked it, forget it. If he hated it, seek it out.
Posted by: From about that time at October 02, 2022 11:22 AM (4780s)
339
330 >>> 264 Anne McCaffrey, Ursula LeGuin, Robin Hobb, Mercedes Lackey, C.J.Cherry....
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:43 AM (Y+l9t)
Insufficiently woke.
Posted by: leftists at October 02, 2022 11:18 AM (llON8
The Pern planetfall novel has a rather sympathetic view of the Irish Travellers. Which should count for something.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 02, 2022 10:43 AM (Y+l9t)
Insufficiently woke.
Posted by: leftists at October 02, 2022 11:18 AM (llON8
The Pern planetfall novel has a rather sympathetic view of the Irish Travellers. Which should count for something.
Posted by: Satai Dalen at October 02, 2022 11:22 AM (NnEYE)
340
328 -Twenty-plus years old and still seventeen bucks on Kindle!
These days when I look at some of the kindle-vs-print pricing, all I can think is that a number of publishers are trying to protect their print business by putting high prices on the ebooks.
I could be wrong. I hope.
These days when I look at some of the kindle-vs-print pricing, all I can think is that a number of publishers are trying to protect their print business by putting high prices on the ebooks.
I could be wrong. I hope.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 02, 2022 11:22 AM (a/4+U)
341
Has anyone here read Under The Volcano?
Posted by: Head puddi at October 02, 2022 11:15 AM (LTLE1)
I did.
But, it was long ago and far away, and I have little memory of it. Which usually means that I didn't care for the book.
I remember that it concerns an alcoholic drinking himself to death in Mexico on (Warning!!! symbolism alert!) the Day of the Dead.
Generally, it's considered a masterpiece, which is why I read it. Maybe I'll have to give it a reread.
Posted by: Head puddi at October 02, 2022 11:15 AM (LTLE1)
I did.
But, it was long ago and far away, and I have little memory of it. Which usually means that I didn't care for the book.
I remember that it concerns an alcoholic drinking himself to death in Mexico on (Warning!!! symbolism alert!) the Day of the Dead.
Generally, it's considered a masterpiece, which is why I read it. Maybe I'll have to give it a reread.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 11:24 AM (KLPy8)
342
Most Kindle offerings have now become prohibitively expensive, IMO. Doesn't seem like all that long ago when you could get a recent release for half of what's now being charged.
Posted by: Notorious BFD at October 02, 2022 11:26 AM (Xrfse)
343
Well, you all have a great rest of your day.
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of the military SCI FI series Outward Frontier on AMAZON at October 02, 2022 11:27 AM (V0xPF)
344
Listening to the 12 Byzantine series of lectures I mentioned. One thing I have noticed: due to differences in pronunciation, it is sometimes hard to understand or follow what is going on from read work to work.
Aetius
A-tius (how I usually pronounce it in my head)
Et-tius (how I usually hear it pronounced)
aye-ee-schus (how this guy pronounced it)
It took me a minute to realize who he was referring to and it is my own nic!
Posted by: Aetius451AD
Speaking of Byzantine stuff, ever read "Sailing to Sarantium" and "God of Emperors" by Guy Gavriel Kay? Been a while since I have, but I remembered absolutely loving them (and personally not a huge fan of Kay, myself...at least back then).
Aetius
A-tius (how I usually pronounce it in my head)
Et-tius (how I usually hear it pronounced)
aye-ee-schus (how this guy pronounced it)
It took me a minute to realize who he was referring to and it is my own nic!
Posted by: Aetius451AD
Speaking of Byzantine stuff, ever read "Sailing to Sarantium" and "God of Emperors" by Guy Gavriel Kay? Been a while since I have, but I remembered absolutely loving them (and personally not a huge fan of Kay, myself...at least back then).
Posted by: Oedipus at October 02, 2022 11:28 AM (k8GjK)
345
Got on a classic sci-fi jag. Read John Carter of Mars (first 3) EE Dox Smith Lensmen. Heinlein juveniles. Asimov Foundation. Damn, where is the optimism nowadays?
Posted by: Legion of boom at October 02, 2022 11:28 AM (1ceR8)
Posted by: Virgins at October 02, 2022 11:29 AM (nfrXX)
347
332
Are they cleverly plotted and fairly clued? By which I mean, are you honestly surprised at the revelation of the criminal, and does the detective uncover that person's identity by means of a chain of clues, not just one?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:19 AM (c6xtn)
Yes and yes. These are are complex books, and all seems like chaos as Strike gathers clues, until he forms a theory that fits with all the data. Or, in at least one case, is overtaken by circumstances before that happens.
Are they cleverly plotted and fairly clued? By which I mean, are you honestly surprised at the revelation of the criminal, and does the detective uncover that person's identity by means of a chain of clues, not just one?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:19 AM (c6xtn)
Yes and yes. These are are complex books, and all seems like chaos as Strike gathers clues, until he forms a theory that fits with all the data. Or, in at least one case, is overtaken by circumstances before that happens.
Posted by: Splunge at October 02, 2022 11:29 AM (cm/80)
348
Has anyone been reading the new weekly chapter release books on Kindle?
Posted by: CA Token at October 02, 2022 11:30 AM (JCW5k)
349
Anne McCaffrey, Ursula LeGuin, Robin Hobb, Mercedes Lackey, C.J.Cherry....
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)
Robin Hobb has writing chops!
Also, at least a long time ago, I really like The Deeds of Paksennarion by Elizabeth Moon.
"The Curse of Chalion" by Lois McMaster Bujold I have read more recently, and really enjoyed.
I'm in agreement of not many great fantasy/sci-fi female authors, but the ones I do like I like alot.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)
Robin Hobb has writing chops!
Also, at least a long time ago, I really like The Deeds of Paksennarion by Elizabeth Moon.
"The Curse of Chalion" by Lois McMaster Bujold I have read more recently, and really enjoyed.
I'm in agreement of not many great fantasy/sci-fi female authors, but the ones I do like I like alot.
Posted by: Oedipus at October 02, 2022 11:31 AM (k8GjK)
350
I've been reading Destroying Angel. The story is entertaining. But the format of a chapter a week I'm not digging. Goes too quickly and then a long wait.
Posted by: CA Token at October 02, 2022 11:31 AM (JCW5k)
351
Are they cleverly plotted and fairly clued? By which I mean, are you honestly surprised at the revelation of the criminal, and does the detective uncover that person's identity by means of a chain of clues, not just one?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:19 AM (c6xtn)
Yes and yes. These are are complex books, and all seems like chaos as Strike gathers clues, until he forms a theory that fits with all the data. Or, in at least one case, is overtaken by circumstances before that happens.
Posted by: Splunge at October 02, 2022
***
Then I'll have to see if I can find one. I'd be most pleased to find a "new" author who engages my detective preferences. Your description sounds much like the best of the Ellery Queen stories.
I overlooked Rowling as one of the female authors I read with pleasure. Her portrait of Harry -- hell, her unusual-for-today choice of a straight male hero -- shows her ability.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:19 AM (c6xtn)
Yes and yes. These are are complex books, and all seems like chaos as Strike gathers clues, until he forms a theory that fits with all the data. Or, in at least one case, is overtaken by circumstances before that happens.
Posted by: Splunge at October 02, 2022
***
Then I'll have to see if I can find one. I'd be most pleased to find a "new" author who engages my detective preferences. Your description sounds much like the best of the Ellery Queen stories.
I overlooked Rowling as one of the female authors I read with pleasure. Her portrait of Harry -- hell, her unusual-for-today choice of a straight male hero -- shows her ability.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:33 AM (c6xtn)
352
Most Kindle offerings have now become prohibitively expensive, IMO. Doesn't seem like all that long ago when you could get a recent release for half of what's now being charged.
Posted by: Notorious BFD at October 02, 2022 11:26 AM (Xrfse)
Just as irritating, Amazon's pushing more and more Kindle offerings into their Kindle Unlimited category and not offering the title for sale straightup.
Posted by: Notorious BFD at October 02, 2022 11:26 AM (Xrfse)
Just as irritating, Amazon's pushing more and more Kindle offerings into their Kindle Unlimited category and not offering the title for sale straightup.
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at October 02, 2022 11:33 AM (ZSK0i)
353
If I Pay Thee Not in Gold is a very good novel by Mercedes Lackey and Piers Anthony.
Posted by: CA Token at October 02, 2022 11:33 AM (JCW5k)
354
I read Under the Volcano in college, and a couple of times since, but it's been a few decades. It's a good one, but not something you zip through in an afternoon. Lowry worked on it for years and years -- when he was sending a revision around, even publishers who'd seen the earlier version bounced it because (as one said) it seemed like every other writer was trying to write variants of Charles Jackson's recent The Lost Weekend. When he finally got an acceptance from Cape, the publisher wanted revisions -- Lowry sent back a LONG letter explaining why everything should remain just as it was. After almost a decade trying to get that book into print -- that was a fairly gutsy letter to send.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 02, 2022 11:34 AM (a/4+U)
355
Dave barry wrote 2 novels; Big Trouble and Tricky Business. They were both absolute screams.
Posted by: JT at October 02, 2022 11:34 AM (T4tVD)
356
A couple of years ago I bought a copy of "Homes and Other Black Holes" for a young coworker who was buying his first house.
__________
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is an evergreen classic.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2022 11:19 AM (1Nxff)
well then, stay tuned for the first edition of "Berserker's pear of anguish with an entrance door"
__________
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is an evergreen classic.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2022 11:19 AM (1Nxff)
well then, stay tuned for the first edition of "Berserker's pear of anguish with an entrance door"
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at October 02, 2022 11:34 AM (VwHCD)
357
Thanks, Just Some Guy. I may give it a go.
Posted by: Head puddi at October 02, 2022 11:37 AM (LTLE1)
358
Under the Volcano sounds intriguing.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:39 AM (c6xtn)
359
Just as irritating, Amazon's pushing more and more Kindle offerings into their Kindle Unlimited category and not offering the title for sale straightup.
Yes and I subscribe to Unlimited. It used to be a real money saver for me, considering how much I read. Now I am finding that looking for something to read in Unlimited is an exercise in frustration. Lots of garbage in there.
Yes and I subscribe to Unlimited. It used to be a real money saver for me, considering how much I read. Now I am finding that looking for something to read in Unlimited is an exercise in frustration. Lots of garbage in there.
Posted by: Notorious BFD at October 02, 2022 11:40 AM (Xrfse)
360
well then, stay tuned for the first edition of "Berserker's pear of anguish with an entrance door"
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at October 02, 2022 11:34 AM (VwHCD)
Is that anything like the kumquat of extreme disappointment in DIY bathroom remodel?
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at October 02, 2022 11:34 AM (VwHCD)
Is that anything like the kumquat of extreme disappointment in DIY bathroom remodel?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 11:41 AM (7bRMQ)
361
I have been told biden wants to meet his personal physician DR Walter Reed next time he has a physical?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 02, 2022 11:41 AM (Irn0L)
362
In related entertainment info, Grit is doing another John Wayne Sunday. They ran the original Stagecoach at 5:30 am, McClintock! just finished, and now we have She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. The Searchers is next, and then 1959's The Horse Soldiers.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:42 AM (c6xtn)
363
Hey!
I just checked out "Under the Volcano" on Amazon, and it is just $0.99 on the Kindle.
So, if you want to get your Doomed Dronk on,
there you go.
I got it for a possible reread.
I just checked out "Under the Volcano" on Amazon, and it is just $0.99 on the Kindle.
So, if you want to get your Doomed Dronk on,
there you go.
I got it for a possible reread.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 11:44 AM (KLPy8)
364
I've got chores to do, a nap, and then the last of the chores this pm. Miss Linda is bringing Stirling the Big Black Kitten over later, and we will see how he and Dagny get along now. If I don't think they can be left unsupervised, I guess Dagny will go to visit Linda tonight.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:45 AM (c6xtn)
365
So, it's going for the princess reading demographic?
A couple of years ago at the library picking out books for the now fifth grader, she came across a series about mermaid cats. Purrmaids. Underwater living cats.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 10:41 AM (7bRMQ)
More like "dark scary mermaids" I think.
I guess the Holly Black audience (good children's / YA dark fantasy writer imo)
My story characters are adults though
A couple of years ago at the library picking out books for the now fifth grader, she came across a series about mermaid cats. Purrmaids. Underwater living cats.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 10:41 AM (7bRMQ)
More like "dark scary mermaids" I think.
I guess the Holly Black audience (good children's / YA dark fantasy writer imo)
My story characters are adults though
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 11:47 AM (aJ/fS)
366
Wolfus this is the open call.site if you're interested since you already have a mermaid story on hand
https://tinyurl.com/2p8yr8as
I will email you if/when I finish this! Thanks!
https://tinyurl.com/2p8yr8as
I will email you if/when I finish this! Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 11:49 AM (aJ/fS)
367
More like "dark scary mermaids" I think.
I guess the Holly Black audience (good children's / YA dark fantasy writer imo)
My story characters are adults though
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 11:47 AM (aJ/fS)
So the classic depiction of mermaids.
I guess the Holly Black audience (good children's / YA dark fantasy writer imo)
My story characters are adults though
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 11:47 AM (aJ/fS)
So the classic depiction of mermaids.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 11:54 AM (7bRMQ)
368
I had to look up that Dino Erotica page. Rammed by the Raptor? LOLOL!
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 02, 2022 11:55 AM (r46W7)
369
Way way off-topic...
Is Washington's football team now called "The Commanders"?
Yes, yes. You command us all from DC.
What a bunch of dicks.
Is Washington's football team now called "The Commanders"?
Yes, yes. You command us all from DC.
What a bunch of dicks.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 11:55 AM (KLPy8)
370
Landmark Herodotus. Read that and somehow it got translated into Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. Wondered how jazz worked it's way into the book thread.
Posted by: who knew at October 02, 2022 11:57 AM (4I7VG)
371
>>> 369 Way way off-topic...
Is Washington's football team now called "The Commanders"?
Yes, yes. You command us all from DC.
What a bunch of dicks.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 11:55 AM (KLPy
We thought "Generals" was too obvious.
Is Washington's football team now called "The Commanders"?
Yes, yes. You command us all from DC.
What a bunch of dicks.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 02, 2022 11:55 AM (KLPy
We thought "Generals" was too obvious.
Posted by: GOPe at October 02, 2022 11:57 AM (llON8)
372
Gotta go, thanks for the thread, Perfessor.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 02, 2022 11:57 AM (7bRMQ)
373
For a change of pace, I picked up one of Donald Westlake's early crime comedy novels, "The Busy Body." Charlie, a drug courier for Duh Mob, suffers a fatal heart attack, and he's buried in his best suit, chosen by his widow. Whoops -- that's the suit he wore for his drug runs, and that means $250,000 worth of heroin is six feet under [ . . . ] Posted by: Weak Geek at October 02, 2022 09:11 AM (Om/di)
I'm lazy so I will post the summary of a similar book I did on the ONT last night, though it is a Horror and not a comedic story: What Bunny Didn't Tell Us by David Schow
"There was a story based around that idea called What Bunny Didn't Tell Us, where one L.A. Pimp named Bunny offed his competition to get in on the lucrative side industry of retail cocaine sales in the upscale neighborhoods, and after the funeral, which involved the ex-competitor buried in his stretch limo, had a couple of his boys go dig up and steal the giant diamond ring off the dead pimp's finger. When one of the freaked out boys got back to Bunny to tell him what had happened, in suspicion that the boys had stolen the ring, Bunny took him back to the grave at gunpoint, where things got interesting.
I'm lazy so I will post the summary of a similar book I did on the ONT last night, though it is a Horror and not a comedic story: What Bunny Didn't Tell Us by David Schow
"There was a story based around that idea called What Bunny Didn't Tell Us, where one L.A. Pimp named Bunny offed his competition to get in on the lucrative side industry of retail cocaine sales in the upscale neighborhoods, and after the funeral, which involved the ex-competitor buried in his stretch limo, had a couple of his boys go dig up and steal the giant diamond ring off the dead pimp's finger. When one of the freaked out boys got back to Bunny to tell him what had happened, in suspicion that the boys had stolen the ring, Bunny took him back to the grave at gunpoint, where things got interesting.
Posted by: Kindltot at October 02, 2022 11:59 AM (xhaym)
374
WE HAZ NOOD
Posted by: Skip's phone at October 02, 2022 12:01 PM (xhxe8)
375
351 I overlooked Rowling as one of the female authors I read with pleasure. Her portrait of Harry -- hell, her unusual-for-today choice of a straight male hero -- shows her ability.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:33 AM (c6xtn)
Also her managing to write an ending for a 7 book series that fully satisfied the incredibly high expectations, and resolved everything promised.
A rarely done feat. Tolkien, certainly, and...who else?
Compare with Stephen King's horrible endings to It and the Dark Tower series, or George RR Martin not getting around to writing an ending at all.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, dreaming of Elsewhere at October 02, 2022 11:33 AM (c6xtn)
Also her managing to write an ending for a 7 book series that fully satisfied the incredibly high expectations, and resolved everything promised.
A rarely done feat. Tolkien, certainly, and...who else?
Compare with Stephen King's horrible endings to It and the Dark Tower series, or George RR Martin not getting around to writing an ending at all.
Posted by: Splunge at October 02, 2022 12:01 PM (cm/80)
376
Sheesh!
All.these lists and I can't find the shopping list.
All.these lists and I can't find the shopping list.
Posted by: Diogenes at October 02, 2022 12:02 PM (anj39)
377
A rarely done feat. Tolkien, certainly, and...who else?
Compare with Stephen King's horrible endings to It and the Dark Tower series, or George RR Martin not getting around to writing an ending at all.
Posted by: Splunge at October 02, 2022 12:01 PM (cm/80)
in screenplays, I had really liked Ron Moore until he completely blew the ending of the Galactica reboot. It was so awful it changed my mind about the entire series whcih I had liked up until that point.
Compare with Stephen King's horrible endings to It and the Dark Tower series, or George RR Martin not getting around to writing an ending at all.
Posted by: Splunge at October 02, 2022 12:01 PM (cm/80)
in screenplays, I had really liked Ron Moore until he completely blew the ending of the Galactica reboot. It was so awful it changed my mind about the entire series whcih I had liked up until that point.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 02, 2022 12:04 PM (r46W7)
378
I have a fantasy that I went back in time.
To before I read that Rolling Stone 100 best TV shows.
And then did something else.
To before I read that Rolling Stone 100 best TV shows.
And then did something else.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at October 02, 2022 12:08 PM (roH4R)
379
For war books I would add Team Yankee and The Red Line. Both are excellent.
Posted by: Diogenes at October 02, 2022 12:08 PM (anj39)
380
I got maybe 4 on the Fantasy list and that's REALLY sad. I can name a dozen authors that didn't make the list compared to the NOBODIES on it. Martin is ok, Jordan, CS Lewis made the list. No Zelazny though. Was Brooks there? Pratchett, Butcher, Saberhagen? Do these people even read Fantasy?
The sci-fi list wasn't terrible it at least includes Clarke, Heinlein, Asimov, Bradbury, Orwell, Gibson. The foundations of si-fi old and new. Why Stephen King? He'd be more suited to the horror fantasy genre IMO.
The sci-fi list wasn't terrible it at least includes Clarke, Heinlein, Asimov, Bradbury, Orwell, Gibson. The foundations of si-fi old and new. Why Stephen King? He'd be more suited to the horror fantasy genre IMO.
Posted by: SmileyGG at October 02, 2022 12:34 PM (77cT/)
381
You guys know authors write Strong Female Characters so they can have a scantily clad girl fondling a boomstick on the cover, right? Lookin' at you, Ringo! (with love, because I have three Zombiad books right at this moment in my TBR pile).
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 12:37 PM (Dc2NZ)
382
I just made the mistake of looking at that Rolling Stone list -- Dr. Claw has the right idea. (And how in the blankety-blank do you make a list like that and not include The Fugitive? Or was I temporarily blind and missed it?)
Thanks for the thread, Perfesser, and bests to all.
Thanks for the thread, Perfesser, and bests to all.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 02, 2022 12:42 PM (a/4+U)
383
I may be somewhat cyberpunk biased but I think Neuromancer should be much higher and Snow Crash is overrated. I notice the lack of any Bruce Sterling, in particular Schismatrix.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (nfrXX)
I was impressed by Schismatrix, but it really should have been three or four novels. I think in a way it was too avant-garde to make a lasting movement.
Islands in the Net was more of a prognostication to the uneasy balance between an established tech leading nation is confronted by private and emerging nations availing themselves of new tech to change the battlefield.
I did like the private group in a refurbed sub launching a homebuilt Polaris nuke at Hiroshima and landing a the dud missile in a tea garden
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 09:55 AM (nfrXX)
I was impressed by Schismatrix, but it really should have been three or four novels. I think in a way it was too avant-garde to make a lasting movement.
Islands in the Net was more of a prognostication to the uneasy balance between an established tech leading nation is confronted by private and emerging nations availing themselves of new tech to change the battlefield.
I did like the private group in a refurbed sub launching a homebuilt Polaris nuke at Hiroshima and landing a the dud missile in a tea garden
Posted by: Kindltot at October 02, 2022 12:44 PM (xhaym)
384
He must be 1/2 palestinian
Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 02, 2022 11:00 AM (Irn0L)
No. He is full Chechen.
Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 02, 2022 11:00 AM (Irn0L)
No. He is full Chechen.
Posted by: Kindltot at October 02, 2022 01:11 PM (xhaym)
385
When my kids were little, there was a kids' show with a character named Auntie Macassar.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 11:20 AM (nfrXX)
In L. Neil Smith's Brightsuit MacBear, one of the human societies on the planet Taflak are the Anti-Macassarites.
When my kids were little, there was a kids' show with a character named Auntie Macassar.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 11:20 AM (nfrXX)
In L. Neil Smith's Brightsuit MacBear, one of the human societies on the planet Taflak are the Anti-Macassarites.
Posted by: Kindltot at October 02, 2022 01:21 PM (xhaym)
386
These days when I look at some of the kindle-vs-print pricing, all I can think is that a number of publishers are trying to protect their print business by putting high prices on the ebooks.
I could be wrong. I hope.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 02, 2022 11:22 AM (a/4+U)
My favorite vignette in The Difference Engine (Sterling) is when a kid goes to a book stall, selects an edition of the new penny-dreadful, and the stall owner prompts him for what cover he wants, (full lurid color cover was chosen for an extra charge) and the book was dutifully printed out.
I want to sell that printing and binding machine to every used bookstore in the land and cut the throat of the big publishers
I could be wrong. I hope.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 02, 2022 11:22 AM (a/4+U)
My favorite vignette in The Difference Engine (Sterling) is when a kid goes to a book stall, selects an edition of the new penny-dreadful, and the stall owner prompts him for what cover he wants, (full lurid color cover was chosen for an extra charge) and the book was dutifully printed out.
I want to sell that printing and binding machine to every used bookstore in the land and cut the throat of the big publishers
Posted by: Kindltot at October 02, 2022 01:26 PM (xhaym)
387
In 2009, they released a Ghostbusters videogame based on the original films. I say based on, but when Aykroyd and Ramis helped out with the script and the original crew did voice-acting for the characters, it was a interactive Ghostbusters 3.
The Librarian becomes an important posthumous character, the team going back to try and bust her. And, as a result of the chase, end up finding a bigger conspiracy tied to the primary storyline of the game.
Just FYI, the game named the Librarian as Dr. Eleanor Twitty.
The Librarian becomes an important posthumous character, the team going back to try and bust her. And, as a result of the chase, end up finding a bigger conspiracy tied to the primary storyline of the game.
Just FYI, the game named the Librarian as Dr. Eleanor Twitty.
Posted by: Another Anon at October 02, 2022 01:57 PM (sy/OZ)
388
@373 --
the funeral, which involved the ex-competitor buried in his stretch limo
*cues up "Willie the Wimp"*
the funeral, which involved the ex-competitor buried in his stretch limo
*cues up "Willie the Wimp"*
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 02, 2022 02:13 PM (Om/di)
389
Just got back from doing some errands. It's a cool, overcast, rainy day. Perfect reading weather with an adult beverage and a pipe full of good tobacco at hand. That will take care of the next hours. Time to get out my copy of Treasure Island with the NC Wyeth illustrations.
Posted by: JTB at October 02, 2022 02:25 PM (7EjX1)
390
149 Weis & HickmanDavid Eddings- I enjoyed The Belgariad a lot as a teen. The Mallorran too, but it felt a lot like dejavu.
There was another series, maybe was just by Weis, I liked. Something about hell maybe?
There, fixed it for you
There was another series, maybe was just by Weis, I liked. Something about hell maybe?
There, fixed it for you
Posted by: p0indexterous at October 02, 2022 02:35 PM (QBwMV)
391
"But the continued elevation of Christie to near-goddess among "classic" mystery writers, when Ellery Queen and John Dickson Carr have been almost forgotten, annoys me. She was neither the plotter those 2 (really 3) could be, nor was her prose all that special compared to theirs."
To paraphrase Raymond Chandler (in "The Simple Art of Murder"), the British may not be the best writers in the world, but they are incomparably the best dull writers. IIRC, Dame Agatha was one of those to which he was referring.
To paraphrase Raymond Chandler (in "The Simple Art of Murder"), the British may not be the best writers in the world, but they are incomparably the best dull writers. IIRC, Dame Agatha was one of those to which he was referring.
Posted by: Pope John 20th at October 02, 2022 02:44 PM (cYrkj)
392
BTW, a possibly interesting list might be those books you buy specifically to give copies to people hoping they will enjoy those books as much as you have.
For me the books are: John Myers Myers' "Silverlock," George McDonald Fraser's "Quartered Safe Out Here," L. Sprague DeCamp and Fletcher Pratt's various iterations of the Incomplete Enchanter stories (published with slightly different contents under slightly different titles), Robert Graves and Alan Hodge's "The Long Week-End: A Social History of Great Britain 1918-1939," Henry Fowler's "A Dictionary of Modern English Usage" (2nd edition only), and Wilson Follett's (actually Jacques Barzun as Follett died and the project was completed by Barzun) "Modern American Usage" (1st edition only).
For me the books are: John Myers Myers' "Silverlock," George McDonald Fraser's "Quartered Safe Out Here," L. Sprague DeCamp and Fletcher Pratt's various iterations of the Incomplete Enchanter stories (published with slightly different contents under slightly different titles), Robert Graves and Alan Hodge's "The Long Week-End: A Social History of Great Britain 1918-1939," Henry Fowler's "A Dictionary of Modern English Usage" (2nd edition only), and Wilson Follett's (actually Jacques Barzun as Follett died and the project was completed by Barzun) "Modern American Usage" (1st edition only).
Posted by: Pope John 20th at October 02, 2022 02:59 PM (cYrkj)
393
“Are you, Alice, menstruating right now?”
Posted by: Dr. Venkman at October 02, 2022 03:07 PM (Ae67h)
394
391. Often if someone was good for an extended period, we will seek to see something good in their work. We will look for it. Hence Agatha, though she fiercely repeated herself, was considered great, the reviewers expected it, did not want to say her era was over, so looked for some greatness.
We see that in Hollywood and Broadway. Who wants to say Deniro and Pacino were miscast in The Irishman and damaged the film. Nope, they were nominated, because of course they were, for awards. Plenty of others "stars" phone it in, but nobody calls them on it. I would put some of Christie's work in that category, due to the "I've seen this before" factor.
Christie has another advantage to her broad appeal, women like her too. Her work lends itself to fabulous costume dramas, so more costume dramas are made. Ellery Queen's work does not. I am surprised, however, that we do not have another Nick and Nora Charles.
We see that in Hollywood and Broadway. Who wants to say Deniro and Pacino were miscast in The Irishman and damaged the film. Nope, they were nominated, because of course they were, for awards. Plenty of others "stars" phone it in, but nobody calls them on it. I would put some of Christie's work in that category, due to the "I've seen this before" factor.
Christie has another advantage to her broad appeal, women like her too. Her work lends itself to fabulous costume dramas, so more costume dramas are made. Ellery Queen's work does not. I am surprised, however, that we do not have another Nick and Nora Charles.
Posted by: CN at October 02, 2022 03:10 PM (Zzbjj)
395
Late post because I was dealing with a "1st world problem" at home.
On topic of female fantasy writers, I did some thinking and there were a few that I thought were very good:
Weis (we've already mentioned her).
Anne McCaffrey (something, ANYTHING about Pern needs to make it to film)
Janny Wurts (loved the "Circle of Fire" trilogy, had some issues with her other works)
Naomi Novik (just for the Tremaire dragon series).
Ok, I'm "out of schlitz" as they say. Any other suggestions?
-SLV
On topic of female fantasy writers, I did some thinking and there were a few that I thought were very good:
Weis (we've already mentioned her).
Anne McCaffrey (something, ANYTHING about Pern needs to make it to film)
Janny Wurts (loved the "Circle of Fire" trilogy, had some issues with her other works)
Naomi Novik (just for the Tremaire dragon series).
Ok, I'm "out of schlitz" as they say. Any other suggestions?
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at October 02, 2022 03:56 PM (SEa82)
396
I would add John Brunner, _The Shockwave Rider_ (1975) to the list of best science fiction. Brunner predicted the internet before ARPANET went public. Brunner predicted internet viruses before Core War. Brunner predicted disaster prediction auctions at least a decade before Admiral Poindexter got crucified for suggesting the idea.
I would not put Frank Herbert or Larry Niven on any "Best __X__" list (for any X). Asimov is a great Science explicator. Fiction, not so much.
I would not put Frank Herbert or Larry Niven on any "Best __X__" list (for any X). Asimov is a great Science explicator. Fiction, not so much.
Posted by: Malcolm Kirkpatrick at October 02, 2022 03:58 PM (zSLFV)
397
381 You guys know authors write Strong Female Characters so they can have a scantily clad girl fondling a boomstick on the cover, right? Lookin' at you, Ringo! (with love, because I have three Zombiad books right at this moment in my TBR pile).
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 12:37 PM (Dc2NZ)
Oh, read them NOW, Ringo's Zombie Apocalypse foray was DAMN GOOD! And Ringo does feature a LOT of strong women in his books....(your mileage may vary).
-SLV
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at October 02, 2022 12:37 PM (Dc2NZ)
Oh, read them NOW, Ringo's Zombie Apocalypse foray was DAMN GOOD! And Ringo does feature a LOT of strong women in his books....(your mileage may vary).
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at October 02, 2022 04:00 PM (SEa82)
398
Shy lurking voter:
To your list I would add
Patricia McKillip (Riddle Master of Hed)
The female half of Ilona Andrews
Holly Black
Patricia Briggs
To your list I would add
Patricia McKillip (Riddle Master of Hed)
The female half of Ilona Andrews
Holly Black
Patricia Briggs
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 02, 2022 04:02 PM (aJ/fS)
399
On the question raised at #167 about topics for future Book Threads, I would like to suggest one devoted to good childrens' books. So much of what is now being published for that market seems to prove that Sturgeon's Law ("90% of everything is crap.") has been super charged. And the same for YA books (overlapping but not identical sets).
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at October 02, 2022 04:29 PM (L1mkL)
400
/sock
Posted by: Oddbob at October 02, 2022 04:29 PM (nfrXX)
401
Re #190, I too would like to see some attention given to the excellent work of Leigh Brackett. She wrote some great noir mysteries. My personal favorites are her science fiction ("planetary romance" a la ERB). Classics of the genre. She was an all too rare example of an author who did some of her best work at the end of her life. She took one of her old characters: Eric John Stark (whose adventures on Mars and Venus are well worth reading) and sent him interstellar. She first wrote about him in the '50s when a human habitable Mars and Venus were (just) still believable. By the '70s those settings were no longer credible. So she sent him to Skaith, a dying world circling a failing sun. A three novel series: "The Ginger Star", "The Hounds of Skaith" and "The Reavers of Skaith". Highly recommended.
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at October 02, 2022 04:47 PM (L1mkL)
402
I am making $50 an hour working from home. I never imagined that it was honest to goodness yet my closest companion is earning $11,000 a month by working on a laptop, that was truly astounding for me, she prescribed for me to attempt it simply. For more detail visit this website.. www.Profit97.com
Posted by: www.Profit97.Com at October 02, 2022 07:53 PM (7Rcvu)
403
Just getting ready for bed but had one last thought;
A major CRAPTON of my favorite sci-fi in the last 20 years or so has come out of 2 publishing houses"TOR" and "BAEN".
I knew Jim Baen was the impetus behind BAEN publishing, and that he had been a editor for "Galaxy" scifi mag. Well, after doing a quick search, imagine my surprise when I find that he was also one of the top 3 behind TOR.
Sadly Jim is no longer with us, but I wonder if he hasn't had the same impact on our lives that the late John D Campbell had on earlier generations (and maybe my own).
-SLV
A major CRAPTON of my favorite sci-fi in the last 20 years or so has come out of 2 publishing houses"TOR" and "BAEN".
I knew Jim Baen was the impetus behind BAEN publishing, and that he had been a editor for "Galaxy" scifi mag. Well, after doing a quick search, imagine my surprise when I find that he was also one of the top 3 behind TOR.
Sadly Jim is no longer with us, but I wonder if he hasn't had the same impact on our lives that the late John D Campbell had on earlier generations (and maybe my own).
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at October 02, 2022 09:19 PM (SEa82)
404
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Making money online is more than $15k just by doing simple work from home. I received $18376 last month. It's an easy and simple job to do and its earnings are much better than regular office jobs and even a little child can do this and earn money. Everybody must try this job by just use the info on this page..... www.worksful.com
Posted by: Katie Garrison at October 03, 2022 03:21 AM (6sUY/)
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