What book are you reading right now?

[JoB]

OK, let me be the first to post in this brand new Book forum:cool:

it's a very simple question to get you started: what book are you reading at the moment?

Myself, I just got started on Victor Hugo's Les Miserables don't ask me why ...:D

[Aca]

Branko Scepanovic - Usta Puna Zemlje (mouthfull of soil)

[Jun-Lei]

Still on Tolkien's The Hobbit

[Darran]

Originally posted by JoB
OK, let me be the first to post in this brand new Book forum:cool:

it's a very simple question to get you started: what book are you reading at the moment?

Myself, I just got started on Victor Hugo's Les Miserables don't ask me why ...:D

My school did a play on the french play " Les Miserables " and it was great, are you talking about the same play in which there were characters like Javert and Valjean?

[RIO]

Two books:

For the bus (don't ask):
"Parting The Waters: America in the King Years" by Taylor Branch

about MLK and the civil rights movement in the USA from 1955 to 1963.

and

For home:
"Inventing The Victorians" by Matthew Sweet (not THAT one)

about those crazy Victorians. I just found out what the phrase "Sweet Fanny Adams" or "Sweet FA" comes from, and it is kind of gross...:stupid:

RIO

[teddy bear]

"Vernon God Little" by DBC Pierre

Its about the aftermath of a high school shooting in Texas and the media frenzy that follows, and is told through the eyes of the 15 years old suspect. I've only just started it and so far its been pretty horrible,vulgar, disturbing - and pretty bloody funny!

[JoB]

Originally posted by Darran
My school did a play on the french play " Les Miserables " and it was great, are you talking about the same play in which there were characters like Javert and Valjean?

yeah, the play is based on the book, which is written in two enormous parts with really small type, so already I'm wondering what I've gotten myself into:D ;)

[begodude]

now? well, i have to say the dialectics of enlightment by max horkheimer and theodor w. adorno.....

about the less-serious stuff, the fourth book of harry potter.... :hammer:

[Darran]

Originally posted by JoB
yeah, the play is based on the book, which is written in two enormous parts with really small type, so already I'm wondering what I've gotten myself into:D ;)

I don't know about the book but when I saw the play, I like it very much, the songs which were sung was very nice and the scenes that were acted, it was simply marvellous

[Dj Domino]

Exact Moment: Archie! :thumbup2:

Currently: Disclosure. Begining was ->:thumbup: , but now ive gotten to a weird part where its :thumbdown

love the smilies, especially this one!: :blues:

[Purple Cowboy]

William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury

Chilling book, I remember loving the insanity of disjointedness, delusion and tension in college so decided to try it again. A great way to ignore all the ruckus on the trains during my commute every day. ;)

[begodude]

have someone read the book that has the sign 'adult books' :D:D:D how did it go?

[RIO]

Originally posted by begodude
have someone read the book that has the sign 'adult books' :D:D:D how did it go?

I went to highschool with a girl who's father wrote "adult" books for a living. The funniest thing is when I found out my mom was familiar with his "work" (she said it wasn't any good). Made for a difficult time not to burst out laughing everytime I saw him...


Never read them myself, but I did read the Sensuous Woman in highschool, and it set me up for some dissapointments later in life...;) :D

RIO

[teddy bear]

i think i would prefer the ones with pictures :D

[Chris]

I am at the moment re reading "A Storm of Swords" by George R.R. Martin. His fourth book is coming out soon, and since I couldn't remember what happens at all in the last one I decided to re read it. I will be reading 1984 and The Lord of the Flies soon for school as well.

[begodude]

Originally posted by teddy bear
i think i would prefer the ones with pictures :D

lend me one,... please..please...please.....:D

[RIO]

...you mean to tell me you can't pick up a dirty book in old Batavia? ;)

RIO

[begodude]

Originally posted by RIO
...you mean to tell me you can't pick up a dirty book in old Batavia? ;)

RIO

hey... :mad: don't make me do it :mad:

besides... I'm looking an english version, but with local pictures..... :tong: :D :D :D

[Jun-Lei]

Aw, don't be picky :D

[sidji]

I'm one third thru "KOPASSUS - Inside Indonesia's Special Forces" by Ken Conboy.:)

[Riker]

I'm currently reading The Lovely Bones, written from the perspective of a 14 year old murder victim......interesting!

[Jun-Lei]

I'm done with The Hobbit, which was a pretty good read! And I've started on The Lord of the Rings proper. Still have a ton of books not read yet, awk.

[JoB]

Originally posted by Jun-Lei
Still have a ton of books not read yet, awk.


tell me about it ... must learn to keep my hands in my pockets when I risk entering book shops *sigh* the pile of 'unread but will get to one day' on my shelves just keeps building up and up, and my sister gave me another pile of books today as an early b-day present ...;)

(still working on Les Mis:stupid: ):cool:

[Jun-Lei]

Happy Birthday, Jo! :hug: Not sure when it is, but more greetings and well-wishes never hurt :D

[feggie]

im going with stephen king and peter straub with black house just now, when i finish that probably gonna try one of the michael moore books!

[Herndonite]

I've recently become hooked on O'Brian's Jack Aubrey series of books about the English Navy in the early 1800s. I'm listening to them on tape as I drive back and forth to work. Thoroughly enjoyed the first book, "Master and Commander" though I had to get some other books out to learn the sailing terminology!

I'm now about one-quarter of the way through the second book, "Post Captain." Thus far, the story has been about Aubrey's problems on land but I expect he'll be getting to sea soon.

There are more than 20 books in the series, so I should be set for a while. :)

[JoB]

Originally posted by Jun-Lei
Happy Birthday, Jo! :hug: Not sure when it is, but more greetings and well-wishes never hurt :D

thanks:)

and, erm ... drat, didn't mean to let that slip:rolleyes: it's today, actually;) :cool:

okay, cat's out of the bag:abduct:

[feggie]

Happy birthday jo!

[begodude]

well, better late than never, happy birthday assistant manager!!!!

[JoB]

cheers, both :cheers:

have a drink on me :) :beer:

[feggie]

no problem! dont need asked twice to have a drink! hehe

[begodude]

thanks, I feel drunk already

[cam]

OK, I'm reading High Fidelety by Nick Horby, which is as enjoyable as the film, in fact it's better really.

I really need a new book to read, need more Discworld books, Lords & Ladies next:)

[begodude]

I am now in the middle of writing my first chapter for my tesis, it's about theory of power, anything from max weber, emile durkheim, hobbes, etc.

[RIO]

The 60 Greatest Conspiracies Of All Time.
It is very funny because the authors have a rather sceptical attitude toward most of them, as do I.
RIO

[Ace]

Computeractive - Issue 131 :D

[JoB]

finished Les Mis at last.

It's a pretty good read, if you can get past all the long passages of philosophy and historical description.:rolleyes:

I mean, of course, as a historian I do appreciate and yes, even enjoy, reading meticulous historical detail, but whole chapters of it in a novel does kinda disrupt the narrative flow, and once you have engaged with the characters, you want to know what will happen next ...

still, on the whole, I enjoyed it. Now I just need to decide what to read next;) :D

[RIO]

I just finished a book on the Prohibition era in the USA in the 20s (well 1919 till 1933 to be exact). My grandfather always talked about how corrupt the Harding administration was, but I never knew how corrupt until now. Gee, nothing any president or admin. ever could do, that they didn't do first! The whole thing (proscribing alcohol) was a very bad idea...
RIO

[JoB]

I've moved on to Douglas Adams' poshumously published last work, The Salmon of Doubt


so sad that there won't be any more.

[Jun-Lei]

Juggling The Lord of the Rings (am at the Lothlorien part. I know, I'm slow :D) and a Chinese novel titled Yuen Yu Warn To (Cantonese. Translated, it means "Full Moon, Curved Sabre") by Gu Long.

Otherwise, I spend time rotting in front of the computer. :D

[OSF]

Wow, Jun! You know how to read Chinese? :)

[Jun-Lei]

Hiya James. :)

I do. Hard not to when mother's a Chinese teacher and I grew up speaking the language :D

[JoB]

:D

I felt the need for a bit of light reading, so have now almost finished all four Harry Potter's again.

[feggie]

LOL I am just doing the same, just finished the quidditch world cup final in goblet of fire! These are the most rereadable books i have ever attempted! lol

then probably back to some stephen king!

[RIO]

"The Wretched Of The Earth" by Frantz Fanon, which is very enlightening. Also, "Eyewitness To A Genocide" by Michael Barnett, which is likewise very enlightning.
RIO

[JoB]

so ... finished the Harry Potters (until #5 comes out;) )

and just to be really different, I've moved onto Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment

:abduct:

[RIO]

A book called Ready Steady Go! all about Swingin' London of the 1960s. That is my favorite style of the past (love those crushed velvet suits on men and oh those Vidal Sassoon hairstyles!), so i am quite interested in how it all happened.

RIO

[Tim]

I still need to finish the last book of the Lord of the Rings. Haven't touched it in over a year, for some reason...

Reading Steel My Soldiers' Hearts by David Hackworth right now.

[JoB]

Finished Crime and Punishment and have now moved on to Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd which I picked up dirt cheap in the Land of Green Ginger :cool:


and, erm, no, I haven't been eating/sniffing/smoking green ginger. It's actually the name of a second hand bookshop near where I live;) :D

[RIO]

Have moved on to a book called "Blowback" by Christopher Simpson. Lest I stretch in to forbidden territory, it is about a particularly dark chapter in world and US history, and one not often discussed or even known by most people.
RIO

[Herndonite]

I'm reading David McCullough's biography of John Adams. During this time in the U.S. of our rights being eroded by the Patriot Act and our government unilaterally going to war, it is interesting to read the mindset of one of our country's greatest founding fathers.

[OSF]

"King of Torts" by John Grisham

[Loco]

I'm thinking on buying Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. Anyone read it? Is it any good?

[Jun-Lei]

Reading Tess Gerritsen's Harvest. A pretty interesting read so far.

[OSF]

Originally posted by Loco
I'm thinking on buying Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. Anyone read it? Is it any good?

I did. It's very good if you have an "open mind", for lack of better word! :grin:

[Jun-Lei]

Finished Tess Gerritsen's Harvest and also Paulo Coelho's By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept. The first was a pretty gripping read, and I'm inclined to try her other books. Coelho's novel was simply, touchingly beautiful. :)

Am now reading Italo Calvino's If On A Winter's Night A Traveller

[Jun-Lei]

Finished Italo Calvino's book.

Am moving onto Arturo Pérez-Reverte's The Dumas Club. It seems this has been adapted into a film called The Ninth Gate, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Johnny Depp. Anyone seen it?

[Jun-Lei]

Johnny Depp is no Lucas Corso. :rolleyes:

Finished The Dumas Club. It's an excellent read and I recommend it heartily.

Just started The Devil's Larder by Jim Crace.

[Tim]

I recently finished Steel My Soldiers' Hearts, and going to start reading In the Company of Heroes by Michael J. Durant.

[Jun-Lei]

Just started Fernando Pessoa's The Book of Disquiet

[Jun-Lei]

Also reading Mort by Terry Pratchett

[Riker]

In the middle of The Lovely Bones......so as soon as school's out that'll be the first thing I finish up....

[rezag]

Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal

Pretty interesting reading:)

[Jun-Lei]

Finished Mort.

Started Hitman by Max Kinnings

[JoB]

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory.

Basically, it's a look at a pivotal period of British history from the point of view of Anne Boleyn's younger sister, Mary (who was a mistress of Henry VI before her more famous sister).

[RIO]

Crash by JG Ballard. I've always wanted to read it.
Night Soldiers by Alan Furst is my bus book (the one I'm reading on the bus to and from work). It's about Europe in the 1930s and pretty good so far.
RIO

[RedEagle]

Prague, Arthur Phillips. Interesting so far, a group of expatriates find themselves in Budapeste looking to capitalize on the new freedoms of the fallen steel curtain.

[OSF]

"Presumed Innocent" by Scott Turow.

Someone has recently introduced me to Turow's novels and even compared him with John Gresham!

Does anyone read Turow's books?

[Jun-Lei]

Finished Hitman. Quite humorous.

Going to start A Multitude of Sins by Richard Ford. He's an American author. Anyone read his books?

[RedEagle]

American Pastoral, Philip Roth.

The illusion that is the American Dream. Interesting read so far.

[gOD]

Originally posted by RedEagle
American Pastoral, Philip Roth.

The illusion that is the American Dream. Interesting read so far.

Good book



Fontanel by Meir Shalev

[Garrincha]

I'm reading Luis Felipe Scolari's biography -- including the period before and DURING the World Cup! It details his career (from a rough central defender to a passionate manager), the development of the World Cup squad (explaining the reasons why Romario was left out) and even reveals the original tactical sheets used before each World Cup game, explaining the tactical reasoning that led to each team selection! Very good read. ;)

It's called "Felipão, a Alma do Penta" ("the Soul of the Fifth"), and it's written by journalist Ruy Carlos Ostermann, who knew Scolari when he was still a central defender.

[ocean]

reading Tad William's new book War of the flowers, so far it's been great.

One must read book: American gods by Neil Gaiman

Still waiting for George R Martin's next book, apparently the release date is mid 2004. sooo long...

[Sinned Ego]

Finished Michael Moore's "Stupid White Men"

Starting Boris Yeltsin's "Against The Grain"

[romulus]

I've got about thirty pages left of "Stupid White Men"

Too bad, it's pretty cheap asswipe...

[StarChild]

One Hundred Years of Solitude...again.

[RIO]

Brilliant Orange by David Winner

It's about the Dutch football and a lot of other things. I have always liked such books (ones that toss in a lot of sociological and historical perspective to a sports or arts book), so I am liking it.

RIO

[JoB]

having been on holiday recently, I've been reading mostly the lightest of fluff I could find.

I'm torn now over what to read next. I did read a page or two of Dickens' Tale of Two Cities but put it down again and am not inclined to continue. So ... I'm stuck. Might go through my Anne McCaffrey's again.

[RazorUK]

Linux Administration: A Beginner's guide Second Edition.

Just a spot of light bedtime reading.:D

[rezag]

LOL

Just finished CGI, Perl complete

:nerd2: :pchate: :D

[dyertribe]

Stalingrad by Antony Beevor

[Fred Elliot]

The life of Samuel Johnson by Boswell. Bit of a laugh really, if you read it like Boswell is taking the mickey out of Sammy boy rather than lauding him.

[RIO]

Disco Bloodbath by James St. James

I doubt it was meant to be a 'funny' book but it is hillarious. Ah the early 90s...

[DerbyCounty]

Citizen Soldiers by Stephen E. Ambrose, he is my favorite author and for those who don't know him, he writes many books about World War 2 and he recently opened the D-Day museum. The book is about the battles and soldiers (from both sides, axis and allies) from June 6th which is D-Day to the surrender of Germany in early May.

[Tim]

I wish there were 48 hours in a day. I've got plenty of books that I have not finished reading or have not even started on, and not enough time to read them.

[dyertribe]

Originally posted by DerbyCounty
Stephen E. Ambrose

Ah yes - he's co-author of the masterly study of post-1945 US foreign policy Rise to Globalism

[TheHealer]

I'm one of those people that has several books going at the same time..........right now i'm reading:



Memoirs - Pablo Neruda ( great book, an extraordinary life lived by this genius of a writer)


War Is A Force That Gives Us Meaning - Chris Hedges ( just got it this week, it's actually an anti-war book written by a veteran journalist who has covered many conflicts all over the world....... really interesting so far)

[OSF]

Just started on Michael Crichton's "Prey".

[Sinned Ego]

Originally posted by dyertribe
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor

Now that is a good book. An impartial account of Stalingrad. However, in order to view the whole picture of the battle of Stalingrad get a hold of Joel Hayward's, "Stopped at Stalingrad: The Luftwaffe and Hitlers Defeat in the East 1942-1943".

I got a dozen books I want to read but not enough time :( I have just finished Aleksander Isaevich Solzhenitsyn's "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich". Can't help but wonder what Solzhenitsyn's fate would have been if this book were to be published a decade earlier. But Krushchev allowed it to be published.

I am half way through "The Meaning of Hitler" - Sebastain Haffner and so far it seems unbiased and focused contrary to what my professor told me when he gave me the book.

[feggie]

reading have a nice day by mick foley! this man is really cool! should be too old for wrestling but i cant stop!

[dyertribe]

Originally posted by Sinned Ego
"Stopped at Stalingrad: The Luftwaffe and Hitlers Defeat in the East 1942-1943".

I'll have a look for it mate, cheers!

Like you I've got a whole stack of books on hand I've gotta plough through.

[Jun-Lei]

Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami

[dyertribe]

Panzer Leader - Heinz Guderian

[Jun-Lei]

Sputnik Sweetheart - Haruki Murakami

[JoB]

everyone sounds so intellectual with their reading lately. I can't claim anything of the kind. As I'm having such a bad week/fortnight, I have retreated into fluff of the kind I can practically recite by heart. Specifically at the moment, Pratchett's Carpe Jugulum.

Also, please remind me to always be properly sympathetic to any sportsman in future who breaks a toe. It is very painful (as I discovered last weekend when a bad week culminated in, yes, a broken toe - thus setting off another bad week). It is also extremely annoying when you realise that you can no longer wear any of your shoes. I have been reduced to shuffling in and out of work in flip-flops, and we really aren't having the weather for that. <sigh> :rolleyes:

[Borba]

Well im just studying to be a lowly electronic engineering student but i do enjoy the occasional book.

Enemy at the Gates: The Battle for Stalingrad by William Craig is an absolute cracker if a book.

And no it isnt the book from that hideous movie :rolleyes: .

[RIO]

Pursuit Of The Millenium by Norman Cohn

Good book if you are into the subject of religious history.

RIO

[Sinned Ego]

Stalin: A Political Biography by Issac Deutscher

It is an interesting read so far. I would really appreciate a couple words on this book from those who have read it.

BTW, I just discovered the "Academic Bookcase" thread has closed. Too good because all I have to list are books of medicine. Not sure if anybody would be interested :)

[StarChild]

While shopping for class-related books, I came across an illustrated guide to Kama Sutra. I didn't buy it (I lead a monastic existence), but it was really interesting to see it by the cash resgisters instead of waaaaaay in the back of the store.

[Jun-Lei]

Kama Sutra? ;) Interesting... these are the stuff that'd usually draw the sales, so it's not surprising if they're put on the front shelves instead of way back.

I'm starting One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, which is a novel probably everyone except me has read :tong:.

[Tim]

Originally posted by StarChild
While shopping for class-related books, I came across an illustrated guide to Kama Sutra. I didn't buy it

...but you read it cover to cover and then put it back? ;)

[StarChild]

Originally posted by Tim
...but you read it cover to cover and then put it back? ;)


:angel: Why, little ol' me? I do declare!

Actually, my friend and I picked up and giggled childishly at it. :tong:

[bob]

I'm reading the early works of Italo Calvino (short stories), most of which have been compiled into a delightful book called 'Difficult Loves'. Two thumbsup!

[Tim]

Originally posted by StarChild
Actually, my friend and I picked up and giggled childishly at it. :tong:

:D

[bob]

did somebody mention Kama sutra? There's a 15 metre sculpturic depiction on this ancient wall outside my house. :cool: ;)

[StarChild]

Originally posted by bob
did somebody mention Kama sutra? There's a 15 metre sculpturic depiction on this ancient wall outside my house. :cool: ;)

With that next door, who needs Hustler? ;) :tong:

[Humbird]

Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales.

Why didn't they take a bus?

[OSF]

"Golden Buddha" by Clive Cussler

[JoB]

Back to an old favourite, Terry Pratchett - specifically, The Hogfather to get me into the spirit of Christmas shoppping. ;)

[RIO]

'Morvern Callar' by Alan Warner. Good so far. Plus I'm also reading a book about a pet subject (America 1865-1900) called 'The Romance Of Reconcilliation', that is about the transformation of the US South's image in the North from that of a morally bankrupt defeated enemy to the way we see it portrayed in 1930s movies, a po' lil' victim of Northern rapacity full of happy darkies, lucious belles and gallant cavaliers. Very interesting how that happened, and its exactly what I wrote my culminating thesis on...

RIO

[Aca]

Alferd W. McCoy - Politics of Heroin

[JoB]

having finished Kari's book, I've moved on to one that was lent to me by a friend, who knows the author and wanted to know what I thought.

It's called Glyn Dwr's War by G.J.Brough

To be honest, it's not the bext book I've ever read - he's an amateur local historian and it shows. I prefer my historical texts to be less obviously biased and to provide footnotes and references for their quotes. A page or two of historiography at the beginning isn't enough. I want evidence for claims made.

Nevertheless, it's an interesting read.

[dyertribe]

Berlin Diary by William L. Shirer

Smashing read so far!

[OSF]

"Trojan Odyssey" by Clive Cussler.

Man! Clive just rips one out right after another! :D

[JoB]

I've now moved away from the middle ages for the time being, and have started reading A Season With Verona by Tim Parks. Another book that was lent to me by a friend.

Maybe if people would stop lending me books, I might manage to get through some of the many cluttering up my shelves ... ;)

[JoB]

Finished A season with Verona now - great book. :) It helps that I have vivid memories of that season - the halcyon days when Italian football was on Channel 4 and Gazzetta Football Italia provided a fantastic weekly summary of all the news ... ah, nostalgia. :D

I'm now left with that slightly bereft feeling you get on finishing a book, when you're not sure what to move onto next. I'm thinking it will be a very small book I acquired from work, which was written as an autobiography by one of our volunteers, and also published by her. It's called An Ordinary Woman, an Extraordinary Life by Dorothea Wood. She's an amazing old lady - wrote this book at 86! So it should be an interesting read. :cool:

[Jun-Lei]

Have moved on to Dance Dance Dance by Haruki Murakami

[JoB]

I'm reading a book called Bloodfeud by Richard Fletcher.

Its a tale of murder, treachery and revenge in 10th and 11th century England, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and invasion (both Viking and Norman). And its a history text, not a novel.

Fascinating stuff. :cool:

[Jun-Lei]

Finished the Murakami, what a great read! :cool:

Moving on to Ocean Sea by Alessandro Baricco.

[Jun-Lei]

Back to Murakami, :tong: Reading A Wild Sheep Chase

[JoB]

inspired by Kenny's recommendation, and also by the fact that I spotted it in the library by chance, I'm reading More What If edited by Robert Cowley. :)

[dyertribe]

Whay-ay!!! You are the Robert Earnshaw of scholars! ;)

[JoB]

woo! Go Earnie! :D

it's pretty good, actually. But I gathered that from what you said about it. :)

[Jun-Lei]

Finished The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen, which was a pulsating read! :thumbup2:

Moving on to The Apprentice, also by Gerritsen.

[Jun-Lei]

Also finished The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen. :cool:

[JoB]

I'm amazed by how quickly you read, Jun. :cool:

I rarely seem to find time, except for first thing in the morning or in the bath.

I'm reading Mythology of the British Isles by Geoffrey Ashe.

[Jun-Lei]

Actually, Jo, it was the Tess Gerritsen bug that got to me :D Her books (Surgeon, Apprentice, Sinner) were absolutely superb. I couldn't get enough :D :love:. I read during mealtimes, after I got home from work, and throughout the night!

But back to a slower reading pace with the Murakami, this time Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.

[JoB]

moved on to The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius.

It's a really good read. I keep forgetting that the historian was writing almost 2 millennia ago. :cool:

[Jun-Lei]

Starting The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl. Yay!

[OSF]

Just started "The Last Juror" after finishing Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons" and "Da Vinci Code".

[Humbird]

I'm reading "Kitchen and Bathroom Remodelling" from the Do-It-Yourself Library series.

[Pila]

Originally posted by OSF
Just started "The Last Juror" after finishing Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons" and "Da Vinci Code". I've heard a lot of the Da Vinci Code. What's that about, OSF?

[JoB]

have now switched to the lighter side of my library, with Terry Pratchett's The Truth

[JoB]

Still on the lighter side of my library, working my way through my Anne McCaffrey collection, having not read them for a number of years.

I find I still really enjoy the concepts, although the flaws are more glaring now than when I read them previously.

[Humbird]

Basic Electrical Wiring, 2nd Edition

[JoB]

Training for a new career, 'Bird? ;)

[Humbird]

Electrician or possibly buddleia grower!

[JoB]

buddleias can't be that hard to grow. Mine seeded itself and has grown nice and sturdy without any help from me whatsoever. Easier than electricianing, I'm sure.

[Humbird]

Ah, but your buddleia is growing in beautiful Welsh weather! :)

[OSF]

Just finished "Digital Fortress" and "Deception Point" by Dan Brown who is a very good author.

I'm reading "Legends of the World" now.

[Jun-Lei]

What's a buddleia? :confused:

I'm still on The Dante Club. It's very good, I just wish I had more time to spend on it!

[JoB]

a buddleia is a large shrub found in many British gardens. It flowers rather beautifully in spring and is a magnet for wildlife - bees and butterflies.

[Jun-Lei]

The Patient - Michael Palmer

[Gagie]

I've just read DUDE WHERE'S MY COUNTRY?
by Michael Moore :respect:
very shocking' devastating, genuinely funny


In the first days afterthe terror attacks on New York and Washington, Saudi
Arabia supervised the urgent evacuation of 24 members of Osama Bin Laden's
family from the USA..... :sheep:

So with the approval of the FBI and the help of the Saudi goverment-and even though 15 of the 19 hijackers had been Saudi citizens-the relatives of the number one suspect in the terror attacks were allowed not only to just
up and leave the country, but they were assisted by American authorites

And the FBI agents were not allowed to question them :crazyt:

[Jun-Lei]

Coraline - Neil Gaiman

[Jun-Lei]

Born Twice - Giuseppe Pontiggia

[Jun-Lei]

The Dreamers - Gilbert Adair

[Humbird]

has anyone read either or both of The Name of the Rose or Foucalt's Pendulum by Umberto Eco?

[Jun-Lei]

has anyone read either or both of The Name of the Rose or Foucalt's Pendulum by Umberto Eco?

I read The Name of the Rose. It was very good, but a bit tedious. Eco was partial to detail and meandered here and there, but it was a good read.

[Humbird]

So it's not a "read at the beach" book then? :D

[Loco]

Jun, ever read anything from Garcia Marquez? I'm not a reader at all but I did enjoy his books when I had to read them in school. He's a great writer in my book (pardon the pun).

[Jun-Lei]

Jun, ever read anything from Garcia Marquez? I'm not a reader at all but I did enjoy his books when I had to read them in school. He's a great writer in my book (pardon the pun).

I did, actually. Read "One Hundred Years of Solitude". It was a great read, but he had all these characters with amazingly similar names. :googly: Haven't had the pleasure of reading his other works yet.


So it's not a "read at the beach" book then? :D

Well, maybe reading it at the beach might be a good way to lighten it up ;)

[JoB]

Personally, all my reading lately has been as light as possible. Trashy novels all the way...:D

[Humbird]

I think I'm going to pick up Foucalt's Pendulum. I liked the subject matter of the da vinci code, and this is on this same topic. But I've heard that it's also a bit tedious.

[Jun-Lei]

I think it's just Eco's style.

Try How To Travel With A Salmon. It's a collection of pieces by Eco, and some are quite funny. Definitely a lighter read.

[Humbird]

Sounds great! I especially am interested in becoming a Knight of Malta! I hear their parties are wild wild things.

From Publishers Weekly
In this collection of parodies, satires and whimsical mini-essays written over the last 30 years, Italian novelist/critic Eco (The Name of the Rose) takes readers on a delightful romp through the absurdities of modern life. A curmudgeonly cosmospolite, he waxes irate at his pet peeves, which include American trains, taxi drivers in New York City and Paris, soccer fans and cellular phones. He mockingly deconstructs Western movies, art catalogues, library regulations and, with tongue in cheek, proffers advice on how to take intelligent vacations and how to become a Knight of Malta. Eco parodies science fiction in a tale of intergalactic sex and espionage, and spoofs detective fiction in an account of "the perfect crime." Serious issues that emerge from the antics include how the mass media confuses reality and fiction, and how our "consumer civilization" turns adults into children whose endless needs require constant gratification. First serial to Esquire.

[JoB]

I shall expect a full book report when you have finished.

Having read and enjoyed The Name of the Rose albeit years ago, I recently acquired both The Da Vinci Code and Foucault's Pendulum from a second hand book fair some months ago, but have not yet got around to reading either.

I'm having a moment of nostalgia and re-reading my Nancy Springer collection.

[Humbird]

Now reading "Paolo Di Canio, the Autobiography"

[Jun-Lei]

Hummie, you read "The Name of the Rose" yet?

As for me, now reading Meg Gardiner's Mission Canyon

[Jun-Lei]

Gave up on Mission Canyon.

Now reading:

South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami

[JoB]

Terry Pratchett's Hat Full of Sky

[Humbird]

Hummie, you read "The Name of the Rose" yet?


I started it.

That's all I can say right now.

[Jun-Lei]

Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett

[enkidu]

"The Basque History of the World" by Mark Kurlansky.

[JoB]

I'm onto a sci-fi fantasy kick. Reading through Katherine Kurtz's Deryni books.

[JoB]

I'm reading Laurell K Hamilton's Guilty Pleasures

[enkidu]

Just finished Pompeii by Robert Harris
Just started The Trouble With Islam by Irshad Manji

[JoB]

Your reading sounds so much more intellectual than mine has been lately. My brain has turned to mush.

[enkidu]

hehe, my brain was mush to begin with. And "Anita Baker; Vampire Hunter Extraordinaire" sounds like a fun girl.

[Jun-Lei]

Back to my Murakami.

The Wind-up Bird Chronicle - Haruki Murakami

[dyertribe]

Night Thoughts In Time of War - Bob Ellis

[Jun-Lei]

Kenny, don't you read anything non-historical? :D

I'm now reading In The Heart of the Country by J.M. Coetzee.

[Jun-Lei]

Moving on to American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

[JoB]

I'm on a Katharine Kerr kick: Daggerspell.

[Humbird]

Bravo Two Zero - Andy McNab

[enkidu]

Bravo Two Zero - Andy McNab

Humbird, as you seem to like books with a military theme I'd recommend a book by Ray Mears called "The Real Heroes of Telemark". It's a true story about a Norwegian commando raid on a German hydroelectric plant (it was producing heavy water and may well have provided the Nazis with the world's first atomic bomb). I liked the book because, as an "outdoorsy" person, I was interested to know how they had managed to survive on the Hardanger Vidda - Europe's largest high plateau, an absolute wilderness. A great feat of "derring-do", if you will. :grin2:

By the way; you may or may not have seen a Hollywood film called "The Heroes of Telemark". If so, forget it; the film was a complete misrepresentation of the actual events. (Newsflash: U.S. film-makers in "travesty of the truth" shock! :eek: )

[Humbird]

I did see the movie a long time ago. It should be remade closer to the book. Perhaps starring Sean Bean!

[enkidu]

I did see the movie a long time ago. It should be remade closer to the book. Perhaps starring Sean Bean!

Yeah, right! Sean Bean doing a Norwegian accent: "By 'eck, lad, it be reet silin' down on t'glacier!"

Having said that, many Yorkshire dialects do have a Scandinavian etymology, so it might just work. Now if only he could learn to act.

[Humbird]

Yeah, right! Sean Bean doing a Norwegian accent: "By 'eck, lad, it be reet silin' down on t'glacier!"

Having said that, many Yorkshire dialects do have a Scandinavian etymology, so it might just work. Now if only he could learn to act.

Heretic! :irritate:

[Jun-Lei]

Yeah, right! Sean Bean doing a Norwegian accent: "By 'eck, lad, it be reet silin' down on t'glacier!"

Having said that, many Yorkshire dialects do have a Scandinavian etymology, so it might just work. Now if only he could learn to act.

Sean Bean can't act? :jaw: Are you kidding?

[Humbird]

Sean Bean can't act? Are you kidding?

enkidu is a non-believer. We must pray for him:

Dear Sean, forgive our friend enkie. He knows not what he says.

[JoB]

Started reading Terry Pratchett's new (to me) book Monstrous Regiment before remembering that I have a long coach trip to London coming up next weekend and should probably save it till then.

In the meantime, I think I should do some reading around my new night class on the Vikings, since it looks like we might actually have to do some work for it. :wth: A pox on Dave for being able to teach, and on me for deciding to take a class taught by someone I know...

[Jun-Lei]

In the meantime, I think I should do some reading around my new night class on the Vikings, since it looks like we might actually have to do some work for it. :wth: A pox on Dave for being able to teach, and on me for deciding to take a class taught by someone I know...

:D I guess that means you're enjoying the class.

[JoB]

Oh yeah, it's great. You know, except for the bit where Dave wants us to do actual work...;)

[Jun-Lei]

Ah. Then I say he well deserves his pox! :D

Is it a class solely on the Vikings, or more on Scandinavian history as a whole?

[enkidu]

If Not Now, When? by Primo Levi

Fiction, though based on a true story. This book chronicles the struggle of a group of Jewish East European refugees who attempt to fight back during the holocaust. It forced me to think about how it must feel to live life as an exile: to be always cold, hungry, tired and, above all, without a home.

"If I'm not for myself, who will be for me?
If not this way, how? If not now, when?"

[JoB]

thought-provoking indeed.

And Jun, the class is solely on the Vikings. It is badged as 'the Vikings in Wales', but in practice is also taking in the wider context of Viking raids on the whole of Britain and beyond, and the reasons behind them, etc.

[Humbird]

Now reading "Sharpe's Company"

Previously read, "Sharpe's Rifles," "Sharpe's Tiger" and "Sharpe's Sword."

[Jun-Lei]

And Jun, the class is solely on the Vikings. It is badged as 'the Vikings in Wales', but in practice is also taking in the wider context of Viking raids on the whole of Britain and beyond, and the reasons behind them, etc.

Sounds very interesting. What made you decide to take up this class?

[Humbird]

Sounds very interesting. What made you decide to take up this class?

She's learning how to pillage. She'll be invading London soon.

[enkidu]

Now reading "Sharpe's Company"

Previously read, "Sharpe's Rifles," "Sharpe's Tiger" and "Sharpe's Sword."

Nice to see you're broadening your horizons, 'bird.

[Jun-Lei]

She's learning how to pillage. She'll be invading London soon.

Ah. A most necessary skill to have, I see. Excellent choice of class.

[Humbird]

Nice to see you're broadening your horizons, 'bird.
They all seem to have the same theme. Sharpe has a problem with his superior officers. Terrible thing happens to Sharpe. Sharpe meets girl. Sharpe single-handedly wins battle. Girl marries someone else... or dies.

[Humbird]

Ah. A most necessary skill to have, I see. Excellent choice of class.

So if you see a Welsh woman with a little sis and a black stray cat standing outside London wearing a horned helmet demanding the city's surrender....that would be Jo.

[JoB]

Sounds very interesting. What made you decide to take up this class?

Lots of reasons. I like taking night classes - keeps the brain ticking over. I'm interested in medieval and pre-medieval history, and this filled a 'gap in my education'. I did the Romans in Britain before Christmas, and studied the pre-medieval Celtic world in some detail at university, so this fits in nicely. And, of course, I know the guy who's teaching the class, and one of my friends is also doing it. So it is also a chance to catch up with friends regularly. :)

The pillaging hints are also useful, of course. Sail up the Thames, rob all the women, rape all the men, kind of thing... :roll:

[Humbird]

The pillaging hints are also useful, of course. Sail up the Thames, rob all the women, rape all the men, kind of thing... :roll:

Can I help?

[Jun-Lei]

I'm glad you're enjoying your class, Jo. :) Nothing beats enjoying what you're learning.


The pillaging hints are also useful, of course. Sail up the Thames, rob all the women, rape all the men, kind of thing... :roll:

You want to rape Englishmen? :eek2:

[Humbird]

You want to rape Englishmen? :eek2:

Ummmm, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, Joseph Fiennes.... Yes, sure. :D

[enkidu]

Ummmm, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, Joseph Fiennes.... Yes, sure. :D

Amazing, you could almost be describing me - sort of macho-rugged-elfish-slightly girly-paley-dark features, with bluey-greeny-browny-wideish-narrow eyes and fair-yet-dark-blondish-browny-red hair.

[Humbird]

Amazing, you could almost be describing me - sort of macho-rugged-elfish-slightly girly-paley-dark features, with bluey-greeny-browny-wideish-narrow eyes and fair-yet-dark-blondish-browny-red hair.

Hot stuff, enkie! Jo, put him on our "to do" list. :D

[enkidu]

Hot stuff, enkie! Jo, put him on our "to do" list. :D

Why do I feel genuinely frightened? My only hope is that you can't sail your longboat up the particular cliff that I'll be hiding on.

:gone:

[JoB]

:devlaug:

The 'to do' list is getting longer by the moment.

[Jun-Lei]

Battle Royale - Koushun Takami

Jo, you missed out a prediction in the Serie A PL.

[Humbird]

Now reading:

1. "The Queen's Slave Trader: John Hawkyns, Elizabeth I, and the Trafficking in Human Souls", by Nick Hazelwood

2. "You and Your Longboat: A Guidebook for New Owners"

[enkidu]

Now reading:

1. "The Queen's Slave Trader: John Hawkyns, Elizabeth I, and the Trafficking in Human Souls", by Nick Hazelwood

2. "You and Your Longboat: A Guidebook for New Owners"

I found this article on the bbc website - it refers to Bromborough, my home town:

"The Battle of Brunanburh, 937AD

Hastings, Culloden and Agincourt are battles well known to British schoolchildren as those that shaped the nation of today. There was another great and bloody battle however, in which five kings, seven earls and a large number of warriors were slaughtered in a single day. On a forgotten battlefield called Brunanburh in 937AD, England was established as an Anglo-Saxon nation.

The Protagonists:

In 937AD the country that is now Britain was divided into several kingdoms and fiefdoms, following centuries of colonisation and invasion from the continent and Scandinavia.

The Anglo-Saxons

The King of Wessex was Athelstan1. He ruled most of what is now southern and central England, known as Wessex and Mercia, as well as parts of the north. His lineage was West-Saxon.

The Celts

Constantine mac Aed was a Celt and King of Alba. Broadly speaking, Alba was what is now Scotland.

Owein, King of Strathclyde was another Celt, ruling lands in south-west Scotland, Cumbria and parts of Wales.

The Norse

The Earls of Northumbria ruled what is now Northumberland and northern Yorkshire. They were Viking in origin.

Olaf Guthfrithsson, another Viking, was King of Dublin. He ruled over large parts of Ireland.

Setting The Scene

In the late 8th and the 9th Centuries, Vikings from Scandinavia made their presence felt around the coasts of northern Britain. Gradually they extended their sphere of influence southwards, conquering and colonising as they went. They forced many Celts to the western fringes and took over much of northern England, parts of Ireland and Scotland.

At the same time in southern and central England the Anglo-Saxons were consolidating their rule, based on the Kingdom of Wessex and in allegiance with surrounding fiefdoms, including Mercia. King Alfred of Wessex spent much of his reign fighting the Vikings on the northern borders. By the time he died in 899AD, however, the Vikings controlled most of the north and east of England. The Saxons also relegated the Celts of England and Wales to the western fringes of the country. Alfred's son, Edward the Elder continued to exert control over the border areas and his son, Athelstan, tried to carry on where he had left off. He achieved some success; in 928AD2 he defeated the Viking Kingdom of York. However, the Vikings had their sights firmly set on central and southern England and the Celts had ambitions to regain lands lost to the Anglo-Saxons.

After the defeat by Athelstan of the Vikings at York in 928AD, Constantine3 regarded the King of Wessex as a real threat to his monarchy. So he set about forging links with neighbouring rulers with the intention of protecting Alba.

Constantine married his daughter to Olaf Guthfrithsson4, which also brought the Earls of Northumbria5 into line alongside Constantine. Owein of Strathclyde was related to Constantine and took little persuasion to join the King of Alba in a pre-emptive strike against Athelstan.

A combined Celtic-Norse force, under Constantine and Olaf, marched south into England, seeking battle against Athelstan. Athelstan marched north to meet them, collecting warriors along the way through Wessex and Mercia. It is this which makes the Battle of Brunanburh significant; Athelstan rallied all the Saxon noblemen in Wessex and Mercia to his cause for the first time. Thereafter they were bound to Athelstan and he became King of a united Saxon nation.

The Battle

In the summer of 937AD the two armies met at Brunanburh and in a single day's bloody battle, the Saxons scored a heavy defeat over the Vikings and Celts. Scores died, including Owein of Strathclyde and Constantine's son and heir.

'The field flowed with blood,
I have heard said, from sun-rise
In morning time.'

Olaf fled home over the Irish Sea. Constantine fled back to Alba with a few men to protect him on the journey7 - Athelstan was victorious.

'The Northmen went off in nail-bound ships,
Sad survivors of spears... ashamed in their hearts'


We actually know very little about the battle and even less about the detailed events that ran up to it. The primary source of information is a 73-line poem in The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, entitled The Battle of Brunanburh which provides gory and glorious details of Athelstan's victory. There are also records of the battle in the 10th Century writings of Ethelwerd and in Egil's Saga. In the 11th Century Simeon of Durham and William of Malmesbury both describe the battle.

The fact of the battle is not in doubt. However, the nature of the victory may be disputed. All of the records celebrate victory of the Christian King Athelstan over the devilish and dastardly Vikings and Celts. Perhaps the poem in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles was a case of government propaganda or spin, designed to subdue any further serious anti-Saxon attacks by Athelstan's neighbours. It is, of course, a prime example of history being written by the victors.

'Angle and Saxon arrived together
Over broad briny seeking Britain,
Proud warriors who worsted the Welsh,
Eager for glory, and gained a land'.

Where Is Brunanburh?

This question has vexed historians for centuries. No physical remains of the battle have ever been found and the records do not provide a good description of the location and certainly no map. They do provide place names, but none of them can be positively related to modern place names. Numerous theories about the location have relied upon the written record, an analysis of place-names, knowledge of ancient transport routes, roadways and settlements and an understanding of 10th Century landforms and landscapes.

Historians have come up with many suggestions, ranging from Bridgenorth in Shropshire, to Doncaster in South Yorkshire; from close to the Wyre Estuary in Lancashire, to somewhere in Northamptonshire.

The strongest contender for Brunanburh seems to be the village of Bromborough on the Wirral, although the neighbouring settlement of Bebington has also been suggested. Scholars have studied the literature, researched local place names and investigated landforms and ancient transport links. They all seem to point towards the Wirral, but as to a precise location, that still appears to be a matter of debate.

We will probably never be sure; not unless somebody finds physical evidence of a 10th Century battlefield and artefacts are then discovered that link the site with Athelstan, Constantine, Olaf Guthfrithsson and the others.

What Is Brunanburh's Legacy?

England and the essence of what it means to be English seem to be the legacy of this great battle. Athelstan succeeded in uniting all the tribes of Saxons in Wessex and Mercia, at the same time as ensuring that the seemingly inexorable march of the Vikings into England was halted and the Celts remained firmly in their place in the west of Britain.

Despite subsequent invasions and colonisations of England from the continent, the Anglo-Saxon roots of the nation were consolidated on that day in 927."
----------------------------------------------------------

So, be warned: We know a thing or two about dealing with Viking raiders round here.

[Humbird]

The Anglo-Saxons should have called in an air strike. Would have solved the Viking problem much sooner.

[JureM]

The Anglo-Saxons should have called in an air strike. Would have solved the Viking problem much sooner.


Actually they should have just called in Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson of the Cowboys. They know exactly how to fleece the Vikings. :devilish:

[Humbird]

Bwahahhahahaaaa!

[Humbird]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060530510/qid=1108421388/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-7101948-5728651?v=glance&s=books

Here's a new book by Bernard Cornwell, who wrote the Sharpe Series. It's about England and the Vikings. I wonder how Sean Bean would look in a helmet and fur tunic?

[enkidu]

Here's a new book by Bernard Cornwell, who wrote the Sharpe Series. It's about England and the Vikings. I wonder how Sean Bean would look in a helmet and fur tunic?

He won't need a tunic; he'd only have to take off his shirt, he's furry underneath that, anyway.

Just read 'Cannery Row', my favourite Steinbeck. Just about to go back to an anthology of Raymond Carver short stories, 'Where I'm Calling From'. (Don't know why the sudden craving for American literature, but I've also got Heller, Mailer, Ellison and Gore Vidal on my 'to be read' pile).

[Humbird]

Now reading Sharpe's Eagle.

(BTW Sean does not have a furry chest!)

Enkie, why are you reading American fiction? Try Bruce Catton's Civil War series instead. Much better.

[enkidu]

Thanks for the tip, 'bird, but do you think you could narrow it down a little; he seems to have published rather a lot on the subject.

Right now I'm reading Captive State by George Monbiot and The Highland Clearances by John Prebble. Both very good.

[Humbird]

You could start with Grant Takes Command, Grant Moves South, and Stillness at Apomattox.

[enkidu]

You could start with Grant Takes Command, Grant Moves South, and Stillness at Apomattox.

:googly: Start with. Right. I was rather hoping you'd say The Civil War. "Period".

[JureM]

Just started reading a book by Wayne Coffey called "The Boys of Winter : The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team." It's a sports book but it goes into detail on how that team was built and why Herb Brooks chose the players he did and what they had to go through under him. Interesting reading...

Another book called "Home Team," by Ken Dryden is an excellent book on life in Canada and how hockey plays such an important role in the lives of the Canadian people.

If you like football (AMerican football) a great book to read is "Friday Night Lights," great book on the lives of a high school football team from Plano, Texas. If you get the book, get the newer version of it where it updates you on what happened to the players 10 years after.

[Humbird]

:googly: Start with. Right. I was rather hoping you'd say The Civil War. "Period".
Just rent the DVD "Gettysburg"

[enkidu]

No good - my concentration drifts too much with that kind of media. It's got to be books to keep me focussed. I'll go with your suggestions, ta very much.

[Jun-Lei]

Now reading Gravity by Tess Gerritsen.

[Jun-Lei]

Stardust - Neil Gaiman

[JoB]

currently reading a collection of short stories by Gwyn Thomas, who wrote primarily about life in the South Wales valleys in the inter-war and post-war years. I love the way this guy writes - fantastic black humor (the kind that has you laughing and crying at the same time), and so descriptive.

[Jun-Lei]

I thought Gwyn is a female name? :confused:

[JoB]

No. Gwyn is a male name (meaning white). The female form is Gwen. Except in the name Gwyneth, which is an exception to the rule. Or in English/American/Australian/other families where they decide to pick a celtic sounding name that they think sounds nice without bothering to check on proper spelling or gender.

[Jun-Lei]

I see. That's very interesting. Thanks for explaining, Jo! :)

Reminds me of David Beckham, who named his kid Cruz (which is a feminine name, and a popular Spanish surname). I pity the kiddo.

[The Magician]

Losing my virginity by Richard Branson. In work i have been reading Stanley Matthews.

[Jun-Lei]

Currently reading The Coma by Alex Garland.

[enkidu]

Read - The Coming Fury by Bruce Catton (with thanks to Humbird :thumbup2: Now for the other two).

Reading - Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux.

I've also just bought a new(ish) translation of Don Quixote (trans. Edith Grossman), which I'm dying to read now, but which I'm trying to save for my next jaunt to Spain.

[Humbird]

Read - The Coming Fury by Bruce Catton (with thanks to Humbird :thumbup2: Now for the other two).


Glad you liked it. They really are a great series of books.

[Jun-Lei]

A Pale View of the Hills - Kazuo Ishiguro

[Portuguese]

juiced by canseco :devlaug:

[Jun-Lei]

Portuguese, please reduce the image in your signature. It's too large.

Currently reading:

An Artist of the Floating World - Kazuo Ishiguro

[Fred Elliot]

David Lange's 'My Life'. Poignant considering he's just popped his clogs.

[Jun-Lei]

Anansi Boys - Neil Gaiman

[Jun-Lei]

Currently reading:

Invisible Cities - Italo Calvino

[Jun-Lei]

Now reading Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami.

[TigerZR]

On Secret Service East Of Constantinople by Peter Hopkirk - a history of dirty going-on whipped up by the famous 'Moslem' Kaiser Wilhelm II; a Pushkin anthology; The Changing Face of Jesus by Geza Vermes; and re-reading I, Claudius by Robert Graves.

[Humbird]

The Marshall Field's Christmas catalog. :D

[TigerZR]

The Marshall Field's Christmas catalog. :D
I think I'll wait for the movie :)

[Jun-Lei]

Finished False Impression by Jeffrey Archer.

[Jun-Lei]

Reading The Art of Murder by José Carlos Somoza

[Fred Elliot]

Just finished Koba the Dread by Martin Amis. Phewwww...its a hard read.

[Jun-Lei]

Finished The Divide by Nicholas Evans

[Jun-Lei]

The Secret Supper - Javier Sierra

[Jun-Lei]

Reading Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee.

[enkidu]

Reading Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee.

I like Coetzee. The Master of Petersburg is very good.


I'm reading The State of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Inedpendence, by Martin Meredith.

[Humbird]

The Final Days, by Woodward and Bernstein

[Penguin]

In what has become a tradition during every major soccer tournament, I've am re-reading Fever Pitch, by Nick Hornby.

I also picked up American Theocracy (by Kevin Phillips) on a whim recently. Haven't gotten that far in it.

[Jun-Lei]

I like Coetzee. The Master of Petersburg is very good.

Have not read that, but had a difficult time finishing In the Heart of the Country, very heavy and tedious. Disgrace is more palatable, so far.

There's a small author pic at the back of the book. For some reason, I kept imagining his face for that of the main character. :notsure:

[Jun-Lei]

Just started Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett.

[Robert Ivkovic]

Slaugtherhouse-Five. Vonnegut at his best.

[Jun-Lei]

Started The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami.