Sunday Morning Book Thread - 12-11-2022 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]

Welcome to the prestigious, internationally acclaimed, stately, and illustrious Sunday Morning Book Thread! The place where all readers are welcome, regardless of whatever guilty pleasure we feel like reading. Here is where we can discuss, argue, bicker, quibble, consider, debate, confabulate, converse, and jaw about our latest fancy in reading material, even if it's nothing more than a collection of Muldoon's poetry. As always, pants are required, especially if you are wearing these pants...(Krabby Patties not included!)

So relax, find yourself a warm kitty (or warm puppy--I won't judge) to curl up in your lap, sprinkle some cinnamon and nutmeg in that morning eggnog, and crack open a new book. What are YOU reading this fine morning?

PIC NOTE

Today's pic comes from the Duke University Library display from 2013. They made a Christmas tree out of the National Union Catalog of Pre-1956 Imprints. This is basically what libraries used as their master index of books before the Internet came along.

PROS AND CONS OF FORMATS

I break down books into different basic formats, each of which has their plusses and minuses. I thought I'd take some time to review them and see if you folks had any additional input.

HARDCOVER - Hardcovers are great because they are quite durable. I also find them easy to read for the most part because of how they lay flat while you are reading them. For the lengthy books (e.g., epic fantasy) that I frequently read, this is a handy feature. I also like how you can often find "special edition" versions with high-quality cover design and binding. However, they do cost quite a bit more than other formats. They also weigh a lot more, so I'm not looking forward to moving them anytime soon. This is probably my favorite format, despite the cost and inconvenience.

TRADE PAPERBACK - These are somewhere between hardcover and mass market paperback. Like hardcovers, I find them easy to read because of how they lay flat while you are reading them. They are lighter than the hardcover and less expensive, but also more durable than the mass market paperback. ALso like hardcovers, they can be a challenge to move. Because they come in a variety of sizes, they don't pack well in boxes.

MASS MARKET PAPERBACK - These are among the least expensive books to purchase. The printing and binding quality is also the lowest. Before the electronic book (see below) these were the best option for portability. It was easy to pack a half-dozen of these in my luggage while traveling. They are also fairly standard in size, so packing them into boxes for moving makes it relatively easy to transport them. I used to buy jackets that had pockets large enough to hold a paperback book because I'd carry one with me almost everywhere.

DIGITAL - The digital/electronic format is the ultimate in portability. You can carry around hundreds or thousands of books on your tablet or smartphone and read them anywhere you go. They also have a lot of features, such as adjusting the size (for folks who need it) and annotations for keeping notes. On the downside, unless you take some additional steps, you usually don't "own" the content like you do with physical media. The publisher could, in theory, yank the content from your device or even subtly alter the content. And sometimes the electronic version contains a host of editing and proofreading errors that interfere with my enjoyment.

So what are your thoughts? Which is your favorite format and why? Any pros and cons I've missed?

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BOOKS BY MORONS

We have a couple of Books by Morons this week:

Hey, Perfessor, hope the holidays are treating you well!
The 6th book of my Paxton Locke series drops on 12/27 and I was wondering if you could add it to the list. Whatever timing works best for you would be awesome, it is currently up for preorder here, so can go up at any time:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BNTB6BCB/
In A Vital Breath, Paxton faces the fallout from his takedown of Aleister Knight. Hunted by his former coworkers as well as a mysterious order of magic users, he'll have to traverse across reality itself to complete the mission assigned to him by his angelic patron.
Thanks as always!
-Dan

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I'm featured in a recently-published fantasy anthology called Swords and Sorceries Volume 5. My story is called "The Mistress of the Marsh," and it's a dark, violent tale of Legionaries vs. swamp cultists. The Amazon link is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1739832663/
It'd be great if any interested Morons could read and review the anthology. It's available through Kindle Unlimited, digital purchase, and paperback. Fans of my previous work (Appalling Stories, The Armageddon Trilogy) will find a lot to like in "The Mistress of the Marsh," as well as "The Green Wood," my story in Swords and Sorceries Volume 4.
Thank you!
Dave

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MORON RECOMMENDATIONS

While on vacay the last couple of weeks, I finished -
The Inferno of Dante Alighieri translated by Ciaran Carson.
CC is an Irish poet who sought to make a more contemporary sounding translation of the Inferno.
So, how did he succeed?
His translation was definitely easier to read than most translations and easier to understand exactly what was going on given his direct and simpler language. His fairly...uh, casual rhyming scheme reminded me more of rock song lyrics than literary poetry, which I suppose was the point.
And while I liked and appreciated his translation, I didn't love it. CC seemed to miss the...what?...dense consequence of violating God's Law in one's moral and public life, and the sense that God's Justice while terrible indeed is just.
His Inferno then is a bit like rubber-necking a wreck between the Oscar Meyer's Wienermobile and a Dunkin' Donuts truck. Unfortunate, for those people, sure and maybe in some odd way, kinda meaningful, but we gotta get home with this bucket of chicken and watch Dancing with the Stars.
So, if you want a simpler, lighter Inferno, buddy, have I got a translation for you.
Posted by: naturalfake at December 04, 2022 09:29 AM (KLPy

Comment: Reading translations of classic books can be somewhat of a hit-or-miss exercise, as in the case above. On the one hand, the translator can render the language so that it's far more understandable to the reader. On the other hand, it's possible the translator doesn't quite capture the meaning of the original or causes the narrative flow to suffer a bit. I kind of like the side-by-side translations, where you can read the original directly next to the tranlation. My copy of Beowulf, tranlated by Seamus Heaney, is like that. On the left-hand page is the original Old English and on the right-hand page is the translated version.

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One of my new favorite novels, that I am now reading for the third time, is Stone's Fall by Iain Pears. The story opens in 1953, at a woman's funeral, where a reporter, an old friend of the deceased, is given a packet by her lawyer, deliverable only after her death. Braddock, the reporter, originally met the woman when he was hired to find a previously unknown stepchild of the woman's husband upon his death. The husband, Mr Stone, an extremely powerful and wealthy businessman, had died in 1909 due to a fall from his second story window. Was it murder? His will cannot be settled without resolving the mystery of the child. This story is like a matrushka doll, where one peels back the story by going back through history. Braddock first reminisces about when he first met and was smitten by the woman shortly after her husband's death. When he opens the first document he was delivered, it dates to 1890 and was written by one of Stone's lieutenants, and details the emotional and financial events that nearly broke Barings Bank, and led to Stone's marriage, and begins to put the pieces together.
The second set of documents date from 1867, and are in Stone's own hand. You see how he not only set himself up for financial success, but sowed the seeds of his own future travails. Not only is Stone's Fall well written and clever, but I sincerely felt the characters and the emotions they went through, and telling the story in reverse chronology only heightened the feeling of chasing after a ghost. The story has not only intrigue, but also financial legerdemain, and deals with the inception of the military/industrial complex. All this, and a twist ending. This is truly a remarkable book, and to me exceeds the best seller Pears wrote before it, An Instance of the Fingerpost.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 04, 2022 09:39 AM (lTGtQ)

Comment: I enjoy stories that have multiple layers to them. This one sounds like it could be intriguing, as you may not always know what's going on, but are compelled to explore the story to unravel the mysteries that unfold. It leads to a rich, satisfying reading experience.

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Not cover art, but the topic put me in mind of Visions of Space by David A. Hardy. I've enjoyed sharing it with my little hobbits as a conversation starter about space exploration and sci-fi. It has some pretty magnificent paintings, drawings, and illustrations of space and spacecraft, both real and imagined.
Posted by: She Hobbit at December 04, 2022 10:02 AM (ftFVW)

Comment: There is a lot of fantastic conceptual art about science and space travel. I love looking through books about the cosmos that have pictures from Hubble (and now James Webb Space Telescope) because the universe truly is a spectacular place. Dangerous, of course, but also beautiful. We human beings cannot even comprehend the vastness of the cosmos. We can only enjoy it while we are here.

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This week I finished The Madman's Library, by Edward Brooke-Hitching (yes, he's English). I don't remember if this one was a Moron recommendation or not, but it's pretty good and I'm keeping it.
It's a book about weird books--books bound in skin, books printed in blood, enormous books, microscopic books, books nobody can read, etc. The coverage of each one is pretty brief, but as a collection of rabbitholes to explore, it's not bad, and the illustrations are gorgeous.
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 04, 2022 11:15 AM (QZxDR)

Comment: This book sounds fascinating. Before we had modern techniques for printing and binding books, authors had to make do with whatever materials were at hand. This can lead to some very odd books indeed. Not sure if I could ever read a book that was bound in human skin, though. That's just creepy.

More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (524 Moron-recommended books so far!)

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WHAT I'VE BEEN READING THIS PAST WEEK:

Monster Hunter Bloodlines by Larry Correia -- Owen Z. Pitt is tricked into protecting a young thief who stole a powerful artifact.

Who Goes There? Seven Tales of Science Fiction by John W. Campbell, Jr. -- I found this collection in the library where I work (but do not work for) and thought I'd give it a go. I've read "Who Goes There" before, but I have not read any of his other stories (that I can remember)...

How to Measure Anything: Finding the "Intangibles" in Business by Douglas W. Hubbard -- Reading this for work as my boss is keen on figuring out metrics for success.

Higher Education by Charles Sheffield and Jerry Pournelle -- For a book written in 1996, it has a pretty accurate portrayal (95%) of the American education system in 2022, though I don't know when the story is supposed to take place (unspecified future).

Khai of Khem by Brian Lumley -- A tale of bloody murder and revenge set in a mythical Egypt that (probably) never was.

That's about all I have for this week. Thank you for all of your kind words regarding the Sunday Morning Book Thread. This is a very special place. You are very special people (in all the best ways!). The kindness, generosity, and wisdom of the Moron Horde knows no bounds. Let's keep reading!

If you have any suggestions for improvement, reading recommendations, or writing projects that you'd like to see on the Sunday Morning Book Thread, you can send them to perfessor dot squirrel at-sign gmail dot com. Your feedback is always appreciated! You can also take a virtual tour of OUR library at libib.com/u/perfessorsquirrel. Since I added sections for AoSHQ, I now consider it OUR library, rather than my own personal fiefdom...

PREVIOUS SUNDAY MORNING BOOK THREAD - 12-04-22 (NOTE: Do NOT comment on old threads!)

Posted by: Open Blogger at 09:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Tolle Lege

Posted by: Skip's phone at December 11, 2022 09:00 AM (xhxe8)

2 hiya

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 09:00 AM (T4tVD)

3 Morning, 'rons and 'ronettes.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at December 11, 2022 09:01 AM (AW0uW)

4 Morning, Horde...

Finished reading my 100th book of the year this morning!

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 09:03 AM (BpYfr)

5 Will get done Dennis Prager Rational Bible Deuteronomy soon, I have to as my sister wants to read it.
And have Camp of the Saints on ebook next.

And not sure who suggested books for a gift to niece's daughter but yesterday got a 4 volume Betsy and Tacy so who suggested it thanks, it looks charming with drawings for the story.

Posted by: Skip's phone at December 11, 2022 09:03 AM (xhxe8)

6 sorry

no readed this week

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 11, 2022 09:03 AM (BRHaw)

7 I don't think the pants guy owns a weedwhacker. (if you catch my drift....)

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 09:04 AM (T4tVD)

8 I read The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson. This is the seventh book in the Mistborn series and the end of Era Two of the series. This, as usual, is a good adventure story with well-written fight scenes. The book's ending gives a sense of finality to the series.

Posted by: Zoltan at December 11, 2022 09:05 AM (bSGIK)

9 Finished reading my 100th book of the year this morning!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel

I read that as "my tooth book"

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 09:05 AM (T4tVD)

10 Yay book thread!

I usually miss one a month due to guard drill but NO MORE. Last weekend I out-processed and revert to civilian status on New Year's Day. Which is nice.

More time for reading! More time for writing! Right now I am...I don't know, plodding? Trudging? Grinding? I'm reading Joseph Conrad's Nostramo and it is the slowest book I've read in a long time. Sumptuous description, vivid imagination and yet after 150 pages the plot is still a mystery. Since I'm in no hurry, I'll soldier on.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:06 AM (llXky)

11 I have bought all types of books. I don't really have a preference for one style of binding over another.

Did some writing, no reading. Haven't even commented here much. Too tired, and holiday stuff....

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 09:06 AM (Angsy)

12 I buy my favorite comics in hardcover, even if I own the individual issues. Only a few qualify for this expense: Simonson's run on Thor, Stern's run on Doctor Strange, and the entirety of Planetary.

As for novels, it depends on where I find the book.

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:06 AM (Om/di)

13 "Poker & Pop Culture" moves on to books on the game. The first one was by Robert Schenck, a former member of Congress, Union general and finally the U.S. ambassador to Great Britain. Asked by his British friends how to play the game, he jotted down the rules -- which they then had published without his knowledge, branding him with the soubriquet "Poker Bob."

This didn't help when he became enmeshed in the fallout from a failed silver mine. That ended his political career.

Books on poker have gone through a sea change on attitudes. The earliest ones were all "this is how to play, but I beseech you to never start." Contemporary books are all "how to win big at poker."

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:07 AM (Om/di)

14 Will get done Dennis Prager Rational Bible Deuteronomy soon, I have to as my sister wants to read it.

Doot-Doot-Doot- eronomy !

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 09:07 AM (T4tVD)

15 Seamus Heaney?? The conman from Hooterville??

Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at December 11, 2022 09:08 AM (Vwz3I)

16 Thank you, Perfessor, for another outstanding Book Thread!

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 09:08 AM (PiwSw)

17 Writing/publication update: Walls of Men's edit is almost done. I'm reading it aloud to my wife, and the pair of us are finding things that eluded all other methods. I'm really trying to make this thing a cut above my other work, so I'm willing to take extra time on it.

Maybe done in time for Christmas, maybe not. At this point I want it done properly and time's no longer a consideration.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:08 AM (llXky)

18 Morning all, Thanks Squirrel!

This week been reading Killer Kane, Marine patrol leader's account of Vietnam War. And that has led me to War in the Shadows, Vols. I and II, by Asprey, which will be 1600+ pages, on archive.org, when I get to it.

Posted by: goatsxchange at December 11, 2022 09:08 AM (APPN8)

19 Morning, Gebooken Gefolken! (I have no idea about German, I just like the rhythm of the words.) I'm more than halfway through Dan Simmons' Summer of Night, at the point where (no spoiler) he kills off a major character. Dayum.

Simmons is like a less-mannered Stephen King. [i[SoN is sort of like King's The Body (filmed as Stand By Me), in that it follows a group of pre-teen boys in a rural area in 1960. Otherwise it's quite different, longer and more detailed -- which is not a knock on King's novella at all; it's a novella, vs. a long novel. And it involves the supernatural, which King's story does not.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:08 AM (KAKDL)

20 I want to read the The Brothers Karamazov but what trans to read keeps me from pulling the trigger

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 11, 2022 09:09 AM (BRHaw)

21 Tough to get any reading done leading up to Christmas, there is just so much stuff that needs to be done. I have a stack of books to read after the holiday when I can be a sloth for a few days.

Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at December 11, 2022 09:10 AM (a4EWo)

22 Sumptuous description, vivid imagination and yet after 150 pages the plot is still a mystery

I couldn't stick with a work that doesn't hook me by the 100th page. Around the 75th page I start to get antsy if it's still in character development, setting, etc.

Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022 09:10 AM (P0LpV)

23 Really am learning lots that was not explained or just too long past to remember.
Who could guess 4000 years ago God was way ahead of curve saying not to be a Trannie.

Posted by: Skip's phone at December 11, 2022 09:11 AM (xhxe8)

24 Only read cookbooks this week. The best cooking magazine, Fine Cooking, was bought by Food and Wine, then shutdown, last January. Recently discovered they took down the associated website, which was a treasure trove of recipes, so I scooped up a lot of Fine Cooking cookbooks at Thriftbooks(dot)com.

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:11 AM (I/doM)

25 For many years I've specialized, mostly because of price, in mass market paperbacks for my book purchases. Now I'm more willing to splurge a bit on hardcovers and trade paperbacks. There are a few authors whose work I'd buy in hardcover, like Stephen King and Robert Heinlein. Generally, though, I buy hardcovers only if I've read the book and really enjoyed it, and want to have it on my shelves for multiple rereadings.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:11 AM (KAKDL)

26 Speaking of translations I'm reading an edition of Petrarch's sonnets. A number of translators are used. The style can vary significantly from sonnets to sonnet,

Posted by: That NLurker guy where's my Irene Adler? at December 11, 2022 09:11 AM (eGTCV)

27 Books on poker have gone through a sea change on attitudes. The earliest ones were all "this is how to play, but I beseech you to never start." Contemporary books are all "how to win big at poker."

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:07 AM (Om/di)
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It is one of the few casino games that allows factors other than the luck of the draw to determine success.

Now if they had big money tournaments for old Avalon Hill games...

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:11 AM (llXky)

28 Writing/publication update: Walls of Men's edit is almost done. I'm reading it aloud to my wife, and the pair of us are finding things that eluded all other methods. I'm really trying to make this thing a cut above my other work, so I'm willing to take extra time on it.

Maybe done in time for Christmas, maybe not. At this point I want it done properly and time's no longer a consideration.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:08 AM (llXky)
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I required the students in my class to read their final essays aloud during the final revision process. They then had to reflect on what they learned during that process. It was a very eye-opening experience for them.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 09:12 AM (BpYfr)

29 I couldn't stick with a work that doesn't hook me by the 100th page. Around the 75th page I start to get antsy if it's still in character development, setting, etc.
Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022

***
As somebody once said, sooner or later you gotta put on the monster mask and go booga-booga.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:12 AM (KAKDL)

30 I couldn't stick with a work that doesn't hook me by the 100th page. Around the 75th page I start to get antsy if it's still in character development, setting, etc.

Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022 09:10 AM (P0LpV)
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I've quit books much sooner in the past, but I'm a big fan of Conrad, so I want to see where he's going with it.

It is a very restful book. I haven't napped this much in years.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:13 AM (llXky)

31 20 I want to read the The Brothers Karamazov but what trans to read keeps me from pulling the trigger
Posted by: rhennigantx at December 11, 2022 09:09 AM (BRHaw)

I don't know if it's the best, but Constance Garnett was probably one of the first, if not the first. And it's in the public domain:

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28054

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 09:15 AM (PiwSw)

32 This week I intend to submit another SF short story to the Writers of the Future contest. I've garnered 2 Honorable Mentions. Maybe this time I'll hit the target and make some money!

OrangeEnt also put me on to another online market that pays a bit, this one for crime stories. I have several of those which might fit into their editorial requirements.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:15 AM (KAKDL)

33 I've read a few books electronically from the Internet Archives. However, this phone is not conducive to easy reading, so if I have the opportunity, I go for physical copies.

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:15 AM (Om/di)

34 Spent yesterday at New Braunfels' Museum of Handmade Texas Furniture, which is a nice little garden compound of old and historic houses, in an open park of oak trees on the northern edge of the city. Because some of my books deal with the founding of the German towns in the Hill Country I have a mild ... well, I wouldn't call it celebrity status, more like I am somewhat known ... so I was invited to come for the December heritage festival and sell my books. I did fairly well during the day, but just as I was deciding to pack up and go home, a philanthropic gentleman who wants to read good local-based books and support local writers and artists came by and bought $100 worth of my books. If anyone in Texas has a chance to visit New Braunfels, check out the museum, especially when they have the various reenactors and volunteers doing demonstrations of old-time crafts.

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at December 11, 2022 09:15 AM (xnmPy)

35 Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:11 AM (I/doM)

I think I have purchased exactly one of those Fine Cooking magazines, and if memory serves, yes it was excellent.

Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022 09:15 AM (P0LpV)

36 I had to laugh. I checked out the Amazon page for the Swords and Sorceries mag, and at the bottom there was a list of books labelled "Best Sellers in this Catagory." A previous first lady's book was listed. It was titled: The Light We Carry, by M. Obama.

An agent of darkness claiming to be of the light. Like that other guy who tries to appear as an agent of light. Do these people really believe they serve the light?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 09:15 AM (Angsy)

37 I read "The Genetic Lottery" by Kathryn Paige Harden, a prof of Clinical Psychology at UT Austin. I read some reviews and it sounded like an interesting exploration of an idea first discussed by Charles Murray; the extent to which genetics determines IQ and how to structure society as a result.

Harden admits she's a lefty, and parts of the book are marred by her inability to inject politics, but those aside, it's a pretty good exploration of the different schools of thought on this topic. These include:

1) Genetics is determinative. Almost nobody believes this is the only important thing, so it's a bit of a red herring.

2) Genetics is irrelevant. Almost nobody believes this either, but it's very popular to say so in academia, because they are concerned it genetics will be misused. While that's an obvious concern, science doesn't work this way, and I dismiss academics who say it.

3) Both factors are important, but as time goes by, it is becoming easier to identify the genetic factors which affect IQ, of which there are many.

To her credit, Harden endorses 3), even though it costs her among her so-called scientist colleagues. ...
(Cont.)

Posted by: Archimedes at December 11, 2022 09:16 AM (eOEVl)

38 If people are already drinking eggnog, they'll be 800 lbs by new years.

Posted by: Dr. Bone at December 11, 2022 09:16 AM (geVLo)

39 I've noticed there's a new entry in the book format categories: tall mass-market paperbacks. They have the same width as normal MMs, but are about half an inch taller. This is VERY inconvenient for packing in boxes, and I have some shelves adjusted to _just_ fit standard paperbacks and now these bastards have to go on the other shelves with the hardcovers and TPBs. Whoever thought of this innovation was evil, and probably European. I still haven't forgiven them for A4 paper, either.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2022 09:16 AM (QZxDR)

40 Just got this book as an early Christmas present: Storybook Style: America's Whimsical Homes of the 1920s.

The style began, appropriately enough, in Hollywood, but spread around the country. I've seen a puppet theater in Sterling in the Storybook style, but never a full-sized house. I'm obviously going to steal at least one house as a location in my current novel.

https://tinyurl.com/4nx83zuu

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at December 11, 2022 09:16 AM (AW0uW)

41 Really am learning lots that was not explained or just too long past to remember.
Who could guess 4000 years ago God was way ahead of curve saying not to be a Trannie.

Posted by: Skip's phone at December 11, 2022 09:11 AM (xhxe

---
There's a whole bunch of stuff that one could one pass over as irrelevant that is now in "Well DUH, it's right there!" territory.

I mean in little over a generation the Anglicans went from "yeah, ordaining women is no big deal" to full on pagan goddess worship. I saw the other day that the majority of bishops (bishopesses?) in Wales are female. Naturally they're doing "re-baptisms" and rites to celebrate "transitions."

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:17 AM (llXky)

42 Finished reading my 100th book of the year this morning!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel

We have done the book challenge as a family several years now. The goal is 100 books in a year, and the winner is obviously the most books overall. I won with 119 last year; I am only at 94 this year - too many other things getting in the way.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 09:17 AM (Sh0OA)

43 Sumptuous description, vivid imagination and yet after 150 pages the plot is still a mystery. Since I'm in no hurry, I'll soldier on.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:06 AM (llXky)

Only until the new year, then you'll quit?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 09:17 AM (Angsy)

44 Not a lot of reading this week. I did start _The Unfortunate Fursey_ which I'm pretty sure was a Moron recommendation earlier this year.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2022 09:19 AM (QZxDR)

45 OrangeEnt also put me on to another online market that pays a bit, this one for crime stories. I have several of those which might fit into their editorial requirements.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:15 AM (KAKDL)

Which one is that, Wolfus? I wouldn't mind sketching out and sending a short Theda Bara story, if it fit their needs.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at December 11, 2022 09:19 AM (AW0uW)

46 As far as formats - I generally buy histories and biographies, so always try to get hardcover, if possible. My irk with paperbacks is that, unless you're really careful, the spine eventually breaks. It hurts my hand after a while trying to apply pressure to the covers so that the spine will stay whole. If you know what I mean.. .

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at December 11, 2022 09:21 AM (AW0uW)

47 Now if they had big money tournaments for old Avalon Hill games...

Imagine playing Diplomacy for money.

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:21 AM (Om/di)

48 I have a over hundred year, maybe 150 ( haven't looked in awhile, but it's a school age book that is English and German translation of the text, 1/2 in one than repeat in other language

Posted by: Skip's phone at December 11, 2022 09:21 AM (xhxe8)

49 And sometimes the electronic version contains a host of editing and proofreading errors that interfere with my enjoyment.

That's a particular beef of mine. The digital version of Niven and Pournelle's "Escape From Hell" had numerous formatting errors and typos for literally years. Amazon did finally clean them up within the last six months.

And "A Canticle for Leibowitz", which took more years than I could count to even get a digital release, has one notable boner in it. The opener with Brother Francis dealing with the old hermit is missing some symbology. At one point, the hermit marks a rock with two Hebrew letters. The paperback has them, the digital only has a couple of asterisks and a note saying there were symbols there and doesn't tell you what they are.

Sheesh.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 11, 2022 09:21 AM (ZSK0i)

50 ...even if it's nothing more than a collection of Muldoon's poetry

*******

Thanks for the mention.

Hey... wait a minute. Nothing more? as in merely. No worse than? As trivial as?

Harumph!!

Posted by: Muldoon at December 11, 2022 09:22 AM (ykeLU)

51 Only until the new year, then you'll quit?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 09:17 AM (Angsy)
---
Heh. No, I already quit, but it doesn't become official until Dec. 31. So until then, I still need to curb my opinions of certain general officers and cabinet secretaries.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:22 AM (llXky)

52 I required the students in my class to read their final essays aloud during the final revision process. They then had to reflect on what they learned during that process. It was a very eye-opening experience for them.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 09:12 AM (BpYf

This is always a good idea. My husband is a retired professor, and we always read his papers aloud before submission. You catch errors, and you improve your tone. He often changed wording that came out as sarcastic when read aloud.

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 09:22 AM (Zzbjj)

53 I prefer print books out of nostalgia (I think that's why?), and mass market paperbacks because they are the lightest to hold. However, two benefits of ebooks: word lookups and bookmarking. Also, you can immerse yourself to the point that you don't know how far along you are in the book, so the ending's arrival can be somewhat unexpected (you have to not look at the progress bar). This happened when I was reading Ender's Game, where if I had been reading a hard copy I would have known there were only a small number of pages left; however, with the ebook the big reveal was a bigger impact because I did not know the book was almost done.

I've heard that Libby library ebooks even enable you to look up prior mentions of a character, which helps keeping track of them. Never tried this, though. . .

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:23 AM (I/doM)

54 Boyfriend lent me one of his picture books of the Old West. Every now and then I geek out on old western themes, so he provides the material. Right now learning about Bass Reeves, first African American to hold a deputy US Marshal's commission west of the MI river.

He learned the Creek language as well as other tribe dialects, so he was able to do undercover work for the white lawmen. The tribe people trusted him due to the fact he wasn't white. There are so many stories that Hollywood could portray, based on history, that would really amplify and enlarge the narrative of Blacks in the United States but no they have to produce dreck that genderbends classical figures like Cinderella and sheet.

Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022 09:23 AM (P0LpV)

55 Imagine playing Diplomacy for money.

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:21 AM (Om/di)
---
You'd have to set the game table in a MMA ring for when the fights break out.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:24 AM (llXky)

56 (cont.)
Much of the book is spent laying the foundation for her support of the mixed hypothesis, but then she uses that foundation to explore how we should arrange society to be the most fair, even for those who lose out in the genetic lottery.

While she makes some good points, she starts losing her way when it becomes clear that she's endorsing almost a big government approach to Harrison Bergeron style handicapping. (that's a bit overstated, but true in its essence). She tries to dismiss "merit" as something unearned, which is true in the sense that you don't pick your parents, but not in the sense that high IQ alone is enough to succeed. Where she really goes off the rails is in understanding that society as a whole benefits when its top performers are nurtured and allowed to flourish, and that there is an opportunity cost to dumping endless resources into a fool's errand of trying to level everyone to the extent possible. (cont.)

Posted by: Archimedes at December 11, 2022 09:24 AM (eOEVl)

57
An agent of darkness claiming to be of the light. Like that other guy who tries to appear as an agent of light. Do these people really believe they serve the light?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 09:15 AM (Angsy)

No, I don't think they do, and I think light bringer type names are chosen on purpose.

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 09:24 AM (Zzbjj)

58 There's an old Mark Twain comic short story about how some poker players in a little Western town got the game legalized by demonstrating that it didn't violate the town's law against games of chance. The method was that the poker players systematically fleeced the judge, the DA, and all the jurors in a game, demonstrating that chance didn't have any role.

What's funny is that it's true. It really is a game of skill rather than chance. I suspect you could pit a professional player against an enthusiastic amateur, and then cheat and deal the amateur nothing but winning hands, and the pro would still at least break even.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2022 09:24 AM (QZxDR)

59 Book thread! Thanks Perf.

Lots of reading. Old books read previously. How the Bolsheviks defeated various groups between 1917-1926. A few things about China 1900-1945. How anarchists always side with leftist-socialist-Marxists.

Posted by: 13times at December 11, 2022 09:25 AM (L6Ucc)

60 Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:15 AM (KAKDL)

Give it a go, Wolfus.

Still haven't heard from TDC, so it might be a while, they publish quarterly, so they may have all they need for January's issue.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 09:26 AM (Angsy)

61 (cont.)
As an example, in my on NoVa county, we spend enormous sums to provide individual teachers to special needs students, while shortchanging the resources for the top students. I've seen it personally.

To be clear, nobody thinks we shouldn't educate those who lost out in the genetic lottery, but it's a fools errand to try and cancel out nature entirely.

In summary (finally, they sighed) it's an interesting exploration of a very important topic, but I disagree with her conclusions. Nonetheless, as an introduction to the issues, it's worth reading.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 11, 2022 09:26 AM (eOEVl)

62 Hey AHLloyd... good to see you. Did you happen to catch the History of Avalon Hill series, on youtube channel, Legendary Tactics? (Or maybe I got the link from here, by you...?)

I, too, spent a great deal of my yoot' playing A-H games....

Posted by: goatexchange at December 11, 2022 09:26 AM (APPN8)

63 I am trying to purchase only hardback books now. If I have a paperback that is good, I look to replace it with a hardback. They will last much longer. Also, given the way the world is going, I don't know how long actual book publishing will keep going in its present form. I don't like to read digital, and they can be disappeared. I have a library full of excellent books that will be passed down

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 09:28 AM (ZxH6f)

64 >>I think I have purchased exactly one of those Fine Cooking magazines, and if memory serves, yes it was excellent.

It really was - there was none of that NYC foodie stuff, like 'best restaurants to visit in Monte Carlo," glowing interviews with trendy chefs, or pictures and recipes for an over-the-top brunch at (huge, post) Vermont cabin, etc. Just recipes, instructions and tips.

Here's the archive:
https://tinyurl.com/2287hywe

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:28 AM (I/doM)

65 Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 09:28 AM (7EjX1)

66 OrangeEnt also put me on to another online market that pays a bit, this one for crime stories. I have several of those which might fit into their editorial requirements.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022
*
Which one is that, Wolfus? I wouldn't mind sketching out and sending a short Theda Bara story, if it fit their needs.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at December 11, 2022

***
It's called Dark City. I *think,* from the title, they are more oriented toward noir than what I usually write, but I need to examine their online examples more closely.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:28 AM (KAKDL)

67 It is a very restful book. I haven't napped this much in years.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:13 AM (llXky)

Ha! It will deliver.

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 09:29 AM (Zzbjj)

68 Hey AHLloyd... good to see you. Did you happen to catch the History of Avalon Hill series, on youtube channel, Legendary Tactics? (Or maybe I got the link from here, by you...?)

I, too, spent a great deal of my yoot' playing A-H games....

Posted by: goatexchange at December 11, 2022 09:26 AM (APPN

---
No, I'll have to check that out.

I've saved the cream of my wargame collection in anticipation of getting out of the Guard. In fact, I've got a game of Warhammer 40,000 set for Friday. Soooo much free time!

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:29 AM (llXky)

69 @55 --

I think a game of Diplomacy would make a great movie, with all the espionage and double-dealing.

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:30 AM (Om/di)

70 I required the students in my class to read their final essays aloud during the final revision process. They then had to reflect on what they learned during that process. It was a very eye-opening experience for them.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 09:12 AM (BpYf

This is always a good idea. My husband is a retired professor, and we always read his papers aloud before submission. You catch errors, and you improve your tone. He often changed wording that came out as sarcastic when read aloud.

The same is very, VERY true of giving a talk, e.g at a conference. All those overheads that you were sure conveyed brilliance and concision turn into endless swamps of digressions. Hopefully, you eventually learn to KISS, so that you can actually convey information without stunning your audience into a coma.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 11, 2022 09:31 AM (eOEVl)

71 >>Also, given the way the world is going, I don't know how long actual book publishing will keep going in its present form

I have started buying used reference books, like dictionaries published over 15 years ago, as well as history books. The way words get redefined online, I want to have definitions from the time before things got really freakin' crazy.

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:31 AM (I/doM)

72 Merry Bookmas Season, Horde!

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 09:31 AM (Kd4bG)

73 Hey... wait a minute. Nothing more? as in merely. No worse than? As trivial as?

Harumph!!
Posted by: Muldoon

You're an American Treasure in my opinion !

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 09:31 AM (T4tVD)

74 Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:28 AM (I/doM)

Thank you! Bookmarked.

Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022 09:32 AM (P0LpV)

75 I am trying to purchase only hardback books now. If I have a paperback that is good, I look to replace it with a hardback. They will last much longer. Also, given the way the world is going, I don't know how long actual book publishing will keep going in its present form. I don't like to read digital, and they can be disappeared. I have a library full of excellent books that will be passed down

I agree with almost everything said here. I will occasionally read digital, but when it's a book I'm really interested in, nothing replaces hardback.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 11, 2022 09:32 AM (eOEVl)

76 In summary (finally, they sighed) it's an interesting exploration of a very important topic, but I disagree with her conclusions. Nonetheless, as an introduction to the issues, it's worth reading.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 11, 2022 09:26 AM (eOEVl)
---
Something progressives cannot accept is that servants and menial tasks were not demeaning to the people performing them. For many people, that is all they are capable of doing, and they can do it quite well.

However, socially insecure people and academics (I repeat myself) regard low intelligence as the worst thing in the world. They read "Flowers for Algernon" with abject horror, which helps explain the push to kill old people at the first sign of diminished capacity.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:32 AM (llXky)

77 Hey... wait a minute. Nothing more? as in merely. No worse than? As trivial as?

Harumph!!
Posted by: Muldoon
---
I seriously think you should publish a book of your limericks. I have no doubt you'd get a lot of support from the Horde! A modern day Edward Lear...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 09:32 AM (BpYfr)

78 How does one get the word out about a self-published book here? I guess I'm a semi-moron, because I'm not entirely sure of the definition of moron, but I would like to spread the word about my book. Thanks. Happy Sunday y'all. . . .

Posted by: FIIGMO at December 11, 2022 09:33 AM (5Xtai)

79 It's called Dark City. I *think,* from the title, they are more oriented toward noir than what I usually write, but I need to examine their online examples more closely.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:28 AM (KAKDL)

Thanks, I just checked it out. Not my style, sadly.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at December 11, 2022 09:34 AM (AW0uW)

80 MP4, It's "The Dark City."

http://thedarkcitymysterymagazine.com/

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 09:34 AM (Angsy)

81 How does one get the word out about a self-published book here? I guess I'm a semi-moron, because I'm not entirely sure of the definition of moron, but I would like to spread the word about my book. Thanks. Happy Sunday y'all. . . .
Posted by: FIIGMO at December 11, 2022 09:33 AM (5Xtai)
---
You can send me an email with details (my email is in my nic and is also at the end of the post above). I'm happy to post Books by Morons, many of which are self-published.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 09:34 AM (BpYfr)

82 Favorite book format? Agree the digital is compact and portable, but other than the DRM issue, has another big drawback. As my Rugrat said once - "Paper books don't run out of battery." On my last trip across the country I went to the library and bought a cheap used paperback that I didn't care if it got lost. Was entertaining and never ran out of battery!

Posted by: Starsweetie at December 11, 2022 09:34 AM (MeDDJ)

83 All I want for Christmas is a signed poster of a PET scan of Muldoon's brain...

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 09:35 AM (PiwSw)

84 @58 --

From a W.C. Fields movie:

"Is this a game of chance?"

"Not the way I play it."

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:36 AM (Om/di)

85 Good morning, book freaks!

I treated myself to a copy of "Visions of Space" by David A. Hardy.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 09:36 AM (Dc2NZ)

86 I have started buying used reference books, like dictionaries published over 15 years ago, as well as history books. The way words get redefined online, I want to have definitions from the time before things got really freakin' crazy.

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:31 AM (I/doM)
---
I have a large dictionary from the 1980s (a gift from my father) that I now consult because of all the Newspeak changes.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:37 AM (llXky)

87 Speaking of Newspeak, the Associated Press now sends email alerts to what words you can and can't use so you can update your Newspeak Dictionaries in real time.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:38 AM (llXky)

88 I've been running around like a headless chicken, but managed to read Honeycomb by Joann Harris (author of Chocolat). It's a collection of original fairy tales. Good but took me a while. Beautifully illustrated by Charles Vess. Some stories are tthinly veiled rants against modern society. I think she is not woke.

Also read Bowl of Red by etteSarahHoyt,which brings us back to the Shifter Diner. Fun. I think she has a new book on 99c sale today in her cozy mystery series!

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 09:38 AM (Kd4bG)

89 Libraries are such disgusting places today. Stinking Leftists and their propaganda abound. Conservatives have lost on every, single, solitary front. Keep voting for the GOP tho...

Posted by: MikeN at December 11, 2022 09:39 AM (LhNgP)

90 100 books a year? I didn't manage that even back when I was a voracious reader with much more free time. Wow... You're not including the backs of cereal boxes as books, are you?

Posted by: PabloD at December 11, 2022 09:39 AM (pqRYr)

91 In "Cinema Speculation", Xploitation movie fanboy Tarantino takes a flamethrower to movie critics: "It would appear most critics writing for newspapers and magazines set themselves up as superior to the films they were paid to review. Which I could never understand, because judging from their writing, that was clearly not the case. They looked down on films that gave pleasure, and on the film-makers who had an understanding of the audience that they did not.

As a kid who loved movies and paid to see pretty much everything, I just thought they were snide assholes. Today as a much older and wiser man, I realize the extent of how unhappy they must have been. They wrote with the demeanor of somebody who hates their life, or at least hates their job."

On critic Kenneth Turan: "He didn't just run me over, he drove around the block to run me over. When you share an antagonism with one critic for as long as Kenny and me, you end up having a strange personal connection with each other."

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 09:40 AM (Dc2NZ)

92 Formats. What I like is paper that does not turn yellow with age.

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 09:40 AM (Kd4bG)

93 I have a large dictionary from the 1980s (a gift from my father) that I now consult because of all the Newspeak changes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022

***
When I bought my Britannica in '84, the set included a 3-volume unabridged dictionary, with the bonus of several foreign language dictionaries (German, Spanish, Italian, and French, plus Swedish and Yiddish) in the back of book 3. I have another 1-volume dictionary from around 1979 as well with various bonuses like samples of business writing.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:42 AM (KAKDL)

94 Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:28 AM (I/doM)

Today is my first look at the Internet Archive. I was able to locate a publication that I couldn't find elsewhere. Some time ago I'd subscribed to a publication called Threads, its mission focused on textile arts. I couldn't locate it doing a normal internet search.

Turns out Taunton press who published it, is the stamp behind Fine Cooking, and that triggered my memory, so I was able to locate the textile publication as well.

Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022 09:42 AM (P0LpV)

95 Sarah Hoyt's cozy is under pen name Elise Hyatt

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WW1ZCZD/

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 09:43 AM (Kd4bG)

96 I seriously think you should publish a book of your limericks. I have no doubt you'd get a lot of support from the Horde! A modern day Edward Lear...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel

******

Muldoon's Library of Limericks has adorned many a Moron's guest bathroom for several years now. It is available on Amazon. You could almost certainly find a used copy for sale, but consider sanitizing it first, and don't be surprised if several pages have been torn out (for emergency use as it were).

Posted by: Muldoon at December 11, 2022 09:43 AM (ykeLU)

97 It's getting gloomy outside. I need to run to Walmart for a few essentials before it rains. Later, all!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 09:43 AM (KAKDL)

98 >>Turns out Taunton press who published it, is the stamp behind Fine Cooking, and that triggered my memory, so I was able to locate the textile publication as well.

Heh, cool!
Yes, Taunton Press publishes excellent magazines - Threads and Fine Gardening are still going strong.

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:44 AM (I/doM)

99 I have a large dictionary from the 1980s (a gift from my father) that I now consult because of all the Newspeak changes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:37 AM (llXky)

I bought a vintage dictionary for the grandsons, too. A PC version won't do.

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 09:44 AM (Zzbjj)

100 Just started Five Hundred Miles from the Nearest Road by Nancy L Scott. Story takes place after her husbands return from Vietnam in Alaska, the adventures of two teachers. I know/knew these people. Husband has passed. Most of it is from journals.

Nancy is my moms best friend. Known each other forever both teachers and lost their Vietnam vet husbands within a year of each other.

Posted by: Reforger at December 11, 2022 09:44 AM (hQYhQ)

101 There are several books that are now a Christmas tradition for me. Chesterton's "The Shop of Ghosts', Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", and JRR Tolkien's "The Father Christmas Letters". This last one is a lovely hardcover edition with all his imaginative paintings and arranged in chronological order. It is an absolute delight.

I'm taking these down from the shelves to be read over the next couple of weeks.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 09:45 AM (7EjX1)

102 Good morning you book readers you.

Only was able to read technical manuals, for reference - not enjoyment, and some of my books of prayer this week.

Oh, and a hard copy map to try to figure out where, after the fact, I went wrong.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 11, 2022 09:45 AM (qoGsy)

103 You're not including the backs of cereal boxes as books, are you?
Posted by: PabloD

No. I read a lot of history and mystery. The average book length is probably 300 pages or so. Every family member reads, and we don't watch television, other than family movie night (on DVD) or the occasional documentary on curiosity stream.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 09:45 AM (qAkgI)

104 >> I have a large dictionary from the 1980s (a gift from my father) that I now consult because of all the Newspeak changes.

Nice!
I so wish we had held onto our Encyclopedia Brittanica set from when I was a kid.

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:45 AM (I/doM)

105 Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 09:40 AM (Dc2NZ)

Brings to mind the immortal words of Bette Davis, after one of her movies was a resounding success at box office, but universally critically panned:

"Nothing but the people came."

Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022 09:46 AM (P0LpV)

106
87 Speaking of Newspeak, the Associated Press now sends email alerts to what words you can and can't use so you can update your Newspeak Dictionaries in real time.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 09:38 AM (llXky)

Another form of censorship, for the cause.

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 09:46 AM (Zzbjj)

107 I still.owe Orange Ent a read

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 09:47 AM (Kd4bG)

108 "Not sure if I could ever read a book that was bound in human skin, though. That's just creepy."

I like Belgarath the Sorcerers take in David Eddings Mallorean series:

"Eh, whoever's skin it was is finished with it anyway. The PROBLEM is that human skin won't hold ink!"

Posted by: SDN at December 11, 2022 09:49 AM (roWCJ)

109 From a W.C. Fields movie:

"Is this a game of chance?"

"Not the way I play it."
Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:36 AM (Om/di)

That reminds me of an old Punch cartoon which, sadly, I can't find on the internet - A man and a woman are sitting at a party in the middle of a conversation. He says to her, "Post Office? Isn't that a children's game?"

To which she slides over, in full vamp mode, and purrs, "Not the way I play it."

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at December 11, 2022 09:49 AM (AW0uW)

110 Sgt. Mom--Thanks so much for the recommendation for The Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture. We live about a half-hour from New Braunfels and as a native Texan of (partly) German heritage and a history buff, that's right in my wheelhouse.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at December 11, 2022 09:50 AM (fTtFy)

111 A former comics writer opined that if the letters column was full of critical letters, that was a sign that whoever selected the letters was wanting to write the book.

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 09:51 AM (Om/di)

112 Finished reading my 100th book of the year this morning!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel

Congrats!

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 09:52 AM (Kd4bG)

113 OK, folks, it's a cold, dreary day here at Stately Poppins Manor, so I think I'll sign off, make some tea and find a book to lose myself in for the afternoon.

Hope you all have a lovely day.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at December 11, 2022 09:52 AM (AW0uW)

114 Books about books are fun:
How to Make Books, by Esther K. Smith
Making Handmade Books, by Alisa Golden
Japanese Bookbinding, by Kojiro Ikegami

Then to get into the "why is a book" territory, books by Keith A Smith are interesting reading, such as Structures of the Physicsl Book.

If you like crafty things, if you can ever take a"bookbinding" class from your local artist types, do it! It's a lot of fun.

As a side note, one of the things that convinced me Flyover Spouse was The One was that he hunted down an old cat iron book press, and surprised me with it. 💞💞

Posted by: Flyover's Kohlrabi at December 11, 2022 09:54 AM (Rbu5d)

115 A book idea... Wicket's Eleven...

Masked Bandits Steal Gold From North Korean Armored Vehicle
Since there is no gold market in North Korea, the stolen gold is essentially worthless unless it can be smuggled to Chinese buyers.

Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at December 11, 2022 09:54 AM (Vwz3I)

116 The early Threads were wonderful. The new ones are strictly sewing but they originally covered knitting and other crafts. I kept a few of the early ones but stopped buying them when they went to sewing stuff. They do have wonderful articles on that.

Sometimes you can find a library that has them in the stacks.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at December 11, 2022 09:55 AM (uz3Px)

117 Conservatives have lost on every, single, solitary front.

******

Limericks are a notable exception. I have never seen a funny limerick from a modern leftist.

A Lefty Limerick, As If

I'm going to tell a joke a bit later
'Bout a brave and fearless climate agitator
The rhyme and meter's bad
Oh, by the way I Hate You, Dad!
How come you aren't laughing at my superior talent and wit you cis-patriarchal, trans-phobic MAGAt racist hater?!

Posted by: Muldoon at December 11, 2022 09:55 AM (ykeLU)

118 Thanks Perfessor! Email sent. Appreciate the rapid response!

Posted by: FIIGMO at December 11, 2022 09:55 AM (5Xtai)

119 If anyone is interested in noirish, gritty, crime stories, The Dark City is available from the website, and Amazon. Print and electronic versions available. Print versions are mass market size and style.

They pay $25 if they accept your story. Might be good for newer authors.

http://thedarkcitymysterymagazine.com/

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 09:56 AM (Angsy)

120 On the book format question, I have a lot of hardcover and paperback books from the before days, but am now almost 100% digital. (Exceptions are cookbooks and other reference works.) The change started because of portability of books while traveling. It became permanent because an (1) electronic devices are lightweight; (2) Kindles are easy to read in sunlight and in darkness; and (3) whenever I have to wait somewhere, I can pick up whatever book I'm reading on my phone. It also helps that a library digital membership is $100 cheaper than a full membership. (Digital is only $22 or so.)

Yes, there is the risk of digital content being yanked, but for now the convenience and economy of digital out weighs the risks.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at December 11, 2022 09:56 AM (fTtFy)

121 I know, no math, but reading 100 books of 325 pages average length in 365 days is around 90 pages per day. That is only an hour or two per day.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 09:56 AM (lmYqO)

122 >>A Lefty Limerick, As If

I'm going to tell a joke a bit later
'Bout a brave and fearless climate agitator
The rhyme and meter's bad
Oh, by the way I Hate You, Dad!
How come you aren't laughing at my superior talent and wit you cis-patriarchal, trans-phobic MAGAt racist hater?!

[insert Sandra Fluck "That's Not Funny" meme here]

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:56 AM (I/doM)

123 After numerous mentions of "Captains Courageous" (think it was Wolfus), I'm finally reading it. I like Kipling and have no idea why I haven't read it before. About a third of the way into it and it is delightful reading. His 'odd' spelling to simulate the accents of the characters can be daunting, or distracting. Except for Manuel, I just hear the dialogue as Down East, which simplifies matters.

I got the Sea Wolf Press paperback edition. Their books, especially the classic series, are well made, bigger than a typical paperback, and they use the original type size and font, which are easier to read than most modern printings. Also, they include the illustrations from the first editions. These are pen and ink and are superb artwork. The illustrations are worth the cost of the book and more.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 09:57 AM (7EjX1)

124 95 Sarah Hoyt's cozy is under pen name Elise Hyatt

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WW1ZCZD/
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 09:43 AM (Kd4bG)
****
Please. No references to Glenn Reynold's Instapanzy and its troop of insane contributors. That site and its readers represent everything that's wrong with American "conservative" politics. The irony is they think they're Patriots. Fricken Biden-tools... purple-pilled forever-war, ukraine khokhols.

Posted by: MikeN at December 11, 2022 09:58 AM (LhNgP)

125 I prefer cloth- bound books for "the Flyover Homestead Library," but we do have lots of perfect- bound books, because that's the only format they come in these days.

I don't enjoy reading from e-books, although I do on occasion.

Posted by: Flyover's Kohlrabi at December 11, 2022 09:59 AM (Rbu5d)

126 "... and JRR Tolkien's "The Father Christmas Letters". This last one is a lovely hardcover edition with all his imaginative paintings and arranged in chronological order. It is an absolute delight.

I'm taking these down from the shelves to be read over the next couple of weeks.
Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 09:45 AM (7EjX1)
---

Thank you for the reminder. I just took this down off my shelf. I haven't read it in decades!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 09:59 AM (Dc2NZ)

127 The early Threads were wonderful. The new ones are strictly sewing but they originally covered knitting and other crafts. I kept a few of the early ones

I'm hoping against hope that my collection is stashed in one of those boxes in the garage.

Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022 09:59 AM (P0LpV)

128 This week I finished 'The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu' by Sax Romer. The 'book' consisted of over a dozen short, distinct incidents, usually consisting of only a few chapters. So I was happy to discover that the final episode of the book was significantly longer than earlier encounters, with much higher stakes, and actually drew the book to a conclusion. In short, the book pulled off an epic finish! I was happy with it.

Posted by: Castle Guy at December 11, 2022 09:59 AM (Lhaco)

129 I know, no math, but reading 100 books of 325 pages average length in 365 days is around 90 pages per day. That is only an hour or two per day.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 09:56 AM (lmYqO)
---
I keep track of my reading in a spreadsheet so it can do the math for me. So far I've read 100 books, 38K pages, averaging 747 pages per week...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 10:00 AM (BpYfr)

130 @121 --

Yeah, but Prof teaches college courses and watches TV shows.

Oh, I know -- he doesn't eat!

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 10:00 AM (Om/di)

131 Interesting bit about book formats -- back in Ye Olden Dayes, books were printed without covers. You then took your copy of The Fall of Rome to your favorite bookbinder to get covers according to taste, which is why all the old book collections (like Samuel Pepys') have that uniform look. It wasn't the publisher doing that, but Sam and his favorite bookbinder. Back to the present day, it isn't that hard to do the same to a favorite paperback to help preserve it. I took a class and learned how

Posted by: Sabrina Chase at December 11, 2022 10:01 AM (jAisO)

132 Nice!
I so wish we had held onto our Encyclopedia Brittanica set from when I was a kid.
Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:45 AM (I/doM)

Everybody thought I was crazy for keeping them. I have 3 full sets, Brittanica, Americana and a really cool kids set from the 70's. Plus a bunch of technical partial sets from the 1890's through the 1950's. That shelf weights a ton

I'm trying to fill the gaps on my tech stuff but damn some of those books go for $100.00 or more when/if you can find them.

Posted by: Reforger at December 11, 2022 10:02 AM (mBXQl)

133 2 points
First ebooks are nice and cheaper but anyone think what we know of woke corporations ( and Amazon has done their part stifling Non- woke books( that someday that book you have is now determined to be undesirable in any hands?

Perfessor- Wonder if 100 books is to much reading unless your in a bank vault in a nuclear war and come out alone.

Posted by: Skip's phone at December 11, 2022 10:02 AM (xhxe8)

134 I would think bookbinding would also be useful for one to learn how to repair books.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 10:02 AM (PiwSw)

135 Perfessor- Wonder if 100 books is to much reading unless your in a bank vault in a nuclear war and come out alone.
Posted by: Skip's phone

And an unbroken set of glasses.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 11, 2022 10:03 AM (qoGsy)

136 Perfessor- Wonder if 100 books is to much reading unless your in a bank vault in a nuclear war and come out alone.
Posted by: Skip's phone at December 1

Pro Tip: Bring an extra pair of glasses.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 10:03 AM (PiwSw)

137 You're welcome, Art! It's a lovely little place that could do with more visitors! It's run by the NB Heritage Society, and one of the things going on yesterday was the groundbreaking for moving in/putting together another structure; one of the historic churches, to add to the collection of notable buildings on the grounds. More here - https://texashandmadefurniture.com/
Their big event will be in mid-April, 2023. Lots of local reenactors, craft demonstrations, a children's costume parade and a hayride, black-powder shooting, a cannon shooting, live music and much more.

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at December 11, 2022 10:05 AM (xnmPy)

138 I would think bookbinding would also be useful for one to learn how to repair books.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes

I have watched some videos on repairing books. I may locate and take a class on bookbinding. I think it would be fun and rewarding.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 10:06 AM (sSF0X)

139 Posted by: MikeN at December 11, 2022 09:58 AM (LhNgP)

This is a Book Thread. We have about 50 threads each week in which you can agonize over politics...but this isn't one of them.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 11, 2022 10:08 AM (XIJ/X)

140 Hiya CBD !

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 10:09 AM (T4tVD)

141 >>Everybody thought I was crazy for keeping them. I have 3 full sets, Brittanica, Americana and a really cool kids set from the 70's. Plus a bunch of technical partial sets from the 1890's through the 1950's. That shelf weights a ton'

Whoa, cool!

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 10:09 AM (I/doM)

142 Finally found a decent bookbinder for my two-volume illustrated Shakespeare, after years of trying. The lady has a long waitlist but it's worth it.

These are from the 1840's and apart from the cover and end leaves, the paper is remarkably creamy and unblemished and the binding is still tight. They knew how to make books back in the day.

The current owner took over from her father. He could find replacement parts for his old machinery from the Henry Ford Museum.

https://tinyurl.com/mvv2t8e6

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 10:10 AM (Dc2NZ)

143 Over the years I've learned that different paperback publishers have different standards of quality. I still have Heinlein paperbacks from Putnam or Doubleday which are in fine shape coming up on fifty years after they were printed. But any paperback printed by a UK publisher starts shedding pages after the first reading. All my Baen/Simon & Schuster paperbacks have held up well, and DAW books are indestructible, but some White Wolf paperback editions of Lieber's Lankhmar stories are always on the verge of falling apart.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2022 10:10 AM (QZxDR)

144 When it comes to format, I prefer hardcovers and well made paperbacks. They are generally larger and easier to read with my aging eyes. And I appreciate a better made item. I have a ton of books on my Kindles but, frankly, don't count on them being in my 'possession' and unmodified forever. They are convenient but nothing else. And even with the ability to change the print size, reading the Kindle for long periods tires my eyes.

If I was younger, and more trusting, I might feel differently about e-readers. At this point I am getting more and more selective about the books I invest time in. Reading can have a physical as well as intellectual aspect and I try to indulge that part whenever I can.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 10:10 AM (7EjX1)

145 CBD, swingin' the hammer!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 10:10 AM (Dc2NZ)

146 After numerous mentions of "Captains Courageous" (think it was Wolfus), I'm finally reading it. I like Kipling and have no idea why I haven't read it before.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 09:57 AM (7EjX1)

His poetry is wonderful too!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 11, 2022 10:11 AM (XIJ/X)

147 New Braunfels is a wonderful town. My parents used to live there. Fantastic food, lots of fun activities to do, great people. They had a private library there back in the day. I used it extensively when I was a poor student.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 10:11 AM (SsJFy)

148 Just a test to see whether this is still working.

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 10:12 AM (Om/di)

149 Over the years I've learned that different paperback publishers have different standards of quality. I still have Heinlein paperbacks from Putnam or Doubleday which are in fine shape coming up on fifty years after they were printed. But any paperback printed by a UK publisher starts shedding pages after the first reading. All my Baen/Simon & Schuster paperbacks have held up well, and DAW books are indestructible, but some White Wolf paperback editions of Lieber's Lankhmar stories are always on the verge of falling apart.
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2022 10:10 AM (QZxDR)
---
Excellent point. Not all paperbacks are created equally. Nor are the trade paperbacks, especially those "printed on demand." I have a couple of those that started falling apart (losing pages) upon first reading...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 10:13 AM (BpYfr)

150 63...Also, given the way the world is going, I don't know how long actual book publishing will keep going in its present form. I don't like to read digital, and they can be disappeared. I have a library full of excellent books that will be passed down
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 09:28 AM (ZxH6f)

Agreed. Important books hardcopy.

Posted by: Flyover's Kohlrabi at December 11, 2022 10:13 AM (Rbu5d)

151 I still.owe Orange Ent a read

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 09:47 AM (Kd4bG)

Don't worry, still queuing revisions.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 10:14 AM (Angsy)

152 After numerous mentions of "Captains Courageous" (think it was Wolfus), I'm finally reading it. I like Kipling and have no idea why I haven't read it before.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 09:57 AM (7EjX1)

His poetry is wonderful too!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo

There once was a man from Nantucket ?

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 10:14 AM (T4tVD)

153 One great thing about Kipling is how prolific he was. I keep running across new stories and poems to enjoy.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2022 10:14 AM (QZxDR)

154 Favorite format is digital because of space, portability, adjustable print size etc. No contest at all. When we moved here from Chicago almost 40 years ago, we shipped more than 100 boxes of books (not small boxes, either -- publisher's shipping cartons meant to hold a respectable quantity of hardcovers or paperbacks -- never again). Most of those have been passed to libraries or second-hand dealers and replaced in some cases with ebooks. That said, we still have a couple of bookcases with physical copies that ain't going anywhere even if we also have digital copies.

And am I the only one who thinks that the print quality and durability of today's trade paperbacks don't measure up to what mass-markets of the 60s and 70s used to offer?

Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 11, 2022 10:15 AM (a/4+U)

155 One great thing about Kipling is how prolific he was. I keep running across new stories and poems to enjoy.
Posted by: Trimegistus

And yet, even back in the more sane times, we weren't assigned any Kipling in junior or high school. Sad.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 11, 2022 10:15 AM (qoGsy)

156 Well, off to Mass to listen and learn from the greatest book.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 11, 2022 10:16 AM (qoGsy)

157 I have started buying used reference books, like dictionaries published over 15 years ago, as well as history books. The way words get redefined online, I want to have definitions from the time before things got really freakin' crazy.
Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 09:31 AM (I/doM)

We purchased a 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica for this reason.

Posted by: Flyover's Kohlrabi at December 11, 2022 10:16 AM (Rbu5d)

158 I've never bought a POD book which wasn't very shoddy. A common flaw is that the pages aren't properly flattened in binding, so you get crinkles and warps -- which mean broken glue and loose pages after reading a few times.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2022 10:17 AM (QZxDR)

159 Well, off to Mass to listen and learn from the greatest book.
Posted by: Tonypete

Say one for us !

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 10:18 AM (T4tVD)

160 I always liked New Braunfels.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at December 11, 2022 10:18 AM (0ZuC6)

161 DIGITAL - The digital/electronic format is the ultimate in portability. You can carry around hundreds or thousands of books on your tablet or smartphone and read them anywhere you go. They also have a lot of features, such as adjusting the size (for folks who need it) and annotations for keeping notes. On the downside, unless you take some additional steps, you usually don't "own" the content like you do with physical media. The publisher could, in theory, yank the content from your device or even subtly alter the content. And sometimes the electronic version contains a host of editing and proofreading errors that interfere with my enjoyment

I have a love/hate relationship with ebooks. They're cheap and easy and don't take up shelf space, but I do fear the possibility of altered content, so I hesitate to stop buying hardcopies.
Additionally, most people I know use things like the Kindle Fire with its many distractions, Alexa, and the backlight. I rarely use mine, despite the ability to turn down the blue light. I have considered getting a paperwhite, though

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 10:18 AM (Zzbjj)

162 78 How does one get the word out about a self-published book here? I guess I'm a semi-moron, because I'm not entirely sure of the definition of moron, but I would like to spread the word about my book. Thanks. Happy Sunday y'all. . . .
Posted by: FIIGMO at December 11, 2022 09:33 AM (5Xtai)

Capital "M" Moron...😁

Posted by: Flyover's Kohlrabi at December 11, 2022 10:19 AM (Rbu5d)

163 Well, off to Mass to listen and learn from the greatest book.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 11, 2022 10:16 AM (qoGsy)
---
Yeah, I'm not far behind you.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:20 AM (llXky)

164 Didn't get much reading done. Got sucked into binge-watching the Netflix series 1899. Its got turn of the century steamship travel mixed with some steampunk thrown in. I'd say more but I can't figure out how to do it without spoilers. The sci-fi fans on here should definitely check it out. I believe it's by the same guys who did "Dark", my pick for the best tie travel series ever. In German with subtitles (although it's also in Cantonese, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, and French) I thought it was a great and can't wait for a second season. And I may be in love with Emily Beecham even if she is way too young for me.
Finished up the civil war memoirs (Porter's was better) and moved on to "Napoleon and his Marshalls" by A.C. McDonnell and a collection of " The Saint" novellas/short stories called "The Saint vs Scotland Yard" so far so good.
Michael Jacob's book abut the Andes continues to fascinate.

Posted by: who knew at December 11, 2022 10:20 AM (4I7VG)

165 Agreed. Important books hardcopy.

Posted by: Flyover's Kohlrabi at December 11, 2022 10:13 AM (Rbu5d)
---
I'm all about physical media. I still collect CDs and DVDs because you never know when something will be canceled.

Same with books as well. I have finite space, so I continually re-evaluate what I've got. Also, with the kids growing up, many of the books on the shelves belong to them and will be going with them out into the world.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:22 AM (llXky)

166 Asked my question before I'd read all the comments -- I see I'm not the only one noticing that trade paperbacks these days don't seem to be as well made as they used to be.

Another reason I've gone largely digital is that I've found a number of hardcovers and trade paperbacks are simply harder for me to hold; could open the paperbacks wide enough to lay flat, I suppose, but that's probably a guarantee of a ruined binding.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 11, 2022 10:23 AM (a/4+U)

167 I have a love/hate relationship with ebooks. They're cheap and easy and don't take up shelf space, but I do fear the possibility of altered content, so I hesitate to stop buying hardcopies.

Posted by: CN

Besides the possibility of post sale censorship or EMP, I spend 8-9 hours each weekday in databses and spreadsheets. My eyes actually hurt when I finish work. The last thing I want to do is look at a screen. Reading a paper book is much easier on my eyes for some reason.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 10:24 AM (Ozr2F)

168 Nice mention by Sarah Hoyt for Sgt. Mom this past week at Instapundit!

Posted by: Just call me Pete at December 11, 2022 10:25 AM (a4vvV)

169 After numerous mentions of "Captains Courageous" (think it was Wolfus), I'm finally reading it. I like Kipling and have no idea why I haven't read it before.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 09:57 AM (7EjX1)

It's me. My favorite all time book as both a kid and adult.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:25 AM (E1m1K)

170 I always liked New Braunfels.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at December 11, 2022 10:18 AM (0ZuC6)

You whippersnapper! What's wrong with the Old Braunfels!!! Nothing!! Kids today.

Posted by: Old Man at December 11, 2022 10:26 AM (Angsy)

171 es actually hurt when I finish work. The last thing I want to do is look at a screen. Reading a paper book is much easier on my eyes for some reason.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 10:24 AM (Ozr2F)

Backlights and eye fatigue

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 10:27 AM (Zzbjj)

172 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:22 AM (llXky)

I'm old school as they come. I don't do change when somethings working. I've never read a digital book and if aos had a newsletter I'd probably do that instead of on-line. 😀

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:28 AM (E1m1K)

173 One neat feature of the ebook is the integration with the dictionary. If I come across a word I don't know, I just tap the word, and the definition appears. That is cool.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 10:29 AM (PiwSw)

174 Old Braunfels was good enough for grandpappy and it's good enough for me!

Posted by: Geezer at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (DhOHl)

175 The guy who wrote the Game of Thrones series of books (also adapted for a TV series)…. I few years ago having heard all the hoopla I started reading the books. They weren’t bad… interesting enough to keep me reading. So I read all the existing books only to find the author will still working on the last book in the series… and he kept pushing out the publish date. So I found myself hanging in the air and he probably didn’t feel so good with an obvious case of writers block. I’m beginning to wonder if he’ll ever finish….

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (xT8gx)

176 I've joked about Kipling's transliteration of dialects before, here. It really scares away school-age readers, and I think teachers learned to avoid all that. Interesting to keep in mind that he was inventing that at a time when sociology types were doing it, too -- and also collecting all sorts of songs written in those dialects, just before they went extinct.

He was very good at it, and once you gag it down and get over "Why in the world is he doing this to his reader?" you find yourself talking in the accents he depicts. Connery and Caine in The Man Who Would Be were basically reading roi't orf the bleedin paidge.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (jYCXf)

177 Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 10:29 AM (PiwSw)

That is a great feature.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (E1m1K)

178 Besides the possibility of post sale censorship or EMP, I spend 8-9 hours each weekday in databses and spreadsheets. My eyes actually hurt when I finish work. The last thing I want to do is look at a screen. Reading a paper book is much easier on my eyes for some reason.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 10:24 AM (Ozr2F)

That's my main thing, a book is decidedly non-digital, or it should be. It has heft, it is physical, whereas the stuff I read on the pooter (no offense, folks) is something else. The brain processes it differently too.

So while I have a kindle, it doesn't get used.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (Be1Jl)

179 174 Old Braunfels was good enough for grandpappy and it's good enough for me!
Posted by: Geezer at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (DhOHl)

But is New Braunfels far enough away from Austin?

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (PiwSw)

180 175 - I’m not sure I would’ve started reading if I knew the author hadn’t finished yet!

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:31 AM (xT8gx)

181 *I just tap the word, and the definition appears.*

I can do that.

Posted by: Al Gore's Amazing Internet at December 11, 2022 10:32 AM (DhOHl)

182 and he kept pushing out the publish date. So I found myself hanging in the air and he probably didn’t feel so good with an obvious case of writers block. I’m beginning to wonder if he’ll ever finish….

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (xT8gx)
----
Martin wrote himself into the mother of all corners, but he got well paid for the rights, so why finish?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:32 AM (llXky)

183 Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (xT8gx)
----
Martin wrote himself into the mother of all corners, but he got well paid for the rights, so why finish?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:32 AM (llXky)

Come up with your own preferred ending and be done with it.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:33 AM (E1m1K)

184 Speaking of, all my physical books are packed, I sealed the last box on Friday. They're a thousand miles away from where I am now, and all I have is this contraption to read.

Well, that's not true, my mother has a treasure trove of books, but now she has a bunch of Christmas decorations in front of the shelves. The horror...

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 10:33 AM (Be1Jl)

185 I’m not sure I would’ve started reading if I knew the author hadn’t finished yet!

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:31 AM (xT8gx)
---
I will not start a book or TV series until it has ended.

I've noticed the current generation spends all its energy on the setup and figures the payoff will just sort of happen. When it doesn't they shrug, mutter something about "subverting expectations" and wander away.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:34 AM (llXky)

186 I received some crowd-funded books in the mail this week. It was a bit of surprise: I 'ordered' them a year ago, and the campaign didn't send out an email saying that they were starting fulfillment...It was kind of like ordering a surprise gift to myself! I pay for it, I forget about it, and then one day I randomly receive cool stuff in the mail!

Posted by: Castle Guy at December 11, 2022 10:34 AM (Lhaco)

187 But is New Braunfels far enough away from Austin?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (PiwSw)

In Strieber and Kunetka's "Warday", it wasn't.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 11, 2022 10:35 AM (ZSK0i)

188 182 - a few times I heard people refer to Martin as a modern day Tolkien. That notion is rubbish

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:35 AM (xT8gx)

189 But is New Braunfels far enough away from Austin?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes

I haven't been there in over a year, but it seemed to me that both Austin and San Antonio are growing northwards, so New Braunfels may become a suburb of San Antonio.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 10:35 AM (9Qc1e)

190 Good chapter in "Cinema Speculation" on the difference between the Anti-Establishment Auteurs (like Altman) and the Movie Brats (Spielberg, Lucas, et al) which was that the Brats were film geeks, part of a generation that saw movies not just in theaters but constantly on television. They loved popular culture and embraced genre films unironically. "They were the first generation of leading Hollywood filmmakers who watched Gordon Douglas' science fiction classic Them! *because* it was about giant ants... [t]he hippy directors couldn't understand, or didn't want to understand, that some people watch movies about giant ants and take {i]Them! seriously."

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 10:35 AM (Dc2NZ)

191 Come up with your own preferred ending and be done with it.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:33 AM (E1m1K)
---
I did that for the Star Wars prequels (the Man of Destiny series) and I enjoyed it because I enjoy the source material.

I loathe the Game of Thrones setting, so nah.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:36 AM (llXky)

192 I’m not sure I would’ve started reading if I knew the author hadn’t finished yet!

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:31 AM (xT8gx)

Townsend's began a cabin build a while ago. I decided to wait until it was done and watch the whole thing.

He recently posted it's been three years since it was done. Gah!

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 10:36 AM (Angsy)

193 Posted by: Castle Guy at December 11, 2022 10:34 AM (Lhaco)

That was like the scholastic paper back books I ordered in elementary school. It was like Christmas when they unexpectedly came in.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:36 AM (E1m1K)

194 San Antonio, I mean.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 11, 2022 10:37 AM (ZSK0i)

195 I had the same unfortunate thing happened with a “trilogy” by Patrick Ruthfuss (I think that’s the spelling) called a Kingkiller Chronicle…. It was supposed to be a trilogy, I really enjoyed the first two and I don’t believe he ever finished! Bad luck for me I guess…

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:39 AM (xT8gx)

196 They loved popular culture and embraced genre films unironically.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 10:35 AM (Dc2NZ)
---
They also came of age when the creative pressure was much higher than it was now. You still had Old Hollywood types around and audiences expected a certain level of quality to the work. I've been digging into 80s films I missed and the qualitative difference between then and now is absolutely shocking.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:39 AM (llXky)

197 Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 10:35 AM (Dc2NZ)

That was a great movie, with Scientist Santa Claus and Detective Matt Dillon.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 10:39 AM (PiwSw)

198 That was like the scholastic paper back books I ordered in elementary school. It was like Christmas when they unexpectedly came in.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:36 AM (E1m1K)
---
I got John Toland's The Flying Tigers through the book club. In elementary school. Truly a different age.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:40 AM (llXky)

199 195 - Ruthfuss never finished the 3rd book in the trilogy. Sigh…

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:40 AM (xT8gx)

200 That was like the scholastic paper back books I ordered in elementary school. It was like Christmas when they unexpectedly came in.
Posted by: polynikes

I can still recall the excitement from those days.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 10:40 AM (6drWL)

201 146 ... CBD, Yeah, I love Kipling's poetry, it is charming and creative. When I read Kipling poetry I usually reach for Robert Service poems for dessert.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 10:41 AM (7EjX1)

202 We used to be a thing.

Posted by: The Hardy Boys at December 11, 2022 10:41 AM (DhOHl)

203 still shelves & shelves full of mass market paperbacks that I bought back in the 70s when they were mostly 75 cents ... spot-on about the jacket pockets, Perfesser, I always did, too. they also fit nicely in the back pocket of your pants.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - we are being gaslighted 24/365 at December 11, 2022 10:41 AM (j3SBD)

204 YMMV, but I find reading on the Kindle as easy on the eyes as reading on paper. But that's a Kindle ereader, not a multi-purpose tablet running a Kindle app. The tablets have too much glare for long reading sessions; not so the e-ink Kindles.

I stopped worrying too much about Amazon or the publisher deciding the book should disappear from user devices a while back -- there are ways around that in addition to keeping a hard copy of anything important to you; and if the grid collapses I figure I'll have more pressing worries than my ebook library.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 11, 2022 10:42 AM (a/4+U)

205 CBD, Yeah, I love Kipling's poetry, it is charming and creative. When I read Kipling poetry I usually reach for Robert Service poems for dessert.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 10:41 AM (7EjX1)
---
In his memoirs, Churchill relates episodes of Kipling being quoted at odd moments.

Now of course we use Star Wars.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:42 AM (llXky)

206 So were we.

Posted by: The Nancy Drew series at December 11, 2022 10:42 AM (DhOHl)

207
Romantic Idyll with a Nonreader - a limerick

On a calm day, the lake surface rippled
As through the leaves bright sunlight stippled
I whispered in her ear
"Do you like Kipling, dear?
"Gosh, I don't know. I've never Kippled!"

Posted by: Muldoon at December 11, 2022 10:42 AM (ykeLU)

208 We used to be a thing.
Posted by: The Hardy Boys

I read EVERY one of those books when I was a Yute.

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 10:43 AM (T4tVD)

209 175...I’m beginning to wonder if he’ll ever finish….
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:30 AM (xT8gx)

No.

Posted by: Flyover's Kohlrabi at December 11, 2022 10:43 AM (Rbu5d)

210 Well, it's that time. Thanks again, Perfesser, for this oasis of erudite discussion.

Until next week!

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:43 AM (llXky)

211 I recently finished "She" by H. Rider Haggard. It's on a list of works that would have inspired Tolkien or at least he enjoyed.

Beowulf (of course)
Descent Into Hell, Charles Williams
Many Dimensions, Charles Williams
Fifty-One Tales, Lord Dunsany
The Greater Trumps, Charles Williams
The Place of the Lion, Charles Williams
Shadows of Ecstasy, Charles Williams
She, H. Rider Haggard
The Beasts of Valhalla, George C. Chesbro
The Well at the World's End, William Morris
War in Heaven, Charles Williams
We Install, Harry Turtledove
The Ballad of the White Horse, G. K. Chesterton
All Hallows' Eve, Charles Williams

Posted by: banana Dream at December 11, 2022 10:43 AM (I8nLU)

212 Nice one, Muldoon !

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 10:43 AM (T4tVD)

213 I LOVED the Hardy Boys books as a kid. I’d devour 2 or 3 on a summer day. They were quick reads. I think I ended up reading all 100+

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:44 AM (xT8gx)

214 I had the same unfortunate thing happened with a “trilogy” by Patrick Ruthfuss (I think that’s the spelling) called a Kingkiller Chronicle…. It was supposed to be a trilogy, I really enjoyed the first two and I don’t believe he ever finished! Bad luck for me I guess…
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:39 AM (xT8gx)
---
Although Rothfuss and Martin have been successful in selling their books (especially Martin), I'd consider both of them to be "failed" authors because they are unable to come up with a proper ending to their stories after more than a decade...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 10:44 AM (BpYfr)

215 I was a thing too, once upon a time. Until one of my favorite words started to mean, um, something else.

*kicks homemade spaceship*

Posted by: Tom Swift at December 11, 2022 10:45 AM (PiwSw)

216 spot-on about the jacket pockets, Perfesser, I always did, too. they also fit nicely in the back pocket of your pants.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - we are being gaslighted 24/365 at December 11, 2022 10:41 AM (j3SBD)

And the screen didn't break!

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 10:45 AM (Angsy)

217 Kipling? Could lead to dancing.

Posted by: The Church Lady at December 11, 2022 10:47 AM (DhOHl)

218 Hiya Heidi ! (I know you're in here !)

Give our regards to the artist formerly known as "Da Cannibal " !

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 10:47 AM (T4tVD)

219 Kipling had a house in Vermont? IIRC that is now a national historic site.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:47 AM (E1m1K)

220 The best part of New Braunfels is the wurst.

Posted by: Muldoon at December 11, 2022 10:47 AM (ykeLU)

221 214 - Perfessor: I’m both annoyed by and feel sorry for those two authors in equal measure. They both started to spin very interesting yarns and pulled me in…. But they both left me hanging. I’d have thought with such involved plots they’d have some kind of idea where they were going ahead of time. But apparently not

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:48 AM (xT8gx)

222 Book binding is a fascinating subject.
I did it on a much smaller scale for choir books.
The choir books have "quires" which are groups of pages which are sewn down the middle.
The fascinating part is when you print the oversize pages (on both sides) the pages have to be in a certain order, so page 1 has on its other side page 12, page 2 has 11, 3 has 10, etc.
If you're really cheap you can use a stapler.
The binding on the outside can be some canvas tape, they even call it book tape.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at December 11, 2022 10:49 AM (jTmQV)

223 It looks like Tolkien was a big fan of Charles Williams and other American Authors.

"She" was a good adventure romp. I had thought that there'd be no way they'd ever make a movie about it but there have been at least three: two black-in-white movies earlier and a later silly 80s sci-fi treatment. I had heard the phrase "She Who Must Be Obeyed" from guys as I was growing up referring to their wives but that phrase comes from "She".

I've started "Many Dimensions" now which is an odd book. It's about an item of antiquity that was discovered and has the ability to change the rules of reality. And the author takes this in the direction of the struggle between those that fight orthodoxy and rules and those that try to bend them to their advantage. "Many Dimensions" also has a rare female protagonist for these books.

Posted by: banana Dream at December 11, 2022 10:50 AM (I8nLU)

224 Perfessor: I’m both annoyed by and feel sorry for those two authors in equal measure. They both started to spin very interesting yarns and pulled me in…. But they both left me hanging. I’d have thought with such involved plots they’d have some kind of idea where they were going ahead of time. But apparently not
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:48 AM (xT8gx)
---
In Martin's case, he saw the success of Robert Jordan and Tad Williams and thought he could write an epic fantasy. He already had a track record as a fairly successful science fiction author. How hard could an epic fantasy be? Well, he got in way over his head and now doesn't have any way out.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 10:50 AM (BpYfr)

225 Vermont isn't an actual state. It's more of a boutique.

Posted by: National Panhandling Radio at December 11, 2022 10:50 AM (DhOHl)

226 Robinson Crusoe was a favorite book as a kid. When I picked it up as an adult I don't know how I managed the early 18th century writing as a kid. I have loved survival / last man / prepper based books since forever.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:51 AM (E1m1K)

227 Wendell, explaining why Star Wars is his favorite byook:

https://tinyurl.com/yjhwwa9z

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 10:52 AM (Be1Jl)

228 Kipling had a house in Vermont? IIRC that is now a national historic site.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:47 AM (E1m1K)

Yup! Near Brattleboro.

Seriously.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 11, 2022 10:52 AM (XIJ/X)

229 "Translations are like women. If they are faithful, they are not beautiful; if they are beautiful, they are not faithful."

Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at December 11, 2022 10:52 AM (5YmYl)

230 I've been thinking that a lot of the problem in contemporary pop culture -- especially in science fiction, comics, and SF/comics films -- is that the nerds lost control. George Lucas, as has been said above, is a total movie nerd. He liked Zombies of the Stratosphere and Dam Busters and Them and all the rest. Most importantly, he took them seriously. I mean, I doubt he thinks Them! is a great film, but he doesn't have contempt for it. I expect his standard is, "Is Them! a great giant ant movie?"

But now so much of pop culture has fallen into the hands of studio execs, hack screenwriters, "artsy" directors, comics writers picked for their "compelling personal life stories" and so on. These people don't take what they're doing seriously. They think superheroes and science fiction are silly. This explains their seething contempt for the fans.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2022 10:52 AM (QZxDR)

231 I have a shelf with reference books, mostly older. A two volume OED, a 1930s dictionary and an older Roget's Thesaurus, even Ambrose Bierce's Devils Dictionary. I don't need to look up definitions very often, so that aspect of an e-reader doesn't matter to me. But I love following the etymology of words that catch my attention and the OED is great for that.

Any reference book that strives to be up to date, and sacrifices actual words to make room for faddish crap that will be superseded in ten minutes doesn't get my attention or money or shelf space.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 10:52 AM (7EjX1)

232 I speculate that part of George Martin’s problem is the TV series got out ahead of the books which added…. Even more pressure to finish. Cascading pressure made it impossible for his creative juices to flow

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:53 AM (xT8gx)

233 One reason I buy big purses - so I can tote around hardcover books. The problem is small things get lost forever in those bags. I have learned to get my ducks (and wallet) in a row BEFORE I get in line at Aldi's or else I incur the hatred and scorn of all as I fumble though my purse in a panic after the cashier has rung up everything. All eyes are on me, as I mutter, "I know it's in here somewhere..." while I'm pulling out 6 month old church bulletins last weeks lesson plans, lipstick, packs of Kleenex,....,thinking "Oh, God, I'm That Woman in the Grocery Store.
You don't want to be That Woman."

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 10:53 AM (HabA/)

234 226 Robinson Crusoe was a favorite book as a kid. When I picked it up as an adult I don't know how I managed the early 18th century writing as a kid. I have loved survival / last man / prepper based books since forever.
Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:51 AM (E1m1K)

If you're not familiar with this book, it's worth checking out. "The Dechronization of Sam Magruder" by George Gaylord Simpson.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 10:54 AM (PiwSw)

235 I wish Vox would finish his Arts of Dark and Light series. The second book ends on a definite cliffhanger.

Posted by: banana Dream at December 11, 2022 10:54 AM (I8nLU)

236 The byook was one of my favorite characters in And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street.

Posted by: Dr. Suess at December 11, 2022 10:54 AM (DhOHl)

237 Just started "The Lincoln Highway," by Amor Towles.

Interesting structure, and the man can write. We'll see if it is as good as "A Gentleman In Moscow," which was a superb book.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 11, 2022 10:54 AM (XIJ/X)

238 Besides the possibility of post sale censorship or EMP, I spend 8-9 hours each weekday in databses and spreadsheets. My eyes actually hurt when I finish work. The last thing I want to do is look at a screen. Reading a paper book is much easier on my eyes for some reason.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 11, 2022 10:24 AM (Ozr2F)

The e-ink readers (kindle paperwhite, nook glowlight) are pretty good at avoiding that. It's a different time of screen which doesn't actually blast light into your eyes. The trade-off is that they are only black & white/ grayscale, and they are for reading ebooks exclusively, not browsing the net or watching videos or whatnot.

Posted by: Castle Guy at December 11, 2022 10:54 AM (Lhaco)

239 Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 10:53 AM (HabA/)

The purse can also double as a blunt object if necessary.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:54 AM (E1m1K)

240 Hiya Donna of the Ampersands !

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 10:55 AM (T4tVD)

241
Posted by: kallisto at December 11, 2022 09:23 AM

kallisto, the movie Corsicana is about Bass Reeves

it's not widely distributed, kinda "art-house" status; but it's received rave reviews and is 'sposed to be outstanding

Posted by: AltonJackson at December 11, 2022 10:55 AM (ENBF0)

242 211 I recently finished "She" by H. Rider Haggard. It's on a list of works that would have inspired Tolkien or at least he enjoyed.

In my uninformed opinion George MacDonald needs to be included

Posted by: That NLurker guy where's my Irene Adler? at December 11, 2022 10:55 AM (eGTCV)

243 All I want for Christmas is a signed poster of a PET scan of Muldoon's brain...
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes,

********

I can't recommend that. I scared myself the other night. I dreamed that I was playing a parlor game and had to come up spontaneously with a code. I dreamed of a note from a boss to his chronically late employees that read:

"UR2BNB48"

(You are to be in before eight)

Freaky, eh?

Posted by: Muldoon at December 11, 2022 10:55 AM (ykeLU)

244 One reason I buy big purses - so I can tote around hardcover books.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 10:53 AM (HabA/)

IT'S CALLED A MESSENGER BAG!

Posted by: Ace and Garrett at December 11, 2022 10:55 AM (XIJ/X)

245 Got another NESFA book, "Strange Days: Fabulous Journeys With Gardner Dosoiz". Very enjoyable collection of SF shorts by editor extraordinaire Dosoiz (pronounced "Doh-ZHWAH", if you care).

In Gardner's trip report on WorldCon (1995), he and the wife, badly jetlagged, toddle through London: "Ah, to be young in Russell Square at night, pushing through the excited crowds with the eager darkness all around you, with the air like velvet and a yellow moon overhead, and all time and possibility opening before you! But instead we are old, and go upstairs and watch an episode of Star trek: The Next Generation in German."

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 10:56 AM (Dc2NZ)

246 In Martin's case, he saw the success of Robert Jordan and Tad Williams and thought he could write an epic fantasy. He already had a track record as a fairly successful science fiction author. How hard could an epic fantasy be? Well, he got in way over his head and now doesn't have any way out.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 10:50 AM (BpYfr)

Honestly, I think he just got lazy. It's not unlike a pro athlete who gets his big contract, and then lets himself get fat, doesn't train, isn't all that concerned about the team winning anymore...

The perks of being a "celebrity" no doubt got to Martin as well. Just look at him. I'm assuming he found the touch of a woman (or whatever pleases him) became possible, and gosh darnit, it's just a lot more fun than sitting at a typewriter or screen and, you know, writing.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 10:56 AM (Be1Jl)

247 226 - Polynikes: I had the same experience with Robinson Crusoe…. Loved it at age 13 or 14 and reading it years later wondered how my younger version enjoyed it so.

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:56 AM (xT8gx)

248 If you're not familiar with this book, it's worth checking out. "The Dechronization of Sam Magruder" by George Gaylord Simpson.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 10:54 AM (PiwSw

I am not and will put it on the list. Thanks.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:56 AM (E1m1K)

249 "You don't want to be That Woman."

I think we've all been "that woman" sometime in our grocery shopping lives. I know I have. LOL

Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2022 10:56 AM (gLRfa)

250 kallisto, the movie Corsicana is about Bass Reeves

it's not widely distributed, kinda "art-house" status; but it's received rave reviews and is 'sposed to be outstanding
Posted by: AltonJackson at December 11, 2022 10:55 AM (ENBF0)
---
Ya know what else takes place in Corsicana, receives rave reviews, and is supposed to be outstanding?

TXMOME, that's what!

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 10:57 AM (BpYfr)

251 "I know it's in here somewhere..." while I'm pulling out 6 month old church bulletins last weeks lesson plans, lipstick, packs of Kleenex,....,thinking "Oh, God, I'm That Woman in the Grocery Store.
You don't want to be That Woman."

I can help with that.

Posted by: Bruce Willis in The Kid at December 11, 2022 10:57 AM (DhOHl)

252 I've long had the impression that movies were once written and made by people who had grown up reading books and they are now written and made by people who grew up watching other movies. The sense of character and story doesn't seem to have as solid a foundation as it used to.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 11, 2022 10:58 AM (a/4+U)

253 >>> I LOVED the Hardy Boys books as a kid. I’d devour 2 or 3 on a summer day. They were quick reads. I think I ended up reading all 100+
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:44 AM (xT8gx)

I read hardy boys and before that when I was younger ripped through all the encyclopedia brown books.

Posted by: banana Dream at December 11, 2022 10:58 AM (I8nLU)

254 kallisto, the movie Corsicana is about Bass Reeves

it's not widely distributed, kinda "art-house" status; but it's received rave reviews and is 'sposed to be outstanding
Posted by: AltonJackson at December 11, 2022 10:55 AM (ENBF0)

My knowledge of Bass Reeves definitely made the remake of The Magnificent Seven better for me .

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:58 AM (E1m1K)

255 Ya know what else takes place in Corsicana, receives rave reviews, and is supposed to be outstanding?

TXMOME, that's what!
---

I hear they have sequels planned.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Sans-Culottes (except for the Book Thread) at December 11, 2022 10:59 AM (Dc2NZ)

256 I speculate that part of George Martin’s problem is the TV series got out ahead of the books which added…. Even more pressure to finish. Cascading pressure made it impossible for his creative juices to flow
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:53 AM (xT8gx)

Sure, and if Martin is like most of his fans, he saw what a dumpster fire HBO turned his story into, and said "yeah, no. I'm done."

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 10:59 AM (Be1Jl)

257 I've long had the impression that movies were once written and made by people who had grown up reading books and they are now written and made by people who grew up watching other movies. The sense of character and story doesn't seem to have as solid a foundation as it used to.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 11, 2022 10:58 AM (a/4+U)
---
I think it's debatable that the people writing today's movies have actually watched other movies...If they did, they'd have a much better understanding of story structure, plot, and character, instead of cramming "woke" messages into their films.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 11:00 AM (BpYfr)

258 Yup! Near Brattleboro.

Seriously.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 11, 2022 10:52 AM (XIJ/X)

Home of The Retreat

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:00 AM (Zzbjj)

259 I'm reading Ian Kershaw's history of Europe since 1950, "The Global Age." I find, not surprisingly, that Kershaw's take on things becomes more irritating as he gets closer to the present. For example, he completely accepts the global warming hysteria. The book was published in 2017. I wonder if freezing in Manchester this winter will cause Sir Ian to reconsider.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:01 AM (HabA/)

260 253 - Banana: I read and really liked Encyclopedia Brown, too! But I was never smart enough to solve the mystery myself… always had to read Encyclopedia Brown’s solution/explanation

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 11:01 AM (xT8gx)

261 The truth why most modern movies are terrible.

https://youtu.be/VI9RSlHqu-w

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 11, 2022 11:02 AM (DhOHl)

262 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:02 AM (Zz0t1)

263 Morning, Hordians.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:03 AM (Zz0t1)

264 Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 11:00 AM (BpYfr)

The casting directors definitely never read the books the movies are based on.

American Assassin has to be one of the worst cast movies ever not including the Jack Reacher movies. That was not the casting director. That was just Tom Cruise.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 11:03 AM (E1m1K)

265 256 - Burt: I never watched the HBO series and from what I’ve heard, I’m glad of that

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 11:03 AM (xT8gx)

266 Good Morning, Sponge

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:03 AM (Zzbjj)

267 But now so much of pop culture has fallen into the hands of studio execs, hack screenwriters, "artsy" directors, comics writers picked for their "compelling personal life stories" and so on. These people don't take what they're doing seriously. They think superheroes and science fiction are silly. This explains their seething contempt for the fans.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2022 10:52 AM (QZxDR)

A lot of commentators on YouTube have a slightly different take the current problems: Nerd-stuff became popular. So popular that non-nerds got into it. Even people who hate nerds. So, now we have a lot of people who hate nerds writing for nerd-properties, altering them, and effectively destroying them.

Posted by: Castle Guy at December 11, 2022 11:03 AM (Lhaco)

268 Perfessor, sent you an email.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 11:03 AM (Angsy)

269 Burt: I never watched the HBO series and from what I’ve heard, I’m glad of that
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 11:03 AM (xT8gx

IMHO, the biggest girl power production ever made.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 11:04 AM (E1m1K)

270

The purse can also double as a blunt object if necessary.

Posted by: polynikes at December 11, 2022 10:54 AM (E1m1K)

Oh, yeah. One good swing with it could definitely knock someone over.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:04 AM (HabA/)

271 Hi, JT!

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:05 AM (HabA/)

272 I think it's debatable that the people writing today's movies have actually watched other movies...If they did, they'd have a much better understanding of story structure, plot, and character, instead of cramming "woke" messages into their films.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 11, 2022 11:00 AM (BpYfr)

I know Critical Drinker is popular enough around here that when I say yeah, it's all about THE MESSAGE, people here will hear those words echoing, and see the image of it.

Obviously "tentpole" movies and streaming shows are in that category, and it seems one of the problems is these things are created by committee, to a large extent. There are few creators who have the power to overrule the corporate message, and even they likely have pressure on them to sprinkle it in.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 11:05 AM (Be1Jl)

273 The truth why most modern movies are terrible.

https://youtu.be/VI9RSlHqu-w
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 11, 2022 11:02 AM (DhOHl)

Yeah, I gave it a chance, but I really don't care, so I got bored really quickly.

Modern movies are terrible because their plots have already been done, they're all CGI and the wokeness imbedded is tripe.

I'd rather rake leaves.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:05 AM (Zz0t1)

274 After numerous mentions of "Captains Courageous" (think it was Wolfus), I'm finally reading it. I like Kipling and have no idea why I haven't read it before. . . .
Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022

***
Nope, not me. I'm ashamed to admit the fact, but I've never read it.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:06 AM (KAKDL)

275 Season 3 of The Chosen will be available for streaming tonight at 7 pm EDT.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 11, 2022 11:06 AM (DhOHl)

276 Good Morning, Sponge
Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:03 AM (Zzbjj)

*flashes a grin*

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:06 AM (Zz0t1)

277 H. Rider Haggard and Rudyard Kipling wrote each other a lot of letters. I have a copy of the 1965 book of them. They are suitably curmudgeonly.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at December 11, 2022 11:06 AM (jYCXf)

278 The fascinating part is when you print the oversize pages (on both sides) the pages have to be in a certain order, so page 1 has on its other side page 12, page 2 has 11, 3 has 10, etc.
If you're really cheap you can use a stapler.
The binding on the outside can be some canvas tape, they even call it book tape.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at December 11, 2022 10:49 AM (jTmQV)

There was an old guy who lived around the corner from me when I was a kid who did pamphlets for local churchs and such. His whole garage was walled with shelves for little letters for his typeset. Facinating thing to watch him painstakingly set each letter, page backwards with the opposite page being nowhere near the one he was working on. To this day I still wonder what happened to that whole setup. Dude had to be 70 when I was in my teens is the 80's. His press was huge and took up the whole middle of a two car garage.

Posted by: Reforger at December 11, 2022 11:07 AM (F6aOV)

279 I hope all y'all have a lovely day. I'm off with BOTH of my sons to the Hood Canal for some oysters, clams and crab. We were up until after 2am talking and just being together.

Please, celebrate the little things.

Peace be with you.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 11, 2022 11:07 AM (U2p+3)

280 257 --

It's certainly debatable, Perfesser; it's just my impression, and it seems to me that it was on its way before woke got to be so prevalent. Something was going fubar already and woke just put the pedal to the metal.

Of course, it's possible that I'm just getting old. *Goes to window to make sure kids aren't on the lawn*

Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 11, 2022 11:08 AM (a/4+U)

281 This week I finished 'The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu' by Sax Romer. The 'book' consisted of over a dozen short, distinct incidents, usually consisting of only a few chapters. So I was happy to discover that the final episode of the book was significantly longer than earlier encounters, with much higher stakes, and actually drew the book to a conclusion. In short, the book pulled off an epic finish! I was happy with it.
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 11, 2022

***
I think Rohmer wrote it as a serial, each short story published by itself in a magazine, but apparently planning to have them all wind up as part of a longer work.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:08 AM (KAKDL)

282 265 256 - Burt: I never watched the HBO series and from what I’ve heard, I’m glad of that
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 11:03 AM (xT8gx)

The series was terrific, one of the best adaptations I've ever seen of books... until it reached the point where the books stopped.

It was all downhill from there, and I don't know how much, if any input Martin had on what they did from that point. Honestly, with all the other cliffhangers, the one most important is of course, Jon Snow, and then there's Dani doing her flyabout on her dragon... These characters were going to be something, and as noted elsewhere, I'm not sure if Martin really knew what.

All I know is, HBO screwed it up, and if you choose to watch the series, just end there. With Jon Snow laying in the snow.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 11:08 AM (Be1Jl)

283 I bought WordPerfect 2021 because it came bundled with Corel PDF Fusion, which was actually what I wanted, for cheap.

I told a colleague and he replied with an interrobang.

Posted by: LenNeal at December 11, 2022 11:09 AM (43xH1)

284 222 Book binding is a fascinating subject.
I did it on a much smaller scale for choir books.
The choir books have "quires" which are groups of pages which are sewn down the middle.
The fascinating part is when you print the oversize pages (on both sides) the pages have to be in a certain order, so page 1 has on its other side page 12, page 2 has 11, 3 has 10, etc.
If you're really cheap you can use a stapler.
The binding on the outside can be some canvas tape, they even call it book tape.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at December 11, 2022 10:49 AM (jTmQV)

Looking into custom-bound comic books (comic books being pre-made "quires" ready to be sewn into the binding) has lead me down many a you-tube rabbit hole. Book binding actually looks kind of fun......If I had the time and space to pick up a new hobby....

Posted by: Castle Guy at December 11, 2022 11:10 AM (Lhaco)

285
I told a colleague and he replied with an interrobang.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 11, 2022 11:09 AM (43xH1)

What's THAT a euphemism for?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:10 AM (Zz0t1)

286 {{{{{nurse}}}}}

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:11 AM (Zz0t1)

287 Regarding E-books.

I like dark background and white text. Especially at night. I know I am in the minority on this.

I imagine there is some combo of colors that works best for lessening eye strain, but I don't know anything about the science.

Specifically, I like Kindle Paper white with black background and white text with a smaller text size and the default font.

Posted by: Thesokorus at December 11, 2022 11:11 AM (1ais2)

288 I think Rohmer wrote it as a serial, each short story published by itself in a magazine, but apparently planning to have them all wind up as part of a longer work.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:08 AM (KAKDL)

Oh, almost certainly! The biggest tell is that at the onset of each new vignette, Mr. Romer has to dramatically re-state how much of threat Doc Manchu is.

Posted by: Castle Guy at December 11, 2022 11:14 AM (Lhaco)

289 I wish I liked to read more. I really do. I have all kinds of excuses, all of which are correctable. I just don't read. I really don't like reading on computer screens, but I read this place most days.

It's very strange.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:15 AM (Zz0t1)

290 I have learned to get my ducks (and wallet) in a row BEFORE I get in line at Aldi's

‐-------

When I'm in the supermarket line behind a woman who is standing there while being cashed out, and she doesn't start fumbling in her purse until AFTER the cashier is finished, I want to scream "DID YOU THINK THERE WAS A CHANCE IT WOULD BE FREE?!?"

Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at December 11, 2022 11:15 AM (5YmYl)

291 The guy who wrote the Game of Thrones series of books (also adapted for a TV series)….
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022

***
George R.R. Martin. He began his career writing SF in the '70s -- some of his stuff appeared in Ben Bova's Analog, believe it or not. And in the early '80s he had a dynamite vampire novel, Fevre Dream, set in the pre-Civil War South, involving a riverboat captain and a vampire who is trying to cure his people of the blood lust. Sort of Stephen King meets Mark Twain. Good stuff.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:16 AM (KAKDL)

292 Hi, JT!
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 11:16 AM (T4tVD)

293
Posted by: Thesokorus at December 11, 2022 11:11 AM (1ais2)

There's a lot of research out there on eye strain and screens, a lot of it centered on blue light. Some sources connect it to AMD, the AAO does not, or at least says the research isn't conclusive. https://tinyurl.com/27kp8nhd

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:16 AM (Zzbjj)

294 Have fun and stay safe Nurse !

Regards to your sons !

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2022 11:16 AM (T4tVD)

295 My reading problem is that I can't see most physical book fonts very well. I can take off my glasses and hold the book an inch from my face or fiddle around with the exact angle and distance with respect to my damned progressive lenses. This is a pain. So an e-ink reader fixes this by allowing me to choose a big font and a comfortable reading distance.

Posted by: banana Dream at December 11, 2022 11:16 AM (I8nLU)

296 I prefer prose translations of poetry. The Arthurian/Grail Romances were and are usually translated in prose. They're really good.

As the saying goes: "Poetry is what is left out of any translation."

Posted by: Thesokorus at December 11, 2022 11:17 AM (1ais2)

297 >>What's THAT a euphemism for?

Punctuation: !? or ?!

Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 11:17 AM (I/doM)

298 I want to scream "DID YOU THINK THERE WAS A CHANCE IT WOULD BE FREE?!?"
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at December 11, 2022 11:15 AM (5YmYl)

It's all just the global wave of selfishness in society today. Everyone has one thing in mind and that's all they care about: Themselves. Overwhelmingly. Look at how people drive. Look at how they act in public areas. They don't care about anything but themselves. I believe this has everything to do with the removal of God from society.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:18 AM (Zz0t1)

299
Punctuation: !? or ?!
Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 11:17 AM (I/doM)

I could've.......

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:18 AM (Zz0t1)

300 >>What's THAT a euphemism for?

Punctuation: !? or ?!
Posted by: Lizzy at December 11, 2022 11:17 AM (I/doM)

Now the question is, *why* did the guy respond with an interrobang?

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 11, 2022 11:19 AM (ZSK0i)

301 "Oh, God, I'm That Woman in the Grocery Store."

‐-------

At least once a month I'm That Guy Behind That Woman in the Grocery Store. The one with five items and his cash in his hand.

Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at December 11, 2022 11:20 AM (5YmYl)

302 So an e-ink reader fixes this by allowing me to choose a big font and a comfortable reading distance.
Posted by: banana Dream at December 11, 2022 11:16 AM (I8nLU)

I could do this, since glasses are an issue with me as well (can't stand bifocals), but I don't want to have to buy the book, download it and some rando company knows what I read and I start getting junk mail about whatever.......

It amazes me how bad the gun shops are about this. I get 20+ emails a day of spam and most of it is from gun stuff. Someone sold my info......

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:21 AM (Zz0t1)

303 The interrobang, also known as the interabang ‽, is an unconventional punctuation mark used in various written languages and intended to combine the functions of the question mark, or interrogative point, and the exclamation mark, or exclamation point, known in the jargon of printers and programmers as a "bang". the glyph is a ligature of these two marks and was first proposed in 1962 by martin k. speckter.

I'm here to help.

Posted by: Wikipedia at December 11, 2022 11:21 AM (DhOHl)

304 We used to be a thing.
Posted by: The Hardy Boys at December 11, 2022

***
In the tradition of the CW's dark take on Archie Comics, Riverdale, comes: Hardy! The tale of two long-estranged half-brothers, one black and one white, as they struggle to prove to their ex-cop father that they can indeed solve mysteries. Together with their chubby gay friend Chet and . . .

(you get the idea)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:22 AM (KAKDL)

305 Thanxs to a tip last week I picked up Alan Zimm's The Attack on Pearl Harbor. It is living up to the reviews.
A good read so far.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 11, 2022 11:22 AM (anj39)

306 "...Facinating thing to watch him painstakingly set each letter, page backwards with the opposite page being nowhere near the one he was working on."

That's real old school. A la Ben Franklin style.
My task used electronics, an oversize tabloid printer that prints both sides. The rub was that all music printing programs at the time, could only only print sequentially, which doesn't work with binding. So you had to lay the thing out in Adobe Illustrator or some such thing in order to get the sequence correct.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at December 11, 2022 11:23 AM (jTmQV)

307 Thanks. I did spend (waste) a few hours a while back reading some studies and papers and it was all inconclusive. The most common finding seemed to be that black on white resulted in best comprehension and retention. But white chalk on a blackboard is how I was raised and just pleases me aesthetically I guess... And at night or in low light I very much prefer white on black.

Posted by: Thesokorus at December 11, 2022 11:23 AM (1ais2)

308 CN--I highly recommend a Kindle Paperwhite. It is easy on the eyes and has all of the other conveniences of digital. One of the reasons I like in particular is that it DOESN'T have all of those digital bells and whistles such as email, internet, etc. I read it when I want to unplug--which is most of the time when I'm reading books.

The one I have now is waterproof--which would have been handy when I dropped my first Kindle in the water while reading in the bathtub.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at December 11, 2022 11:23 AM (fTtFy)

309 >>> 185 I’m not sure I would’ve started reading if I knew the author hadn’t finished yet!

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 11, 2022 10:31 AM (xT8gx)
---
I will not start a book or TV series until it has ended.

I've noticed the current generation spends all its energy on the setup and figures the payoff will just sort of happen. When it doesn't they shrug, mutter something about "subverting expectations" and wander away.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 11, 2022 10:34 AM (llXky)

I'll probably keep starting *book* series, depending on the author - but I'm not missing teewee much after seeing how much "setup" is actually "throw shit against the wall and see what sticks".

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 11, 2022 11:23 AM (llON8)

310 or exclamation point, known in the jargon of printers and programmers as a "bang". the glyph is a ligature of these two marks and was first proposed in 1962 by martin k. speckter.

I'm here to help.
Posted by: Wikipedia at December 11, 2022 11:21 AM (DhOHl)

Exclamation point is a BANG! and an asterisk is a SPLAT.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:24 AM (Zz0t1)

311 With Martin's Thrones, books or TV series: Did winter ever arrive? "Winter is coming," "winter is coming," ad nauseam -- but did it ever get there?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:24 AM (KAKDL)

312 A few weeks ago, I read Ellery Queen's Hollywood mysteries. They served as a reminder that even during Hollywood's Golden Age, the place was a magnet for exhibitionist loons. A studio pays Queen a lavish sum to sit around and do nothing, the PR guys are literally willing to kill to get a newspaper headline, personal tragedies are eagerly exploited for their publicity value, there are air-headed starlets hoping to be noticed if they walk around town with a pet cheetah on a leash. Studio heads are cutthroat. Of course, what Queen couldn't go into detail about things like the casting couch and the sexual misbehavior of stars, but of course that was always rife- just covered up in those days.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:24 AM (HabA/)

313 "...with their chubby gay friend Chet ..."

Ewwwwwww.

Posted by: My twelve year old self at December 11, 2022 11:24 AM (DhOHl)

314 Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at December 11, 2022 11:23 AM (fTtFy)

Thanks so much!

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:25 AM (Zzbjj)

315 1599 Geneva Bible in hand this instant.

Posted by: Eromero at December 11, 2022 11:25 AM (DXbAa)

316 "...with their chubby gay friend Chet ..."

Wasn't that Bill Paxton's name in "Weird Science?"

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:26 AM (Zz0t1)

317 >>> 311 With Martin's Thrones, books or TV series: Did winter ever arrive? "Winter is coming," "winter is coming," ad nauseam -- but did it ever get there?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:24 AM (KAKDL)

"sooooooon" -- George RRRRRRRRR Martin in South Park, claiming the dragons would appear

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 11, 2022 11:26 AM (llON8)

318 It's all just the global wave of selfishness in society today. Everyone has one thing in mind and that's all they care about: Themselves. Overwhelmingly. Look at how people drive. Look at how they act in public areas. They don't care about anything but themselves. I believe this has everything to do with the removal of God from society.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:18 AM (Zz0t1)

As my mom used to say, "There are people who act like they're the only people in the world." Their numbers are increasing.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:26 AM (HabA/)

319
As my mom used to say, "There are people who act like they're the only people in the world." Their numbers are increasing.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:26 AM (HabA/)

I've used "It's THEIR movie, you're just an extra" and "it's THEIR world, I'm just a squirrel tryin' to busta nut."

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:27 AM (Zz0t1)

320 At least once a month I'm That Guy Behind That Woman in the Grocery Store. The one with five items and his cash in his hand.

Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at December 11, 2022 11:20 AM (5YmYl)

I have felt your eyes boring into my head as I frantically dig through my purse. That is why I now get my wallet out and ready BEFORE I get into line.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:28 AM (HabA/)

321 "There are people who act like they're the only people in the world." Their numbers are increasing.

This is about me, isn't it?

Posted by: Jennifer Lawrence at December 11, 2022 11:29 AM (DhOHl)

322 As far as non-readers creating the modern content, I'm inclined to think so too. Of course people like Sam Goldwyn and Harry Cohn were hardly bookworms (I dunno about Irving Thalberg). But they had readers on staff who *could* properly evaluate novels for adaptation as movies. And Goldwyn, Cohn, and their contemporaries wanted more than anything to make movies which would make money. So just because they were not voracious novel readers did not mean the product they led to the screen was necessarily tripe.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:29 AM (KAKDL)

323 I believe this has everything to do with the removal of God from society.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:18 AM (Zz0t1)

As my mom used to say, "There are people who act like they're the only people in the world." Their numbers are increasing.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:26 AM (HabA/)

I agree with both of you. People have lost a lot of internal control

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:29 AM (Zzbjj)

324 Not that I'm nitpicking, but the (Jump to top of page) link should be changed to (Jump to top of comments).

It doesn't go to the top of the page.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:29 AM (Zz0t1)

325
This is about me, isn't it?
Posted by: Jennifer Lawrence at December 11, 2022 11:29 AM (DhOHl)

Piker.

Posted by: Halle Berry at December 11, 2022 11:30 AM (Zz0t1)

326 With Martin's Thrones, books or TV series: Did winter ever arrive? "Winter is coming," "winter is coming," ad nauseam -- but did it ever get there?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:24 AM (KAKDL)

Yes, one of the cliffhangers from Martin's book series. Stannis' army was essentially destroyed, not just by the opposing forces, but moreso by winter. I don't even remember the details, but I have this image in my head of soldiers in armor, not being able to move as their metal plates froze shut.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 11:30 AM (Be1Jl)

327 >>> I could do this, since glasses are an issue with me as well (can't stand bifocals), but I don't want to have to buy the book, download it and some rando company knows what I read and I start getting junk mail about whatever.......

It amazes me how bad the gun shops are about this. I get 20+ emails a day of spam and most of it is from gun stuff. Someone sold my info......
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:21 AM (Zz0t1)

I only get free old books through things like Project Gutenberg or I pay small amounts for Humble Bundle book deals. Also, I have a kindle e-ink reader but I don't use amazon to manage my books on my PC instead, I use Calibre. I don't subscribe to any digital book companies.

Posted by: banana Dream at December 11, 2022 11:30 AM (I8nLU)

328 A few weeks ago, I read Ellery Queen's Hollywood mysteries. They served as a reminder that even during Hollywood's Golden Age, the place was a magnet for exhibitionist loons. A studio pays Queen a lavish sum to sit around and do nothing, the PR guys are literally willing to kill to get a newspaper headline, personal tragedies are eagerly exploited for their publicity value, there are air-headed starlets hoping to be noticed if they walk around town with a pet cheetah on a leash. Studio heads are cutthroat. Of course, what Queen couldn't go into detail about things like the casting couch and the sexual misbehavior of stars, but of course that was always rife- just covered up in those days.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022

***
The first, The Devil to Pay, is sorta dull, as if the EQ cousins were really hoping for a movie sale. The second, The Four of Hearts, is a grand combo of puzzle mystery and screwball comedy. The third, from the '50s, The Origin of Evil, is a bit darker and very different.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:31 AM (KAKDL)

329
I agree with both of you. People have lost a lot of internal control
Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:29 AM (Zzbjj)

Sad thing is, Judgement Day is going to be a shock to sooooo many people. I just pray I'm not one of them.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:31 AM (Zz0t1)

330 ...with their chubby gay friend Chet ..."
*
Wasn't that Bill Paxton's name in "Weird Science?"
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022

***
I've utterly forgotten that movie, along with most of the Hardy Boys stories I ever read. So I'm not sure.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:32 AM (KAKDL)

331 Well, it's not raining and I don't have the usual maladies that would prevent me, so it's time to get changed and go finish putting the Christmas lights up.

Have a wonderful day, Horde.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:34 AM (Zz0t1)

332

325
This is about me, isn't it?
Posted by: Jennifer Lawrence at December 11, 2022 11:29 AM (DhOHl)

Piker.
Posted by: Halle Berry at December 11, 2022 11:30 AM (Zz0t1)

Pffft.

Posted by: Bette Midler at December 11, 2022 11:35 AM (PiwSw)

333 That's real old school. A la Ben Franklin style.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at December 11, 2022 11:23 AM (jTmQV)

I think one of the guys I run into every now and then is related to him. I'll ask next time I see him what, if he knows what happened to that stuff. It should have been in a museum back then.

I am almost scared to ask for fear of finding out it's a Toyota or an I beam now.

Posted by: Reforger at December 11, 2022 11:36 AM (CfLIM)

334 Wasn't that Bill Paxton's name in "Weird Science?"
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022

pork sammie in an ashtray

nice visual touch

Posted by: REDACTED at December 11, 2022 11:36 AM (us2H3)

335 Like this‽

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 11, 2022 11:36 AM (XIJ/X)

336 Sad thing is, Judgement Day is going to be a shock to sooooo many people. I just pray I'm not one of them.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at December 11, 2022 11:31 AM (Zz0t1)

They are chic sophisticates for whom God is a myth to be crushed, and who read Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris. It's very fashionable and super acceptable.

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:36 AM (Zzbjj)

337 I'm rereading the Left Behind series.

Posted by: SMH at December 11, 2022 11:38 AM (BZUab)

338 and who read Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris.

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:36 AM (Zzbjj)

Or more probably just have their books prominently displayed in their homes.

And...They are both tedious nags.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 11, 2022 11:38 AM (XIJ/X)

339 How to Measure Anything: Finding the "Intangibles" in Business by Douglas W. Hubbard -- Reading this for work as my boss is keen on figuring out metrics for success.

----------

Revenue > Costs = success

You're welcome.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 11, 2022 11:38 AM (0pOPf)

340 It was Chet in Weird Science. One of my favorite characters. I was kinda weirded out by that movie because I had little to no sexual attraction to the female star. And the idea of creating a woman seemed goofy. I had same experience with Elizabeth Shue.

Posted by: Thesokorus at December 11, 2022 11:39 AM (1ais2)

341 "It should have been in a museum back then. "

Small hand operated printing presses can still be found here and there. All the moving parts were powered by foot pedals like an old sewing machine. The more sophisticated ones had flywheels with a motor. My grandpa had one. Of course you had the obligatory pots of molten lead for casting whatever you needed.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at December 11, 2022 11:40 AM (jTmQV)

342 Perfessor Squirrel,

Thanks for another fine book thread. I was able to get away with just buying one book this week. A victory for my book budget.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 11:41 AM (7EjX1)

343 Ok...had to laugh at the Guilty Pleasure.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 11, 2022 11:41 AM (anj39)

344 I watched the video of Douglas Murray and Matt Taibibi debating Malcolm Gladwell and Michelle Goldberg of the NY Times at the Munk debates in Toronto. They were debating whether or not the MSM should be trusted and Murray and Taibibi just streamrolled Gladwell and Goldberg. Goldberg is a glutton for punishment, apparently. It wasn't enough for her to make an ass of herself debating Jordan Peterson and Stephen Fry, she had to remind us once again that she's a banal airhead. Even the lefty Canuck audience overwhelmingly sided with Murray and Taibibi. It's great entertainment to watch Murray debate - nobody can make their voices drip with contempt quite like the Brits can. I'd hate to face Murray in a debate. BTW, two days after the debate Taibibi dropped the first set of Twitter files, which further proved his point.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:42 AM (HabA/)

345 And Molly Ringwald. Wtf? Half the girls in my HS class were prettier than her. I don't have precise taste in women either. Or super high stds. Now young Leah Thompson and young Jennifer Connolly and the female sidekick on The Fall Guy....

Posted by: Thesokorus at December 11, 2022 11:43 AM (1ais2)

346 337 I'm rereading the Left Behind series.
Posted by: SMH at December 11, 2022 11:38 AM (BZUab)

SMH, if you want to look at another series, I can highly recommend "The Christ Clone Trilogy" (In His Image, Birth of an Age, Acts of God), by James BeauSeigneur.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 11:43 AM (PiwSw)

347 I saw Tedious Nags open for Wylld Stallions at Cheyenne Frontier Days in '96.

I herd they were just horsing around and the reviews the next day were withering!

Posted by: Muldoon at December 11, 2022 11:43 AM (ykeLU)

348 Today is gloomy and rainy, though nastily warm. The kittens are sitting at the living room window watching something; maybe lizards running around on the wet grass.

Come to think of it, my idea of entertainment these days is not a whole lot different from theirs.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 11, 2022 11:44 AM (KAKDL)

349 It's great entertainment to watch Murray debate - nobody can make their voices drip with contempt quite like the Brits can. I'd hate to face Murray in a debate. BTW, two days after the debate Taibibi dropped the first set of Twitter files, which further proved his point.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:42 AM (HabA/)

I've tended to stay away from debates, generally, because the concept seems to be set up to "respect" the other person's opinions, even when they're spouting nonsense. And sometimes one debater is more skilled, and then it doesn't matter if they're right or not.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 11:45 AM (Be1Jl)

350 " I saw Tedious Nags open for Wylld Stallions at Cheyenne Frontier Days in '96.*

I nickered.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 11, 2022 11:46 AM (DhOHl)

351 And...They are both tedious nags.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 11, 2022 11:38 AM (XIJ/X)

They are, but Harris is considered an atheist guru these days. Everything must be permitted, you see

Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:46 AM (Zzbjj)

352 I have neglected to do a review of my most recent completion W. Churchill's "History of the English Speaking People". All 4 volumes.
Really very satisfying to read. It took me about 2 weeks. I was surprised that the volumes contain quite a bit of US history, from a Brit perspective.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at December 11, 2022 11:47 AM (jTmQV)

353 I will not start a book or TV series until it has ended.

===

This really is a big obstacle to new writers nowadays

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 11:47 AM (Kd4bG)

354 The binding on the outside can be some canvas tape, they even call it book tape.
Posted by: gourmand du jour

Yes, I repaired Mom's 50's era dictionary with that.

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2022 11:47 AM (ZEa+g)

355 They are, but Harris is considered an atheist guru these days. Everything must be permitted, you see
Posted by: CN at December 11, 2022 11:46 AM (Zzbjj)

Harris fell in love with his own farts, and now just spouts nonsense that will get him invited on podcasts and teevee shows.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 11:48 AM (Be1Jl)

356 I believe this has everything to do with the removal of God from society.

O Jesus God almighty, that's the kind of wackadoodle singsong you have to endure every Sunday.

I have seen people cut in line for communion.
You can put God right in the capitol rotunda, and you will still bump into assholes. Some of them will act that way just because they are sure God is closer to the center of their society than of yours.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at December 11, 2022 11:48 AM (jYCXf)

357 Rereading 'Darwins Black Box' by Michael J. Behe. A refutation of the theory of evolution by discussing examples of complex biogical systems that are so complex that the odds of even one having evolved is astronomical.

Posted by: Cicero Kaboom! Kid at December 11, 2022 11:49 AM (3Or4S)

358 For WWII buffs: There is an interesting podcast called "We Have Ways of Making You Talk" which is devoted to WWII history and stories. The two British podcasters, James Holland and Al Murray were recently in New Orleans at the WWII Museum and recorded an episode with James Sledge, the son of Eugene Sledge, the author of "With the Old Breed" a classic and harrowing memoir of the Marines in the Pacific.

Sledge told a story about how he had a toy "Tommy gun" as a child and how he thought it would be funny to jump out of the pantry and "attack" his dad when the latter came into the kitchen. He did so and said the look on his dad's face was indescribable - and frightening. Eugene Sledge gave the kid a spanking and said, "Don't you ever do that again."

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:49 AM (HabA/)

359 I nickered.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 11, 2022 11:46 AM (DhOHl)

Me too, but just a bit.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 11:50 AM (Angsy)

360 Skip's phone
Skip, if you're still here, I would be really interested to hear what you think about The Camp of the Saints once you start reading it. I looked at the Amazon reviews to see what it is about and it sounds interesting, but maybe a difficult read for someone who doesn't usually like fantasy or allegory.
I am really intrigued by the story.

Posted by: TecumsehTea-not a resident troll at December 11, 2022 11:50 AM (BjGT6)

361 Better rein in these horse puns before we stirrup more trouble.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, My cylinder is average at December 11, 2022 11:51 AM (UQUAY)

362 nic adjustment

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at December 11, 2022 11:52 AM (UQUAY)

363 : Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd

Congrats on finishing with the guard. Enjoy your retirement. And as a former Michigander (for 36 years) Thank you for your service.

Posted by: TecumsehTea-not a resident troll at December 11, 2022 11:52 AM (BjGT6)

364 Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2022 11:45 AM (Be1Jl)

You are right. Debaters who went up against Christopher Hitchens on the subject of religion were usually sliced and diced by Hitchens. It didn't mean Hitchens points were correct.

I enjoyed this one because it was pleasant to see "our side" smash Gladwell and Goldberg. I always thought Gladwell was an overrated and pompous man - he certainly is.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V at December 11, 2022 11:53 AM (HabA/)

365 Better rein in these horse puns before we stirrup more trouble.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, My cylinder is average at December 11, 2022 11:51 AM (UQUAY)

I bridle at your attempt to stop it.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 11:54 AM (Angsy)

366 Horse puns? Whoa, Nellie!

Posted by: Keith Jackson at December 11, 2022 11:54 AM (DhOHl)

367 I had read Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz and quite liked it. I saw yesterday that there is a sequel, Moonflower Murders. That is something I think is unique in that Magpie Murders is two books in one. While searching for the missing last chapter after the author's death, publisher Susan Ryeland reads the manuscript Magpie Murders in which 50s detective Atticus Pund investigates a 50s murder. Certain parallels between the fictional Atticus Pund investigation in the 50s and Ryeland's contemporary investigation of the author's death allow both murders to be solved. In the sequel, Ryeland also sees parallels between a contemporary murder and one of the Atticus Pund books. So far as I know, this is the only sequel of a partnership between a "real" contemporary person and a fictional person person in the 50s. I've only just started Moonflower Murders so I can't judge yet judge it.

PBS just did a Magpie Murders series scripted by the book's author. Although I liked the book much more than the series, it was interesting to see the differences between the way Horowitz wrote to be read and the way he wrote a screenplay.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 11, 2022 11:55 AM (FVME7)

368 Horse puns? Whoa, Nellie!

Posted by: Keith Jackson at December 11, 2022 11:54 AM (DhOHl)

Katie, bar the door!

Posted by: BignJames at December 11, 2022 11:55 AM (AwYPR)

369 Better rein in these horse puns before we stirrup more trouble.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, My cylinder is average at December 11, 2022 11:51 AM (UQUAY)

In the mane, they aren't so bad.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 11, 2022 11:58 AM (anj39)

370 UPSTAIRS WE HAZ A NOOD

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2022 12:01 PM (xhxe8)

371 Thanks Perfesser. Time to hoof it over to the nood.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 11, 2022 12:01 PM (DhOHl)

372 SMH, if you want to look at another series, I can highly recommend "The Christ Clone Trilogy" (In His Image, Birth of an Age, Acts of God), by James BeauSeigneur.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 11, 2022 11:43 AM (PiwSw)
___

Thanks for this.

Will definitely check it out.

Posted by: SMH at December 11, 2022 12:01 PM (BZUab)

373 Thanks for the thread, Perfessor.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 11, 2022 12:02 PM (Angsy)

374 Currently reading:
'At First Light', Larimore
'Japan at War', Cook

But must importantly, the annual pre-Christmas reread of 'A Christmas Carol, Dickens (of course)

I always (after 20 years of annual reads) find something new and interesting in the story. This year I have noted Dickens' multiple references to gratitude.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 11, 2022 12:02 PM (LPLin)

375 But must importantly...
-----
Yeah...'most'....

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 11, 2022 12:04 PM (LPLin)

376 he completely accepts the global warming hysteria.

-
Global warming is every bit as real as flying saucers!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 11, 2022 12:19 PM (FVME7)

377 JTB,

Which edition of Father Christmas letters do you own?

There are are few hardback editions out there.

Posted by: naturalfake at December 11, 2022 12:20 PM (KLPy8)

378 Good morning!

Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.

Late, because chores. 3rd day in a row of stunningly beautiful ice fog.

Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at December 11, 2022 12:22 PM (u82oZ)

379 277 ... "H. Rider Haggard and Rudyard Kipling wrote each other a lot of letters. I have a copy of the 1965 book of them. They are suitably curmudgeonly."

Thanks for mentioning this. Just ordered a used hardcover edition. I generally enjoy such things. The collected letters of CS Lewis (3 volumes) (when did he have time to teach or write books?) and JRR Tolkien are fun reading.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 12:25 PM (7EjX1)

380 377 ... "Which edition of Father Christmas letters do you own?"

I have Centenary edition, published October 2020 and the previous one. I give the Centenary version as gifts. All are hardcovers.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2022 12:31 PM (7EjX1)

381 Thanks again, Perfessor Squirrel, for keeping the Book Thread going.

Posted by: John F. MacMichael at December 11, 2022 01:39 PM (DoysP)

382 Finished “The First Horseman” by John Case this week. Excellent thriller about the Spanish Flu virus being resurrected and used as a biological weapon. Although published in 1998, the novel is uncomfortably prescient, considering the last 2-1/2 years and “social media” hadn’t been developed.

Posted by: March Hare at December 11, 2022 01:44 PM (lwrAe)

383 This week I picked up a new release; a hard science fiction book by John Van Stry: Summer's End. Absolutely loved it. It has kind of a Robert A. Heinlein feel to it.

It's the tale of a young man who was involved in the gangs, but has turned away from that and has trained as an engineer. Family politics and shenanigans means he needs to get out into space or his life is in danger because he's a political inconvenience to a powerful family member. He takes a contract with a hauling company to get off planet and try to be out of the way. That doesn't quite work out like he expected.

Tech level is pre-FTL. There are many colonies in the solar system. Much competition exists, and the need for economic efficiencies to allow one to succeed in spite of bean-counters will appeal to anyone who has dealt with that sort of reality.

Piracy, crime (organized and unorganized) exists, as do corrupt politics and bribes. All of these give a feel of legitimacy to the work.

The story itself is quite entertaining with good plot development and changes, and you'll find yourself actually caring about the characters (always a good sign.)

Definitely worth your time.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 11, 2022 02:08 PM (nRMeC)

384 @304 --

The Hardy Boys went dark decades ago. The writers killed Chet's sister in a terrorist bombing.

I didn't read it; just read the back cover in the store. I had been done with the Hardys for years.

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 02:52 PM (Om/di)

385 @383 --

And this is why I read the Book Thread to the end.

Posted by: Weak Geek at December 11, 2022 03:06 PM (Om/di)

386 Digital books are great for portability, but they are horrible for flipping through the pages, or to locate personal annotations / notes that you might want to show someone. They are great for light(er) reading, but if I expect that I will get into an argument with the author, or have my own thoughts sparked by the authors' arguments, then I prefer even a cheap paperback over the digital version. Much easier to find my highlights and margin notes for later use / reference.

(Also, with a digital version it's hard to "brag" to those around you how well-read you are making yourself.)

Posted by: LCMS Rulz! at December 11, 2022 04:22 PM (K58O6)

387 Grumpy,I have Summer's End on my to read

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 11, 2022 06:20 PM (Kd4bG)

388
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Posted by: Tom at December 12, 2022 03:26 AM (RbgK5)

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