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Book Thread: May 24th, 2026[Sabrina Chase]
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Read a pre-Great War story, “Jimmy of the Tigers,” by Courtney Ryley Cooper. Published in “The Popular” magazine on June 7th of 1913.
It’s the story of a traveling carnival and gambling den and the people who inhabit them. The owner, Shifty Bill, describes himself as a straight crook and decries “crooked crooks” like the sheriffs the owner pays off to ignore the illicit gaming.
Jimmy, his tiger act tells him he might not make a late performance, and Bill thinks it’s a lie to meet a girl. Bill tells him to show up, or else. Jimmy comes up missing before the last show, but arrives just in time, in a disheveled state. He does the show, and the crooked sheriff shows up. He had arrested Jimmy for embezzlement, but the tiger tamer broke jail. The sheriff was hotter about the break than the crime, but let Jimmy go under the threat of Bill exposing the lawman at election time.
It’s an interesting read on carny life and the people who lived it. The story’s available to read at pulpmags.org.
It’s the story of a traveling carnival and gambling den and the people who inhabit them. The owner, Shifty Bill, describes himself as a straight crook and decries “crooked crooks” like the sheriffs the owner pays off to ignore the illicit gaming.
Jimmy, his tiger act tells him he might not make a late performance, and Bill thinks it’s a lie to meet a girl. Bill tells him to show up, or else. Jimmy comes up missing before the last show, but arrives just in time, in a disheveled state. He does the show, and the crooked sheriff shows up. He had arrested Jimmy for embezzlement, but the tiger tamer broke jail. The sheriff was hotter about the break than the crime, but let Jimmy go under the threat of Bill exposing the lawman at election time.
It’s an interesting read on carny life and the people who lived it. The story’s available to read at pulpmags.org.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 24, 2026 09:01 AM (1Ff7Z)
2
Tolle Lege
Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026 09:02 AM (Ia/+0)
3
Can't wait to eat this tender little boy!
Posted by: The Kitteh at May 24, 2026 09:03 AM (RIvkX)
4
I literally can't remember not knowing how to read. My earliest memory is related to something I'd read about.
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 24, 2026 09:03 AM (LcbzL)
5
Yet, barely moved on Carl v. Clauswitz's On War mostly because been watching war movies all week
Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026 09:04 AM (Ia/+0)
6
Reading aloud is excellent for brain health and longevity.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 24, 2026 09:04 AM (RIvkX)
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at May 24, 2026 09:04 AM (vAQDP)
8
Cats ever learn to read like Ben we are in trouble
Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026 09:05 AM (Ia/+0)
9
Did the Horde have similar experiences learning to read? Any special first book memories?
No, not really. Can't remember when I started to read on my own. Don't remember the books either, though most likely they were Dr. Suess and others of the kind. I do remember a kids book by Bennett Cerf that we had. My first introduction to the man, then re-runs of What's My Line?
No, not really. Can't remember when I started to read on my own. Don't remember the books either, though most likely they were Dr. Suess and others of the kind. I do remember a kids book by Bennett Cerf that we had. My first introduction to the man, then re-runs of What's My Line?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 24, 2026 09:06 AM (1Ff7Z)
10
Yet, barely moved on Carl v. Clauswitz's On War mostly because been watching war movies all week
Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026 09:04 AM (Ia/+0)
Who do you think will win? Carl or Clauswitz?
Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026 09:04 AM (Ia/+0)
Who do you think will win? Carl or Clauswitz?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 24, 2026 09:07 AM (1Ff7Z)
11
Morning, Sabrina.
Howdy, Horde.
4K for a middling narrator, eh? Ouch. And since I had the teeth evicted for constant misbehavior I don't read as well as I used to. If I ever finish current projects or decide to do an audiobook of the older novel, looks like AI voice generated will be it.
Howdy, Horde.
4K for a middling narrator, eh? Ouch. And since I had the teeth evicted for constant misbehavior I don't read as well as I used to. If I ever finish current projects or decide to do an audiobook of the older novel, looks like AI voice generated will be it.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026 09:08 AM (q3u5l)
12
4 I literally can't remember not knowing how to read. My earliest memory is related to something I'd read about.
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 24, 2026 09:03 AM
______
Go, dog, go!
Are you my mother?
One fish, two fish. Red fish, blue fish.
Thanks mom.
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 24, 2026 09:03 AM
______
Go, dog, go!
Are you my mother?
One fish, two fish. Red fish, blue fish.
Thanks mom.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 24, 2026 09:08 AM (2Ez/1)
13
All usual Book Thread rules are incorporated by reference (pets, beverage, clothing covering the lower limbs, etc.)
----
Cat ✅
Coffee✅
Pants✅
I'm within parameters this morning.
----
Cat ✅
Coffee✅
Pants✅
I'm within parameters this morning.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 24, 2026 09:08 AM (kpS4V)
14
Can't remember being read to or taught to read. Also can't remember ever not being able to read. Is a puzzlement.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026 09:09 AM (q3u5l)
15
Finished Douglas Murray's Democracy and Death Cults and found it very surface, like a long news article. It was enjoyable but I wish he went more in-depth.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 24, 2026 09:09 AM (RIvkX)
16
I would be a little surprised if anyone didn't have a adult read to them at least before they learned to read or in progress of learning.
But would say I started out early on my own and never stopped.
But would say I started out early on my own and never stopped.
Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026 09:09 AM (Ia/+0)
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at May 24, 2026 09:09 AM (h7ZuX)
18
This past week, I finished reading "Treasure Island." Twice. First as the original novel, seconds as a comic book adaptation.
The original novel...is very ramble-y. Characters make their point, and then continue speaking for another 3 lines. Also, far too much of the plot consists of Jim Hawkins doing something horribly irresponsible, for no apparent reason whatsoever, and then having everything work out because of it. It's no surprise that most movie adaptations tend to change events to justify or even cut out these adventures...
Speaking of movies, there are two movie adaptations that I'm very familiar with, and it's funny that both of them re-imagine Mr. Arrow as a competent, noble officer, instead of the worthless drunk that he was in the novel. Also, both adaptations combine the roles of Dr. Livesly and Squire Trelawney, but one movie keeps the Doctor, while the other one keeps the Squire...
The original novel...is very ramble-y. Characters make their point, and then continue speaking for another 3 lines. Also, far too much of the plot consists of Jim Hawkins doing something horribly irresponsible, for no apparent reason whatsoever, and then having everything work out because of it. It's no surprise that most movie adaptations tend to change events to justify or even cut out these adventures...
Speaking of movies, there are two movie adaptations that I'm very familiar with, and it's funny that both of them re-imagine Mr. Arrow as a competent, noble officer, instead of the worthless drunk that he was in the novel. Also, both adaptations combine the roles of Dr. Livesly and Squire Trelawney, but one movie keeps the Doctor, while the other one keeps the Squire...
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:10 AM (3v7ra)
19
Morning, Book People!
Currently I'm about halfway through Jean Plaidy's 1966 Royal Sisters, about the palace intrigues swirling around Princess (later Queen) Anne of England -- the daughter of James II, who was the brother of Charles II. It was Anne's sister Mary who became William's wife and is the "William and Mary" of our American university.
Plaidy (aka Victoria Holt) keeps the story moving with dialog and necessary exposition. She doesn't describe the rooms where activity takes place, and only rarely what people are wearing. So you have to use your imagination, recall some "royal apartments" sets from movies, or search online if you want to know what Sarah Churchill (Anne's "friend," actually an intriguer behind the throne) might be wearing, for instance.
Currently I'm about halfway through Jean Plaidy's 1966 Royal Sisters, about the palace intrigues swirling around Princess (later Queen) Anne of England -- the daughter of James II, who was the brother of Charles II. It was Anne's sister Mary who became William's wife and is the "William and Mary" of our American university.
Plaidy (aka Victoria Holt) keeps the story moving with dialog and necessary exposition. She doesn't describe the rooms where activity takes place, and only rarely what people are wearing. So you have to use your imagination, recall some "royal apartments" sets from movies, or search online if you want to know what Sarah Churchill (Anne's "friend," actually an intriguer behind the throne) might be wearing, for instance.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:10 AM (wzUl9)
20
4K for a middling narrator, eh? Ouch. And since I had the teeth evicted for constant misbehavior I don't read as well as I used to. If I ever finish current projects or decide to do an audiobook of the older novel, looks like AI voice generated will be it.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026 09:08 AM (q3u5l)
JSG, maybe your voice would work in a western. Every western has an old miner in it. Gabby Hayes for the win.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026 09:08 AM (q3u5l)
JSG, maybe your voice would work in a western. Every western has an old miner in it. Gabby Hayes for the win.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 24, 2026 09:10 AM (1Ff7Z)
21
Continuing to read historian Adrian Goldsworthy's new book, " Athens and Sparta". Finishing the chapter on Solon the lawgiver. Next up: Sparta's origins and early history.
Posted by: Tuna at May 24, 2026 09:11 AM (lJ0H4)
22
My oldest son and his wife read aloud to each other. They switch roles with every chapter.
Audiobooks were a boon to me when I had a job that required a long commute and Rush had died. The only problem was that I had to stop in the middle of a chapter when I reached my destination.
I also read Amazing Spider-Man comic books to oldest son when he was little. I quickly learned how to winnow Stan Lee's excessive verbiage.
Audiobooks were a boon to me when I had a job that required a long commute and Rush had died. The only problem was that I had to stop in the middle of a chapter when I reached my destination.
I also read Amazing Spider-Man comic books to oldest son when he was little. I quickly learned how to winnow Stan Lee's excessive verbiage.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:11 AM (8pIvk)
23
I read A Soldier in the Great War by Mark Helprin. In Italy, Alessandro, a white-haired professor of aesthetics, unexpectedly finds himself on the road with an illiterate factory worker. As they walk the forty miles to Monte Prado, tells his life story to his seventeen-year-old companion; especially about the years spent in the Italian army during World War I. It's a captivating story, rich in details and with memorable characters.
Posted by: Zoltan at May 24, 2026 09:11 AM (VOrDg)
24
Booken norgen horden.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 24, 2026 09:11 AM (gDlxJ)
25
My grandmother taught me to read at age 3 or 4 by reading to me. She would trace the words in the sentences with her finger, and stop periodically at a word, and I would say it. As time went by, she had me saying more and more words until I was reading the entire story.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026 09:11 AM (0U5gm)
Posted by: Johnny Dollar at May 24, 2026 09:12 AM (2Ez/1)
27
I threw a book away this week. Literally into the trash can.
It is The Secret Chord, by Geraldine Brooks. I had read The People of the Book, by the same author, and it was good. I had high hopes for this story of King David.
Early in the book, other characters claimed he buggered his sheep. Then, Jonathan visited him in his tent in the middle of the night for a homo romp. I was done. So sick of this nonsense.
It is The Secret Chord, by Geraldine Brooks. I had read The People of the Book, by the same author, and it was good. I had high hopes for this story of King David.
Early in the book, other characters claimed he buggered his sheep. Then, Jonathan visited him in his tent in the middle of the night for a homo romp. I was done. So sick of this nonsense.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at May 24, 2026 09:13 AM (h7ZuX)
28
I think if I tried to read to our friendly cat -- the other one stays aloof -- that she would crawl onto the book.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:14 AM (8pIvk)
29
Finishing up "Pax" by English historian Tom Holland, the subtitle of which is: "War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age." Holland's descriptions of the absolute lunacy of Rome's various emperors from Nero through Hadrian are pretty comical. How Rome managed to impose its "Peace" on the rest of the known world is pretty compelling. It's a wonder they were able to given the utter incompetence of most of their emperors.
Not sure what I'll pick up next. There are a couple new books in the Galaxy's Edge series I need to read ("The Betrayed," which is book 24. And "Escape from Red Eye," which is a new Tyrus Rechs backstory novel).
Oh, and OT early: Just picked up two tickets to Rush's November 9 Fifty Something Tour show in Tampa. They have a new drummer, Anita Nilles, from Deutschland. I'm taking my daughter who turns 19 today, as she loves them as much as I did when I was 19 in 1982. Thr tickets were surprisingly affordable.
Hello Book Worms!!!
Not sure what I'll pick up next. There are a couple new books in the Galaxy's Edge series I need to read ("The Betrayed," which is book 24. And "Escape from Red Eye," which is a new Tyrus Rechs backstory novel).
Oh, and OT early: Just picked up two tickets to Rush's November 9 Fifty Something Tour show in Tampa. They have a new drummer, Anita Nilles, from Deutschland. I'm taking my daughter who turns 19 today, as she loves them as much as I did when I was 19 in 1982. Thr tickets were surprisingly affordable.
Hello Book Worms!!!
Posted by: Sharkman at May 24, 2026 09:14 AM (/RHNq)
30
Booken norgen horden.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 24, 2026 09:11 AM (gDlxJ)
=====
Doop de boop de doop.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 24, 2026 09:11 AM (gDlxJ)
=====
Doop de boop de doop.
Posted by: Swedish Chef at May 24, 2026 09:15 AM (RIvkX)
31
For the audio book fans.
Escape Pod episode 100: Nightfall by Isaac Asimov
https://escapepod.org/2007/04/05/
ep100-nightfall/
Thanks for the content Sabrina!
Escape Pod episode 100: Nightfall by Isaac Asimov
https://escapepod.org/2007/04/05/
ep100-nightfall/
Thanks for the content Sabrina!
Posted by: 13times at May 24, 2026 09:15 AM (gC0g5)
32
OrangeEnt at 20 --
A fine idea, by cracky. If only I wrote westerns.
(Drinks more coffee. Curses as he realizes he forgot to spit out the wad of chewing tobacky first...)
A fine idea, by cracky. If only I wrote westerns.
(Drinks more coffee. Curses as he realizes he forgot to spit out the wad of chewing tobacky first...)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026 09:15 AM (q3u5l)
33
Also on my TBR pile: A collection of Asimov's early Robot stories, written with bridging material between them. Several I don't really remember, only "Runaround," "Liar," and "Little Lost Robot." The last in particular is a classic of mystery and suspense, with a logical solution worthy of any first-rank classic detective-story writer.
Also, a collection of Asimov's Nightfall and Other Stories, with intros from IA describing how they came to be written; the second in S.M. Stirling's series about an Earthlike Venus and Mars in the late 20th Century; and something called Sex With Kings by Eleanor Herman. This last is subtitled "500 Years of Adultery, Power, Rivalry, and Revenge." I think that pretty much describes what the book is about!
Also, a collection of Asimov's Nightfall and Other Stories, with intros from IA describing how they came to be written; the second in S.M. Stirling's series about an Earthlike Venus and Mars in the late 20th Century; and something called Sex With Kings by Eleanor Herman. This last is subtitled "500 Years of Adultery, Power, Rivalry, and Revenge." I think that pretty much describes what the book is about!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:15 AM (wzUl9)
34
Read last week: Wolf Worm by T Kingfisher.
Reading / Listening to Crouchback by Sarah Woodbury, which is part of the Welsh Guard mystery series
Reading / Listening to Crouchback by Sarah Woodbury, which is part of the Welsh Guard mystery series
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 24, 2026 09:15 AM (T5m6M)
35
Thanks for the Sunday Morning Book Thread, Sabrina!
Enjoyable, as always. I don't recall ever being read to as a child, but once I learned to read, I never stopped or slowed down!
Enjoyable, as always. I don't recall ever being read to as a child, but once I learned to read, I never stopped or slowed down!
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at May 24, 2026 09:16 AM (D/6p1)
36
Got a stack of those stalwarts of the olde spinrack, the Ballantine's Illustrated History of the Violent Century. Like the venerable series "The World at War", they were written with events occurring within living memory. I'm reading "Their Finest Hour: the Story of the Battle of Britain 1940". The author, Edward Bishop, was a teenaged volunteer messenger in the Home Guard and saw the battle raging overhead.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 24, 2026 09:16 AM (kpS4V)
37
My grandmother taught me to read at age 3 or 4 by reading to me. She would trace the words in the sentences with her finger, and stop periodically at a word, and I would say it. As time went by, she had me saying more and more words until I was reading the entire story.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026
***
I don't remember clearly, but I'm 99% sure that was how I learned to parse out those "little bugs on the paper" as well.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026
***
I don't remember clearly, but I'm 99% sure that was how I learned to parse out those "little bugs on the paper" as well.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:17 AM (wzUl9)
38
Yay Book Thread!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:17 AM (ZOv7s)
39
The act of speaking, of hearing instead of seeing the words, creates a different mental process. It slows things down, forces you to really think about the words instead of skimming to the next exciting bit.
=====
Makes a huge difference with Shakespeare.
=====
Makes a huge difference with Shakespeare.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 24, 2026 09:17 AM (RIvkX)
40
There is a clear trend line from socialism to communism to anarchism to terrorism. The trail leads from Rousseau to modern day leftist movements. In The Dynamite Club, John Merriman traces the history of how leftist politics turned to terror in the western world.
While the book focuses on Emile Henry, who bombed a restaurant in Paris in 1894, it covers the broad history of the political movement that is still a threat to society. Beginning in the 1840s, Proudhoun, Kropotkin, and Bakunin moved the left from mere commentary to action towards destroying society in order to rebuild it to their ideal, where owning property was theft.
Emile Henry was a young man with a troubled past, whose socialist father had been exiled after the Paris Commune. In 1894, realizing the difficulty of blowing up Sacre Coeur Cathedral, he tried to bomb the Carmeaux Mining Company headquarters, then decided to bomb a restaurant, to strike a blow against the middle class. He killed several and injured dozens more. At his trial, he proudly admitted to his guilt and choosing that locale in order to kill the most bourgeoisie possible. As he approached the guillotine, he shouted "Long live anarchy!"
While the book focuses on Emile Henry, who bombed a restaurant in Paris in 1894, it covers the broad history of the political movement that is still a threat to society. Beginning in the 1840s, Proudhoun, Kropotkin, and Bakunin moved the left from mere commentary to action towards destroying society in order to rebuild it to their ideal, where owning property was theft.
Emile Henry was a young man with a troubled past, whose socialist father had been exiled after the Paris Commune. In 1894, realizing the difficulty of blowing up Sacre Coeur Cathedral, he tried to bomb the Carmeaux Mining Company headquarters, then decided to bomb a restaurant, to strike a blow against the middle class. He killed several and injured dozens more. At his trial, he proudly admitted to his guilt and choosing that locale in order to kill the most bourgeoisie possible. As he approached the guillotine, he shouted "Long live anarchy!"
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026 09:18 AM (0U5gm)
41
Still chugging through "Zone One" by Colson Whitehead.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 24, 2026 09:19 AM (kpS4V)
42
I read a comic book adaptation of "Treasure Islands;" a six-issue mini-series from 2007. It was 'written' by Roy Thomas, who seemly just went through the original novel with a highlighter. I'll bet 90% of the comic's dialogue and narration were direct quotes from the novel. Considering how most modern adaptation treat the source material (just look at the current discussions about "The Odessey") this kind of fidelity is downright refreshing.
As for the art...well, the artist can draw convincingly weathered sailors, but that's the only good thing I can say. Jim Hawkins looks like a midget as often as he looks like a child. Dr. Livesly looks like a character from the 1940's, rather than the 1740's, and has no wig, despite said wig being mentioned in the dialogue. And most egregiously, the artist decided to draw a woman as part the Hispaniola's crew. Congratulations; you have successfully added 'diversity' to the crew. And, thinking about the actual events of the story, your new diverse character gets to die horribly, probably after being [mistreated] by a dozen drunken, violent, and mutinous pirates. What a great addition to the story...
As for the art...well, the artist can draw convincingly weathered sailors, but that's the only good thing I can say. Jim Hawkins looks like a midget as often as he looks like a child. Dr. Livesly looks like a character from the 1940's, rather than the 1740's, and has no wig, despite said wig being mentioned in the dialogue. And most egregiously, the artist decided to draw a woman as part the Hispaniola's crew. Congratulations; you have successfully added 'diversity' to the crew. And, thinking about the actual events of the story, your new diverse character gets to die horribly, probably after being [mistreated] by a dozen drunken, violent, and mutinous pirates. What a great addition to the story...
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:19 AM (3v7ra)
43
I think if I tried to read to our friendly cat -- the other one stays aloof -- that she would crawl onto the book.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026
***
My menage is similar. Stirling, the more sociable one, would probably drift off to sleep. ("Cats have many ailments . . . but I never yet knew one to be afflicted with insomnia.")
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026
***
My menage is similar. Stirling, the more sociable one, would probably drift off to sleep. ("Cats have many ailments . . . but I never yet knew one to be afflicted with insomnia.")
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:19 AM (wzUl9)
44
Non-book questions this morning:
Why would Thomas Massie be appearing on "Meet the Press"?
What kind of drugs is Kristen Welker on?
Non-book questions this morning:
Why would Thomas Massie be appearing on "Meet the Press"?
What kind of drugs is Kristen Welker on?
Posted by: Auspex at May 24, 2026 09:19 AM (Y8DZL)
45
>>Can't remember being read to or taught to read.
Don't remember being read to or taught to read, either, but must at least have been the former, because I do remember a Saturday morning at my grandmother's house when, all of a sudden, the squiggles on the page became words. Shortly after turning 4.
Don't remember being read to or taught to read, either, but must at least have been the former, because I do remember a Saturday morning at my grandmother's house when, all of a sudden, the squiggles on the page became words. Shortly after turning 4.
Posted by: Nazdar at May 24, 2026 09:20 AM (NcvvS)
46
It's hodgepodge time in Geekland. I'm skipping among two comics collections and one novel.
The comics are reprints of Alex Raymond's "Flash Gordon" comic strips from the 1930s throught early '40s and a hardback collection of the first three years of Mike Grell's 1970s DC comic "The Warlord." The book is "Neon Empire," a Nate Heller crime adventure by Max Allan Collins.
The Heller series mixed fictional characters, such as Heller, who runs a private investigation agency in Chicago, with real people, such as Jake "Greasy Thumb" Guzik, the chief money man for what became the Chicago Outfit. The story thus far: Heller is hired to bodyguard the operator of a racetrack winners reporting service (another real person: James Ragen) who is under pressure to sell out to Guzik. Ragen is seriously wounded in a South Side ambush. Guzik disavows any role in the hit and instead blames Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, a gambling kingpin out West. Siegel? "Neon Empire"? Could this be ... Las Vegas? (According to the back cover, yes.)
The comics are reprints of Alex Raymond's "Flash Gordon" comic strips from the 1930s throught early '40s and a hardback collection of the first three years of Mike Grell's 1970s DC comic "The Warlord." The book is "Neon Empire," a Nate Heller crime adventure by Max Allan Collins.
The Heller series mixed fictional characters, such as Heller, who runs a private investigation agency in Chicago, with real people, such as Jake "Greasy Thumb" Guzik, the chief money man for what became the Chicago Outfit. The story thus far: Heller is hired to bodyguard the operator of a racetrack winners reporting service (another real person: James Ragen) who is under pressure to sell out to Guzik. Ragen is seriously wounded in a South Side ambush. Guzik disavows any role in the hit and instead blames Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, a gambling kingpin out West. Siegel? "Neon Empire"? Could this be ... Las Vegas? (According to the back cover, yes.)
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:21 AM (8pIvk)
47
I made sure to thank my mom on Mother’s Day for instilling in me a love of reading. I learned to read at an early age and have looked back. It’s one of my greatest joys in life.
Posted by: Perfessor Sqiurrel at May 24, 2026 09:21 AM (9DV3O)
48
I remember wanting to know very much how to read, when watching my father reading Mad Magazine and laughing ... and I wanted very much to know what was in that magazine which amused him so very much. A little later, Mom found a regular radio program - I think from the BBC (Which I thought then stood for Baby Book Company) with the musical theme of Golliwog's Cakewalk - and a narrator who read "My Side of the Mountain" - which my brother and I adored so much that Mom bought a copy of it for us. Later on, when I could read chapter books, it was the Little House on the Prairie series. Much, much later - I read all of Lord of the Rings to my little brother, and then to my daughter. It took a year or so each time at a chapter a night, and both Little Bro and the Daughter unit adored that series. Just about every chapter ends on a cliffhanger... Little Bro could talk like a hobbit by the time we were done. He also dressed like a hobbit for Halloween that year.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at May 24, 2026 09:21 AM (Ew3fm)
49
Some even switch from print to ebook to audio in the same book, depending on what is convenient at the time.
--
I like doing this
So helpful with strange names- audio shows how to pronounce them (a minor setting point in the Welsh Guard mysteries) and text shows how to spell them.
Also text is better for details like lists and such.
--
I like doing this
So helpful with strange names- audio shows how to pronounce them (a minor setting point in the Welsh Guard mysteries) and text shows how to spell them.
Also text is better for details like lists and such.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 24, 2026 09:22 AM (nLlkW)
50
Why would Thomas Massie be appearing on "Meet the Press"?
What kind of drugs is Kristen Welker on?
Posted by: Auspex at May 24, 2026 09:19 AM (Y8DZL)
====
You will in short order soon see Massie on Tucker, Megyn, etc.
What kind of drugs is Kristen Welker on?
Posted by: Auspex at May 24, 2026 09:19 AM (Y8DZL)
====
You will in short order soon see Massie on Tucker, Megyn, etc.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 24, 2026 09:22 AM (RIvkX)
51
Did the Horde have similar experiences learning to read? Any special first book memories?
======
One of my Mom's favorite stories was of me coming from my first day of First Grade, crying because they hadn't taught me how to read.
Made up for lost time, though.
======
One of my Mom's favorite stories was of me coming from my first day of First Grade, crying because they hadn't taught me how to read.
Made up for lost time, though.
Posted by: mrp at May 24, 2026 09:22 AM (rj6Yv)
52
I do not enjoy AI generated voice narration. It is too monotone and artificial. A bad narration can make me abandon a book. I've been reading 2 books at a time lately. One I read on my kindle and one I listen to while driving, cooking, doing chores, working, etc. I only "read" in bed so being able to listen to a book while doing other things has expanded my reading experience.
Posted by: lin-duh is offended at May 24, 2026 09:23 AM (VCgbV)
53
JSG, I saw how you spotted the author and even the book ("a 60-year-old detective novel") which was the source of Weird Dave's quote abut friendship on Friday's ONT. I should have known you would. I knew it was MacDonald, one of the Travis McGees, but not which one!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:23 AM (wzUl9)
54
Morning, all.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:23 AM (qRla/)
55
We had to read aloud and recite at school at an early age. (Also Catholic school so by 2nd grade learned prayers for 1st Communion and Reconciliation) 1sr grade (still have report card) I needed to practice reading. Thanks to that it began going to our library and coming home with a pile of books. My Mom read and we had a den full of all kinds of books, pleasure, encyclopedia, works of Shakespeare, identifying rocks etc so we had a huge mix of books with which to explore whenever we wanted. That and curiosity really shaped my reading. Finished reading The List of Suspicious Things. Reminded me a little of hanging and walking to school with my best friend and growing up. It’s a bit of a sad book too but in the end a full circle ending. A bit messy like life.
Posted by: Hyacinth at May 24, 2026 09:24 AM (7x3MF)
56
Currently reading Flashfire, #19 of the 24 Donald Westlake/Richard Stark Parker series and still enjoying the hell out of them. But some time this week, I'll finish them. So what to do next? MacDonald's Travis McGee novels? The other MacDonald's Lew Archers? Or take another run at Bleak House? Or maybe, just maybe, even try to write something.
Decisions, decisions.
Decisions, decisions.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026 09:24 AM (q3u5l)
57
@29 --
I'm going to one of the Fort Worth concerts next month. Also going to hit a couple of Half Price Books shops although I nothing to buy. (That ties this post into the Book Thread.)
I'm going to one of the Fort Worth concerts next month. Also going to hit a couple of Half Price Books shops although I nothing to buy. (That ties this post into the Book Thread.)
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:24 AM (8pIvk)
58
"Another version of audiobooks are radio programs."
++++++
Call me.
Yours truly,
Posted by: Johnny Dollar
_____________
Been listening to a Bob and Ray soap opera compilation in the car for weeks. Mary Backstage, Noble Wife mostly.
++++++
Call me.
Yours truly,
Posted by: Johnny Dollar
_____________
Been listening to a Bob and Ray soap opera compilation in the car for weeks. Mary Backstage, Noble Wife mostly.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at May 24, 2026 09:25 AM (XvL8K)
59
Finishing up "Pax" by English historian Tom Holland, the subtitle of which is: "War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age." Holland's descriptions of the absolute lunacy of Rome's various emperors from Nero through Hadrian are pretty comical.
------
There were a lot of lunatics. But not all of them. Hadrian's predecessor (Trajan) and successor (Antoninus Pius) were both very stable geniuses - the latter has my vote for greatest emperor in Rome's history, against prevailing opinion.
I would also argue that Hadrian was no lunatic, but he was among my least respected emperors.
He was a rootless cosmopolitan pederast, who openly disdained Rome and Italy. To such an extent that he rarely so much as visited the peninsula during his reign. He strongly preferred to travel among the Eastern provinces, indulging in their mystery cults and frolicking gaily with his precious boys while he elevated the Empire's foreign subjects at every turn.
As an American, I'm far too familiar with being lorded over by globalist pedophile homos who hate me.
------
There were a lot of lunatics. But not all of them. Hadrian's predecessor (Trajan) and successor (Antoninus Pius) were both very stable geniuses - the latter has my vote for greatest emperor in Rome's history, against prevailing opinion.
I would also argue that Hadrian was no lunatic, but he was among my least respected emperors.
He was a rootless cosmopolitan pederast, who openly disdained Rome and Italy. To such an extent that he rarely so much as visited the peninsula during his reign. He strongly preferred to travel among the Eastern provinces, indulging in their mystery cults and frolicking gaily with his precious boys while he elevated the Empire's foreign subjects at every turn.
As an American, I'm far too familiar with being lorded over by globalist pedophile homos who hate me.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at May 24, 2026 09:25 AM (BI5O2)
60
I was an early reader. I can't recall not reading. Favorite books (which I still have) are The Lorax and Cars and Trucks and Things That Go.
Now on Book 3 of City of God. I'm taking it slow because it is pretty heavy stuff. Glad I read so much Roman histories in high school and college, otherwise I'd be getting a lot less out of it.
Now on Book 3 of City of God. I'm taking it slow because it is pretty heavy stuff. Glad I read so much Roman histories in high school and college, otherwise I'd be getting a lot less out of it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:25 AM (ZOv7s)
61
I have always preferred books to audio, as I can pace better, but when the kids were young and we had road trips to undertake, we picked up several audio books to keep them occupied. We bought Peter Nimble as well as all of the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis, among others. Now, when I find a decent audio book, I will grab it and put it on a memory stick to have handy for the next long trip.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026 09:26 AM (0U5gm)
62
Visiting NYC this weekend so of course we had to stop at the Strand Bookstore. They've still got racks of discount books on the sidewalk -- though now they're $3-7 rather than $1 like on my first visit. Still the closest thing America has to the old bookstalls in Turin or along the Seine in Paris. (I wonder if any of those still exist?)
Scored a copy of Fridjof Nansen's memoir Farthest North, about his Arctic expeditions, and a copy of The Surprise of Cremona by Edith Templeton, a great piece of 1950s travel writing, still in print after more than half a century.
Scored a copy of Fridjof Nansen's memoir Farthest North, about his Arctic expeditions, and a copy of The Surprise of Cremona by Edith Templeton, a great piece of 1950s travel writing, still in print after more than half a century.
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 24, 2026 09:26 AM (LcbzL)
63
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at May 24, 2026 09:26 AM (yTvNw)
64
Why would Thomas Massie be appearing on "Meet the Press"?
What kind of drugs is Kristen Welker on?
Posted by: Auspex at May 24, 2026 09:19 AM
-----
Why do people still watch television?
What kind of drugs is Kristen Welker on?
Posted by: Auspex at May 24, 2026 09:19 AM
-----
Why do people still watch television?
Posted by: Ok, I'll ask at May 24, 2026 09:27 AM (2Ez/1)
65
In my never-ending quest to find cool comic books that aren't super-hero themed, I stumbled across something both unexpected and unsurprising; a bunch of "Marvel Illustrated" branded mini-series from the late 00's. I call this 'unexpected' because I figured that at that time period, Marvel wouldn't be interested in anything other than their own super-heroes. But I also call it 'unsurprising' because these are adaptations of classic (public domain) novels; Moby Dick, Treasure Island (see my previous comments) Three Musketeers, and the like. These stories have been adapted hundreds of times, so it can't be surprising to see one more company take a shot at them. And while I'd prefer to see some original stories in these settings/time periods, I'm happy to take what I can get...
...Also, as I glance back at it, I see that the Treasure Island comic is rated 'Teen+'. Really? No swearing and no gore and it's still Teen+? For what? The skeleton? And people think the old Comics Code Authority was stringent....
...Also, as I glance back at it, I see that the Treasure Island comic is rated 'Teen+'. Really? No swearing and no gore and it's still Teen+? For what? The skeleton? And people think the old Comics Code Authority was stringent....
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:28 AM (3v7ra)
66
Did the Horde have similar experiences learning to read? Any special first book memories?
***
I seem to recall something in my first-grade schoolroom library called Space Cat Goes to Mars!
I went off to school already knowing how to read. One day about two weeks into first grade, my teacher asked me to stay behind after 3:00. "Oops," I thought, "I'm in trouble, but for what?"
She sat me down and said quietly, "Wolfus, you already know how to read, don't you?" "Sure," I said -- I'd thought everybody did. Knowing what I know about schools vs. parents now, I suspect there were some recriminations directed at Mom. As for me, I got a field promotion to second grade that month, and moved on (after some testing) to third the next year.
***
I seem to recall something in my first-grade schoolroom library called Space Cat Goes to Mars!
I went off to school already knowing how to read. One day about two weeks into first grade, my teacher asked me to stay behind after 3:00. "Oops," I thought, "I'm in trouble, but for what?"
She sat me down and said quietly, "Wolfus, you already know how to read, don't you?" "Sure," I said -- I'd thought everybody did. Knowing what I know about schools vs. parents now, I suspect there were some recriminations directed at Mom. As for me, I got a field promotion to second grade that month, and moved on (after some testing) to third the next year.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:28 AM (wzUl9)
67
Veapasian was good but he came up the ranks marcus aurelius a century later
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:28 AM (bXbFr)
68
I do not enjoy AI generated voice narration.
Posted by: lin-duh is offended at May 24, 2026 09:23 AM (VCgbV)
---
The audiobook I did for Battle Officer Wolf hasn't sold any copies, but neither has any other version of the book. It's been out for a while, so not surprising.
The benefit of the machine reader is that it is hugely helpful in editing, and since it is free, I will be using it for each additional book and probably going back to do revised editions of published material.
Posted by: lin-duh is offended at May 24, 2026 09:23 AM (VCgbV)
---
The audiobook I did for Battle Officer Wolf hasn't sold any copies, but neither has any other version of the book. It's been out for a while, so not surprising.
The benefit of the machine reader is that it is hugely helpful in editing, and since it is free, I will be using it for each additional book and probably going back to do revised editions of published material.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:29 AM (ZOv7s)
69
What is this meet the press you speak of
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:29 AM (bXbFr)
70
I love that top photo. Reminds me of our great nephew who just turned seven. His dad describes him as a reading machine (when he's not playing baseball) and he likes reading to his little brothers and, probably, their dogs.
Posted by: JTB at May 24, 2026 09:29 AM (yTvNw)
Posted by: Nazdar at May 24, 2026 09:29 AM (NcvvS)
72
Like most of you, I don't remember not being able to read. But I also don't remember anyone reading to me. From the little I remember of my childhood, no-one in my family really read anything other than newspapers. Grandmother read, but she was also deaf, so read of necessity. My great-uncle was a reader, but also a devout Catholic, so his books were mostly pre-Vatican II devotionals and theological works.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:30 AM (qRla/)
73
So what to do next? MacDonald's Travis McGee novels? The other MacDonald's Lew Archers? Or take another run at Bleak House? Or maybe, just maybe, even try to write something.
Decisions, decisions.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026
***
Miss Linda asked about you last night and wondered if you'v ever read the Ed McBain "87th Precinct" series. If you haven't, he wrote a *lot* of them and they are all solid. My personal favorite is one called Ghosts, which features his "lead" detective, Steve Carella.
Decisions, decisions.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026
***
Miss Linda asked about you last night and wondered if you'v ever read the Ed McBain "87th Precinct" series. If you haven't, he wrote a *lot* of them and they are all solid. My personal favorite is one called Ghosts, which features his "lead" detective, Steve Carella.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:31 AM (wzUl9)
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 24, 2026 09:31 AM (LcbzL)
75
Mao's Army Goes to Sea is languishing. It is a disappointment. So much padding, so little substance. I might attempt to plow through it today because I think I'm finally at the actual "book" part of the book, as opposed to the forward, introduction, statement of scope, backstory, background, digression on the PLA's administrative systems, etc.
Also, the writer uses a very pedestrian style. Only hard-core China military history addicts should bother with it.
Also, the writer uses a very pedestrian style. Only hard-core China military history addicts should bother with it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:32 AM (ZOv7s)
76
27 I threw a book away this week. Literally into the trash can.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at May 24, 2026 09:13 AM (h7ZuX)
Oh, that's serious. It takes a lot for someone on this treat to go that far....But, from the rest of your comment, yeah, it seems justified.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at May 24, 2026 09:13 AM (h7ZuX)
Oh, that's serious. It takes a lot for someone on this treat to go that far....But, from the rest of your comment, yeah, it seems justified.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:33 AM (3v7ra)
77
We twigged to one of our children *memorizing* the books and then *pretending* to read aloud as she turned the pages.
Posted by: DavidD at May 24, 2026 09:34 AM (MSTeU)
78
I went off to school already knowing how to read. One day about two weeks into first grade, my teacher asked me to stay behind after 3:00. "Oops," I thought, "I'm in trouble, but for what?"
She sat me down and said quietly, "Wolfus, you already know how to read, don't you?" "Sure," I said -- I'd thought everybody did. Knowing what I know about schools vs. parents now, I suspect there were some recriminations directed at Mom. As for me, I got a field promotion to second grade that month, and moved on (after some testing) to third the next year.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
I had the same experience. I do recall one teacher, probably third grade, being very angry that I would read extra books and not write a book report on every one. The teacher put in my report card that I would be a failure in life.
She sat me down and said quietly, "Wolfus, you already know how to read, don't you?" "Sure," I said -- I'd thought everybody did. Knowing what I know about schools vs. parents now, I suspect there were some recriminations directed at Mom. As for me, I got a field promotion to second grade that month, and moved on (after some testing) to third the next year.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
I had the same experience. I do recall one teacher, probably third grade, being very angry that I would read extra books and not write a book report on every one. The teacher put in my report card that I would be a failure in life.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026 09:34 AM (0U5gm)
79
Tell us so we dont pick up accidentally
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:34 AM (bXbFr)
80
As far as reading this week, I haven't done much that wasn't 1920s related. Still making my way through Ten Restaurants That Changed America, but it's a book that makes me hungry, so I have to go slowly. Right now, I am on a chapter about the Mandarin, a San Fran place that introduced high-level Chinese dining to Americans.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:35 AM (qRla/)
81
I learned to read Bam! Pow! and Zowie! watchin Batman.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 24, 2026 09:35 AM (RIvkX)
82
Veapasian was good but he came up the ranks marcus aurelius a century later
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:28 AM (bXbFr)
Vespasian was good. Titus was good. Domitian was an asshole, but gets a worse rep than he earned. Nerva was fine.
I think the horror of the Julio-Claudians, particularly by comparison to Augustus, gives both their contemporaries and historians a tendency to judge Roman emperors perhaps more harshly than they always deserved. The Flavians and Antonines were pretty good, on balance.
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:28 AM (bXbFr)
Vespasian was good. Titus was good. Domitian was an asshole, but gets a worse rep than he earned. Nerva was fine.
I think the horror of the Julio-Claudians, particularly by comparison to Augustus, gives both their contemporaries and historians a tendency to judge Roman emperors perhaps more harshly than they always deserved. The Flavians and Antonines were pretty good, on balance.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at May 24, 2026 09:35 AM (BI5O2)
83
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:35 AM (qRla/)
iirc they invented the Fortune cookie?
iirc they invented the Fortune cookie?
Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 24, 2026 09:36 AM (RIvkX)
84
Did you know there was another Bill Nye? Edgar Wilson "Bill" Nye was a humorist in the later 1800s that had this to say about George Washington:
"In conclusion, let me say that George Washington was successful for three reasons. One was that he never shook the confidence of his friends. Another was that he had a strong will without being a mule. Some people cannot distinguish between being firm and being a big blue jackass.
Another reason why Washington is loved and honored today is that he died before we had a chance to get tired of him. This is greatly superior to the method adopted by many modern statesmen, who wait till their constituency weary of them and then reluctantly and tardily die."
"In conclusion, let me say that George Washington was successful for three reasons. One was that he never shook the confidence of his friends. Another was that he had a strong will without being a mule. Some people cannot distinguish between being firm and being a big blue jackass.
Another reason why Washington is loved and honored today is that he died before we had a chance to get tired of him. This is greatly superior to the method adopted by many modern statesmen, who wait till their constituency weary of them and then reluctantly and tardily die."
Posted by: fd at May 24, 2026 09:36 AM (vFG9F)
85
"who"
Posted by: fd at May 24, 2026 09:37 AM (vFG9F)
86
33 Also on my TBR pile: ... the second in S.M. Stirling's series about an Earthlike Venus and Mars in the late 20th Century;
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:15 AM (wzUl9)
Was that the book set on Mars? Or was there a second one set on Venus? I remember reading 1 Venus book, then 1 Mars book, and then I never returned to the series...
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:15 AM (wzUl9)
Was that the book set on Mars? Or was there a second one set on Venus? I remember reading 1 Venus book, then 1 Mars book, and then I never returned to the series...
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:37 AM (3v7ra)
87
And as for my own work, I finished the editing draft of my new Theda Bara novel, and am slowly making my way through it. I spent last Friday reading the first half aloud to my writing partner / muse, looking for her thoughts. We'll be going through the second half this week, and then, after I've made changes, will be asking for some beta readers.
I wanted to have the book out by Bara's birthday at the end of July, but I don't know if I'll make it. Not that I have hordes of fans begging me for the book, anyway.
I wanted to have the book out by Bara's birthday at the end of July, but I don't know if I'll make it. Not that I have hordes of fans begging me for the book, anyway.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:37 AM (qRla/)
88
Yes im painting with a broad brush but there were msny mediocre emperors the same with the byzantines
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:38 AM (bXbFr)
89
Just finished 'Flying Lessons" by a passed away grade school friend. Scott Grange.
I enjoyed it. As a novel. But being based on a real story I have issues.
It should be the real story. I would have loved to have been able to proofread this for Scott. Two mistakes is all but I would have recommended dropping the whole pretence of it being based on a real story. There are things invented out of whole cloth inserted into a real incident that needs no help being facinating. D-Day.
The reader is left wondering how much is real.
I'm going to spend a little time figuring that out. Particularly the villian. His story is almost too much to believe as made up.
I enjoyed it. As a novel. But being based on a real story I have issues.
It should be the real story. I would have loved to have been able to proofread this for Scott. Two mistakes is all but I would have recommended dropping the whole pretence of it being based on a real story. There are things invented out of whole cloth inserted into a real incident that needs no help being facinating. D-Day.
The reader is left wondering how much is real.
I'm going to spend a little time figuring that out. Particularly the villian. His story is almost too much to believe as made up.
Posted by: Reforger at May 24, 2026 09:38 AM (594J6)
90
...Also, as I glance back at it, I see that the Treasure Island comic is rated 'Teen+'. Really? No swearing and no gore and it's still Teen+? For what? The skeleton? And people think the old Comics Code Authority was stringent....
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026
***
Skeletons were all over the books I read as a pre-teen. The Hardy Boys, for instance; there's at least one with the word in the title, The Skeleton in the Clock (?) (or "the Armoire," or something).
The opening chapter of my favorite Roy Rogers story of that time, The Ghost of Mystery Rancho, has a skeleton in a chair in the entryway of an abandoned mission, arranged as a booby trap. A sheriff steps on the threshold and wires trigger the loaded pistols in the bony hands of the skeleton, killing the lawman. And motivating young Texas Ranger Roy to avenge his friend and find out who this masked and murderous bandit is.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026
***
Skeletons were all over the books I read as a pre-teen. The Hardy Boys, for instance; there's at least one with the word in the title, The Skeleton in the Clock (?) (or "the Armoire," or something).
The opening chapter of my favorite Roy Rogers story of that time, The Ghost of Mystery Rancho, has a skeleton in a chair in the entryway of an abandoned mission, arranged as a booby trap. A sheriff steps on the threshold and wires trigger the loaded pistols in the bony hands of the skeleton, killing the lawman. And motivating young Texas Ranger Roy to avenge his friend and find out who this masked and murderous bandit is.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:38 AM (wzUl9)
91
One of my kids kept learning to read a secret from us, apparently out of concern that it might result in no more story reading at bedtime. We learned of the ruse when the kid's kindergarten teacher complained that the kid was secretly reading during mandatory naptime. I was very proud.
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 24, 2026 09:38 AM (LcbzL)
92
Let us not forget one source of developing a reader -- newspaper comic strips. Dad would sit in his chair with me on one side and my sister on the other and read "the funnies" to us, using different voices and adding his own laughter or commentary ("That wasn't very funny.").
And in fifth and sixth grade -- small school, both classes in one room -- our teacher would read aloud to us. Why she chose "Island of Blue Dolphins" is something I don't know.
And in fifth and sixth grade -- small school, both classes in one room -- our teacher would read aloud to us. Why she chose "Island of Blue Dolphins" is something I don't know.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:38 AM (8pIvk)
93
My mom barely ever saw the inside of a college classroom, but she sure knew how to wear out a library card.
She had a rocking chair and a screen porch where she devoured an endless stream of paperbacks, Newsweek magazines every week cover to cover (hey, it was the 70s), a wealthy neighbor's Wall Street Journal (passed along a day late) and even her small hometown's newspaper which would arrive in the mail.
And a lot of cigarettes.
She had a rocking chair and a screen porch where she devoured an endless stream of paperbacks, Newsweek magazines every week cover to cover (hey, it was the 70s), a wealthy neighbor's Wall Street Journal (passed along a day late) and even her small hometown's newspaper which would arrive in the mail.
And a lot of cigarettes.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 24, 2026 09:38 AM (2Ez/1)
94
In other book-related news, I shifted a bookcase from the Great Room to the Petit Shrine (the old formal dining room). Quite the logistical undertaking, and I am very sore this morning. It is now ensconced next to two other bookcases bought a year ago at an estate sale that match it in size, color and style. When I am mobile again, I will be shifting the books to create a more thematic arrangement.
Hitherto, many of the book have been put where they fit. I am now rationalizing the collection, and of course removing works that I haven't read, won't read, or don't even know how they got on the shelf (a non-trivial amount). Earlier efforts produced the China Reference Area, which combines all works pertaining to China, which had hitherto been split between Kids' Stories, military history, general history, and philosophy. Now it's all in one easy to find place.
I intend to create a dedicated space for Tolkien, which is something of a challenge given the varied size of the books, but a core concept is that not all books need to be on display. The spare copies of LotR, for example, can be elsewhere.
Hitherto, many of the book have been put where they fit. I am now rationalizing the collection, and of course removing works that I haven't read, won't read, or don't even know how they got on the shelf (a non-trivial amount). Earlier efforts produced the China Reference Area, which combines all works pertaining to China, which had hitherto been split between Kids' Stories, military history, general history, and philosophy. Now it's all in one easy to find place.
I intend to create a dedicated space for Tolkien, which is something of a challenge given the varied size of the books, but a core concept is that not all books need to be on display. The spare copies of LotR, for example, can be elsewhere.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:39 AM (ZOv7s)
95
As an American, I'm far too familiar with being lorded over by globalist pedophile homos who hate me.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at May 24, 2026 09:25 AM (BI5O2)
This too is the story of Barak Obama.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at May 24, 2026 09:25 AM (BI5O2)
This too is the story of Barak Obama.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 24, 2026 09:39 AM (1Ff7Z)
96
33 Also on my TBR pile: ... the second in S.M. Stirling's series about an Earthlike Venus and Mars in the late 20th Century;
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026
*
Was that the book set on Mars? Or was there a second one set on Venus? I remember reading 1 Venus book, then 1 Mars book, and then I never returned to the series...
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026
***
The first, The Sky People, was on Venus. This one, In the Courts of the Crimson Kings, is set on Mars.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026
*
Was that the book set on Mars? Or was there a second one set on Venus? I remember reading 1 Venus book, then 1 Mars book, and then I never returned to the series...
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026
***
The first, The Sky People, was on Venus. This one, In the Courts of the Crimson Kings, is set on Mars.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:39 AM (wzUl9)
97
Tom holland is very good mary beard is afflicted with presentism
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:40 AM (bXbFr)
98
Yes im painting with a broad brush but there were msny mediocre emperors the same with the byzantines
It's a living.
- - Galba
It's a living.
- - Galba
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:41 AM (qRla/)
99
I had the same experience. I do recall one teacher, probably third grade, being very angry that I would read extra books and not write a book report on every one. The teacher put in my report card that I would be a failure in life.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026
***
Oh, we were told in fifth grade *not* to take our readers home and read ahead. So naturally I did just that and was bored even more of the time in school than usual.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026
***
Oh, we were told in fifth grade *not* to take our readers home and read ahead. So naturally I did just that and was bored even more of the time in school than usual.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:42 AM (wzUl9)
100
I should probably mention that there is a wide range of AI audiobook narration. Some of it, particularly the early stuff, is indeed quite robotic. Amazon's Digital Voice, though, knows about sentence inflection and even does quite well on the made-up words that science fiction and fantasy employ. The best so far is ElevenLabs. You can *create* your own narration voice using prompts like with ChatGpt, and also tell it the narrator should shout, whisper, or be sarcastic. It sounds human.
I completely respect human narrators and their skills, and want to pay them what they are worth. But until I can EARN enough to pay them, AI is a good way to bootstrap and give readers the audio equivalent to a paperback.
I completely respect human narrators and their skills, and want to pay them what they are worth. But until I can EARN enough to pay them, AI is a good way to bootstrap and give readers the audio equivalent to a paperback.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at May 24, 2026 09:42 AM (vAQDP)
101
Dad would sit in his chair with me on one side and my sister on the other and read "the funnies" to us, using different voices and adding his own laughter or commentary ("That wasn't very funny.").
Posted by: Weak Geek
I used to do that when reading to my kids, changing voices with the characters, and adding in sound effects. I think it helped when they were very young.
Posted by: Weak Geek
I used to do that when reading to my kids, changing voices with the characters, and adding in sound effects. I think it helped when they were very young.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026 09:42 AM (0U5gm)
102
Yeah obama would have been a vsndsl emperor
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:43 AM (bXbFr)
103
Growing up, my sisters & I read a lot, my brother very little. Only later, when he did a lot of air travel for work, did he develop an interest in reading. Big on mysteries.
Posted by: Nazdar at May 24, 2026 09:43 AM (NcvvS)
104
Yeah he drew the short straw four that year
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:44 AM (bXbFr)
105
I was actually gobsmacked this past week to see a post on the Reactor blog (alias Tor.com) in which the author actually complained about the galloping presentism and anachronisms in a lot of contemporary "historical" media and literature. In the past that site has published various apologia for awkwardly shoehorning "women warriors" and diverse people of color into medieval Europe, so this is a real shocker. Even more shocking was the generally supportive tone of the comments.
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 24, 2026 09:44 AM (LcbzL)
106
Oh, that's serious. It takes a lot for someone on this treat to go that far....But, from the rest of your comment, yeah, it seems justified.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:33 AM (3v7ra)
I've only tossed one book in anger. GWB's book "Record of Accomplishment." After his remarks on President Trump, into the recycle bin it went.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:33 AM (3v7ra)
I've only tossed one book in anger. GWB's book "Record of Accomplishment." After his remarks on President Trump, into the recycle bin it went.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 24, 2026 09:44 AM (1Ff7Z)
107
Island of Doctor Moreau. Some castaways are let loose in the tropics; Edward Prendick survives. This is cast as a memoir found adrift latitude 5° 3′ S x 101° W - so ten degrees west of Galapagos.
Imagine someone got to the Jurassic Park by accident and that's a fair summary of the intro.
Apparently there is a movie: Island of Lost Souls 1932. There's a catgirl. One of several reasons we got the Hayes Code. There are other movies but they are (somehow) cheesier.
Imagine someone got to the Jurassic Park by accident and that's a fair summary of the intro.
Apparently there is a movie: Island of Lost Souls 1932. There's a catgirl. One of several reasons we got the Hayes Code. There are other movies but they are (somehow) cheesier.
Posted by: gKWVE at May 24, 2026 09:45 AM (1gmsy)
108
I do need to do some writing today, but also some reading. For a novel set in Hollywood, my book has precious little 'movie scenery' in it. I need to write a scene that shows a film being shot - which I can do off the top of my head - but also need to search through memoirs of early Hollywood to get a few details just right. So I will probably do more reading than writing at all.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:45 AM (qRla/)
109
Yeah obama would have been a vsndsl emperor
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026
***
I presume you meant "Vandal"?
Accused once in college by a girlfriend of being a "vandal" because I'd added some graffiti to a bathroom stall, I said proudly, "No, I'm a Visigoth!"
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026
***
I presume you meant "Vandal"?
Accused once in college by a girlfriend of being a "vandal" because I'd added some graffiti to a bathroom stall, I said proudly, "No, I'm a Visigoth!"
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:45 AM (wzUl9)
110
Veapasian was good but he came up the ranks marcus aurelius a century later
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:28 AM (bXbFr)
---
The Roman military system frequently generated excellent emperors. The Crisis of the Second Century was solved by a series of soldier-emperors starting with Claudius II.
The Julio-Claudians get something of a bum rap because of the quality (and quantity) of writing about them from Rome. The picture in the provinces was entirely different, and a big part of why we know so much was that Tacitus was an exceptional Latin stylist, and his works were preserved because of that as much as their content.
St. Augustine is similarly treasured for the quality of his writing, which comes through in translation. Very readable, nice turns of phrase, though the translators stress that his use of rhyming and pacing does not cross over to English. I enjoy footnotes pointing out that certain phrases are masterpieces of Latin.
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:28 AM (bXbFr)
---
The Roman military system frequently generated excellent emperors. The Crisis of the Second Century was solved by a series of soldier-emperors starting with Claudius II.
The Julio-Claudians get something of a bum rap because of the quality (and quantity) of writing about them from Rome. The picture in the provinces was entirely different, and a big part of why we know so much was that Tacitus was an exceptional Latin stylist, and his works were preserved because of that as much as their content.
St. Augustine is similarly treasured for the quality of his writing, which comes through in translation. Very readable, nice turns of phrase, though the translators stress that his use of rhyming and pacing does not cross over to English. I enjoy footnotes pointing out that certain phrases are masterpieces of Latin.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:46 AM (ZOv7s)
111
I am very fond of Stirling's In the Courts of the Crimson Kings. He manages to make Martians understandable yet very alien. Also the line "Feral engines!" makes me giggle and sometimes I say it to recalcitrant devices. Why yes, I AM a nerd.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at May 24, 2026 09:47 AM (vAQDP)
112
Speaking of audio books, I must recommend the audio book of The Magician's Nephew read by Kenneth Branaugh. What a phenomenal narrator. He not only changes volume and speed to match the suspense, but he nails the characters and dialects of every character, even the minor ones. At some points, it is hard to imagine that one person is doing the reading.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026 09:47 AM (0U5gm)
113
Usta look forward to the Sunday paper when the comics were in color. And of course everyone developed their own particular order of comic strip consumption, saving your favorite for last.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 24, 2026 09:48 AM (2Ez/1)
114
I'm persnickety about audiobooks. On long drives (which I don't have to do anymore, thank goodness) I preferred to play music, especially if I could sing along. Trying to follow a book while in traffic on the Penn Turnpike or I-90 was not a good combination.
But I have found some audiobooks that I love. The narrator can bring out aspects that I missed even on many rereadings. One example I've mentioned is Gary Sinise reading Steinbeck's Travels With Charly. It's wonderful and nuanced without being distractingly over the top.
I have several versions of LOTR on audio. Didn't care for the BBC production that is more like a stage play. It distracted me from the words. But the Rob Inglis and, even better, Andy Serkis versions are excellent: clear, emotive, and bring out aspects that I missed when reading. They are gems. Same for Derek Jacobi reading Voyage of the Dawn Trader from the Narnia series.
But I have found some audiobooks that I love. The narrator can bring out aspects that I missed even on many rereadings. One example I've mentioned is Gary Sinise reading Steinbeck's Travels With Charly. It's wonderful and nuanced without being distractingly over the top.
I have several versions of LOTR on audio. Didn't care for the BBC production that is more like a stage play. It distracted me from the words. But the Rob Inglis and, even better, Andy Serkis versions are excellent: clear, emotive, and bring out aspects that I missed when reading. They are gems. Same for Derek Jacobi reading Voyage of the Dawn Trader from the Narnia series.
Posted by: JTB at May 24, 2026 09:48 AM (yTvNw)
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:49 AM (bXbFr)
116
Three Investigators book: "Mystery of the Talking Skull."
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:49 AM (8pIvk)
117
And in fifth and sixth grade -- small school, both classes in one room -- our teacher would read aloud to us. Why she chose "Island of Blue Dolphins" is something I don't know.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:38 AM (8pIvk
---
I remember my third and fourth grade teachers reading aloud to us. "James and the Giant Peach", "The Glass Slipper", and others.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:38 AM (8pIvk
---
I remember my third and fourth grade teachers reading aloud to us. "James and the Giant Peach", "The Glass Slipper", and others.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 24, 2026 09:50 AM (kpS4V)
118
40 There is a clear trend line from socialism to communism to anarchism to terrorism. The trail leads from Rousseau to modern day leftist movements. In The Dynamite Club, John Merriman traces the history of how leftist politics turned to terror in the western world.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026 09:18 AM (0U5gm)
I remember when I first became aware of the anarchist-bombing movements of old. They made me irrationally angry. But they also made me smugly-satisfied, because that sort of foolishness was safely behind us, relegated to the dustbin of history. That was in the 2000's, when domestic troublemakers seemed far less relevant than home-grown ones. But now...glances at the headlines from last night...well, home-grown violence is back on the menu, it seems.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026 09:18 AM (0U5gm)
I remember when I first became aware of the anarchist-bombing movements of old. They made me irrationally angry. But they also made me smugly-satisfied, because that sort of foolishness was safely behind us, relegated to the dustbin of history. That was in the 2000's, when domestic troublemakers seemed far less relevant than home-grown ones. But now...glances at the headlines from last night...well, home-grown violence is back on the menu, it seems.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:50 AM (3v7ra)
119
My first book that I can remember was Go Dog Go. Hell yeah I still have a copy. Mom taught me to read early, so I was reading before kindergarten. My birthday is late in the year, so I missed the cutoff for starting school and had to wait a year, but when they found out I reading when I started kindergarten they pulled my out and put my in first grade. I still have some of my earliest books. Yeah, Go Dog Go was my fav.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 24, 2026 09:50 AM (snZF9)
120
Yeah obama would have been a vsndsl emperor
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:43 AM (bXbFr)
---
Obama was closest to Honorius - did nothing to earn the job, hid his court, watched the Empire collapse around him, kept acting important anyway. Killed his best commanders due to palace intrigue.
You could argue that he might have been one of the late puppet emperors as well. He very clearly saw his role is guiding the US into decline and strategic irrelevance, and there's a pretty obvious parallel with settling barbarian tribes in the Empire, undermining its integrity.
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:43 AM (bXbFr)
---
Obama was closest to Honorius - did nothing to earn the job, hid his court, watched the Empire collapse around him, kept acting important anyway. Killed his best commanders due to palace intrigue.
You could argue that he might have been one of the late puppet emperors as well. He very clearly saw his role is guiding the US into decline and strategic irrelevance, and there's a pretty obvious parallel with settling barbarian tribes in the Empire, undermining its integrity.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:51 AM (ZOv7s)
121
Many of the chronicler of the era tacitus plutarch cassius dio was pretty good
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:52 AM (bXbFr)
122
I remember my third and fourth grade teachers reading aloud to us. "James and the Giant Peach", "The Glass Slipper", and others.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 24, 2026 09:50 AM (kpS4V)
---
Library time was a mainstay of elementary school. One day a week we'd troop over to the library and the librarian or a parent volunteer would read a book to us. Lots of good books - Phantom Toll Booth, James and the Giant Peach - and then we had a few minutes at the end to check out a book.
I was always over at 940, picking out a war book.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 24, 2026 09:50 AM (kpS4V)
---
Library time was a mainstay of elementary school. One day a week we'd troop over to the library and the librarian or a parent volunteer would read a book to us. Lots of good books - Phantom Toll Booth, James and the Giant Peach - and then we had a few minutes at the end to check out a book.
I was always over at 940, picking out a war book.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:52 AM (ZOv7s)
123
For America 250 I'm reading The Daily Journals of the Lewis and Clark. All of the old Lewis and Clark public domain journal books are abridged with one (
major exception: Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Volumes 1-8 by the American Philosophical Society 1904 unabridged. Each volume is approximately 380 pages.
The advantage of reading the journals versus condensed prose versions is pretty simple - mystery. L&C didn't know what tribe members or prairie topography they might encounter from day to day. They had hard ordinary days or sometimes ran across odd things: a 12 foot wide by 30 foot high fascine erected by Indians on an willow eyot, or the ruins of a strange fortress built by people unknown for reasons unknown.
major exception: Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Volumes 1-8 by the American Philosophical Society 1904 unabridged. Each volume is approximately 380 pages.
The advantage of reading the journals versus condensed prose versions is pretty simple - mystery. L&C didn't know what tribe members or prairie topography they might encounter from day to day. They had hard ordinary days or sometimes ran across odd things: a 12 foot wide by 30 foot high fascine erected by Indians on an willow eyot, or the ruins of a strange fortress built by people unknown for reasons unknown.
Posted by: 13times at May 24, 2026 09:53 AM (gC0g5)
124
He was the exception
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 09:54 AM (bXbFr)
125
Raul is a cool cat.
Posted by: Eromero at May 24, 2026 09:54 AM (LHPAg)
126
The problem with AI reading is that is doesn't have the proper rhythm and emphasis for all types of novels.
F'rinstance a humorous novel would suffer hugely without the proper inflection and emphasis.
Same with an action novel or horror novel.
I imagine it would take a huge amount of tweaking to get an AI to sound correct.
Imagine a PG Wodehouse Jeeves and Bertie novel read flatly...yuck!
The problem with AI reading is that is doesn't have the proper rhythm and emphasis for all types of novels.
F'rinstance a humorous novel would suffer hugely without the proper inflection and emphasis.
Same with an action novel or horror novel.
I imagine it would take a huge amount of tweaking to get an AI to sound correct.
Imagine a PG Wodehouse Jeeves and Bertie novel read flatly...yuck!
Posted by: naturalfake at May 24, 2026 09:54 AM (iJfKG)
127
I also don't remember how I learned to read, just that I always could. My mother finished HS it my father didn't driving a truck for the family bakery. But there were a,ways newspapers, magazines and I could walk to the library where I had to get written permission to take books from the adult section.
Trying to finish book 5 in Pierce Brown's Red Rising series Dark Age for the 3rd time. It is a great book but easy to put down when current events take precedence. His battle scenes are so exciting as I root for the good guys to pull off a miraculous win which they lways do until.....
Trying to finish book 5 in Pierce Brown's Red Rising series Dark Age for the 3rd time. It is a great book but easy to put down when current events take precedence. His battle scenes are so exciting as I root for the good guys to pull off a miraculous win which they lways do until.....
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 24, 2026 09:55 AM (kJmSS)
128
Library time was a mainstay of elementary school. One day a week we'd troop over to the library and the librarian or a parent volunteer would read a book to us. Lots of good books - Phantom Toll Booth, James and the Giant Peach - and then we had a few minutes at the end to check out a book.
I was always over at 940, picking out a war book.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026
***
I faintly recall one title from our elementary school "library" (one room in the building) called Captain Apple's Ghost. Even at age nine, anything with a supernatural element got my attention.
I was always over at 940, picking out a war book.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026
***
I faintly recall one title from our elementary school "library" (one room in the building) called Captain Apple's Ghost. Even at age nine, anything with a supernatural element got my attention.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:56 AM (wzUl9)
129
Sabrina,
Thanks for the thread today. You always bring an author's viewpoint most aren't aware of.
Thanks for the thread today. You always bring an author's viewpoint most aren't aware of.
Posted by: JTB at May 24, 2026 09:56 AM (yTvNw)
130
Don't think Batmann taught me to read, but B.B. did teach me all I know about opera
Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026 09:57 AM (Ia/+0)
131
46 It's hodgepodge time in Geekland. I'm skipping among two comics collections and one novel.
The comics are reprints of Alex Raymond's "Flash Gordon" comic strips from the 1930s throught early '40s and a hardback collection of the first three years of Mike Grell's 1970s DC comic "The Warlord." The book is "Neon Empire," a Nate Heller crime adventure by Max Allan Collins.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:21 AM (8pIvk)
Only three books at once? Pft. (cut to the 'those are rookie numbers' meme-clip) What do you think of Warlord so far? I'm still paused in my reading of it. And the Flash Gordon strip...were those dailies, or Sunday pages? It's been a long time since I read a daily adventure strip. The three-panel pacing is...certainly a different sort of experience.
The comics are reprints of Alex Raymond's "Flash Gordon" comic strips from the 1930s throught early '40s and a hardback collection of the first three years of Mike Grell's 1970s DC comic "The Warlord." The book is "Neon Empire," a Nate Heller crime adventure by Max Allan Collins.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 09:21 AM (8pIvk)
Only three books at once? Pft. (cut to the 'those are rookie numbers' meme-clip) What do you think of Warlord so far? I'm still paused in my reading of it. And the Flash Gordon strip...were those dailies, or Sunday pages? It's been a long time since I read a daily adventure strip. The three-panel pacing is...certainly a different sort of experience.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:58 AM (3v7ra)
132
Obama was closest to Honorius - did nothing to earn the job, hid his court, watched the Empire collapse around him, kept acting important anyway. Killed his best commanders due to palace intrigue.
I'd say Elagabalus. Petulant, childish, wasteful and devoted to an alien culture.
I'd say Elagabalus. Petulant, childish, wasteful and devoted to an alien culture.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:58 AM (qRla/)
133
Don't think Batmann taught me to read, but B.B. did teach me all I know about opera
Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026
***
My mother said she started me out on comic books like Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig. She'd read the "big" words (not that there were many in a Dell comic) and I'd read the "little" ones. Before long, I was reading the "big" ones too.
Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026
***
My mother said she started me out on comic books like Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig. She'd read the "big" words (not that there were many in a Dell comic) and I'd read the "little" ones. Before long, I was reading the "big" ones too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 09:59 AM (wzUl9)
134
American Thinker's audio is frustrating. I have to read the essay to confirm what I think I heard, thus defeating the purpose of the audio.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 10:00 AM (8pIvk)
135
I remember when I first became aware of the anarchist-bombing movements of old. They made me irrationally angry. But they also made me smugly-satisfied, because that sort of foolishness was safely behind us, relegated to the dustbin of history. That was in the 2000's, when domestic troublemakers seemed far less relevant than home-grown ones. But now...glances at the headlines from last night...well, home-grown violence is back on the menu, it seems.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:50 AM (3v7ra)
---
Marxism is a heresy, and a very old one at that. You see it pop up at various times in history under different names.
The modern version latched onto the Enlightenment and claimed to be secular ("scientific") but it's still just weaponized greed, envy, wrath and pride.
Posted by: Castle Guy at May 24, 2026 09:50 AM (3v7ra)
---
Marxism is a heresy, and a very old one at that. You see it pop up at various times in history under different names.
The modern version latched onto the Enlightenment and claimed to be secular ("scientific") but it's still just weaponized greed, envy, wrath and pride.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:00 AM (ZOv7s)
136
Wolfus (& Miss Linda) --
Yep, I've read the 87th Precinct books, and they were delightful. I may have missed some of the last ones that came out after we moved from Chicago to SE KS in late 85, though. That's a terrific series too -- can't remember reading a bad one. Another series ripe for a revisit. No longer have the hardcovers, but they're all on the Kindle waiting for my lazy kazoosis to open 'em up again.
His Evan Hunter novels aren't too dusty either. Blackboard Jungle and Last Summer are probably the best known but I'm kinda partial to Sons and Far from the Sea.
Yep, I've read the 87th Precinct books, and they were delightful. I may have missed some of the last ones that came out after we moved from Chicago to SE KS in late 85, though. That's a terrific series too -- can't remember reading a bad one. Another series ripe for a revisit. No longer have the hardcovers, but they're all on the Kindle waiting for my lazy kazoosis to open 'em up again.
His Evan Hunter novels aren't too dusty either. Blackboard Jungle and Last Summer are probably the best known but I'm kinda partial to Sons and Far from the Sea.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026 10:01 AM (q3u5l)
137
You know, my younger sisters never developed the reading habit, the absolute necessity of books, that I did. I am also the only Comservative while,they are liberals in the worst sense of the word. 🤔
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 24, 2026 10:02 AM (kJmSS)
138
The cat is staring down at me from the back of the sofa as I read. It's disconcerting.
Blink, already!
Blink, already!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 24, 2026 10:02 AM (kpS4V)
139
Also, a collection of Asimov's Nightfall and Other Stories...
Just my opinion -- because I know how important that is to you all -- but "Nightfall" is either the best SF short ever or tied for first with "Johnny Mnemonic."
Just my opinion -- because I know how important that is to you all -- but "Nightfall" is either the best SF short ever or tied for first with "Johnny Mnemonic."
Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 10:03 AM (vTZFs)
140
>>My birthday is late in the year, so I missed the cutoff for starting school and had to wait a year, but when they found out I reading when I started kindergarten they pulled my out and put my in first grade.
Opposite problem, here: birthday just before the cutoff date, (after start of school year). Parents were not going to sign off on sticking a 4-year-old into first grade.
Opposite problem, here: birthday just before the cutoff date, (after start of school year). Parents were not going to sign off on sticking a 4-year-old into first grade.
Posted by: Nazdar at May 24, 2026 10:03 AM (NcvvS)
141
Riouchas space opera leans heavily on Roman tropes
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 10:03 AM (bXbFr)
142
I remember the Little Golden Books, and I could read before the first grade. There was no kindergarten. We had the Compton Encyclopedia at home early and I went through that pretty quick.
'A person who doesn't read is no better than a person who can't read.'
- Johnny Cash (I think)
'A person who doesn't read is no better than a person who can't read.'
- Johnny Cash (I think)
Posted by: Eromero at May 24, 2026 10:04 AM (LHPAg)
143
I need to go back and reread some of my Poul Anderson collection. It's not huge, but I have The Star Fox, which I've mostly forgotten, The Trouble Twisters (three long short stories about the Polesotechnic League era), and his first, Brain Wave. I used to have a paperback copy of his War of the Wing-Men with a wonderful painting of one of the aliens featured in the story. The artist must actually have read the book, or at least enough to absorb Anderson's description.
Oh, and I have Anderson's The Book of Poul Anderson with various short and long stories, and his grand fantasy of a 20th-Century world run by magic, Operation Chaos.
Oh, and I have Anderson's The Book of Poul Anderson with various short and long stories, and his grand fantasy of a 20th-Century world run by magic, Operation Chaos.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 10:04 AM (wzUl9)
144
The problem with AI reading is that is doesn't have the proper rhythm and emphasis for all types of novels.
Posted by: naturalfake at May 24, 2026 09:54 AM (iJfKG)
---
Amazon's isn't bad. You can put notes into the text and adjust tempo and such, and of course free. Obviously, a professional working on a great script can do more, but it is better than nothing for the budget-minded indie author.
Posted by: naturalfake at May 24, 2026 09:54 AM (iJfKG)
---
Amazon's isn't bad. You can put notes into the text and adjust tempo and such, and of course free. Obviously, a professional working on a great script can do more, but it is better than nothing for the budget-minded indie author.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:04 AM (ZOv7s)
145
Ruocchio marlowe series
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 10:05 AM (bXbFr)
146
@131 --
Castle Guy, they were Sunday strips. "Flash Gordon" didn't have a daily strip until after Raymond was drafted, which ended his work on the strip.
Castle Guy, they were Sunday strips. "Flash Gordon" didn't have a daily strip until after Raymond was drafted, which ended his work on the strip.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 10:05 AM (8pIvk)
147
Yes, read to your children, starting as an infant, and don't stop when they first learn to read. It was a nightly ritual up to somewhere in the age of 9 or 10. It not only helps reading skills, it builds speaking, vocabulary, and indirectly, writing ability. In addition to helping the kids in an academic way, it's a bonding time with them.
The only rough patch was when a book became a favorite. "Santa Claus and his Elves", every night... for several weeks... weeks, I tell you.
The only rough patch was when a book became a favorite. "Santa Claus and his Elves", every night... for several weeks... weeks, I tell you.
Posted by: George V at May 24, 2026 10:05 AM (HUbHH)
148
I'd say Elagabalus. Petulant, childish, wasteful and devoted to an alien culture.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:58 AM (qRla/)
---
Obama hid his perversion rather than celebrate it. I think he's much closer to one of the late barbarian-sponsored tools than anyone with actual agency.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 09:58 AM (qRla/)
---
Obama hid his perversion rather than celebrate it. I think he's much closer to one of the late barbarian-sponsored tools than anyone with actual agency.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:06 AM (ZOv7s)
149
I remember my third and fourth grade teachers reading aloud to us. "James and the Giant Peach", "The Glass Slipper", and others.
I remember that also. I wonder if they're still allowed to do that these days or if it takes time away from practicing pronouns and putting rubbers on bananas.
I remember that also. I wonder if they're still allowed to do that these days or if it takes time away from practicing pronouns and putting rubbers on bananas.
Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 10:06 AM (vTZFs)
150
Just my opinion -- because I know how important that is to you all -- but "Nightfall" is either the best SF short ever or tied for first with "Johnny Mnemonic."
Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026
***
I'm fond of "Nightfall." But I prefer Blish's "Surface Tension" (more a novelette, though), Heinlein's "The Long Watch," and Cordwainer Smith's "The Game of Rat and Dragon."
Alfred Bester's "Fondly Fahrenheit" is up there too.
Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026
***
I'm fond of "Nightfall." But I prefer Blish's "Surface Tension" (more a novelette, though), Heinlein's "The Long Watch," and Cordwainer Smith's "The Game of Rat and Dragon."
Alfred Bester's "Fondly Fahrenheit" is up there too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 10:07 AM (wzUl9)
151
I have always preferred books that are mostly pictures.
Posted by: Weasel at May 24, 2026 10:07 AM (wN/sj)
152
Opposite problem, here: birthday just before the cutoff date, (after start of school year). Parents were not going to sign off on sticking a 4-year-old into first grade.
Posted by: Nazdar at May 24, 2026 10:03 AM (NcvvS)
---
I was always one of the youngest people in my grade, graduated at 17.
Posted by: Nazdar at May 24, 2026 10:03 AM (NcvvS)
---
I was always one of the youngest people in my grade, graduated at 17.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:08 AM (ZOv7s)
153
I started a couple of books but got distracted by some appointments where I brought along and re-read Manning Coles' Non Negotiable
Tommy Hambleton is in Belgium trying to find some leads on counterfeit ring passing exceptional quality bills when he observes a dead drop in a cafe. In following it up he finds corpses, accommodation addresses, jilted fiancés, bakery apprentices, Antoine Letourd of the Surete, petty criminals, a shadowy and sinister character named Maurice who seems to be running the whole ring, and the person actually pulling the strings from plain sight.
It is a usual Manning Coles spy novel, with desperate fights, boring stake outs, clever commentary and the tragic deaths that dampens the fun in post-war Europe.
Tommy Hambleton is in Belgium trying to find some leads on counterfeit ring passing exceptional quality bills when he observes a dead drop in a cafe. In following it up he finds corpses, accommodation addresses, jilted fiancés, bakery apprentices, Antoine Letourd of the Surete, petty criminals, a shadowy and sinister character named Maurice who seems to be running the whole ring, and the person actually pulling the strings from plain sight.
It is a usual Manning Coles spy novel, with desperate fights, boring stake outs, clever commentary and the tragic deaths that dampens the fun in post-war Europe.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 24, 2026 10:08 AM (rbvCR)
154
narf
Posted by: Kindltot at May 24, 2026 10:08 AM (rbvCR)
155
My first book that I can remember was Go Dog Go.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division
Now that you mention it, that would be a great name for a band.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division
Now that you mention it, that would be a great name for a band.
Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 10:09 AM (vTZFs)
156
>>I threw a book away this week. Literally into the trash can.
I have done that once. It was "Shutter Island."
The ending was so dark and depressing I did not wish to share the book with anyone else by donating it to the used bookstore, thus ruining their day (the day they finished the book).
I have done that once. It was "Shutter Island."
The ending was so dark and depressing I did not wish to share the book with anyone else by donating it to the used bookstore, thus ruining their day (the day they finished the book).
Posted by: Lizzy at May 24, 2026 10:12 AM (X8xt3)
157
Now that you mention it, that would be a great name for a band.
Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 10:09 AM (vTZFs)
---
I saw Go Dog Go open for They Might Be Giants at Pine Knob in 1996. Great show!
Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 10:09 AM (vTZFs)
---
I saw Go Dog Go open for They Might Be Giants at Pine Knob in 1996. Great show!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:12 AM (ZOv7s)
158
I'm deaf, so audiobooks are not my thing. It was recommended to me to listen to them when I first got my cochlear implants to help train my brain, so I went with books I can recite nearly from memory, which was Jane Austen. It was useful for training, but longer term, it would be very difficult if not impossible for me to consume a book I'd never read before that way. It would literally be easier and faster for me to read a book in my second, third, or fifth language than to listen to it. Even if I could, though, I'm also a speed reader and cannot imagine being confined to the slow pace of audiobooks. (I read 4 books just yesterday, for example.) I obviously don't drive and read at the same time, but cooking, cleaning, etc. I do with an ereader in hand.
I finally read Project Hail Mary yesterday. It was pretty good. There was one howler, when the narrator stated that two buildings at JSC that are actually a 15 minute drive apart were a 10 minute walk apart, but otherwise, good stuff. (The two buildings were the NBL and Building 30 (the MCC). Andy Weir has been to JSC. He also has access to google maps. Zero excuse for not knowing those buildings are not on the same campus.)
I finally read Project Hail Mary yesterday. It was pretty good. There was one howler, when the narrator stated that two buildings at JSC that are actually a 15 minute drive apart were a 10 minute walk apart, but otherwise, good stuff. (The two buildings were the NBL and Building 30 (the MCC). Andy Weir has been to JSC. He also has access to google maps. Zero excuse for not knowing those buildings are not on the same campus.)
Posted by: Mrs. Peel at May 24, 2026 10:12 AM (C/5yY)
159
Poul Anderson's short story Journeys End is a nifty piece of work too; kinda like the best Robert Silverberg story that Robert Silverberg never wrote. Yet another one due for a revisit.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026 10:13 AM (q3u5l)
160
I have always preferred books that are mostly pictures.
Posted by: Weasel at May 24, 2026 10:07 AM (wN/sj)
---
Ezell's Handguns of the World.
Posted by: Weasel at May 24, 2026 10:07 AM (wN/sj)
---
Ezell's Handguns of the World.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:13 AM (ZOv7s)
161
He very clearly saw his role is guiding the US into decline and strategic irrelevance, and there's a pretty obvious parallel with settling barbarian tribes in the Empire, undermining its integrity.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:51 AM (ZOv7s)
There was a bit of a difference: their barbarians wanted to be Romans, ours....
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 09:51 AM (ZOv7s)
There was a bit of a difference: their barbarians wanted to be Romans, ours....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 24, 2026 10:14 AM (1Ff7Z)
162
Well it works better for dramatic purooses if they were
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 10:14 AM (bXbFr)
163
Kindltot, I need to find more of the Coles Hambledon books. Tommy has a neat willingness to say irreverent things that appeals to me. In an earlier WWII novel, he privately refers to the violent green-flash explosive the Nazis are developing as "Poppo."
I suspect Hambledon appears in David McDaniel's roman a clef Man From U.N.C.L.E. novel, The Rainbow Affair. His name is never given, but when he (as a clearly important officer of British Intelligence) calls a young woman agent "you little minx," that sounds like him.
The young woman agent is clearly Emma Peel, too.
I suspect Hambledon appears in David McDaniel's roman a clef Man From U.N.C.L.E. novel, The Rainbow Affair. His name is never given, but when he (as a clearly important officer of British Intelligence) calls a young woman agent "you little minx," that sounds like him.
The young woman agent is clearly Emma Peel, too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 10:14 AM (wzUl9)
164
"Nightfall" is great because it's so easy to visualize.
Same with Clarke's "Nine Billion Names of God".
Really adds to the story's punch.
"All You Zombies" by Heinlein was a real mindblower when I read it.
As was "Venus and the Seven Sexes" by personal fave SF author, William Tenn. I guess he's been forgotten now.
Anyway, great conceptual mind-openers to the possibilities of SF.
"Nightfall" is great because it's so easy to visualize.
Same with Clarke's "Nine Billion Names of God".
Really adds to the story's punch.
"All You Zombies" by Heinlein was a real mindblower when I read it.
As was "Venus and the Seven Sexes" by personal fave SF author, William Tenn. I guess he's been forgotten now.
Anyway, great conceptual mind-openers to the possibilities of SF.
Posted by: naturalfake at May 24, 2026 10:15 AM (iJfKG)
165
The only rough patch was when a book became a favorite. "Santa Claus and his Elves", every night... for several weeks... weeks, I tell you.
**"Hamster Huey and the Gooey Kablooey" has entered the chat**
**"Hamster Huey and the Gooey Kablooey" has entered the chat**
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at May 24, 2026 10:15 AM (qRla/)
166
I've been reading a lot of poetry lately and have found that reading the lines out loud makes a huge difference in appreciating the poems. Instead of treating the end of each line as a sentence, reading aloud and following the punctuation lets the lines flow naturally and allows the alliteration, rhymes and stresses to bring out qualities that silent reading misses. I did some dramatic readings in college and knew this but got out of the habit. Poe's The Raven, Tennyson's Ulysses (actually anything by Tennyson), Shakespeare's Sonnets take on new power and resonance when read aloud.
Posted by: JTB at May 24, 2026 10:16 AM (yTvNw)
167
Ezell's Handguns of the World.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:13 AM (ZOv7s)
This is an excellent book that I can recommend to anyone interested in the subject with the proviso that it fails to have all the handguns in the world.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:13 AM (ZOv7s)
This is an excellent book that I can recommend to anyone interested in the subject with the proviso that it fails to have all the handguns in the world.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 24, 2026 10:17 AM (rbvCR)
168
But it doesnt make that big a difference
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 10:17 AM (bXbFr)
169
Poul Anderson's short story Journeys End is a nifty piece of work too; kinda like the best Robert Silverberg story that Robert Silverberg never wrote. Yet another one due for a revisit.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026
***
The story about telepaths? Yes!
Like Heinlein before him, Anderson had various depths to his work. PA was a hard-SF guy, but he could produce something like "Journey's End." Heinlein was a rational engineer, but then he gave us that haunting story about paranoia (or is it?), "They."
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026
***
The story about telepaths? Yes!
Like Heinlein before him, Anderson had various depths to his work. PA was a hard-SF guy, but he could produce something like "Journey's End." Heinlein was a rational engineer, but then he gave us that haunting story about paranoia (or is it?), "They."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 10:17 AM (wzUl9)
170
There was a bit of a difference: their barbarians wanted to be Romans, ours....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 24, 2026 10:14 AM (1Ff7Z)
---
No, I think they just wanted to get stuff from other people, same as now.
Trump is like Aurelian, Restitutor Orbis if you will, crushing barbarian and usurper alike. Hillary is Zenobia of Palmyra.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 24, 2026 10:14 AM (1Ff7Z)
---
No, I think they just wanted to get stuff from other people, same as now.
Trump is like Aurelian, Restitutor Orbis if you will, crushing barbarian and usurper alike. Hillary is Zenobia of Palmyra.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:18 AM (ZOv7s)
171
"every night...for several weeks..."
I'll bet Mrs Some Guy and I can still recite Sandra Boynton's But Not the Hippopotamus from memory.
I'll bet Mrs Some Guy and I can still recite Sandra Boynton's But Not the Hippopotamus from memory.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 24, 2026 10:18 AM (q3u5l)
172
I once tossed a DC comic book. It was so anti-business that I don't think I finished it. I remember throwing it across the room, then picking it up and dropping it into the trash.
IIRC, it was a Booster Gold annual that introduced a new team.
Now I want to look it up.
IIRC, it was a Booster Gold annual that introduced a new team.
Now I want to look it up.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 10:18 AM (8pIvk)
173
I love reading aloud to the kids. Go Dog Go was a favorite in our house as well, as well as Fox in Socks and (when they got a little older) My Mama Says.
Posted by: Mrs. Peel at May 24, 2026 10:18 AM (C/5yY)
174
Lehane is rarely an encouraging read
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at May 24, 2026 10:19 AM (bXbFr)
175
Did the Horde have similar experiences learning to read? Any special first book memories?
My folks told me they used to find me napping with my face in am open Encyclopedia Britannica, which seems to be pretty on brand with me, as nerdly as I am.
My folks told me they used to find me napping with my face in am open Encyclopedia Britannica, which seems to be pretty on brand with me, as nerdly as I am.
Posted by: Sharkman at May 24, 2026 10:19 AM (/RHNq)
176
I remember when I first became aware of the anarchist-bombing movements of old. They made me irrationally angry. But they also made me smugly-satisfied, because that sort of foolishness was safely behind us, relegated to the dustbin of history. That was in the 2000's, when domestic troublemakers seemed far less relevant than home-grown ones. But now...glances at the headlines from last night...well, home-grown violence is back on the menu, it seems.
Posted by: Castle Guy
Yes, the US had a flare up of its own in the early years of the twentieth century, including an assassination of a president and bombings of Wall Street. Many people had thought the left had burned itself out on political violence, but we saw it during the Vietnam era, and now in the early years of the twenty-first, it seems to be clearly on the upswing again.
Posted by: Castle Guy
Yes, the US had a flare up of its own in the early years of the twentieth century, including an assassination of a president and bombings of Wall Street. Many people had thought the left had burned itself out on political violence, but we saw it during the Vietnam era, and now in the early years of the twenty-first, it seems to be clearly on the upswing again.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at May 24, 2026 10:20 AM (0U5gm)
177
87 ... "I wanted to have the book out by Bara's birthday at the end of July, but I don't know if I'll make it. Not that I have hordes of fans begging me for the book, anyway."
MP4,
Well, you have at least one fan waiting for the new book. I have the first two in hardcover and will do the same for the new one. Please let us know when publication is near.
MP4,
Well, you have at least one fan waiting for the new book. I have the first two in hardcover and will do the same for the new one. Please let us know when publication is near.
Posted by: JTB at May 24, 2026 10:20 AM (yTvNw)
178
This is an excellent book that I can recommend to anyone interested in the subject with the proviso that it fails to have all the handguns in the world.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 24, 2026 10:17 AM (rbvCR)
---
It also doesn't go past 1945. I was saddened to see that Ezell's update to Small Arms of the World did not have a section on South Korea. Poor Daewoo. Totally not fair that Rooftop Koreans should be snubbed in this way while every crap third world AK variant gets space.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 24, 2026 10:17 AM (rbvCR)
---
It also doesn't go past 1945. I was saddened to see that Ezell's update to Small Arms of the World did not have a section on South Korea. Poor Daewoo. Totally not fair that Rooftop Koreans should be snubbed in this way while every crap third world AK variant gets space.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 24, 2026 10:21 AM (ZOv7s)
179
. I did some dramatic readings in college and knew this but got out of the habit. Poe's The Raven, Tennyson's Ulysses (actually anything by Tennyson), Shakespeare's Sonnets take on new power and resonance when read aloud.
Posted by: JTB at May 24, 2026
***
Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" and "The Laboratory," for instance. Both are dramatic monologues and meant to be read aloud.
Both are very modern, too, in that we are not *told* anything but view it all through the narrator's words. We're not told that the anonymous visitor to the Duke's abode is horrified by his host; Browning simply has the Duke say, "Nay, we'll go down together, sir[,]" and we *see* the visitor shrinking back and the Duke throwing a companionable arm over his reluctant shoulders.
Posted by: JTB at May 24, 2026
***
Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" and "The Laboratory," for instance. Both are dramatic monologues and meant to be read aloud.
Both are very modern, too, in that we are not *told* anything but view it all through the narrator's words. We're not told that the anonymous visitor to the Duke's abode is horrified by his host; Browning simply has the Duke say, "Nay, we'll go down together, sir[,]" and we *see* the visitor shrinking back and the Duke throwing a companionable arm over his reluctant shoulders.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 10:22 AM (wzUl9)
180
> reading the lines out loud makes a huge difference in appreciating the poems
Yep agree. And not being afraid of rhythm. Too many people seem to be convinced that rhythm is gauche or something, so they try to recite poetry like it's prose. That would be appropriate for My Last Duchess, but Poe intended his poetry to be read aloud. Same for Tolkien. Sound and rhythm were just as important as meaning to him.
Yep agree. And not being afraid of rhythm. Too many people seem to be convinced that rhythm is gauche or something, so they try to recite poetry like it's prose. That would be appropriate for My Last Duchess, but Poe intended his poetry to be read aloud. Same for Tolkien. Sound and rhythm were just as important as meaning to him.
Posted by: Mrs. Peel at May 24, 2026 10:22 AM (C/5yY)
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 24, 2026 10:23 AM (8pIvk)
182
>>Lehane is rarely an encouraging read
Look at the movies based on his books, such as Mystic River and Gone, Baby Gone. Dark twists at the end. BLEAK. I have no interest in reading anymore of his books. Not my jam!
Look at the movies based on his books, such as Mystic River and Gone, Baby Gone. Dark twists at the end. BLEAK. I have no interest in reading anymore of his books. Not my jam!
Posted by: Lizzy at May 24, 2026 10:23 AM (X8xt3)
183
>>Just my opinion -- because I know how important that is to you all -- but "Nightfall" is either the best SF short ever or tied for first with "Johnny Mnemonic."
Re-read 'By the Waters of Bablyon' by Stephen Vincent Benet once a year. Holds up very well.
Re-read 'By the Waters of Bablyon' by Stephen Vincent Benet once a year. Holds up very well.
Posted by: Nazdar at May 24, 2026 10:23 AM (NcvvS)
184
It's a captivating story, rich in details and with memorable characters.
Posted by: Zoltan
A Soldier of the Great War by Helprin is such a wonderful novel. I really need to reread it. It's been decades since my last read.
Helprin's most recent novel, "The Oceans and the Stars: A Sea Story, A War Story. A Love Story," is actually very, very good tale that I highly recommend. Much in the tradition of Soldier of the Great War.
Posted by: Zoltan
A Soldier of the Great War by Helprin is such a wonderful novel. I really need to reread it. It's been decades since my last read.
Helprin's most recent novel, "The Oceans and the Stars: A Sea Story, A War Story. A Love Story," is actually very, very good tale that I highly recommend. Much in the tradition of Soldier of the Great War.
Posted by: Sharkman at May 24, 2026 10:23 AM (/RHNq)
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