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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 5-18-2025 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
PIC NOTE
This image is from the library at Schussenried Monestery in Germany, due north of Ravensberg, not far from the Bodensee on the border of Switzerland and Lichtenstein. It definitely looks like an interesting place to visit. INTRODUCTION TO READING THE CLASSICS
(Blackjack tables are in the back...password is "hot beans")
I can't say that there are any forthcoming books in my queue that I'm excited about reading at the moment. I suppose I could throw in the next book in Jim Butcher's Cinder Spires series, but I don't know when that will be out. He also needs to get back to his Dresden Files as he's clearly closing in on an epic conclusion. There aren't any books published in the last 12 months that would be on my "always recommend" list. Probably the closest would be the last two books in Larry Correia's Saga of the Forgotten Warrior, but that series began in 2016. Books that fall on that list tend to be books I've read multiple times over the years and I scarcely re-read books nowadays since I'm trying to whittle down my TBR pile (which keeps growing...). I do have excellent books that I can recommend again and again, but that's highly subjective. For instance, although I love the Wheel of Time novels, I understand that a lot of people don't like them at all. MORON RECOMMENDATIONS
Question for everyone- Is there a new book (published in the last 12 months) you REALLY like and always recommend? Or a forthcoming book you are really excited about? Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 11, 2025 10:25 AM (rT96s)
Comment: It's really boggling how much people underestimate President Donald Trump, considering he's written multiple books that seem to describe his operating philosophy. All anyone has to do to figure him out is read his books. It's all right there. Yet the Left is continually "surprised" by how President Trump tackles the issues of the day, cutting through challenges like a hot knife through butter. It just takes a man of sufficient will to solve these problems and one thing that President Trump has in abundance is an indomitable will to GET THINGS DONE. He and Elon Musk are DOERS, driven by results, rather than process. I can understand why President Trump is a big proponent of volunteerism, even if it's not a part of is Presidency (yet). When that tornado swept through my town a couple of months ago, it was incredible how volunteers emerged from the woodwork to get the town up and running again in very short time. SEMA (state equivalent of FEMA) said it would be impossible to get power restored within a few weeks. The local utility company had power restored with three days, in no small part because numerous local utility companies pitched in to help. People who needed food, shelter, and other necessities were all taken care of by local charities. Lately I've started participating in my church's food pantry efforts to bring essential food to those who need it. It's a great opportunity to help others and I really enjoy the experience. I plan on doing this regularly from now on.
This week I finished Donald Trump's book The America We Deserve written in 1999 when he had his eye on running for President in the Reform Party. I will say that Trump has not moved much in policy for the last 25 years. There may have been some changes in his policy on health care, but failure teaches a lot, and he has brought on some specialists in the field.
Otherwise, what he laid out in this book is pretty much what he has focused on. The one area he has not touched in his Presidency is volunteerism, which he is a big proponent of in his book. It is decently written, less idiomatic than The Art of the Deal but not so cleaned up to seem to be written by someone else. Posted by: Kindltot at May 11, 2025 09:40 AM (D7oie)
Comment: The actual title of the book NaCly Dog refers to is From Eros to Gaia in case anyone tries looking it up. Sounds like a fascinating book and one that I may enjoy reading. Freeman Dyson was a great thinker, for sure. The "Dyson sphere" that's popular in science fiction was named after him. -- OK, I went ahead and ordered it, since Amazon had a paperback copy available for $6... MORE MORON RECOMMENDATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE: AoSHQ - Book Thread Recommendations
Eros and Gaia by Freeman Dyson is the oldest one left, published in 1992. It is a collection of lucid essays that covers science, scientists, politics, arms control, nature, humanity, climate change, physics, SETI, and manned space travel. These essays are in a way an early autobiography of a deep thinker who had close connection to insiders and other great thinkers and doers. He really explains how physics research works, how good projects fall by the wayside, and what actually is important. He writes in the clearest prose profound observations. He extrapolates into the future of 2010 and is often right. I learned a lot in this book, and I will try and get it in my personal library. Just the discussion on climate change was an eye opener, as it introduced data that I had never even considered. Highly recommended. Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 11, 2025 10:15 AM (u82oZ)
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
No reading. No writing. No 'rithmatic.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 08:59 AM (0eaVi)
2
Hello, fellow book freaks!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:01 AM (kpS4V)
3
Tolle Lege
Would have been 1st but git caught in a trap
Anyway, picked up at used book store Rick Atkinson's The Day of the Battle, a historical account of WWII in Italy, its a previous book to Guns at Last Light I read some time ago.
Still haven't got into it yet but will.
Would have been 1st but git caught in a trap
Anyway, picked up at used book store Rick Atkinson's The Day of the Battle, a historical account of WWII in Italy, its a previous book to Guns at Last Light I read some time ago.
Still haven't got into it yet but will.
Posted by: Skip at May 18, 2025 09:02 AM (ypFCm)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 09:04 AM (q3u5l)
5
I read Fight: Inside The Wildest Battle For The White House by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes. This is a detailed behind-the-scenes look at 2024 Presidential campaigns. Interesting, but both authors are leftists, so the reader must put up with digs at Trump and Republicans.
Posted by: Zoltan at May 18, 2025 09:05 AM (SQp7G)
6
Morning, Book Folken!
It's been a mixed bag this week. I finished the blue Labyrinth, one of the Preston & Child thrillers about their Agent Pendergast. It is rather pulp-fictional, with grand conspiracies to ensnare the hero and featuring poisons and acids unknown (?) to science, but it's not written in the purple prose of those old magazine serials. Then I started another, more recent one, Angel of Vengeance. It opens with one of the villains (I think he is one) stepping into a time-travel portal to 1890 New York City. The time-travel setup must have been established in an earlier novel. I set it aside.
It's been a mixed bag this week. I finished the blue Labyrinth, one of the Preston & Child thrillers about their Agent Pendergast. It is rather pulp-fictional, with grand conspiracies to ensnare the hero and featuring poisons and acids unknown (?) to science, but it's not written in the purple prose of those old magazine serials. Then I started another, more recent one, Angel of Vengeance. It opens with one of the villains (I think he is one) stepping into a time-travel portal to 1890 New York City. The time-travel setup must have been established in an earlier novel. I set it aside.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 09:07 AM (omVj0)
7
Also I brought The Last Shadow by Orson Scott Card from the library. Usually I've enjoyed his stuff, but this is another case of "You need to have read the earlier books to get this one." Lots and lots and lots of dialog, from which I am supposed to infer the history of the current situation and how the characters are related to each other. Not sure I'll continue with this.
I have Clock Dance by Anne Tyler up next.
I have Clock Dance by Anne Tyler up next.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 09:09 AM (omVj0)
8
I'll have to watch that video on what makes a book a classic.
Dad had a collection of such put out by the same publisher, but now as I look at their titles, I think some of them are just old. "Peer Gynt," for example. I tecognize the title, but is it really any good?
Dad had a collection of such put out by the same publisher, but now as I look at their titles, I think some of them are just old. "Peer Gynt," for example. I tecognize the title, but is it really any good?
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 18, 2025 09:11 AM (p/isN)
9
Yay book thread! Almost finished with Brain Lock, by Jeffrey M. Schwartz. It's part of the psychological self-help genre, so it is very repetitious, has tedious case studies, and of course constantly talks about how successful the therapy is (and why the author is a genius).
All that being said, if you start skipping the endless case studies and jump into the data and therapy, it is a very useful book.
The key finding is that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (the subject of the book) has a *physical* manifestation that can be tracked via scanning. While medication can be effective, the Four-Step Method (TM) that the author pitches uses mindfulness to deliberately rewire the brain, and the success of this can be monitored with subsequent scans. This is interesting because it reminds me of the effort to present homosexuality as an immutable trait ("born that way"), and one method was to show that gay minds were different from straight ones. However, none of that research was able to prove causation, and Brain Lock puts out pretty clear evidence that brains can be rewired by behavior over time, and the more prolonged, the more extensive the re-wiring. (cont)
All that being said, if you start skipping the endless case studies and jump into the data and therapy, it is a very useful book.
The key finding is that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (the subject of the book) has a *physical* manifestation that can be tracked via scanning. While medication can be effective, the Four-Step Method (TM) that the author pitches uses mindfulness to deliberately rewire the brain, and the success of this can be monitored with subsequent scans. This is interesting because it reminds me of the effort to present homosexuality as an immutable trait ("born that way"), and one method was to show that gay minds were different from straight ones. However, none of that research was able to prove causation, and Brain Lock puts out pretty clear evidence that brains can be rewired by behavior over time, and the more prolonged, the more extensive the re-wiring. (cont)
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:11 AM (ZOv7s)
10
Recently listened to The Last One At The Wedding which was recommended here on Ye Olde Book Thread a coupla months ago.
Enjoyed it enough that I'm listening to it a second time.
Enjoyed it enough that I'm listening to it a second time.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 18, 2025 09:11 AM (dg+HA)
11
Then I started another, more recent one, Angel of Vengeance. It opens with one of the villains (I think he is one) stepping into a time-travel portal to 1890 New York City. The time-travel setup must have been established in an earlier novel. I set it aside.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 09:07 AM (omVj0)
---
While many of the Agent Pendergast novels can be read as standalone, there are a few groupings that should be read in chronological order.
You'll want to read Bloodless and The Cabinet of Dr. Leng before finishing up with Angel of Vengeance.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 09:07 AM (omVj0)
---
While many of the Agent Pendergast novels can be read as standalone, there are a few groupings that should be read in chronological order.
You'll want to read Bloodless and The Cabinet of Dr. Leng before finishing up with Angel of Vengeance.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2025 09:11 AM (GlyvH)
12
Kind of scattered in my reading this week - working through a re-read of MM Kaye's The Far Pavilions, alternating with the first volume of autobiography, Mary Stewart's mystery "Touch Not the Cat" (which turned up in Kindle for 99 cents, and since I had never read that one, I bought it) - and a book that a writer friend of mine sent me "The Einstein Syndrome" by Thomas Sowell. That last concerns a small subset of very bright children who are very late talkers. We suspect Jamie the Wonder Grandson of being one of those: he will be four next week, seems to be quite intelligent, but willful and stubborn ... and doesn't say more than a couple of alphabet sounds. But is picking up sign language from the speech therapists. The friend has sons who were the same: ferociously intelligent, but very late in talking. She thought the book might help us, not least in responding to people who assume a late talker is mentally retarded.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at May 18, 2025 09:12 AM (Ew3fm)
13
"The Last Man on the Moon" finally stepped onto the lunar surface, otherwise Eugene Cernan would have had needed a different title for his memoir.
How do you top that achievement? Cernan concluded that he couldn't and retired from NASA. Meanwhile, his marriage ended after 20 years, but he remarried a few years later to a woman with two daughters. They, plus his own daughter, made him a grandpa several times over. And as he said in the introduction, he wrote this book for them.
I'm glad that he made it available to outsiders. It held my interest.
(continued)
How do you top that achievement? Cernan concluded that he couldn't and retired from NASA. Meanwhile, his marriage ended after 20 years, but he remarried a few years later to a woman with two daughters. They, plus his own daughter, made him a grandpa several times over. And as he said in the introduction, he wrote this book for them.
I'm glad that he made it available to outsiders. It held my interest.
(continued)
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 18, 2025 09:12 AM (p/isN)
14
Finished Peter F Hamilton's standalone novel "Great North Road." Loved it. Futuristic police procedural with alien monsters and lots of tech and mystery. Very good character development and plot. Here's Hamilton on the Media Death Cult podcast from a few years ago:
https://tinyurl.com/Moid-P-F-Hamilton
Started Iain Banks' third book in the Culture series, "Use of Weapons." Too early to tell if I'll like it. I did like the first two books in the series, though not as much as I like pretty much anything that Peter F Hamilton or Alastair Reynolds writes.
Also reading Dr. Brant Pitre's newest book: "Jesus and Divine Christology," the theme of which is that Christ really did believe He was God and made very many references to that belief/reality in His preaching.
And I'm also continuing to slowly read the letters of St. Paul in my new Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. It is a magnificent tome.
Good morning, Book Nerdzzzzzzzz!!
https://tinyurl.com/Moid-P-F-Hamilton
Started Iain Banks' third book in the Culture series, "Use of Weapons." Too early to tell if I'll like it. I did like the first two books in the series, though not as much as I like pretty much anything that Peter F Hamilton or Alastair Reynolds writes.
Also reading Dr. Brant Pitre's newest book: "Jesus and Divine Christology," the theme of which is that Christ really did believe He was God and made very many references to that belief/reality in His preaching.
And I'm also continuing to slowly read the letters of St. Paul in my new Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. It is a magnificent tome.
Good morning, Book Nerdzzzzzzzz!!
Posted by: Sharkman at May 18, 2025 09:12 AM (/RHNq)
15
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading. Mine was delightful.
It's a cool, sunny morning. We've walked the pup (and ourselves), had breakfast and now I'm settling down with fresh brewed coffee and a pipe full of Burlier Morning Pipe. Life is good.
It's a cool, sunny morning. We've walked the pup (and ourselves), had breakfast and now I'm settling down with fresh brewed coffee and a pipe full of Burlier Morning Pipe. Life is good.
Posted by: JTB at May 18, 2025 09:13 AM (yTvNw)
16
Finished reading Jack Posobiec's "Unhumans" about 2 weeks ago. It's about how communists dupe the masses and take control. But some of today's controllers aren't necessarily communists. So the term which best suits all of these leftists is indeed "Unhumans."
Soros is an Unhuman.
Schwab is an Unhuman,
Yes, Starmer, too, is an Unhuman.
So, too, are America's Raskin and Reich and Obama and - well - the list of Unhumans destroying America is lengthy. And millions are their useful idiots.
Added bits to my knowledge of historical leftist uprisings.
The last chapter contains the solution. Many of us here have been suggesting it all along.
Easy read. Recommended.
Have since started reading Thomas Sowell's essay collection, "Ever Wonder Why?"
Plus, borrowed a book for a pup plus 2 books arrived from Amazon today. Thos get added to the pile of about 6 unread books on my window sill.
Soros is an Unhuman.
Schwab is an Unhuman,
Yes, Starmer, too, is an Unhuman.
So, too, are America's Raskin and Reich and Obama and - well - the list of Unhumans destroying America is lengthy. And millions are their useful idiots.
Added bits to my knowledge of historical leftist uprisings.
The last chapter contains the solution. Many of us here have been suggesting it all along.
Easy read. Recommended.
Have since started reading Thomas Sowell's essay collection, "Ever Wonder Why?"
Plus, borrowed a book for a pup plus 2 books arrived from Amazon today. Thos get added to the pile of about 6 unread books on my window sill.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 18, 2025 09:14 AM (qFAfu)
17
Reading this week? Couple of Elmore Leonard titles (Glitz and LaBrava). Glitz was his first to hit the best-seller lists, I think, but I had more fun with LaBrava.
Currently skimming S. T. Joshi's book on Ramsey Campbell before hitting a couple of Leonard's later novels.
Thinking about that terrific book in the past year/forthcoming book I'm excited about question -- there are some things I've enjoyed, and a couple I have on pre-order, but nothing I'm counting down the seconds for. Nearly all of my favorite writers are dead now.
Currently skimming S. T. Joshi's book on Ramsey Campbell before hitting a couple of Leonard's later novels.
Thinking about that terrific book in the past year/forthcoming book I'm excited about question -- there are some things I've enjoyed, and a couple I have on pre-order, but nothing I'm counting down the seconds for. Nearly all of my favorite writers are dead now.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 09:14 AM (q3u5l)
18
I just got another catalog from Inner Traditions, whose books range from angels and crystal healing to Grey aliens and space Nazis.
Here's one for the guest room bed stand: "The Geoengineered Transhuman: The Hidden Technologies of HAARP, Chemtrails, 5G/6G, Nanotechnology, Synthetic Biology, and the Scientific Effort to Transform Humanity".
I laugh, but I bet the futuristic weirdness is going to hockeystick in the following decades, and the 22nd Century will be very odd. I suppose some genetic tampering will have to be done as we spread through the solar system.
Here's one for the guest room bed stand: "The Geoengineered Transhuman: The Hidden Technologies of HAARP, Chemtrails, 5G/6G, Nanotechnology, Synthetic Biology, and the Scientific Effort to Transform Humanity".
I laugh, but I bet the futuristic weirdness is going to hockeystick in the following decades, and the 22nd Century will be very odd. I suppose some genetic tampering will have to be done as we spread through the solar system.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:14 AM (kpS4V)
19
(cont) Another interesting element of Brain Lock is that Schwartz is very open to religion, and actually recommends prayer and faith as a way to shore up therapy. He even goes so far as to note that patients with strong faith habits outperform those without them. He makes a point of excoriating therapists who are hostile to faith, and he peppers his narrative with religious citations (chiefly the Bible and Buddha). At one point, he declares his belief that there is a spirit independent of the brain because otherwise his therapy would be impossible. OCD is a brain disorder that can only be corrected by making the brain think differently. That means that there must be a will independent of the brain, i.e. the spirit.
For that reason alone, I set this book above all the other self-help I have been obligated to read.
For that reason alone, I set this book above all the other self-help I have been obligated to read.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:15 AM (ZOv7s)
20
Good Sunday morning, horde!
Didn't read much this week, what with visiting Mom a lot in stroke rehab and binge-watching The Chosen with Mr. Dmlw.
But the rehab center made me think of the Shady Rest nursing home in Bubba Ho-tep, and I was telling my sister about it, but she's never seen that, then I found that it's a book by Joe R. Lansdale, and it's on audio so we'll give it a concurrent listen and enjoy it together.
Didn't read much this week, what with visiting Mom a lot in stroke rehab and binge-watching The Chosen with Mr. Dmlw.
But the rehab center made me think of the Shady Rest nursing home in Bubba Ho-tep, and I was telling my sister about it, but she's never seen that, then I found that it's a book by Joe R. Lansdale, and it's on audio so we'll give it a concurrent listen and enjoy it together.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at May 18, 2025 09:15 AM (h7ZuX)
21
I brought The Last Shadow by Orson Scott Card from the library. Usually I've enjoyed his stuff, but this is another case of "You need to have read the earlier books to get this one." Lots and lots and lots of dialog, from which I am supposed to infer the history of the current situation and how the characters are related to each other. Not sure I'll continue with this.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
Both Card and Preston and Child have this tendency.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
Both Card and Preston and Child have this tendency.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025 09:15 AM (lTGtQ)
22
OT: Jasmine and Allie just touched noses with no growling from Allie! Looks like they are going to be friends...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2025 09:17 AM (GlyvH)
23
Oh, also reading Hamilton's "The Mandel Files, Vol. 1," which includes two novels about Greg Mandel, a detective of sorts who can.sort of read minds. The novels are "Mindstar Rising" and "A Quantum Murder". Mindstar Rising is good so far, though it's set in a fitire where GoreBull Warmening(tm) has made England somewhat unlivable.
Posted by: Sharkman at May 18, 2025 09:17 AM (/RHNq)
24
I'm here!
Woulda been primero but el doggo needed to go-o
Woulda been primero but el doggo needed to go-o
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:18 AM (rT96s)
25
>>> I think some of them are just old. "Peer Gynt," for example. I tecognize the title, but is it really any good?
It has a heck of a soundtrack.
It has a heck of a soundtrack.
Posted by: fluffy at May 18, 2025 09:18 AM (AN2gy)
26
Lots and lots and lots of dialog, from which I am supposed to infer the history of the current situation and how the characters are related to each other. Not sure I'll continue with this.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*
Both Card and Preston and Child have this tendency.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025
***
I didn't notice it in Preston's solo novel Extinction. There were no more of his solo efforts at the library, though, at least not on the shelves.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*
Both Card and Preston and Child have this tendency.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025
***
I didn't notice it in Preston's solo novel Extinction. There were no more of his solo efforts at the library, though, at least not on the shelves.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 09:18 AM (omVj0)
27
Thanks to MP4 for recommending "Bonvard's Folly" by Paul Collins after our brief detour into hollow earth theories, concave heavens, and other bizarre cosmologies. John Symmes, a hero of the War of 1812, almost got Congress to find a trip to the North Pole, where he could prove entry into the hollow earth. The wonderfully named Cyrus Reed Teed posited that we all live on the inner surface of a sphere, looking in toward a center filled with tiny stars and planets.
As a childhood fan of ERB's Pellucidar series, this delights me no end.
And no matter how batshit your theory, some Nazi somewhere thought it was plausible. Supposedly some officer in the German Navy believed they could locate enemy ships in a concave space because infrared observation would not be hindered by the Earth's curvature. Sounds legit!
As a childhood fan of ERB's Pellucidar series, this delights me no end.
And no matter how batshit your theory, some Nazi somewhere thought it was plausible. Supposedly some officer in the German Navy believed they could locate enemy ships in a concave space because infrared observation would not be hindered by the Earth's curvature. Sounds legit!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:18 AM (kpS4V)
28
Currently reading Believe by Ross Douthat
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:20 AM (rT96s)
29
"Bonvard's Folly" is about a handful of scientists, artists, writers, and others who achieved great fame in their time but are now almost completely forgotten.
One of my favorite characters is the dusky Regency fop Robert Coates, son of a wealthy Antiguan plantation owner, who fancied himself a brilliant interpreter of Shakespeare, and even improved on the Bard! He took to the stage in diamond-encrusted outfits that would make Liberace blush with shame, and his unintentionally bad acting had the audiences rolling. His dedication to his craft, with zero talent, reminded me of society pianist Florence Foster Jenkins.
One of my favorite characters is the dusky Regency fop Robert Coates, son of a wealthy Antiguan plantation owner, who fancied himself a brilliant interpreter of Shakespeare, and even improved on the Bard! He took to the stage in diamond-encrusted outfits that would make Liberace blush with shame, and his unintentionally bad acting had the audiences rolling. His dedication to his craft, with zero talent, reminded me of society pianist Florence Foster Jenkins.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:20 AM (kpS4V)
30
(from 13)
From memoir to fictional memoir -- "Flashman's Lady," an installment of George MacDonald Fraser's publication of the purported papers of Harry Flashman, cad, coward, and all-around scoundrel.
It's 1842 and Flashy's bound for the Far East, accompanying his feather-brained wife and cantankerous father-in-law as the guests of a wealthy planter who has designs on his wife. He's only consented to this trip for two reasons: a cuckolded duke and an angry bookie ("agent and accountant to the gentry").
I had to struggle through the first few chapters because they're all about cricket, a game I don't understand. I just let the terms fly past me. But once they board the ship, I expect fewer stumbles.
A three-month ocean voyage sounds pleasant, but I would want a functioning toilet. And electricity. With Web access.
From memoir to fictional memoir -- "Flashman's Lady," an installment of George MacDonald Fraser's publication of the purported papers of Harry Flashman, cad, coward, and all-around scoundrel.
It's 1842 and Flashy's bound for the Far East, accompanying his feather-brained wife and cantankerous father-in-law as the guests of a wealthy planter who has designs on his wife. He's only consented to this trip for two reasons: a cuckolded duke and an angry bookie ("agent and accountant to the gentry").
I had to struggle through the first few chapters because they're all about cricket, a game I don't understand. I just let the terms fly past me. But once they board the ship, I expect fewer stumbles.
A three-month ocean voyage sounds pleasant, but I would want a functioning toilet. And electricity. With Web access.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 18, 2025 09:20 AM (p/isN)
31
I know where you’re going, but maybe don’t use ‘Trump’ and’ indomitable will’ in the same sentence.
Or do, what the hell. Leftists don’t know enough history to get it.
Or do, what the hell. Leftists don’t know enough history to get it.
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at May 18, 2025 09:21 AM (64rer)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:23 AM (kpS4V)
33
A conspiracy against an unlikely couple is the theme of The Yellow Mask by Wilkie Collins. Collins was a contemporary and colleague of Charles Dickens. As Dickens was verbose, and Collins was an editor, their collaboration was mutually beneficial, and it helped both men evolve in their writing careers.
In this story, Fabio, the son of a wealthy noble, has eyes for Nanina, a poor but beautiful orphan. Through guile and deception, Nanina is kept away by Father Rocco so that Fabio will marry his niece Maddalena. When Maddalena dies in childbirth, the conspiracy re-emerges to prevent Fabio and Nanina from renewing their relationship. At a ball to reintroduce Fabio to society, his dead wife returns to haunt him, dressed in a yellow costume and mask.
Wilkie Collins built upon the foundations that Edgar Allan Poe began, to make mysteries and detection stories the most popular of books of the age. One can see traces of the evolution from Poe to authors like Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers in stories like The Yellow Mask.
In this story, Fabio, the son of a wealthy noble, has eyes for Nanina, a poor but beautiful orphan. Through guile and deception, Nanina is kept away by Father Rocco so that Fabio will marry his niece Maddalena. When Maddalena dies in childbirth, the conspiracy re-emerges to prevent Fabio and Nanina from renewing their relationship. At a ball to reintroduce Fabio to society, his dead wife returns to haunt him, dressed in a yellow costume and mask.
Wilkie Collins built upon the foundations that Edgar Allan Poe began, to make mysteries and detection stories the most popular of books of the age. One can see traces of the evolution from Poe to authors like Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers in stories like The Yellow Mask.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025 09:23 AM (lTGtQ)
34
Oh on new books - Guy Gavriel Kay has a new book out this Tuesday. I am not sure of the title but I am excited and apprehensive.
He wrote some great historical fantasy decades ago. Has he gone woke? Do I dare read and find out?
He wrote some great historical fantasy decades ago. Has he gone woke? Do I dare read and find out?
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:24 AM (rT96s)
35
Currently reading Battle of Wits, about codebreaking in WWII. Outstanding! Though the descriptions of how the breaking actually happened take a bit of effort to follow…
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at May 18, 2025 09:24 AM (64rer)
36
And I'm also continuing to slowly read the letters of St. Paul in my new Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. It is a magnificent tome.
Posted by: Sharkman at May 18, 2025 09:12 AM (/RHNq)
---
This is on my list of future purchases. It seems to be selling out with each printing so I figure I will get it later on. People talk of summer reading lists, but I get more reading done when there is less yard work to do.
I am still moving forward on research for my Atlantis/Old Testament book, but chores and other projects are reducing the pace. Basically I'm in brainstorming mode, thinking about what I need to include and continuing leisurely research.
Most of my writing is articles for Bleeding Fool and essays for a book on firearms that I've been kicking around for a while.
Posted by: Sharkman at May 18, 2025 09:12 AM (/RHNq)
---
This is on my list of future purchases. It seems to be selling out with each printing so I figure I will get it later on. People talk of summer reading lists, but I get more reading done when there is less yard work to do.
I am still moving forward on research for my Atlantis/Old Testament book, but chores and other projects are reducing the pace. Basically I'm in brainstorming mode, thinking about what I need to include and continuing leisurely research.
Most of my writing is articles for Bleeding Fool and essays for a book on firearms that I've been kicking around for a while.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:25 AM (ZOv7s)
37
Eris—hahaha!
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at May 18, 2025 09:25 AM (64rer)
38
Wilkie Collins built upon the foundations that Edgar Allan Poe began, to make mysteries and detection stories the most popular of books of the age. One can see traces of the evolution from Poe to authors like Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers in stories like The Yellow Mask.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025
***
I've only ever heard of The Moonstone and The Woman in White by Collins, not this one. Those two are supposed to be foundational classics of the mystery genre. Is this one on their level?
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025
***
I've only ever heard of The Moonstone and The Woman in White by Collins, not this one. Those two are supposed to be foundational classics of the mystery genre. Is this one on their level?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 09:26 AM (omVj0)
39
Black Cat Weekly magazine tells me my latest short story is coming up in an issue soon, but it's not this week's issue. I'm entitled to a year's subscription for being a contributor, so I'll get in touch with the production manager this week.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 09:28 AM (omVj0)
40
I didn't notice it in Preston's solo novel Extinction. There were no more of his solo efforts at the library, though, at least not on the shelves.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
Many of the books by Preston and Child, and their solo works, are standalone novels, but there are a few sets of novels that are small series. They have a website: prestonchild plus the dot com, in which they show all of their books and which are tied together.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
Many of the books by Preston and Child, and their solo works, are standalone novels, but there are a few sets of novels that are small series. They have a website: prestonchild plus the dot com, in which they show all of their books and which are tied together.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025 09:30 AM (lTGtQ)
41
For those reading the Bible, either first tine or for a cover to cover endeavor, I recommend the Great Adventure Timeline. It's not a book, just a chart. It's very helpful as a guide laying out which are the narrative books, which are the supplementary-to-the-narrative books, and what's going on in the world at the time.
Around $5 on amazon, could be free versions floating around too
Around $5 on amazon, could be free versions floating around too
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:30 AM (rT96s)
42
@29 --
The comic strip "Pearls Before Swine" took on this topic with this question: Who was the smartest man in the eighth century?
Back then, his name was known, but now he's been forgotten. So don't consider yourself a failure.
Think of the poem "Ozymandius."
The comic strip "Pearls Before Swine" took on this topic with this question: Who was the smartest man in the eighth century?
Back then, his name was known, but now he's been forgotten. So don't consider yourself a failure.
Think of the poem "Ozymandius."
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 18, 2025 09:31 AM (p/isN)
43
good morning Perfessor, Horde
I was thinking about doing an in-depth read of the Constitution. But the Supreme Court doesn't have to do that. So why should I?
I was thinking about doing an in-depth read of the Constitution. But the Supreme Court doesn't have to do that. So why should I?
Posted by: callsign claymore at May 18, 2025 09:31 AM (rrE7W)
44
Or a forthcoming book you are really excited about
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 11, 2025 10:25 AM
"Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again" is, of course, at the top of everyone who matters 'really excited' list.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 11, 2025 10:25 AM
"Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again" is, of course, at the top of everyone who matters 'really excited' list.
Posted by: Jake T. at May 18, 2025 09:33 AM (0sNs1)
45
Finished reading Jack Posobiec's "Unhumans" about 2 weeks ago. It's about how communists dupe the masses and take control. But some of today's controllers aren't necessarily communists. So the term which best suits all of these leftists is indeed "Unhumans."
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 18, 2025 09:14 AM (qFAfu)
---
I've seen him endlessly flogging that tome on Twitter and I shudder at the thought of reading it because he doesn't strike me as particularly bright, just really good at self-promotion.
And yeah, the Spanish Civil War is MY turf. Get off the lawn, punk!
My disdain for him is particularly elevated because he joined the Tradcath chorus denouncing Pope Leo as woke merely because of a handful of Twitter retweets rather than reading his biography.
The other Tradcaths not only backtracked but apologized, admitting they got played and are now being more judicious and doing deeper dives. Poso just did his usual thing and act as if it hadn't happened.
That gives me very low confidence on his authorship.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 18, 2025 09:14 AM (qFAfu)
---
I've seen him endlessly flogging that tome on Twitter and I shudder at the thought of reading it because he doesn't strike me as particularly bright, just really good at self-promotion.
And yeah, the Spanish Civil War is MY turf. Get off the lawn, punk!
My disdain for him is particularly elevated because he joined the Tradcath chorus denouncing Pope Leo as woke merely because of a handful of Twitter retweets rather than reading his biography.
The other Tradcaths not only backtracked but apologized, admitting they got played and are now being more judicious and doing deeper dives. Poso just did his usual thing and act as if it hadn't happened.
That gives me very low confidence on his authorship.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:33 AM (ZOv7s)
46
"Perfessor" Squirrel
Thank you for the shoutout. If it leads more people to Freeman Dyson, that would be great.
I think his inner political beliefs and goals are those of an impure Leftist, but his analysis of issues are focused on data, sound principles, and political wisdom.
Thank you for the shoutout. If it leads more people to Freeman Dyson, that would be great.
I think his inner political beliefs and goals are those of an impure Leftist, but his analysis of issues are focused on data, sound principles, and political wisdom.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 18, 2025 09:36 AM (u82oZ)
47
I've only ever heard of The Moonstone and The Woman in White by Collins, not this one. Those two are supposed to be foundational classics of the mystery genre. Is this one on their level?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
It is probably not up to the level of The Moonstone, but I found it entertaining. I picked it up as it seemed to be reminiscent of Poe.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
It is probably not up to the level of The Moonstone, but I found it entertaining. I picked it up as it seemed to be reminiscent of Poe.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025 09:36 AM (lTGtQ)
48
I also have a Pedergast novel in queue- old obe Reliquary
Oh I listened to an Ann Hillerman Leaphorn Chee & Manuelito book - Lost Birds.
It was ok, but somehow flatter than her dad's Leaphorn & Chee books I have read so far.
Oh I listened to an Ann Hillerman Leaphorn Chee & Manuelito book - Lost Birds.
It was ok, but somehow flatter than her dad's Leaphorn & Chee books I have read so far.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:38 AM (rT96s)
49
I just got another catalog from Inner Traditions, whose books range from angels and crystal healing to Grey aliens and space Nazis.
Here's one for the guest room bed stand: "The Geoengineered Transhuman: The Hidden Technologies of HAARP, Chemtrails, 5G/6G, Nanotechnology, Synthetic Biology, and the Scientific Effort to Transform Humanity".
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:14 AM (kpS4V)
---
One of the things I hate about the current day is that since actual conspiracies regarding Covid and food additives have been proven true, now every lunatic is claiming complete vindication.
Here's one for the guest room bed stand: "The Geoengineered Transhuman: The Hidden Technologies of HAARP, Chemtrails, 5G/6G, Nanotechnology, Synthetic Biology, and the Scientific Effort to Transform Humanity".
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:14 AM (kpS4V)
---
One of the things I hate about the current day is that since actual conspiracies regarding Covid and food additives have been proven true, now every lunatic is claiming complete vindication.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:39 AM (ZOv7s)
50
My disdain for him is particularly elevated because he joined the Tradcath chorus denouncing Pope Leo as woke merely because of a handful of Twitter retweets rather than reading his biography.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:33 AM (ZOv7s)
-
Can't say I kept track of Poso's original posts on the new Pope. He was denouncing or questioning?
Looking at Poso's X page now, nothing negative at all to see. Just the opposite.
Did he really do a 180 degree flip with no mea culpa?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:33 AM (ZOv7s)
-
Can't say I kept track of Poso's original posts on the new Pope. He was denouncing or questioning?
Looking at Poso's X page now, nothing negative at all to see. Just the opposite.
Did he really do a 180 degree flip with no mea culpa?
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 18, 2025 09:40 AM (qFAfu)
51
Thank you for the shoutout. If it leads more people to Freeman Dyson, that would be great.
I think his inner political beliefs and goals are those of an impure Leftist, but his analysis of issues are focused on data, sound principles, and political wisdom.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 18, 2025 09:36 AM
His interests were certainly commodious, not just 360 degrees, but one could say spherical.
I think his inner political beliefs and goals are those of an impure Leftist, but his analysis of issues are focused on data, sound principles, and political wisdom.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 18, 2025 09:36 AM
His interests were certainly commodious, not just 360 degrees, but one could say spherical.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at May 18, 2025 09:41 AM (0sNs1)
52
I ordered the Dyson immediately and it arrived yesterday. Already on my bedside table.
I'm also reading Roger Zelazny's on writing Science Fiction and Fantasy--also essays. Bites of thought like that appeal to me right now. Like a short story?
I'm also reading Roger Zelazny's on writing Science Fiction and Fantasy--also essays. Bites of thought like that appeal to me right now. Like a short story?
Posted by: Wenda at May 18, 2025 09:41 AM (Ac/bm)
53
History buffs will enjoy the coffee table book "Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection". Personal artifacts, daguerreotypes, weaponry, political paraphernalia, uniforms (dashing Zouaves!), medical equipment, fake limbs...it's got a little of everything.
One of my favorites is a photo of an insouciant young Union soldier who made a frame for his tintype out of hardtack.
Fun fact: Jefferson Davis served on the Smithsonian board of regents before the war.
One of my favorites is a photo of an insouciant young Union soldier who made a frame for his tintype out of hardtack.
Fun fact: Jefferson Davis served on the Smithsonian board of regents before the war.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:41 AM (kpS4V)
54
I am still waiting on Mark Moyar last book on Vietnam War
Posted by: Skip at May 18, 2025 09:42 AM (ypFCm)
55
Black Cat Weekly magazine tells me my latest short story is coming up in an issue soon, but it's not this week's issue. I'm entitled to a year's subscription for being a contributor, so I'll get in touch with the production manager this week.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 09:28 AM (omVj0)
One of our most successful authors at A Literary Horde. Well done, Wolfus!
If you haven't joined already, why not?
If you've been sent an invitation and haven't signed up, why not?
Plenty of people asking for help with reading, editing, and brainstorming just waiting for you!
/plug (I hope this is ok, Perf)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 09:28 AM (omVj0)
One of our most successful authors at A Literary Horde. Well done, Wolfus!
If you haven't joined already, why not?
If you've been sent an invitation and haven't signed up, why not?
Plenty of people asking for help with reading, editing, and brainstorming just waiting for you!
/plug (I hope this is ok, Perf)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 09:42 AM (0eaVi)
56
Pope Bob is now starting to say stuff as pope, so we can begin figuring out his papal direction.
I don't think there's much use in looking over stuff he social media'd as Cardinal Bob or as Father Bob.
Just my personal attitude,
I don't think there's much use in looking over stuff he social media'd as Cardinal Bob or as Father Bob.
Just my personal attitude,
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:43 AM (rT96s)
57
ne of our most successful authors at A Literary Horde. Well done, Wolfus!
If you haven't joined already, why not?
If you've been sent an invitation and haven't signed up, why not?
Plenty of people asking for help with reading, editing, and brainstorming just waiting for you!
/plug (I hope this is ok, Perf)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 09:42 AM (0eaVi)
----
Absolutely! I think it's fantastic that we have a writer's group for the Horde!
If you haven't joined already, why not?
If you've been sent an invitation and haven't signed up, why not?
Plenty of people asking for help with reading, editing, and brainstorming just waiting for you!
/plug (I hope this is ok, Perf)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 09:42 AM (0eaVi)
----
Absolutely! I think it's fantastic that we have a writer's group for the Horde!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2025 09:44 AM (GlyvH)
58
New books I'm excited about:
1. Anything by James Lee Burke.
2. Anything but Thomas Perry.
3. Rick Atkinson's The Fate of the Day, volume 2 of his Revolutionary War trilogy, came out on April 28.
1. Anything by James Lee Burke.
2. Anything but Thomas Perry.
3. Rick Atkinson's The Fate of the Day, volume 2 of his Revolutionary War trilogy, came out on April 28.
Posted by: Ameryx at May 18, 2025 09:45 AM (ukIdd)
59
Did he really do a 180 degree flip with no mea culpa?
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 18, 2025 09:40 AM (qFAfu)
---
Yep, part of the collective conservative panic because Parolin was smiling and some tweets. Within hours, however other Catholics were noting his many strident assertions of doctrine and so guys like Taylor Marshall said "Okay, wait, we need to back off and just give the guy a chance," and within 24 hours were now on Team Leo. Poso just dropped the topic and got onto the New Hot Thing which is pretty much his gig.
Which is fine for those who are into it. I just find people like that who write books aren't that deep. Reminds me of Jonah Goldberg who acted like Liberal Fascism was some deep discovery that he apparently never read because he ignored his own findings.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 18, 2025 09:40 AM (qFAfu)
---
Yep, part of the collective conservative panic because Parolin was smiling and some tweets. Within hours, however other Catholics were noting his many strident assertions of doctrine and so guys like Taylor Marshall said "Okay, wait, we need to back off and just give the guy a chance," and within 24 hours were now on Team Leo. Poso just dropped the topic and got onto the New Hot Thing which is pretty much his gig.
Which is fine for those who are into it. I just find people like that who write books aren't that deep. Reminds me of Jonah Goldberg who acted like Liberal Fascism was some deep discovery that he apparently never read because he ignored his own findings.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:45 AM (ZOv7s)
60
One of the things I hate about the current day is that since actual conspiracies regarding Covid and food additives have been proven true, now every lunatic is claiming complete vindication.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:39 AM (ZOv7s)
---
The Greys got to you, man!
But yeah, we live in a time of flux and I find myself bouncing back and forth between BELIEVE NOTHING! and BELIEVE EVERYTHING!
Maybe that's why I'm gravitating toward foundational things and dipping my toe in the Bible more. It puts things in perspective.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:39 AM (ZOv7s)
---
The Greys got to you, man!
But yeah, we live in a time of flux and I find myself bouncing back and forth between BELIEVE NOTHING! and BELIEVE EVERYTHING!
Maybe that's why I'm gravitating toward foundational things and dipping my toe in the Bible more. It puts things in perspective.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM (kpS4V)
61
A book I am looking forward to, scheduled to come out this fall, is the sequel to James Islington's The Will of the Many.
I think the title is The Strength of the Few
I think the title is The Strength of the Few
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM (rT96s)
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:48 AM (rT96s)
63
Pope Bob is now starting to say stuff as pope, so we can begin figuring out his papal direction.
I don't think there's much use in looking over stuff he social media'd as Cardinal Bob or as Father Bob.
Just my personal attitude,
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:43 AM (rT96s)
---
This is why the prudential thing would have been to hang back, and a bunch of Tradcaths failed to do this, but within hours some admitted that this was unfair, and that we needed to be more judicious.
Poso was also all about "trust the plan," back in the day. Fool me once...
I don't think there's much use in looking over stuff he social media'd as Cardinal Bob or as Father Bob.
Just my personal attitude,
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:43 AM (rT96s)
---
This is why the prudential thing would have been to hang back, and a bunch of Tradcaths failed to do this, but within hours some admitted that this was unfair, and that we needed to be more judicious.
Poso was also all about "trust the plan," back in the day. Fool me once...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:49 AM (ZOv7s)
64
LOL, our library hosts Introvert Reading Parties where you bring your favorite mystery and congregate with other antisocials. "No socialization required". My kind of book club!
They also hold after-hours Nerf wars and toddler drum circles. Something for everyone.
They also hold after-hours Nerf wars and toddler drum circles. Something for everyone.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:49 AM (kpS4V)
65
One of the things I hate about the current day is that since actual conspiracies regarding Covid and food additives have been proven true, now every lunatic is claiming complete vindication.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:39 AM (ZOv7s)
-
One of the books I got from Amazon today is "In Covid's Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:39 AM (ZOv7s)
-
One of the books I got from Amazon today is "In Covid's Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us."
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 18, 2025 09:50 AM (qFAfu)
66
64 LOL, our library hosts Introvert Reading Parties where you bring your favorite mystery and congregate with other antisocials
--
That sounds relaxing
--
That sounds relaxing
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 09:50 AM (rT96s)
67
Maybe that's why I'm gravitating toward foundational things and dipping my toe in the Bible more. It puts things in perspective.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM (kpS4V)
---
Graham Greene is one of my fixations, and I need more Chesterton. They're great authors, wonderful writing style, but they also lived in a more serious time.
Our timeline is extremely silly.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM (kpS4V)
---
Graham Greene is one of my fixations, and I need more Chesterton. They're great authors, wonderful writing style, but they also lived in a more serious time.
Our timeline is extremely silly.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 09:50 AM (ZOv7s)
68
The introvert reading party sounds pretty good. Is it one person to a table?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 09:51 AM (q3u5l)
69
"...and I find myself bouncing back and forth between BELIEVE NOTHING! and BELIEVE EVERYTHING!
Maybe that's why I'm gravitating toward foundational things and dipping my toe in the Bible more. It puts things in perspective.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM"
Read some John Eldredge.
Maybe that's why I'm gravitating toward foundational things and dipping my toe in the Bible more. It puts things in perspective.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM"
Read some John Eldredge.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 18, 2025 09:51 AM (dg+HA)
70
I've always enjoyed the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. Not just for the visual delight but wondering why he chose certain subjects and, most importantly, how did he achieve the effects: color palette, techniques and materials. The more I know about these things, the better I can appreciate his art.
I've been reading two books about that this week: "Andrew Wyeth People and Places" and "Andrew Wyeth: Looking Out, Looking In". Both deal with his biography and how his art changed over a long life. The paintings used are high quality and I spent a lot of time with a good magnifying glass in hand.
Part of the appeal for me is that Wyeth painted what he wanted and didn't get swept up in the 'popular' trends in art such as surrealism or abstract expressionism (which is another term for pretentious crap). In that, he makes me think of Tolkien and CS Lewis who wrote against the modern mindset of their day. Wyeth did with painting what they did with words.
I've been reading two books about that this week: "Andrew Wyeth People and Places" and "Andrew Wyeth: Looking Out, Looking In". Both deal with his biography and how his art changed over a long life. The paintings used are high quality and I spent a lot of time with a good magnifying glass in hand.
Part of the appeal for me is that Wyeth painted what he wanted and didn't get swept up in the 'popular' trends in art such as surrealism or abstract expressionism (which is another term for pretentious crap). In that, he makes me think of Tolkien and CS Lewis who wrote against the modern mindset of their day. Wyeth did with painting what they did with words.
Posted by: JTB at May 18, 2025 09:52 AM (yTvNw)
71
"Maybe that's why I'm gravitating toward foundational things and dipping my toe in the Bible more. It puts things in perspective.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM"
That's about where I am. Starting again at Chapter 1.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM"
That's about where I am. Starting again at Chapter 1.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at May 18, 2025 09:54 AM (h7ZuX)
72
This week I finished reading "The War For Jenkin's Ear," part the 'A Captivating History' series of books that Amazon sells. The books are pretty basic, just a straightforward narration of events without a whole lot speculation or commentary. And every illustration includes a hyperlink to where it was found on-line. So, yeah, not exactly high-brow-history.
As for the war itself, it was just another colonial war between England and Spain. (Cira 1740) The funny name comes from a pre-war incident where an English captain/smuggler/maybe-pirate was accosted off the coast of some Spanish colony. He was roughed-up a bit, and, according to legend, had his ear cut off, which he kept, and presented to parliament upon his return to England. Ironically, this incident did not lead directly to the war, but it was remembered by English popular culture, and was sort of a rallying cry for the English when the war actually broke out 10 years later...
As for the war itself, it was just another colonial war between England and Spain. (Cira 1740) The funny name comes from a pre-war incident where an English captain/smuggler/maybe-pirate was accosted off the coast of some Spanish colony. He was roughed-up a bit, and, according to legend, had his ear cut off, which he kept, and presented to parliament upon his return to England. Ironically, this incident did not lead directly to the war, but it was remembered by English popular culture, and was sort of a rallying cry for the English when the war actually broke out 10 years later...
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025 09:54 AM (Lhaco)
73
I spent all of yesterday in a comfy chair with Henry Mancini and other 60's jazz greats playing in the background.
I read the last two books of the Spirt of Empire Series by Lawrence P. White. Wisdom of the Chosen and Farside.
This series is a science fictional setting for Queens, Knights, stalwart aliens and plucky humans against three big, bad, misguided civilizations. The big gimmick is the ability for the leader of the Empire to see the truth of a person. The good guys have a solid core of truth tellers and uncorrupted leaders. And good people with talent are drawn to that.
This entire series is full of the strongest plot armor I have ever read. It is not challenging, but a quick, airy breeze of a SF book series. Did I mention humans that can interbreed are the majority of thinking species in the galaxy? You want shallow, feel-good stories? Here you are.
I read the last two books of the Spirt of Empire Series by Lawrence P. White. Wisdom of the Chosen and Farside.
This series is a science fictional setting for Queens, Knights, stalwart aliens and plucky humans against three big, bad, misguided civilizations. The big gimmick is the ability for the leader of the Empire to see the truth of a person. The good guys have a solid core of truth tellers and uncorrupted leaders. And good people with talent are drawn to that.
This entire series is full of the strongest plot armor I have ever read. It is not challenging, but a quick, airy breeze of a SF book series. Did I mention humans that can interbreed are the majority of thinking species in the galaxy? You want shallow, feel-good stories? Here you are.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 18, 2025 09:55 AM (u82oZ)
74
Absolutely! I think it's fantastic that we have a writer's group for the Horde!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2025 09:44 AM (GlyvH)
Good. I didn't want to impose. It's nice to have you as... wait. You haven't joined, Perfessor. Surely an oversight. I'll send you a link.*
* links are only good for two weeks. If you've been sent a link and didn't reply, but still want to join, you'll need to ask for a new link.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2025 09:44 AM (GlyvH)
Good. I didn't want to impose. It's nice to have you as... wait. You haven't joined, Perfessor. Surely an oversight. I'll send you a link.*
* links are only good for two weeks. If you've been sent a link and didn't reply, but still want to join, you'll need to ask for a new link.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 09:56 AM (0eaVi)
75
Hmmm, trying to search the Moron Recommended Book Library and I'm getting "Nothing to Search" as a result of everything I try to find.
Perfessor Squirrel! Help!
Perfessor Squirrel! Help!
Posted by: Sharkman at May 18, 2025 09:56 AM (/RHNq)
76
The introvert reading party sounds pretty good. Is it one person to a table?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 09:51 AM (q3u5l)
----
I'm not sure where it meets. Reading carrels would be the best place! 😆 Individual chairs would also work.
Imagine someone plunking down next to you at the table and bellowing "Is this the Introverts Reading Group?!"
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 09:51 AM (q3u5l)
----
I'm not sure where it meets. Reading carrels would be the best place! 😆 Individual chairs would also work.
Imagine someone plunking down next to you at the table and bellowing "Is this the Introverts Reading Group?!"
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:57 AM (kpS4V)
77
I have purchased very few new, or even new-ish books over the recent years. the only one I actually bought as soon as I could was Hillbilly Elegy. the others are all non-fiction, biographies and historical things like In the Garden of Beasts.
I have very little new fiction. Most recent are some Pressfield novels.
I have very little new fiction. Most recent are some Pressfield novels.
Posted by: Pug Mahon at May 18, 2025 09:59 AM (0aYVJ)
78
Eris,
Yes, study carrels would be best.
Reminds me of a cartoon -- some kids are looking at a woman sitting on a park bench reading a book; she tells them, "It's called anti-social media."
Yes, study carrels would be best.
Reminds me of a cartoon -- some kids are looking at a woman sitting on a park bench reading a book; she tells them, "It's called anti-social media."
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 10:00 AM (q3u5l)
79
He was roughed-up a bit, and, according to legend, had his ear cut off, which he kept, and presented to parliament upon his return to England. Ironically, this incident did not lead directly to the war, but it was remembered by English popular culture, and was sort of a rallying cry for the English when the war actually broke out 10 years later...
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025 09:54 AM (Lhaco)
---
Lucky that his name was Jenkins rather than Haythornthwaite or Llafyddifyr.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025 09:54 AM (Lhaco)
---
Lucky that his name was Jenkins rather than Haythornthwaite or Llafyddifyr.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 10:00 AM (ZOv7s)
80
Maybe that's why I'm gravitating toward foundational things and dipping my toe in the Bible more. It puts things in perspective.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM"
That's about where I am. Starting again at Chapter 1.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at May 18, 2025 09:54 AM (h7ZuX)
I think most everyone loses faith in the so-called expert class and wisdom barkers and eventually turn to the Bible .
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM"
That's about where I am. Starting again at Chapter 1.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at May 18, 2025 09:54 AM (h7ZuX)
I think most everyone loses faith in the so-called expert class and wisdom barkers and eventually turn to the Bible .
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at May 18, 2025 10:00 AM (g8Ew8)
81
Hmmm, trying to search the Moron Recommended Book Library and I'm getting "Nothing to Search" as a result of everything I try to find.
Perfessor Squirrel! Help!
Posted by: Sharkman at May 18, 2025 09:56 AM (/RHNq)
----
What search terms are you using?
Perfessor Squirrel! Help!
Posted by: Sharkman at May 18, 2025 09:56 AM (/RHNq)
----
What search terms are you using?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2025 10:01 AM (GlyvH)
82
In comic reading, this past week I finished reading "Wokebusters" by Jeff Hicks. (Mr. Hicks is also the guy who makes youtube videos showing giant stacks of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars toys sitting unsold at stores) As the title implies, it is a parody of the Ghostbusters movies, but with a political bent. Overly-sensitive people are turning into angry monsters upon being triggered, and our heroes are trying to find out why.
It's pretty on-the-nose, and the art is kinda basic, but that's what I was expecting going in. (And, to be fair, the art is far from the worst I've seen) For me, the best part of the comic was how one of the characters (the blond one) was drawn with a crazy pompadour hairstyle, reminiscent of the cartoon-version of Egon Spengler. Every time I saw that character, I chuckled.
It's pretty on-the-nose, and the art is kinda basic, but that's what I was expecting going in. (And, to be fair, the art is far from the worst I've seen) For me, the best part of the comic was how one of the characters (the blond one) was drawn with a crazy pompadour hairstyle, reminiscent of the cartoon-version of Egon Spengler. Every time I saw that character, I chuckled.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025 10:01 AM (Lhaco)
83
Off to visit the garden shop. I'll be back later, so be amusing and infotaining!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 10:02 AM (kpS4V)
84
Hmmm, trying to search the Moron Recommended Book Library and I'm getting "Nothing to Search" as a result of everything I try to find.
Perfessor Squirrel! Help!
Posted by: Sharkman
I just do a general search and use a poster's name or a part of it as the search term.
Perfessor Squirrel! Help!
Posted by: Sharkman
I just do a general search and use a poster's name or a part of it as the search term.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025 10:03 AM (lTGtQ)
85
I'm re-reading Lonesome Dove for the 8th or 9th time. this after re-reading LoTR for the 12th or 13th time.
On deck is Undaunted Courage, Stephen Ambrose, which I have read only once.
On deck is Undaunted Courage, Stephen Ambrose, which I have read only once.
Posted by: Pug Mahon at May 18, 2025 10:03 AM (0aYVJ)
86
Just finished The Dresden Files series about a month ago for the first time. WAY BETTER than the TV series based on it. "12 Months" is the next book in the series and Butcher says it's with the editor now for review and should be out early 2026. Not high literature, but quite entertaining. Will probably get into the Cinder Spires or Codex Alera soon.
My thanks to the the Perfessor and the Horde for turning me on to David Edding's Belgariad series as well! The weekly book thread is simply invaluable.
My thanks to the the Perfessor and the Horde for turning me on to David Edding's Belgariad series as well! The weekly book thread is simply invaluable.
Posted by: Shinjinrui at May 18, 2025 10:05 AM (xNMCe)
87
Rattlesnakes, Rickshaws, and Rice Wine.
Posted by: Eromero at May 18, 2025 10:05 AM (jgmnb)
88
Another thing I learned from Brain Lock is that OCD isn't what I thought it was. I assumed it was just a next-level obsession with order and cleanliness, but it can be about all sorts of things.
It isn't. The obsession can be different from the compulsion and one can have one without the other.
The author notes that for certain applications, like mechanical and programming, the need to go through checklists and rechecks actually are helpful and benign, and that patients who are in these careers are often successful and happy.
But often the result is that you get chaos, so someone who may be obsessed with cleaning, demands such a high threshold of success that they can only clean 20% of the house, with the rest being a mess. Howard Hughes gets a lot of mentions.
It isn't. The obsession can be different from the compulsion and one can have one without the other.
The author notes that for certain applications, like mechanical and programming, the need to go through checklists and rechecks actually are helpful and benign, and that patients who are in these careers are often successful and happy.
But often the result is that you get chaos, so someone who may be obsessed with cleaning, demands such a high threshold of success that they can only clean 20% of the house, with the rest being a mess. Howard Hughes gets a lot of mentions.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 10:05 AM (ZOv7s)
89
One of our most successful authors at A Literary Horde. Well done, Wolfus!
If you haven't joined already, why not?
If you've been sent an invitation and haven't signed up, why not?
Plenty of people asking for help with reading, editing, and brainstorming just waiting for you!
/plug (I hope this is ok, Perf)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025
***
OE, you know I've been on ALH almost from the beginning! For some weird reason I haven't been posting much despite my new free time. Got to change that.
If you haven't joined already, why not?
If you've been sent an invitation and haven't signed up, why not?
Plenty of people asking for help with reading, editing, and brainstorming just waiting for you!
/plug (I hope this is ok, Perf)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025
***
OE, you know I've been on ALH almost from the beginning! For some weird reason I haven't been posting much despite my new free time. Got to change that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
90
Morning all.
I used to occasionally read Carl Hiaason enjoying his zany books about Florida so when I saw he had a new book out, I reserved it at the library. Received an ecopy promptly and was incredibly disappointed. Don't think I was 30 pages into it when I decided to send it back. The opening character is a right wing Nazi crazy modeled after who the Left thinks we are seen throwing antisemetic creeds on Jewish lawns. Book is titles Fever Beach. Stay away.
I used to occasionally read Carl Hiaason enjoying his zany books about Florida so when I saw he had a new book out, I reserved it at the library. Received an ecopy promptly and was incredibly disappointed. Don't think I was 30 pages into it when I decided to send it back. The opening character is a right wing Nazi crazy modeled after who the Left thinks we are seen throwing antisemetic creeds on Jewish lawns. Book is titles Fever Beach. Stay away.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025 10:11 AM (t/2Uw)
Posted by: Blood, Sweat, & Tears at May 18, 2025 10:11 AM (dg+HA)
92
I think one of the qualities that make a book a classic is whether it inspires the reader to understand why it is so effective, or isn't, and that it leads to an evergrowing web of influences and connections. Otherwise known as rabbit holes.
I'm trying to imagine a flowchart of the reading I've done and paths followed since first reading LOTR. Over the last sixty years that has led to CS Lewis, Chesterton and MacDonald, poetry from the middle ages to the 20th century, to classic Greek philosophy and epic poetry, Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare, the early Christian writers, the Bible (especially the Gospels and Psalms), etc., etc.
Such a flowchart would make the Labyrinth of Knossos look like the Lincoln Tunnel. It would be an interesting project but would never be complete.
You could do the same with other starting points such as RL Stevenson's Treasure Island or Montaigne's Essays.
I'm trying to imagine a flowchart of the reading I've done and paths followed since first reading LOTR. Over the last sixty years that has led to CS Lewis, Chesterton and MacDonald, poetry from the middle ages to the 20th century, to classic Greek philosophy and epic poetry, Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare, the early Christian writers, the Bible (especially the Gospels and Psalms), etc., etc.
Such a flowchart would make the Labyrinth of Knossos look like the Lincoln Tunnel. It would be an interesting project but would never be complete.
You could do the same with other starting points such as RL Stevenson's Treasure Island or Montaigne's Essays.
Posted by: JTB at May 18, 2025 10:12 AM (yTvNw)
93
one seriesi that I started some years ago, was the unincorporated man, sort of a buck rogers type tale of a tech mogul frozen some time into the future, into a libertarian dystopian world,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at May 18, 2025 10:13 AM (bXbFr)
94
Hmmm, no new books to recommend.
For women, I recommend any/all Liane Moriarty books. They deal with complex people and relationships well.
For anyone, I recommend Matthew Reilly's "Contest" just for a fun ride/escape, and also "Great Zoo of China."
For women, I recommend any/all Liane Moriarty books. They deal with complex people and relationships well.
For anyone, I recommend Matthew Reilly's "Contest" just for a fun ride/escape, and also "Great Zoo of China."
Posted by: Lizzy at May 18, 2025 10:13 AM (F/B4x)
95
Thank you Perfessor. It works now, though you do need to hit the little "Home" button at the top left after following the link.
Posted by: Sharkman at May 18, 2025 10:14 AM (/RHNq)
96
Maybe that's why I'm gravitating toward foundational things and dipping my toe in the Bible more. It puts things in perspective.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM
Does this mean pants for the Book Thread are on the horizon?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 18, 2025 09:46 AM
Does this mean pants for the Book Thread are on the horizon?
Posted by: Duncanthrax at May 18, 2025 10:15 AM (0sNs1)
Posted by: Glad THAT'S over at May 18, 2025 10:16 AM (dg+HA)
98
I’ve recently read two books by January 6 prisoners, Jolene Eicher’s Little Fish and Reforged: Scott Fairlamb's Story. Neither are particularly well-written, although Eicher’s is by far a more coherent story.
Both are clearly written by non-professional writers; Reforged, oddly, is also re-written by a non-professional writer.
Both are however very interesting, if you’re interested in either the January 6 “experience” or the federal justice system as it applies to people who are not high-profile. Most books like this are by high-profile defendants, and these are (as Eicher’s title says) decidedly not.
Both are clearly written by non-professional writers; Reforged, oddly, is also re-written by a non-professional writer.
Both are however very interesting, if you’re interested in either the January 6 “experience” or the federal justice system as it applies to people who are not high-profile. Most books like this are by high-profile defendants, and these are (as Eicher’s title says) decidedly not.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at May 18, 2025 10:17 AM (ozkkf)
99
Or a forthcoming book you are really excited about?
Posted by: vmom
I probably posted this at the time, but Iain Pears has a new book coming out in August. His book. always contain intricately woven plots, which I relish in a novel.
Posted by: vmom
I probably posted this at the time, but Iain Pears has a new book coming out in August. His book. always contain intricately woven plots, which I relish in a novel.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 18, 2025 10:18 AM (zphiC)
100
Pope Bob is now starting to say stuff as pope, so we can begin figuring out his papal direction.
I don't think there's much use in looking over stuff he social media'd as Cardinal Bob or as Father Bob.
Just my personal attitude,
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport
===
Bobby Leo, a great running back at Yale, mid sixties. Classic halfback style.
Also my given names, so I notice such things.
I don't think there's much use in looking over stuff he social media'd as Cardinal Bob or as Father Bob.
Just my personal attitude,
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport
===
Bobby Leo, a great running back at Yale, mid sixties. Classic halfback style.
Also my given names, so I notice such things.
Posted by: From about That Time at May 18, 2025 10:19 AM (n4GiU)
101
I also got the Dyson book on Saltie's rec, but the only essay I've read thus far is the one he wrote as a kid.
Posted by: From about That Time at May 18, 2025 10:21 AM (n4GiU)
102
OE, you know I've been on ALH almost from the beginning! For some weird reason I haven't been posting much despite my new free time. Got to change that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
Just teasing. Three people recently asked to join, but never followed through. It's been a bit slow there lately, thought I'd try to poke a few people.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
Just teasing. Three people recently asked to join, but never followed through. It's been a bit slow there lately, thought I'd try to poke a few people.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 10:22 AM (0eaVi)
103
To my surprise, I'm enjoying "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". Like "84, Charing Cross Road", I like the story revealed through a series of letters where each one can show characteristics, changing circumstances, and developments. These don't have to involve world shaking events, just the highs and lows of everyday life for that time. It's like an image that gradually becomes more focussed and detailed on the way to a final picture. If the writing has wit and the characters are interesting, it is an effective way to draw in the reader.
Thanks to whoever suggested it a few threads ago.
Thanks to whoever suggested it a few threads ago.
Posted by: JTB at May 18, 2025 10:23 AM (yTvNw)
104
I ran out of Spenser books that are owned by my libraries and saw that there was a detective book by Earle Stanley Gardner listed that was available titled Turn on the Heat so I figured I'd check it out.
It is interesting because it takes place in the 1930's about someone who disappeared around 1917. It's different. No sexy detectives. Brenda Cool is kind of stocky(being kind in that description) and Donald is short and gets beat up in his first encounter with a thug. Donald is the actual detective and his methods of detecting are interesting so I will soldier on. I'll report next week.
It is interesting because it takes place in the 1930's about someone who disappeared around 1917. It's different. No sexy detectives. Brenda Cool is kind of stocky(being kind in that description) and Donald is short and gets beat up in his first encounter with a thug. Donald is the actual detective and his methods of detecting are interesting so I will soldier on. I'll report next week.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025 10:24 AM (t/2Uw)
105
I read a few more issues in my "The Maze Agency" comic book collection. I was thrilled to discover that the series' original penciler Adam Hughes came back for a couple issues. Then disappointed when he left again... I was very amused to see that in his first issue back, the middle two pages of the book (where the staples bind the comic together, the 'centerfold' if you will) was just a non-story-related pin-up of the main characters at the beach. That's the Adam Hughs the comic book industry knows and loves!
Included in this week's reading was issue 9, which was the crossover with Ellery Queen. Alas, as I haven't read any Ellery Queen, the crossover lost some of its impact. Also of note, the murder victims/suspects of the story were a bunch of new-age-guru types. I always get a weird feeling when mystery-stories introduce characters like that, because I never know whether the author will treat them as quacks, or if the author will expect me to buy into the authenticity of the new-ageness...
Included in this week's reading was issue 9, which was the crossover with Ellery Queen. Alas, as I haven't read any Ellery Queen, the crossover lost some of its impact. Also of note, the murder victims/suspects of the story were a bunch of new-age-guru types. I always get a weird feeling when mystery-stories introduce characters like that, because I never know whether the author will treat them as quacks, or if the author will expect me to buy into the authenticity of the new-ageness...
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025 10:25 AM (Lhaco)
106
I wanna praise a cute kid's book series.
Conn Igguldon, author of 'The Dangerous Book for Boys' and 'The Daring Book for Girls' as well his SERIOUSLY fictionalized Roman history novels has two books called 'Tollins'. Basically, they're very tough, slightly silly, slightly British fairies.
Very amusing and it mixes in bits of real science. I even learned how crystal radios work (without batteries!) at my advanced age.
Endorsed
Conn Igguldon, author of 'The Dangerous Book for Boys' and 'The Daring Book for Girls' as well his SERIOUSLY fictionalized Roman history novels has two books called 'Tollins'. Basically, they're very tough, slightly silly, slightly British fairies.
Very amusing and it mixes in bits of real science. I even learned how crystal radios work (without batteries!) at my advanced age.
Endorsed
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at May 18, 2025 10:28 AM (xcxpd)
107
Thanks for the Sunday Morning Book Thread, Perfessor!
Just finished Overkill by Sandra Brown. This thriller is based on the moral question of discontinuing life support on a person who has been in a persistent vegetative state for four years following a night of debauchery gone very wrong. The ex-husband has the written medical authorization but he does not want to "play God." Another reason to leave things as they are is that the ex-wife's family is opposed to interfering based on religious grounds. The only good reason to end the painful process is so the man who caused the PVS in the first place can be charged with murder in an exception to the double jeopardy rule. That man has just been released early from prison as a result of family connections. The guilty party has zero remorse and wants to make sure he cannot be charged for his crime by eliminating witnesses, primarily the ex-husband. Lots of twists and turns, good character development and life lessons learned the hardest way. Recommended.
Just finished Overkill by Sandra Brown. This thriller is based on the moral question of discontinuing life support on a person who has been in a persistent vegetative state for four years following a night of debauchery gone very wrong. The ex-husband has the written medical authorization but he does not want to "play God." Another reason to leave things as they are is that the ex-wife's family is opposed to interfering based on religious grounds. The only good reason to end the painful process is so the man who caused the PVS in the first place can be charged with murder in an exception to the double jeopardy rule. That man has just been released early from prison as a result of family connections. The guilty party has zero remorse and wants to make sure he cannot be charged for his crime by eliminating witnesses, primarily the ex-husband. Lots of twists and turns, good character development and life lessons learned the hardest way. Recommended.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at May 18, 2025 10:31 AM (rxCpr)
108
I ran out of Spenser books that are owned by my libraries and saw that there was a detective book by Earle Stanley Gardner listed that was available titled Turn on the Heat so I figured I'd check it out.
It is interesting because it takes place in the 1930's about someone who disappeared around 1917. It's different. No sexy detectives. Brenda Cool is kind of stocky(being kind in that description) and Donald is short and gets beat up in his first encounter with a thug. Donald is the actual detective and his methods of detecting are interesting so I will soldier on. I'll report next week.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025
***
The Cool and Lam series is a bit more toward the hard-boiled style than Perry Mason, though he sort of began in that tradition in the Thirties and mellowed over the years. Bertha and Donald have never starred in a movie or TV series.
Wiki sez, "Cool and Lam first appeared on television in the January 6, 1955, episode of Climax! based on the debut novel, The Bigger They Come (1939). It starred Art Carney as Donald La and Jane Darwell as Bertha Cool and is considered 'lost.' "
It is interesting because it takes place in the 1930's about someone who disappeared around 1917. It's different. No sexy detectives. Brenda Cool is kind of stocky(being kind in that description) and Donald is short and gets beat up in his first encounter with a thug. Donald is the actual detective and his methods of detecting are interesting so I will soldier on. I'll report next week.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025
***
The Cool and Lam series is a bit more toward the hard-boiled style than Perry Mason, though he sort of began in that tradition in the Thirties and mellowed over the years. Bertha and Donald have never starred in a movie or TV series.
Wiki sez, "Cool and Lam first appeared on television in the January 6, 1955, episode of Climax! based on the debut novel, The Bigger They Come (1939). It starred Art Carney as Donald La and Jane Darwell as Bertha Cool and is considered 'lost.' "
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:31 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: 13times at May 18, 2025 10:32 AM (C0B6/)
110
Included in this week's reading was issue 9, which was the crossover with Ellery Queen. Alas, as I haven't read any Ellery Queen, the crossover lost some of its impact. Also of note, the murder victims/suspects of the story were a bunch of new-age-guru types. I always get a weird feeling when mystery-stories introduce characters like that, because I never know whether the author will treat them as quacks, or if the author will expect me to buy into the authenticity of the new-ageness...
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025
***
As a Queen fan, I think they did a darn good job with the comic. Oddball characters and surreal situations were pretty normal stuff in the EQ books. That final scene in the comic deliberately refers to and echoes the finale of the greatest EQ novel, Cat of Many Tails.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025
***
As a Queen fan, I think they did a darn good job with the comic. Oddball characters and surreal situations were pretty normal stuff in the EQ books. That final scene in the comic deliberately refers to and echoes the finale of the greatest EQ novel, Cat of Many Tails.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:34 AM (omVj0)
111
Still reading "The Brothers Karamazov" again after many years . Am just up to the part about The Grand but am not up to that right now.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 18, 2025 10:34 AM (rZVaQ)
112
BTW, Wolfus, any update on Mountain Town Murder?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 10:34 AM (0eaVi)
113
Thank you, Perfessor, for another great Book Thread and Good Morning Book People.
I actually started and finished a book last week: Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain, a story told from the perspective of Enzo, the dog. It was… okay. It held my attention but was missing something that I can’t quite put my finger on. The human characters seemed to lack depth – maybe that’s because it’s the dog narrating.
Evelyn Waugh’s Helena arrived last week. I didn’t look at it too closely and put it on top of my bookcase with the intent of reading it next. There I was, settled into my comfy chair with my new (to me) book and it turned out to be the German edition. Ugh! I emailed the bookseller and am waiting for a reply.
So, I picked up Sarah Hoyt’s Darkship Revenge. I’d purchased it a while back for the Kindle but never got to it. I’m about ¾ of the way through. It started up a bit slow as all the pieces were set in place, but then it moves fast and I’m loving it.
I actually started and finished a book last week: Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain, a story told from the perspective of Enzo, the dog. It was… okay. It held my attention but was missing something that I can’t quite put my finger on. The human characters seemed to lack depth – maybe that’s because it’s the dog narrating.
Evelyn Waugh’s Helena arrived last week. I didn’t look at it too closely and put it on top of my bookcase with the intent of reading it next. There I was, settled into my comfy chair with my new (to me) book and it turned out to be the German edition. Ugh! I emailed the bookseller and am waiting for a reply.
So, I picked up Sarah Hoyt’s Darkship Revenge. I’d purchased it a while back for the Kindle but never got to it. I’m about ¾ of the way through. It started up a bit slow as all the pieces were set in place, but then it moves fast and I’m loving it.
Posted by: KatieFloyd at May 18, 2025 10:36 AM (0/4zA)
114
Not surprised Wolfus that Cool and Lam never starred in a TV series. They just are not attractive people. And needing to send messages via mail or telegram really slows things down. Also, the cover picture depicts a very sexy woman making one think it is a Noir detective novel and so far does not live up to,the cover. Lol
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025 10:37 AM (t/2Uw)
115
BTW, Wolfus, any update on Mountain Town Murder?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025
***
Nope. My last email to them got a reply indicating they are still interested but are finishing up with other authors who *are* under contract. I'm not going to expect much any time soon. Hell, I might go ahead and put it out on Amazon myself, and if they complain, I'll say, "You had your chance."
I mean, I sent the ms. late last year, they expressed interest in January, I spoke to the editor lady at length on the phone in late February, and here we are heading into June. C'mon.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025
***
Nope. My last email to them got a reply indicating they are still interested but are finishing up with other authors who *are* under contract. I'm not going to expect much any time soon. Hell, I might go ahead and put it out on Amazon myself, and if they complain, I'll say, "You had your chance."
I mean, I sent the ms. late last year, they expressed interest in January, I spoke to the editor lady at length on the phone in late February, and here we are heading into June. C'mon.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:38 AM (omVj0)
116
Posted by: FenelonSpoke
Meant up to the part in "The Brothers Karamazov" about the Grand Inquisitor.,..
Meant up to the part in "The Brothers Karamazov" about the Grand Inquisitor.,..
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 18, 2025 10:39 AM (rZVaQ)
117
Cool is kind of stocky(being kind in that description)
======
Formidable, I believe was a term commonly used.
======
Formidable, I believe was a term commonly used.
Posted by: From about That Time at May 18, 2025 10:41 AM (n4GiU)
118
Not surprised Wolfus that Cool and Lam never starred in a TV series. They just are not attractive people. And needing to send messages via mail or telegram really slows things down. Also, the cover picture depicts a very sexy woman making one think it is a Noir detective novel and so far does not live up to,the cover. Lol
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025
***
Nero Wolfe is not terribly attractive either, and Stout's stories (arguably better written and characterized than Gardner's) have been adapted over and over. Is Donald all that unattractive? He's described as short, but he's clearly on the ball.
With the mail and telegram thing, they'd have to do the shows as period pieces.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025
***
Nero Wolfe is not terribly attractive either, and Stout's stories (arguably better written and characterized than Gardner's) have been adapted over and over. Is Donald all that unattractive? He's described as short, but he's clearly on the ball.
With the mail and telegram thing, they'd have to do the shows as period pieces.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:41 AM (omVj0)
119
Evelyn Waugh’s Helena arrived last week. I didn’t look at it too closely and put it on top of my bookcase with the intent of reading it next. There I was, settled into my comfy chair with my new (to me) book and it turned out to be the German edition. Ugh! I emailed the bookseller and am waiting for a reply.
Posted by: KatieFloyd at May 18, 2025 10:36 AM (0/4zA)
---
Helena was Waugh's favorite book and he was disappointed at its poor reception.
It is a nice, breezy read. I guess you could call it a "cozy I, Claudius."
Posted by: KatieFloyd at May 18, 2025 10:36 AM (0/4zA)
---
Helena was Waugh's favorite book and he was disappointed at its poor reception.
It is a nice, breezy read. I guess you could call it a "cozy I, Claudius."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 10:41 AM (ZOv7s)
120
With that, I'm out! Thanks again, Perfesser!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 18, 2025 10:41 AM (ZOv7s)
121
So, it seems a Mexican tall ship (a naval vessel that still uses sails, presumably in addition to a motor) crashed into the Brookly Bridge last night. Sailing is apparently just as hazardous as it was in the olden days. (I just finished reading about a 1700's naval expedition that lost half its ships/men just from sailing from England to the Pacific)
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025 10:47 AM (Lhaco)
122
I want to give Steven Pressfield another chance but I don't think he has written a fiction novel since Man at Arms.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at May 18, 2025 10:49 AM (VofaG)
123
May 18. 45 years ago Mount St. Helen's erupted. My Grandpa saw it happen while sipping coffee in his kitchen in Longview.
Sorry for the OT.
Sorry for the OT.
Posted by: Pug Mahon at May 18, 2025 10:49 AM (0aYVJ)
124
So, it seems a Mexican tall ship (a naval vessel that still uses sails, presumably in addition to a motor) crashed into the Brookly Bridge last night. Sailing is apparently just as hazardous as it was in the olden days. (I just finished reading about a 1700's naval expedition that lost half its ships/men just from sailing from England to the Pacific)
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025
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The captain of the ship should know how much clearance he needs, and should have been able to find out how much the Brooklyn Bridge has. On the other hand, I think the ship's masts hit some kind of understructure that was not normally there on the bridge?
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 18, 2025
***
The captain of the ship should know how much clearance he needs, and should have been able to find out how much the Brooklyn Bridge has. On the other hand, I think the ship's masts hit some kind of understructure that was not normally there on the bridge?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:50 AM (omVj0)
125
The main character doesn't necessarily need to be attractive in a conventional way, but does need to be compelling. Lam is described as short and slim in build. The dialog is interesting but there is hardly any action at all. So far, Cool sits chain smoking behind a desk and complains about how much money Lam is spending sending telegrams.
Gardner is no Raymond Chandler and this book in no way resembles The Big Sleep which I enjoyed immensely.
Gardner is no Raymond Chandler and this book in no way resembles The Big Sleep which I enjoyed immensely.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025 10:50 AM (t/2Uw)
126
The main character doesn't necessarily need to be attractive in a conventional way, but does need to be compelling. Lam is described as short and slim in build. The dialog is interesting but there is hardly any action at all. So far, Cool sits chain smoking behind a desk and complains about how much money Lam is spending sending telegrams.
Gardner is no Raymond Chandler and this book in no way resembles The Big Sleep which I enjoyed immensely.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025
***
Turn on the Heat is pretty early in the series. Maybe the novels improve later. Though I've never been hooked by what I've tried of Gardner's output from any period.
Gardner is no Raymond Chandler and this book in no way resembles The Big Sleep which I enjoyed immensely.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025
***
Turn on the Heat is pretty early in the series. Maybe the novels improve later. Though I've never been hooked by what I've tried of Gardner's output from any period.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:52 AM (omVj0)
127
if anyone over 29 is a fan of tennis I just finished reading Jimmy Connors autobiography, The Outsider.
I'll put it in my top ten autobiographies/biographies.
I'll put it in my top ten autobiographies/biographies.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at May 18, 2025 10:53 AM (VofaG)
128
That ship was not trying to go under the bridge on purpose but either lost power or the current, wind pushed it there. The tug boat assigned was inadequate to keep it from crashing. Sailors died and many injured.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025 10:55 AM (t/2Uw)
129
And needing to send messages via mail or telegram really slows things down.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025
Is Donald all that unattractive? He's described as short, but he's clearly on the ball.
With the mail and telegram thing, they'd have to do the shows as period pieces.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:41 AM (omVj0)
That's why A Literary Horde's group epistolary mystery is circa 1950. Slower ways of gathering and passing along information like letters and telegrams, makes the detective do leg work, not just look on his/her phone or computer to find the answer.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025
Is Donald all that unattractive? He's described as short, but he's clearly on the ball.
With the mail and telegram thing, they'd have to do the shows as period pieces.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 10:41 AM (omVj0)
That's why A Literary Horde's group epistolary mystery is circa 1950. Slower ways of gathering and passing along information like letters and telegrams, makes the detective do leg work, not just look on his/her phone or computer to find the answer.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 10:55 AM (0eaVi)
130
May 18. 45 years ago Mount St. Helen's erupted. My Grandpa saw it happen while sipping coffee in his kitchen in Longview.
Sorry for the OT.
Posted by: Pug Mahon
I was 17 and living in Eugene, Oregon. Our windows rattled from the eruption, 140 miles away. That was an epic day to be a kid.
Sorry for the OT.
Posted by: Pug Mahon
I was 17 and living in Eugene, Oregon. Our windows rattled from the eruption, 140 miles away. That was an epic day to be a kid.
Posted by: Sharkman at May 18, 2025 10:59 AM (/RHNq)
131
That's why A Literary Horde's group epistolary mystery is circa 1950. Slower ways of gathering and passing along information like letters and telegrams, makes the detective do leg work, not just look on his/her phone or computer to find the answer.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025
***
And it's very difficult to conceal anything in a mystery set in modern times. The suspect says "I was at Skanky's Bar," the police check his phone and see it was nowhere near there but was in the vicinity of the murder at the right time, and there you are.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025
***
And it's very difficult to conceal anything in a mystery set in modern times. The suspect says "I was at Skanky's Bar," the police check his phone and see it was nowhere near there but was in the vicinity of the murder at the right time, and there you are.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:01 AM (omVj0)
132
Has anyone read the sci fi from Jack Chalker? Is Well of the Souls worthwhile?
Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 18, 2025 11:02 AM (mlg/3)
133
I remember the date of Mt St Helen because it was the day before my birthday.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at May 18, 2025 11:03 AM (VofaG)
134
Has anyone read the sci fi from Jack Chalker? Is Well of the Souls worthwhile?
Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 18, 2025
***
In the early '80s I read at least one of them and liked it, but that was long ago and far away. He gave one of his lead characters a great name, though: "Nathan Brazil."
Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 18, 2025
***
In the early '80s I read at least one of them and liked it, but that was long ago and far away. He gave one of his lead characters a great name, though: "Nathan Brazil."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:03 AM (omVj0)
135
One of my favorite authors, Anthony Horowitz, has released his latest book, Marble Hall Murders, a new addition to his Magpie Murders series. Prior books concerned our heroine interpreting Alan Conway novels to solve real murders. But Alan has been dead since book one. Now the publisher wants to hire another author to write a continuation novel keeping Conway's detective Atticus Pund going. This allows Horowitz, through his heroine, Susan Ryland, to excoriate the entire idea of continuation novels. The only problem is that Horowitz has written numerous continuation novels, two Sherlock Holmes and several James Bonds. I've only just started book but, so far, I'm enjoying it.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now For a Limited Time Only! at May 18, 2025 11:07 AM (L/fGl)
136
My 1st World Problem finally hit a hour ago, hot water tank went. Flooding mostly is done. Now a tank is needed
Posted by: Skip at May 18, 2025 11:07 AM (ypFCm)
137
And it's very difficult to conceal anything in a mystery set in modern times. The suspect says "I was at Skanky's Bar," the police check his phone and see it was nowhere near there but was in the vicinity of the murder at the right time, and there you are.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:01 AM (omVj0)
That leads to silly ways to prove the suspect wasn't the killer: I lost my phone, I lent it to so and so, the phone was spoofed to set up the suspect, etc. Outlandish ways to get around the evidence. Makes the mystery unsatisfying.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:01 AM (omVj0)
That leads to silly ways to prove the suspect wasn't the killer: I lost my phone, I lent it to so and so, the phone was spoofed to set up the suspect, etc. Outlandish ways to get around the evidence. Makes the mystery unsatisfying.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 11:08 AM (0eaVi)
138
132 weft cut,
Well of the Souls is one of Chalkers best. Also the Devil Will Drag You Under.
Well of the Souls is one of Chalkers best. Also the Devil Will Drag You Under.
Posted by: whig's phone at May 18, 2025 11:09 AM (ctrM5)
139
The only problem is that Horowitz has written numerous continuation novels, two Sherlock Holmes and several James Bonds. I've only just started book but, so far, I'm enjoying it.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now For a Limited Time Only! at May 18, 2025
***
I spotted one of his Holmes novels at the library on Friday, but didn't get it. I should have. None of the Bonds were on the shelf, though.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now For a Limited Time Only! at May 18, 2025
***
I spotted one of his Holmes novels at the library on Friday, but didn't get it. I should have. None of the Bonds were on the shelf, though.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:09 AM (omVj0)
140
That leads to silly ways to prove the suspect wasn't the killer: I lost my phone, I lent it to so and so, the phone was spoofed to set up the suspect, etc. Outlandish ways to get around the evidence. Makes the mystery unsatisfying.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025
***
Any one of those things could work -- *once*. Having that sort of thing pop up in a second story or novel would be very annoying.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025
***
Any one of those things could work -- *once*. Having that sort of thing pop up in a second story or novel would be very annoying.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:10 AM (omVj0)
141
I don't think Trump need to say much about volunteerism. For all the government's work at trying to destroy civil society, it is still there, and the United States runs on volunteers, IMHO. Take firefighting. It would boggle most city folk at just how much of this country is covered by VFDs.
That was an interesting look at a book that gets overshadowed by The Art of The Deal.
That was an interesting look at a book that gets overshadowed by The Art of The Deal.
Posted by: Cow Demon at May 18, 2025 11:11 AM (vm8sq)
142
2. Ending with an ellipsis. If you've got something else to say, say it.
---
I mean, I understood the concluding thought involving some use of the f-word was implied?
Just kind of a more polite usage, you know?
Also, I've started intentionally using it, as I understand it annoys they "yutes," as Mr. Limbaugh used to say ....
---
I mean, I understood the concluding thought involving some use of the f-word was implied?
Just kind of a more polite usage, you know?
Also, I've started intentionally using it, as I understand it annoys they "yutes," as Mr. Limbaugh used to say ....
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2025 11:11 AM (zyGQr)
143
130 May 18. 45 years ago Mount St. Helen's erupted. My Grandpa saw it happen while sipping coffee in his kitchen in Longview.
And, just like in 1980, it was a Sunday.
And, just like in 1980, it was a Sunday.
Posted by: Cow Demon at May 18, 2025 11:12 AM (vm8sq)
144
Iain Banks' Use of Weapons is an incredibly well written book, chopped into vignettes on purpose, and it has a gut punch of a conclusion. It is worth reading, but it is pretty brutal, and not in the George BRR Martin sort of way.
Of Banks' Culture books, I liked Player of Games.Against a Dark Background , and Use of Weapons the best
Banks was a genius at coming up with ship names by the way.
Of Banks' Culture books, I liked Player of Games.Against a Dark Background , and Use of Weapons the best
Banks was a genius at coming up with ship names by the way.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2025 11:12 AM (D7oie)
145
I read one of them, trigger mortis, which brings back p**** galore and has riffs of dr no,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at May 18, 2025 11:12 AM (bXbFr)
146
the villain is a korean, who is craving revenge for that Korean massacre, from 1951,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at May 18, 2025 11:14 AM (bXbFr)
147
I am currently reading The Fiat Standard by Saifedean Ammous because who doesn't love a quick Austrian analysis of money
Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2025 11:15 AM (D7oie)
148
Terry Pratchett's 'Discworld' series.
He's hugely famous in England, not nearly so well known on this side of the pond. I was given his books to read when I was a story analyst for a big NY based miniseries producer, to write up the story reports, and it was a wild ride.
Pratchett has a wicked sense of humor and an incredibly vivid imagination. I'd never read fantasy that made me laugh. Highly recommend, and you have to like a fellow whose response to finding an iron meteorite fragment on his farm is to have it worked into a sword by his local blacksmith.
He's hugely famous in England, not nearly so well known on this side of the pond. I was given his books to read when I was a story analyst for a big NY based miniseries producer, to write up the story reports, and it was a wild ride.
Pratchett has a wicked sense of humor and an incredibly vivid imagination. I'd never read fantasy that made me laugh. Highly recommend, and you have to like a fellow whose response to finding an iron meteorite fragment on his farm is to have it worked into a sword by his local blacksmith.
Posted by: Beverly at May 18, 2025 11:15 AM (Epeb0)
149
I'll need to head out in about twenty-five minutes to hit the grocery for a few essentials, and the Petco for litter for the monsters. I'd have done both earlier but Petco doesn't open until eleven on Sundays.
I'm dreading it. Hot out there already.
I'm dreading it. Hot out there already.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:16 AM (omVj0)
150
the second one, was not as good, it's supposed to a prequel to casino royale, about a baron who wants to flood American with French connection opium, because he doesn't want America to win a war,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at May 18, 2025 11:17 AM (bXbFr)
151
forever and a day, if you want to skip it,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at May 18, 2025 11:18 AM (bXbFr)
152
On my revisit to Elmore Leonard's stuff, I checked the local library to see what they had. What's he done, something like 40 books? The local had three of the Raylan Givens titles and nothing else.
Interlibrary loan or purchase if I want to read anything these days.
Interlibrary loan or purchase if I want to read anything these days.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 11:18 AM (q3u5l)
153
Started into The Secret of MI6 by Lou Smith (1976, probable psydonym ). Got about 30 pages in before I realized it is my most hated type of fiction. Historical Fiction (or is it?). I don't want my head full of bullshit based on some history. I stopped reading but am following the lead it to the story as there has been a lot of declassification since it was published. I'll probably waste a couple of hours today digging into SS Gruppen-Fuhrer Reinhard Gehlen and his crew. I've come across that guy many times but never really investigated his actions.
With that I will present the theory that most of the reason nobody in the "Intelligence Community" back during the cold war makes any sense is not because of secrecy or national security. It's because they were all a bunch of drunks and drug addicts who couldn't get their stories straight because drunk druggies never can. I'd even venture to say they were all lying constantly and not one was worth his weight in wet dog shit. The world hinged complete destruction based on what these liars said and did.
I hope Trump gives their bullshit it's true value and just laughs at it.
The world would be a much better place without them.
With that I will present the theory that most of the reason nobody in the "Intelligence Community" back during the cold war makes any sense is not because of secrecy or national security. It's because they were all a bunch of drunks and drug addicts who couldn't get their stories straight because drunk druggies never can. I'd even venture to say they were all lying constantly and not one was worth his weight in wet dog shit. The world hinged complete destruction based on what these liars said and did.
I hope Trump gives their bullshit it's true value and just laughs at it.
The world would be a much better place without them.
Posted by: Reforger at May 18, 2025 11:18 AM (xcIvR)
154
I had to take a break from the medical autobiography War Stories. I get more wound up than I should about malpractice (not the author's) that killed people decades ago. Then, to have the author claim that it wasn't euthanasia when a woman died three days after all fluids were withheld (at her request, but still...) was more than I could handle. I'll probably finish it sometime. I'm finding out that this is a problem for me with biographies in general. Old injustices and stupidities, of which the world is full, bother me a lot even though I know that's pointless.
Instead I've been reading the Kleek, Man of 40 Faces series. Pure Edwardian adventure. Completely improbable, which is a benefit in this case.
Instead I've been reading the Kleek, Man of 40 Faces series. Pure Edwardian adventure. Completely improbable, which is a benefit in this case.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 18, 2025 11:21 AM (lFFaq)
155
Pope Bob is now starting to say stuff as pope, so we can begin figuring out his papal direction.
-
NBC News@NBCNews
Pope Leo XIV affirms the family is founded on the “stable union between a man and a woman,” and that the unborn have inherent dignity as God’s creatures, articulating Catholic teaching on marriage and abortion at the start of his pontificate.
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NBC on suicide watch.
-
NBC News@NBCNews
Pope Leo XIV affirms the family is founded on the “stable union between a man and a woman,” and that the unborn have inherent dignity as God’s creatures, articulating Catholic teaching on marriage and abortion at the start of his pontificate.
-
NBC on suicide watch.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now For a Limited Time Only! at May 18, 2025 11:21 AM (L/fGl)
156
For anyone interested in the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, you can't go wrong with a couple of books by Roland Huntford: "The Last Place on Earth", and "Shackleton".
The former gives a realistic portrayal of the race between Scott and Amundsen to the South Pole, while thoroughly puncturing the myths around Scott. The latter gives a marvelous account of one of the greatest expedition leaders of all time. Shackleton made mistakes, but he had a knack of seeing the big picture while keeping everyone alive. The Endurance voyage is one of the greatest exploration adventures ever.
The former gives a realistic portrayal of the race between Scott and Amundsen to the South Pole, while thoroughly puncturing the myths around Scott. The latter gives a marvelous account of one of the greatest expedition leaders of all time. Shackleton made mistakes, but he had a knack of seeing the big picture while keeping everyone alive. The Endurance voyage is one of the greatest exploration adventures ever.
Posted by: MichiCanuck at May 18, 2025 11:21 AM (Cm5qT)
157
AHL,
Liberal Fascism by Goldberg is a thinly disguised rewrite of James Burnham's Suicide of the West with more current illustrations.
The original is better.
Liberal Fascism by Goldberg is a thinly disguised rewrite of James Burnham's Suicide of the West with more current illustrations.
The original is better.
Posted by: whig's phone at May 18, 2025 11:22 AM (ctrM5)
158
Re the Huntford books, both were made into excellent mini-series. Highly recommended.
Posted by: MichiCanuck at May 18, 2025 11:22 AM (Cm5qT)
Posted by: Kwak! at May 18, 2025 11:25 AM (89Sog)
160
I was going to get a bunch of writing done while Inspector had his conference this week. Ended up walking around near the Alamo in the mornings and napping in the afternoons. Didn't even get my standard journaling done, much less extra writing.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 18, 2025 11:25 AM (lFFaq)
161
I was going to get a bunch of writing done while Inspector had his conference this week. Ended up walking around near the Alamo in the mornings and napping in the afternoons. Didn't even get my standard journaling done, much less extra writing.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 18, 2025
***
My experience too, Polliwog. I have lots of ideas, lots of notes on them, and yet I seem to be stuck in a kind of amber when it comes to getting started on a project.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 18, 2025
***
My experience too, Polliwog. I have lots of ideas, lots of notes on them, and yet I seem to be stuck in a kind of amber when it comes to getting started on a project.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:27 AM (omVj0)
162
The day Mt. St. Helen's made an ash of herself.
Posted by: no one of any consequence at May 18, 2025 11:28 AM (ZmEVT)
163
Reforger,
People forget that during the 20th Century, people were soused in general plus pill poppers of all sorts of uppers and downers during the 50's and 60's.
Intel agencies reflect the world around them except almost always Intel operatives and administrators have internal values of sociopaths because often to succeed you have to betray trust, destroy innocent's, lie without compunction, and ignore taboo boundaries. Add that to pill popping and being drunk along with little institutional accountability,then you get the Intel agencies.
People forget that during the 20th Century, people were soused in general plus pill poppers of all sorts of uppers and downers during the 50's and 60's.
Intel agencies reflect the world around them except almost always Intel operatives and administrators have internal values of sociopaths because often to succeed you have to betray trust, destroy innocent's, lie without compunction, and ignore taboo boundaries. Add that to pill popping and being drunk along with little institutional accountability,then you get the Intel agencies.
Posted by: whig's phone at May 18, 2025 11:29 AM (ctrM5)
164
147 I am currently reading The Fiat Standard by Saifedean Ammous because who doesn't love a quick Austrian analysis of money
Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2025 11:15 AM (D7oie)
Money gets overcomplicated, and needlessly so.
Here's (fill in currency name). People like using it as a medium of exchange. Done.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2025 11:15 AM (D7oie)
Money gets overcomplicated, and needlessly so.
Here's (fill in currency name). People like using it as a medium of exchange. Done.
Posted by: Cow Demon at May 18, 2025 11:29 AM (vm8sq)
165
Iain Banks' Use of Weapons is an incredibly well written book, chopped into vignettes on purpose, and it has a gut punch of a conclusion. It is worth reading, but it is pretty brutal, and not in the George BRR Martin sort of way.
---
That guy was a fantastic writer.
They are not casual reads, more like a 6 course meal at a fine restaurant; meant for you to settle in, enjoy and digest at leisure.
---
That guy was a fantastic writer.
They are not casual reads, more like a 6 course meal at a fine restaurant; meant for you to settle in, enjoy and digest at leisure.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2025 11:31 AM (zyGQr)
166
Has anyone read the sci fi from Jack Chalker? Is Well of the Souls worthwhile?
Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 18, 2025 11:02 AM (mlg/3)
I read a lot of Jack Chalker as a teen. He had some weird stuff he liked to put in all his series (like women with horse tails). Don't remember the payoff of the finale being worth the time, but it's been decades. I have no desire to reread them, which is generally a "tell" that I didn't enjoy them very much. Why I read all of them then, I have no idea.
Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 18, 2025 11:02 AM (mlg/3)
I read a lot of Jack Chalker as a teen. He had some weird stuff he liked to put in all his series (like women with horse tails). Don't remember the payoff of the finale being worth the time, but it's been decades. I have no desire to reread them, which is generally a "tell" that I didn't enjoy them very much. Why I read all of them then, I have no idea.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 18, 2025 11:31 AM (lFFaq)
167
I had a lady come in yesterday and sell me an almost complete (only missing a few vols) Harvard Classics and several of the Firefox books. I can fill in the missing Harvards and then sell the complete set -- along with a hardbound Reading Guide -- for a good chunk of change.
A couple of hours later I receive an email (She called me "The kind man at the counter") She explained " I vaguely remember helping my son clean his room and stashing a photo or paper inside one of the Harvard Classics so it wouldn't get wrinkled..." There also may be money in one of the books.
She wants me to flip through the 40 books looking for HER money. Ha! I will notify her if I find photos or papers, but currency? Nope. It's mine. Not that I expect anything.
A couple of hours later I receive an email (She called me "The kind man at the counter") She explained " I vaguely remember helping my son clean his room and stashing a photo or paper inside one of the Harvard Classics so it wouldn't get wrinkled..." There also may be money in one of the books.
She wants me to flip through the 40 books looking for HER money. Ha! I will notify her if I find photos or papers, but currency? Nope. It's mine. Not that I expect anything.
Posted by: My friends call me Pete at May 18, 2025 11:32 AM (pXRYM)
168
In order to use meta data, you have to have a suspect first. I found the Galbraith mysteries pretty compelling even though set in a modern time period. One of hee most interesting aspects is how a modern detective agency is actually run. They have staff that have to be assigned. They have multiple cases. They go undercover. They follow people. They do stakeouts. No case is a slam dunk..you can try and see where the case is going. Who dunnit. That is what makes the story interesting. At least for me.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 18, 2025 11:33 AM (t/2Uw)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now For a Limited Time Only! at May 18, 2025 11:33 AM (L/fGl)
170
I'm finding I can usually start a project (reading a lot of work by a single author, or a long novel like Bleak House, writing something longer than a short story), but about half or two-thirds through everything bogs down. Will have to work on that this year.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 11:33 AM (q3u5l)
171
What if it’s counterfeit money in the book?
Posted by: Eromero at May 18, 2025 11:34 AM (jgmnb)
172
Has anyone read the sci fi from Jack Chalker? Is Well of the Souls worthwhile?
Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 18, 2025 11:02 AM (mlg/3)
I was not a fan of the first book, but I read it when I was 15 and I have never been much into reading closely developed series. That first book is all about establishing the universe.
Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 18, 2025 11:02 AM (mlg/3)
I was not a fan of the first book, but I read it when I was 15 and I have never been much into reading closely developed series. That first book is all about establishing the universe.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2025 11:36 AM (D7oie)
173
'Bout time I got going. Thanks to the Perfessor and all of you for a fascinating time this morning!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:37 AM (omVj0)
174
We found out it had erupted and drove up to see it. Noticed a lot of cars stopped along the road, so we stopped too. Found a guy with a camera with an enormous telephoto lens. He was headed up to shoot pictures and was lucky enough to be in a good spot when it erupted. He let us look through the lens. The government tree nursery I worked at was in the red zone.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at May 18, 2025 11:39 AM (AcTAo)
175
My experience too, Polliwog. I have lots of ideas, lots of notes on them, and yet I seem to be stuck in a kind of amber when it comes to getting started on a project.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:27 AM (omVj0)
I've finished plenty of things! Just haven't done anything with them. Can't seem to get started on finding a way to get them on bookstore shelves. Eh, maybe I'm not good enough anyway.
What?? Someone wants to go somewhere??!! But the Book thread isn't over yet!
Rats. I'll check the rest out later.
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 18, 2025 11:27 AM (omVj0)
I've finished plenty of things! Just haven't done anything with them. Can't seem to get started on finding a way to get them on bookstore shelves. Eh, maybe I'm not good enough anyway.
What?? Someone wants to go somewhere??!! But the Book thread isn't over yet!
Rats. I'll check the rest out later.
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 18, 2025 11:40 AM (0eaVi)
176
I'm reading Oathbreakers, about the Franks family turmoil that arose after the reign of Charlemagne, who I count as an ancestor (along with 300 million others).
One of the aspects I like that the authors address is the challenge of finding primary historical material from the 9th century. Contrary to what many believe, the Franks were literate but like of all us, a bit biased in how they depcited events.
One of the aspects I like that the authors address is the challenge of finding primary historical material from the 9th century. Contrary to what many believe, the Franks were literate but like of all us, a bit biased in how they depcited events.
Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at May 18, 2025 11:40 AM (qwx/I)
177
I remember coming out of church and someone saying there'd been an eruption there. Dad was concerned because he had family in the town. I guess they were okay.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 18, 2025 11:41 AM (lFFaq)
178
Don't know if she's lurking today or if she looked at comments late last week, but poster LizLem had wondered about novels based on Chicago's H. H. Holmes. One book to look for would be Robert Bloch's American Gothic, which was based on that case. Valancourt is reissuing some of Bloch's work, but I don't know if that one is on their schedule yet.
On that happy note, off to create chaos here on the home front.
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor.
Have a good one, gang.
On that happy note, off to create chaos here on the home front.
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor.
Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 11:43 AM (q3u5l)
179
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 18, 2025 11:33 AM (q3u5l)
I've also never had a problem *starting* projects. Getting past the start is a challenge I have yet to achieve though.
I've also never had a problem *starting* projects. Getting past the start is a challenge I have yet to achieve though.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 18, 2025 11:44 AM (lFFaq)
180
Karol Markowicz@karol
Breaking: The suspect in the fertility clinic bombing is Guy Edward Bartkus, 25 of Twentynine Palms, California. He left a rambling message about how he never consented to being born.
@amuse@amuse
BOMBING: The bomber of the Palm Springs fertility clinic was a Democrat named Guy Edward Bartkus, a member of a anti-natalist cult who believes that it’s wrong to have more children. He’s also an abolitionist vegan and an atheist who prefers satan.
-
Oh great! Now we have to keep an eye on people who were born without consent!
Breaking: The suspect in the fertility clinic bombing is Guy Edward Bartkus, 25 of Twentynine Palms, California. He left a rambling message about how he never consented to being born.
@amuse@amuse
BOMBING: The bomber of the Palm Springs fertility clinic was a Democrat named Guy Edward Bartkus, a member of a anti-natalist cult who believes that it’s wrong to have more children. He’s also an abolitionist vegan and an atheist who prefers satan.
-
Oh great! Now we have to keep an eye on people who were born without consent!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now For a Limited Time Only! at May 18, 2025 11:45 AM (L/fGl)
181
Intel agencies reflect the world around them except almost always Intel operatives and administrators have internal values of sociopaths because often to succeed you have to betray trust, destroy innocent's, lie without compunction, and ignore taboo boundaries. Add that to pill popping and being drunk along with little institutional accountability,then you get the Intel agencies.
Posted by: whig's phone at May 18, 2025 11:29 AM (ctrM5)
Trump should order 2 million drug tests and announce a governmentwide test at some unannounced date soon and see who goes into withdrawl. I have to take one to drive a damn forklift, probably took them 4 times a year in the Army, I think everyone in the government should be tested monthly.
First step before any official action, testimonial or court case will be a 100% test of all parties involved. Including the judges.
Posted by: whig's phone at May 18, 2025 11:29 AM (ctrM5)
Trump should order 2 million drug tests and announce a governmentwide test at some unannounced date soon and see who goes into withdrawl. I have to take one to drive a damn forklift, probably took them 4 times a year in the Army, I think everyone in the government should be tested monthly.
First step before any official action, testimonial or court case will be a 100% test of all parties involved. Including the judges.
Posted by: Reforger at May 18, 2025 11:46 AM (xcIvR)
182
LOL. There was a guy or gal that sued his/her parents for, get this, "wrongful life."
Posted by: no one of any consequence at May 18, 2025 11:49 AM (ZmEVT)
Posted by: Lada at May 18, 2025 11:51 AM (vFG9F)
184
I'm reading Oathbreakers, about the Franks family turmoil that arose after the reign of Charlemagne, who I count as an ancestor (along with 300 million others).
One of the aspects I like that the authors address is the challenge of finding primary historical material from the 9th century. Contrary to what many believe, the Franks were literate but like of all us, a bit biased in how they depcited events.
Posted by: Big Fat Meanie
Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds right up my alley. I just ordered it.
One of the aspects I like that the authors address is the challenge of finding primary historical material from the 9th century. Contrary to what many believe, the Franks were literate but like of all us, a bit biased in how they depcited events.
Posted by: Big Fat Meanie
Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds right up my alley. I just ordered it.
Posted by: Tuna at May 18, 2025 11:53 AM (lJ0H4)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now For a Limited Time Only! at May 18, 2025 11:54 AM (L/fGl)
186
Thanks, Perfesser- great as always.
I'm having a love/hate relationship with a non-fiction I found at our thrift store: 'A Chance Meeting' by Rachel Cohen (2004). Her theme is the connections between American authors and some artists, from about 1860- 1960.
When she sticks to primary sources- and her research was prodigious- it's very good. When she veers off into speculation about what they might have been thinking or saying, it's very annoying. She admits this is "speculative" work and is good about being clear when she is indulging in it but it seems terribly presumptuous.
I'll give it a few more chapters.
I'm having a love/hate relationship with a non-fiction I found at our thrift store: 'A Chance Meeting' by Rachel Cohen (2004). Her theme is the connections between American authors and some artists, from about 1860- 1960.
When she sticks to primary sources- and her research was prodigious- it's very good. When she veers off into speculation about what they might have been thinking or saying, it's very annoying. She admits this is "speculative" work and is good about being clear when she is indulging in it but it seems terribly presumptuous.
I'll give it a few more chapters.
Posted by: sal at May 18, 2025 11:56 AM (f+FmA)
187
I bet the anti-natalist thought the death penalty was wrong and evil. The Left all have the same illogical, insane mindset.
Posted by: polynikes at May 18, 2025 11:57 AM (VofaG)
188
The mad bomber's website.
"So what is the end goal?
The end goal is for the truth (Efilism) to win, and once it does, we can finally begin the process of sterilizing this planet of the disease of life."
https://promortalism.com/
"So what is the end goal?
The end goal is for the truth (Efilism) to win, and once it does, we can finally begin the process of sterilizing this planet of the disease of life."
https://promortalism.com/
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now For a Limited Time Only! at May 18, 2025 11:57 AM (L/fGl)
189
Posted by: sal at May 18, 2025 11:56 AM (f+FmA)
That is an interesting subject to put all together. Also the relationships just between authors and relationships just between artists.
That is an interesting subject to put all together. Also the relationships just between authors and relationships just between artists.
Posted by: polynikes at May 18, 2025 12:01 PM (VofaG)
190
>> There was a guy or gal that sued his/her parents for, get this, "wrongful life."
Didn’t he or she win the case?
Didn’t he or she win the case?
Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at May 18, 2025 12:02 PM (l3YAf)
191
Nood.
Posted by: no one of any consequence at May 18, 2025 12:02 PM (ZmEVT)
192
re #188, in Fred Saberhagen's Berserker stories he introduced the concept of characters who were "good life" people who willingly collaborated with/worshipped the Berserkers and their goal of exterminating all life.. Sounds like this guy would have been right at home with them.
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at May 18, 2025 12:05 PM (aYnHS)
193
Trump's book Think Like a Billionaire is a good read too.
I saw the general theme to be along the lines of an Army concept of continuious position improvement. That being that wherever you are you do not go idle. Anything can be improved, from just picking up garbage to whatever. There is never not something to be improved so do it. The arguement being if everybody did this we wouldn't need the nanny state. How many pictures are out there of larger groups sitting amongst piles of garbage that if they just spent 20 minutes picking up wouldn't be there. Thus improving things for everyone.
That attitude plus action times 8 billion would lead to what?
I should finish that book. I think I'm about 1/4 into it and it's on a stack somewhere.
I saw the general theme to be along the lines of an Army concept of continuious position improvement. That being that wherever you are you do not go idle. Anything can be improved, from just picking up garbage to whatever. There is never not something to be improved so do it. The arguement being if everybody did this we wouldn't need the nanny state. How many pictures are out there of larger groups sitting amongst piles of garbage that if they just spent 20 minutes picking up wouldn't be there. Thus improving things for everyone.
That attitude plus action times 8 billion would lead to what?
I should finish that book. I think I'm about 1/4 into it and it's on a stack somewhere.
Posted by: Reforger at May 18, 2025 12:08 PM (xcIvR)
194
189 Posted by: sal at May 18, 2025 11:56 AM (f+FmA)
That is an interesting subject to put all together. Also the relationships just between authors and relationships just between artists.
Posted by: polynikes at May 18, 2025 12:01 PM (VofaG)
So far, the only artist has been Matthew Brady, but Steichen and Steiglitz are coming up.
The characters re-appear in different configurations, which is very illustrative and interesting.
I love connections- and placing people in history (which is why I can't do genealogy, I get sidetracked wondering what their lives were like), so I was looking forward to reading this.
That is an interesting subject to put all together. Also the relationships just between authors and relationships just between artists.
Posted by: polynikes at May 18, 2025 12:01 PM (VofaG)
So far, the only artist has been Matthew Brady, but Steichen and Steiglitz are coming up.
The characters re-appear in different configurations, which is very illustrative and interesting.
I love connections- and placing people in history (which is why I can't do genealogy, I get sidetracked wondering what their lives were like), so I was looking forward to reading this.
Posted by: sal at May 18, 2025 12:12 PM (f+FmA)
195
A pimp without a pimp hat, - holiday?
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 18, 2025 12:26 PM (zKVqU)
196
Looks like a room where you can do the Time Warp again.
Posted by: Rusty Nail at May 18, 2025 12:39 PM (TdCYS)
197
"From memoir to fictional memoir -- "Flashman's Lady," an installment of George MacDonald Fraser's publication of the purported papers of Harry Flashman, cad, coward, and all-around scoundrel."
Weak Geek: "Flashman's Lady," like all of Fraser's books, is well-researched. In it Flashman interacts with one of the great Brit adventurers of the 19th century, James Brooke, first of the white rajas of Sarawak-IIRC, the Brooke stuff mostly comes from Keppel's book about the anti-piracy campaigns of HMS Dido with some of Brooke's memoirs included. There are quite a few histories of the Brookes and Sarawak available (the Dido book is still in print IIRC), and also interesting and odd Italian fiction about Brooke's fictional native opponent Sandokan (why the Italians were interested in this beats the heck out of me). The Sandokan fiction series includes books, comics, animated TV series, and live-action movies and TV shows. If you'd like a guide to the Brookes and the like after you finish "Flashman's Lady," just post a request here, and I'll provide a list of resources.
Weak Geek: "Flashman's Lady," like all of Fraser's books, is well-researched. In it Flashman interacts with one of the great Brit adventurers of the 19th century, James Brooke, first of the white rajas of Sarawak-IIRC, the Brooke stuff mostly comes from Keppel's book about the anti-piracy campaigns of HMS Dido with some of Brooke's memoirs included. There are quite a few histories of the Brookes and Sarawak available (the Dido book is still in print IIRC), and also interesting and odd Italian fiction about Brooke's fictional native opponent Sandokan (why the Italians were interested in this beats the heck out of me). The Sandokan fiction series includes books, comics, animated TV series, and live-action movies and TV shows. If you'd like a guide to the Brookes and the like after you finish "Flashman's Lady," just post a request here, and I'll provide a list of resources.
Posted by: Pope John 20th at May 18, 2025 12:59 PM (yl1YV)
198
"Ways to help a writer"
https://shorturl.at/wx9a8
https://shorturl.at/wx9a8
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at May 18, 2025 12:59 PM (QRFVs)
199
[27 Thanks to MP4 for recommending "Bonvard's Folly" by Paul Collins]
It's BANVARD'S FOLLY. And thanks to both of you because I've never heard of this author.
It's BANVARD'S FOLLY. And thanks to both of you because I've never heard of this author.
Posted by: Karen at May 18, 2025 03:13 PM (Xx9uC)
200
106 I wanna praise a cute kid's book series.
Conn Igguldon, author of 'The Dangerous Book for Boys' and 'The Daring Book for Girls' as well his SERIOUSLY fictionalized Roman history novels has two books called 'Tollins'. Basically, they're very tough, slightly silly, slightly British fairies.
--
Didn't he just release Tyrant, sequel to Nero?
I haven't read any of his books and I like historical fiction set in ancient times. Which series to start?
Conn Igguldon, author of 'The Dangerous Book for Boys' and 'The Daring Book for Girls' as well his SERIOUSLY fictionalized Roman history novels has two books called 'Tollins'. Basically, they're very tough, slightly silly, slightly British fairies.
--
Didn't he just release Tyrant, sequel to Nero?
I haven't read any of his books and I like historical fiction set in ancient times. Which series to start?
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 18, 2025 03:45 PM (rT96s)
201
@193 --
Bill Tammeus in his book "Starbeams":
It's easier to organize an international conference on pollution than it is to bend over and pick up a gum wrapper.
Bill Tammeus in his book "Starbeams":
It's easier to organize an international conference on pollution than it is to bend over and pick up a gum wrapper.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 18, 2025 04:41 PM (p/isN)
202
@195 --
The squirrel wears the hat only when Perfesser is promoting a new book that he or someone else recommends.
The squirrel wears the hat only when Perfesser is promoting a new book that he or someone else recommends.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 18, 2025 04:47 PM (p/isN)
203
@197 --
PJ20, are you a librarian? Seems that no matter the topic, you know something about it.
Yes, Fraser researches Flashman's era. I enjoy the backnotes. I'd never heard of the Schleswig-Holstein Question until I read "Royal Flash." (To me, Holstein was a breed of cows that we didn't have. Dad owned Herefords.)
PJ20, are you a librarian? Seems that no matter the topic, you know something about it.
Yes, Fraser researches Flashman's era. I enjoy the backnotes. I'd never heard of the Schleswig-Holstein Question until I read "Royal Flash." (To me, Holstein was a breed of cows that we didn't have. Dad owned Herefords.)
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 18, 2025 04:58 PM (p/isN)
204
"PJ20, are you a librarian? Seems that no matter the topic, you know something about it."
I worked in libraries to put myself through college and law school and briefly considered the profession for a while, but even then the profession leaned very far to the left and so was not for me; the law was somewhat less left then.
Thanks for the kind words, but as for what I know... You could fill a, well, library, with the stuff I know nothing or almost nothing about.
I see this particularly weekly blog as place to share reviews and opinions about writing and books, and I don't really think I have much to offer of that sort, although I do appreciate the contributions of those who do. Most of my reading these days is either niche history (I'm working my way through van Nimwegen's "The Dutch Army and the Military Revolutions" at the moment) or ephemeral fiction (I'm partial to Craig Rice's books for example), neither of which are great writing.
Week Geek reply cont. below...
I worked in libraries to put myself through college and law school and briefly considered the profession for a while, but even then the profession leaned very far to the left and so was not for me; the law was somewhat less left then.
Thanks for the kind words, but as for what I know... You could fill a, well, library, with the stuff I know nothing or almost nothing about.
I see this particularly weekly blog as place to share reviews and opinions about writing and books, and I don't really think I have much to offer of that sort, although I do appreciate the contributions of those who do. Most of my reading these days is either niche history (I'm working my way through van Nimwegen's "The Dutch Army and the Military Revolutions" at the moment) or ephemeral fiction (I'm partial to Craig Rice's books for example), neither of which are great writing.
Week Geek reply cont. below...
Posted by: Pope John 20th at May 19, 2025 12:04 AM (yl1YV)
205
Week Geek reply cont...
As for Fraser's research, he had an interest in history which was probably quite common for a young Brit of his time (1940s) and a knowledge of it that greatly surpasses that of an ordinary yute of today (also probably common for a Brit of the time). BTW, his "Hollywood History of the World" provides a very interesting evaluation of what he thinks Hollywood got right and what it got wrong in its movies-spoiler, he thinks it did much better that you might expect. So Fraser's biographical essays at the end of his Flashman books can provide a useful reading guide for those who want to know more. The problem with them, though, is that Fraser wrote the Flashman series long ago and so his sources are sometimes not the most easily found -IIRC, his main popular source for "Flashman and the Mountain of Light," for example, was George Bruce's "Six Battles for India" which was a good enough source for the time, but can be hard to find and there are equally good, or even better, sources available today.
Week Geek reply cont below...
As for Fraser's research, he had an interest in history which was probably quite common for a young Brit of his time (1940s) and a knowledge of it that greatly surpasses that of an ordinary yute of today (also probably common for a Brit of the time). BTW, his "Hollywood History of the World" provides a very interesting evaluation of what he thinks Hollywood got right and what it got wrong in its movies-spoiler, he thinks it did much better that you might expect. So Fraser's biographical essays at the end of his Flashman books can provide a useful reading guide for those who want to know more. The problem with them, though, is that Fraser wrote the Flashman series long ago and so his sources are sometimes not the most easily found -IIRC, his main popular source for "Flashman and the Mountain of Light," for example, was George Bruce's "Six Battles for India" which was a good enough source for the time, but can be hard to find and there are equally good, or even better, sources available today.
Week Geek reply cont below...
Posted by: Pope John 20th at May 19, 2025 12:44 AM (yl1YV)
206
Week Geek reply cont...
Anyway, every once in awhile (once or twice a month I suspect) I am able to offer some suggestions for additional reading (like James Brooke's history for Fraser's "Flashman's Lady" or info on the other European rulers or powers behind the throne in India and other colonies- George Thomas, the Raja from Tipperary, for example, is a fascinating subject) or places for people to obtain books that can be hard to find-I have some experience with locating books and public domain available books on the internet, and so can sometimes help others find what they want. I'm happy if I can point a fellow reader to something interesting, whether it's a source for Science Fiction magazines from the golden age of science fiction (almost complete runs of most of the major mags from the 30s through the 70s or 80s are available online) or additional reading on niche history topics.
Anyway, thanks again for the kind words, and happy reading...
Anyway, every once in awhile (once or twice a month I suspect) I am able to offer some suggestions for additional reading (like James Brooke's history for Fraser's "Flashman's Lady" or info on the other European rulers or powers behind the throne in India and other colonies- George Thomas, the Raja from Tipperary, for example, is a fascinating subject) or places for people to obtain books that can be hard to find-I have some experience with locating books and public domain available books on the internet, and so can sometimes help others find what they want. I'm happy if I can point a fellow reader to something interesting, whether it's a source for Science Fiction magazines from the golden age of science fiction (almost complete runs of most of the major mags from the 30s through the 70s or 80s are available online) or additional reading on niche history topics.
Anyway, thanks again for the kind words, and happy reading...
Posted by: Pope John 20th at May 19, 2025 12:55 AM (yl1YV)
207
Re: vmom deport deport deport Recommended.Book
I always highly recommend Selinon by Diana Pool. It is a great book, the best I ever read. All of my insincere friends tell me so as well. "Good Job Diana, absolutely Fab book" they say. Then they start laughing. It has some comedic moments, but isn't a total comedy so I am unsure as to their response. Readers of the book (I assume that is all of you), please help.
Diana Pool
I always highly recommend Selinon by Diana Pool. It is a great book, the best I ever read. All of my insincere friends tell me so as well. "Good Job Diana, absolutely Fab book" they say. Then they start laughing. It has some comedic moments, but isn't a total comedy so I am unsure as to their response. Readers of the book (I assume that is all of you), please help.
Diana Pool
Posted by: diana pool at May 19, 2025 07:31 AM (eqyGq)
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Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
News/Chat