What books are passing through your brain lately?

[Atomb]

Well, we have the recipe thread and the CD thread...so i thought i'd start a book thread.Last couple of books i read:Watership Down - Richard AdamsDidn't get to read it when i was a kid so i thought i'd try it now! It was a great story that i know i will read to my kids one day. interesting that it all started as a story told by Richard to his kids during a long drive.Life of Pi - Yann MartelProbably one of the best books i've EVER read and i highly recommend it. I don't want to go into too much detail as it might spoil it. The first part of the book is strange and you're left wondering '(removed)?' ...then all of a sudden..BAM! the plot begins and you're sucked right in!The Kite Runner - Khaled HosseiniVery interesting book about 2 boys growing up in pre-taliban afghanistan which really opened my eyes to a completely different culture which involves social classes and interesting social rules. a must read if you are into learning new things about far off places.The Alchemist - Paulo CoelhoWith all the hype this book has received, i was very disappointed. Its premise is about 'following your dreams' but i've read other books that have accomplished this moral much better. I really didn't like this book and struggled to get through it even though it was short. Not recommended.Currently reading:The Power of One - Bryce CourtenayI know..there was a movie back in 1992 with Morgan Freeman. I didn't see it and only vaguely remember it even being in the theatres. I'm about a 1/4 of the way through and really impressed with it so far. It has me interested enough that i try and find time during my day at work to sneak in a quick read. It's about an english boy growing up in South Africa just before WWII and his quest to be the Welterweight boxing champion of the world...and his journey to that. Like i said, i'm liking it so far!

[Toasted7]

I never learned to read!

[BlueCrush]

I had heard nothing about the Alchemist before I read it and I thought it was pretty good for what it was.The Way of the Peaceful Warrior - Dan MillmanSaw the independent movie last weekend (Nick Nolte plays Socrates) and it has lead me to read the book. It is about being in the moment - in the here and now. The movie was great. The book is getting even better. Highly recommended.

[ZubenElGenubi]

EDIT (per Atomb's request below)Almost finished: Gentleman: The William Powell Story - Charles FransiscoPublished a year after William Powell's death, this book is the only authorized biography about the actor who made the character "Nick Charles" famous. His "Thin Man" series of films may be what most remember him for, but he was an extremely versatile actor, working from stage to silent screen to talkies. He was always known as humble and kind: a true gentleman. Much of the details in the book come from writings from Mr. Powell himself. I'm finding the writing to be ever-so-slightly biased, but still an interesting read. (This book is out-of-print and expensive; you may want to go to a library to find it)Just started: Angels and Demons (illustrated version) - Dan BrownI read The DaVinci Code twice, the second time with the illustrated version. I enjoyed that version much more and got A&D illustrated because of it. I can't say much about the book yet, having just started, but I like the Robert Langdon character and the 24-hour plotline. The dialog is weak, but I like puzzles and this will whet that appetite.

[jimincalif]

The Discovery of Freedom, Man's Struggle Against Authorityby Rose Wilder Lane

[Atomb]

quick one or two sentences about the book and what you think would help me decide if i should look into it further....

[GMJAP]

I really enjoyed The Alchemist, as well as By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by the same author. The Alchemist does seem to elicit love/hate reactions for some reason.Wolves of the Calla - Stephen King. 5th book in the Dark Tower series. Good but a little long. Still interested in reading the next one.An Incomplete Education - Judy Jones and William Wilson. 9/10ths of the way through. Written with wit and humor, it's summaries of all the things you "should" have learned at some point but probably didn't or forgot. Covers all sorts of subjects from American Studies, Art History, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Psychiatry, Science, World History and others. Not a page-turner but very interesting and well-written (not like your dry school texts).The Other Wind - Ursula K. LeGuin.The 6th book in the Earthsea cycle (and currently last). Originally a fantasy trilogy written in the late 60's and early 70's, the author began writing 3 more books in the early 90's. The cycle is probably my favorite work of literature that I've read; I'd put it above Tolkien.

[chemrebel]

i just finished reading Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey. it's the 4th Terre D'Ange book, and first book of the new trilogy (i can't recall exactly what the new trilogy is called now). definitely a more adult fantasy book but so well written (as are all of them actually). the best way i can describe it to someone who hasn't heard of it is "think Lord of the Rings meets Memoirs of a Geisha". Before that i read Trojan Odyssey by Clive Cussler.

[scott_h]

Not that I'm necessarily proud of it, but I couldn't name the last book I read. It's literally been years. As stupid as it sounds, I'm not sure I've read one since I got a computer. When I was young and single, I used to read here and there just to kill time. But now, by the time I put the kid to bed, I can spend several hours in front of the computer reading the pile of forums I frequent and reading the news, etc. I don't even live for Sports Center any more since I can read about sports any time I want with the internet.Again, not proud of it, but it's my reality...

[Atomb]

Quote, originally posted by scott_h »Not that I'm necessarily proud of it, but I couldn't name the last book I read. It's literally been years. maybe something in this thread might grab your attention and get you to dig into a book? Keep your eye on this thread...there have already been 1 or 2 books listed that i'm looking into!i read a lot in high school...then university came and my engineering degree pretty much killed any 'free reading time' i had. Once i finished school, life began and i tried to read again on occasion but just couldn't do it. Lately i've had events open my eyes to the shortness of life and the fact that there are some great books out there that i want the pleasure of reading in my lifetime...so at the beginning of this year i decided to "just do it" (sorry Nike). i'm so glad i put some effort into it...it just got easier and easier after the first book!

[Vibe_dude]

well for me it was any Dragonlance i could find.......but now its De Vinci Code about 2 mths ago and Angel's and Demon's(much better tha Code).....finished it about a week ago........right now its Bathroom Readers..what great books for info.lol

[chemrebel]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe_dude »well for me it was any Dragonlance i could find.......but now its De Vinci Code about 2 mths ago and Angel's and Demon's(much better tha Code).....finished it about a week ago........right now its Bathroom Readers..what great books for info.lolLOL my hubby is into the dragonlance books and just picked up the newest ones i guess. they're called Amber and Ashes and AMber and Iron. ITA on angels and demons being better than the davinci code. the ending on TDC was kinda flaky but the adventure to it was pretty good. I also liked memoirs of a geisha when i read it last xmas. i wanted to go see the movie but never got the chance to.and those bathroom readers, man they're a riot.

[ZubenElGenubi]

Reviving a worthy thread.I never cracked open Angels and Demons because my wife sidetracked me on another book.Just finished Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracy (mother/daughter writing team). Good psycho-murder-whodunnit and great characters. This is the first of a four-book series, the most recent having been released last month. (As an aside, my wife, mom-in-law, and I got to meet the authors at a book signing...that was fun.)Also just finished The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and selections from his writings (edited by Thomas Hart Benton...circa 1950). I'd always wanted to read the Autobiography and this little edition maintains the charm of his writing style. IMO, modern versions "clean up" the grammar too much. This was in preparation for what I'm now reading: Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson. I'm only halfway done, but it's a very well-referenced and balanced portrait of one our greatest citizens.

[mspalmer]

Wolves of the Calla - Stephen King. 5th book in the Dark Tower series. Good but a little long. Still interested in reading the next one.I finally got around to finishing the Dark Tower 7 book saga this summer. I started it when the first book or two came out years upon years ago and would buy subsequent books when they were released. However, I would forget most of the details from the previous works so it was kind of frustrating. This time I started in January with book 1 and finished in July with book 7. I recommend you finish the series. The ending just freaked me out with what happens with all the main characters (especially Roland). Let me know when you finish, you won't be disappointed.Mike

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by mspalmer » I recommend you finish the series. The ending just freaked me out with what happens with all the main characters (especially Roland).the dark tower series: was one of the best stories ever. especially the end. highly recommended.another series thats good is L Ron Hubbard's "Mission Earth"

[northvibe]

signals and systemsasp.net 2.0organizational behavioral managementbiomedical informaticstelecommunicationsyea...i dont have time for any other book but ones for class

[mspalmer]

another series thats good is L Ron Hubbard's "Mission Earth"[/QUOTE]I also read that series many years ago and enjoyed it. I was going to re-read it in another year or so but all but 2 of my hardcovers got drenched when our basement took on some water last year.On a side note: I am re-starting Battlefield Earth for the 4th time. I'm not a huge science fiction fan but this is just a great story.

[VforVIBE]

My fav book are:Parcel arrived safely, tied with string Phantom of the Opera Princes of Ireland I am currently reading Ireland.

[drunkenmaxx]

Quote, originally posted by Atomb »Watership Down - Richard AdamsDidn't get to read it when i was a kid so i thought i'd try it now! It was a great story that i know i will read to my kids one day. interesting that it all started as a story told by Richard to his kids during a long drive.wow, that book is pretty strange. read it back in the day. as a matter of fact, it's one of the last books i remember reading. books are "elil" to me.

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by mspalmer »On a side note: I am re-starting Battlefield Earth for the 4th time. .OOOh theres an Idea. or anything by Arthur Clarke would be good.

[Kari]

Right now, aside from the usual boring school stuff, I'm reading "Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities" by Alexandra Robbins. Interesting stuff.

[chemrebel]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »signals and systemsasp.net 2.0organizational behavioral managementbiomedical informaticstelecommunicationsyea...i dont have time for any other book but ones for class i think i still have that 3rd one collecting dust in my bookshelf...one of my associate degrees is in that.

[Vibe_dude]

LOL......Iam Canadian and i am reading1776 by David McCullough...its all on the American Revolution.......really has alot of facts.Amazing storyhttp://www.amazon.ca/1776-Davi...books

[Atomb]

Quote, originally posted by drunkenmaxx »...books are "elil" to me. thanks for the laugh!

[michiganguy]

Just finishing The World is Flat by Tom Friedman (don't read it before you go to bed at night....it will keep you awkae!)Just finished The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Lencioni.Geez....too much serious stuff!!

[NUBlackshirts]

Just finishing up Frankenstein: Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz. Will start on the second book as soon as I finish the last 40 pages of this one.Also, for any horror buffs, I recently read The Rising and City of the Dead by Brian Keene. Bit of a different "undead taking over the World" pair of books. Really enjoyed them and they read really fast. My buddy at work is borrowing them now. Every day he comes in to talk about the chapters he read the night before.

[drunkenmaxx]

Quote, originally posted by Atomb »thanks for the laugh! that's what i'm here for!it took me a while to remember what the "efrefrans" called their enemies, i read that book over 10 years ago in junior high!

[ZubenElGenubi]

Gettin' caught up...Finally finished Benjamin Franklin: An American Life in January...awesome biography of one of our greatest citizens and statesmen.Right after that I plowed through Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. Nice to have the illustrated version. As mentioned earlier, the dialog is weak, but I like the plot formula. Twisty-turning ending, if a little farfetched.Now I'm reading The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson. I really enjoyed Larson's Issac's Storm (about the 1900 Galveston hurricane) and heard this was an excellent book as well (National Book Award finalist and Edgar Award for best fact crime).

[Atomb]

my update:read Kurt Vanaught (sp?) - Slaughterhouse Five...pretty interesting. no real 'climax' to the plot but an interesting story.now reading Douglas Coupland's Microserfs which revolves around some microsoft employees.

[engineertwin2]

I'm reading "Cesar's Way" by Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer

[Whelan]

Culture Warrior - Bill O'Reilly (love this guy)

[Vibe_dude]

Well back to rereading my Dragonlance chronicals again! must be about the 8th time.....lol.just read onlin that they are makin a movie of the first book of the series.out later this fall..cant wait.

[DopeVibeGT]

1040 Booklet.

[ZubenElGenubi]

I really should read Slaughterhouse Five; at least for its historical significance.I'm now halfway through The Great Influenza by John M. Barry. It's about the 1918 worldwide influenza epidemic that killed between 50 & 100 MILLION persons in one year's time. Fueled largely by the conditions that brought the US to the World War I, it ironically advanced the science of medicine dramatically.The highlight for me so far was reading it in the doctor's office while I was sick this past week. My physician and I had a nice conversation about it.

[scherry2]

Kingdom Come the final book in the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

[jimincalif]

Just read Six Frigates, it is about the beginnings of the US Navy and the period from 1794 thru the War of 1812. Well written, good historical info.