What are you Reading Right Now?

Started by Unnatural Selection, November 22, 2007, 07:55:59 PM

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Unnatural Selection

Inspired by some other thread in this board, I shouldn't think that it will update as frequently as some others, but you never know.  With any luck, it will trigger some conversations and what have you.

Title:  God is Not Great; How Religion Poisons Everything
Author:  Christopher Hitchens
Here you go

Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.
--Carl Sagan

Ariabella

Nothing so noble but:

Title: Murder Walks the Plank
Author: Carolyn Hart

I should say I'm getting ready to start it. I just finished Mistletoe & Murder by Jenna Ryan.
Read my ons/offs. Want to one-on-one? PM with ideas

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http://rh.greydawn.net/browse.php?c=Ariabella

Ignaddio

Re-reading

Title: Amercan Gods
Author: Neil Gaiman

After that I'll probably pick up Ender's Game, or start the Wheel of Time series. Hopefully by the time I'm done someone will be able to pick up where he left off. I was completely surprized to hear that Robert Jordan died. >.>
Vidi, Vici, Veni*I sang, too.
 Like the Avatar? I drew it myself.

Sherona

Title : The Sacred Orgasm
author: Keith Ray Stubs



*points to her post in On topic* Wont go in detail here but my post in On Topic should help clear up what this book is about.

HairyHeretic

Wheel of Time, Book 5: The Fires of Heaven - Robert Jordan
The Armour of Contempt - Dan Abnett
Mystrals Kiss - Laurell K Hamilton
Interesting Times - Terry Pratchett
Romance of the Three Kingdoms - Luo Gaunzhong, translated by Moss Roberts

At any one time I tend to be reading several books at once.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

Lirliel

The Cleric Quintet by R.A. Salvatore :)
"Jealousy would be far less torturous if we understood that love is a passion entirely unrelated to our merits."

"A minute of perfection was worth the effort. A moment was the most you could ever expect from perfection."

Cherri Tart

Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop - thank you very much Elandra! :)
you were never able to keep me breathing as the water rises up again



O/O, Cherri Flavored

Elandra

Quote from: Unnatural Selection on November 22, 2007, 07:55:59 PM
Title:  God is Not Great; How Religion Poisons Everything
Author:  Christopher Hitchens
I have been interested in reading this book, how is it so far? You didn't think you would get away with just stating that you were reading it, did you? *smiles*

As for me....currently I am reading a trashy mystery thriller, just needed some time to veg out, get absorbed in someone else's problems.

Title: Broken Prey
Author: John Sandford

Cherri - you are welcome, I am glad you are enjoying it. *hugs*
~~~ ONs & OFFs ~~~ Requests ~~~

Unnatural Selection

Hey Elandra,

On the whole, I found the book quite enjoyable, but that's largely because on the larger issue I tend to agree with Mr. Hitchens; I'm antireligious, think that belief in God has been both dangerous and foolhardy throughout human history, etc.

I found his prose style a little convoluted at first and almost put the book down at around page fifty.  But as I got more familiar, it got more enjoyable and I finished it up last night.

His arguments are sound, even if I don't feel he went into sufficient detail on some points.  Namely, a charge I often hear is the point made by some religious believes that there have been people killed in the name of ahteism and secularism during the Third Reich and in Stalinist Russia.  Not that he doesn't address these points, but he first makes an elegant case that this charge is really nothing more than a logical fallacy employed by the religious claimant, basically a "you too" (don't remember the Latin phrase) ad hominem attack.  I also feel that he could have made a better case against the Eastern religions that he seems to hold in equal contempt to Judaism/Christianity/Islam.

All in all, two thumbs up.  I don't think it will convince anyone who isn't already a skeptic, but even so I learned some things I was in ignorance of.  I'd recomment it.

Now reading:

Title:  The Haunting of Hill House
Author:  Shirley Jackson
Here you go

Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.
--Carl Sagan

Caustic

Just finished Cormac McCarthy's No Country For Old Men.  It is not a happy book, but it's a fantastic book.

The idea is that I heard the Cohen brothers' movie version is excellent.  Having seen the damage done to All the Pretty Horses by Hollywood-- with the exception of Lucas Black, who was fantastic in that movie-- I wanted to read it first; glad I did.  Haven't seen it yet, but-- wow.

It echoes McCarthy's themes of the corruption of humanity, the notion of fate and reckoning... I recommend it, and it's a quick read.
Stories are for those late hours in the night when you can't remember how you got from where you were to where you are. Stories are for eternity, when memory is erased, when there is nothing to remember but the story. -Tim O'Brien

Kalen

The Sandman - Neil Gaiman  (reading the collected comics.. great stuff)

re-reading The Dark Tower - Stephen King

Hmm.. waiting for a bunch of stuff from the library as well.

Just finished The Last Templar - Raymond Khoury

strangely made

Baja Bugs & Buggies by Jeff Hibbard

It's just pure unadulterated filth :)......all sand and mud.

Jester


I am currently reading David Eddings and his Belgariod series. I have read them before when I was much younger but thoroughly enjoyed the cheesiness of it.

So i ebayed it and brought his entire collection and am slowly plodding my way through.

National Acrobat

Title: Thomas Jefferson and His Time, His First Term 1801-1805
Author: Dumas Malone

HairyHeretic

Quote from: comedyjester on November 28, 2007, 05:48:44 AM
I am currently reading David Eddings and his Belgariod series. I have read them before when I was much younger but thoroughly enjoyed the cheesiness of it.

So i ebayed it and brought his entire collection and am slowly plodding my way through.

Quite fun, though I have to say I prefer the Elenium and Tamuli trilogies.

I still have a soft spot for Sir Mandorallen in the Belgeriard. I played a character based off him in a game of Riddle of Steel. It's fun challenging an entire caste to surrender on your own  ;D
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

Sherona

Quote from: hairyheretic on November 28, 2007, 07:11:36 PM
Quite fun, though I have to say I prefer the Elenium and Tamuli trilogies.

I still have a soft spot for Sir Mandorallen in the Belgeriard. I played a character based off him in a game of Riddle of Steel. It's fun challenging an entire caste to surrender on your own  ;D

While I liked the Elenium Trilogy, the Belgariad will always hold a fond spot in my heart. Read about Belgarion, Polgara, and Belgarath when I was but 9 years old (my mom had the series) and it made me fall in love with the fantasy settings.

omg I forgotten about sir Mandorallen! He was so sweet and funny..

HairyHeretic

I know the feeling. When I was about 6 or 8 my uncle gave me The Hobbit and The Sword of Shanarra, and that was me off and running.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

Caehlim

It was my dad reading The Hobbit to me as my bedtime story that dragged me into roleplaying to begin with.

Title "The Dresden Files: Death Masks"
Author ... I don't know, but google does. (Ah, Jim Butcher).

I just finished this book and haven't started a new one yet.
My home is not a place, it is people.
View my Ons and Offs page.

View my (new)Apologies and Absences thread or my Ideas thread.

Unnatural Selection

Just finished up the Shirley Jackson book.  Had mixed feelings going in; I remember reading "The Lottery" in high school and not liking it; I didn't feel that I understood it, it made me uncomfortable, and I didn't get what the lottery was about, how it was started, etc. etc. etc.  But when I pulled "Haunting of Hill House" from the library shelf, I realized that, of all the stories I read in high school, I could only really remember "The Lottery," whether or not I liked it.  It was that powerful that it could stick with me all these years and I could still remember the plot.

So I tried Hill House.  And I must say that my tastes must have improved, because I thought it was a splendid book, absolutely wonderful!  Barely a wasted word, such evocative description.  Truly a good read!

Next up:

Title:  Why Darwin Matters; The Case Against Intelligent Design
Author:Michael Shermer
Here you go

Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.
--Carl Sagan

Ray the Wicked

God is not great sounds completely intriguing.  I think I would like that very much, I'll have to look into it.

As for me, I just finished Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.  A Fine and Private Place keeps staring at me, but I'm distracted with holiday shopping, arting and just being easily distracted.  But I love Peter S. Beagle...I WILL READ YOU!
Shut up Aslan!  Darth Maul already killed you!

Ons and Offs: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12060.0

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Jadedessence

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland/Through the Looking-Glass
Longhand unabridged
Lewis Carrol
[.Intro.]
[.Ons and Offs.]
Give me a message if you're interested. :D

Kalen


Lirliel

Witch Finder - C.L. Werner (Warhammer novel)
"Jealousy would be far less torturous if we understood that love is a passion entirely unrelated to our merits."

"A minute of perfection was worth the effort. A moment was the most you could ever expect from perfection."

Kazyth

Children of Chaos - Dave Duncan

Tempted to pick up Kushiel's Dart again, just for fun.
A rose by any other name... still has thorns you can prick someone with. - Me.


Caeli

Full Metal Panic: Fighting Boy Meets Girl (Vol. 1) - Shouji Gatou (leisure reading)
I love reading fun books. Yay. ;D

Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Vol. 1 / 4) - translated by Moss Roberts
Intriguing. Wonderful. Fantastic... But then, that's the bias in me coming out. xD

Arrows of the Queen / other assorted Valdemar novels - Mercedes Lackey
Love for fantasy.

Assorted books for class.
Which are actually quite interesting, all things considered, except I dislike being forced to read books.
ʙᴜᴛᴛᴇʀғʟɪᴇs ᴀʀᴇ ɢᴏᴅ's ᴘʀᴏᴏғ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ sᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴀᴛ ʟɪғᴇ
ᴠᴇʀʏ sᴇʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇʟʏ ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ғᴏʀ ɴᴇᴡ ʀᴏʟᴇᴘʟᴀʏs

ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ❋ ғᴏʀ ɪᴅᴇᴀs; 'ø' ғᴏʀ ᴏɴs&ᴏғғs, ᴏʀ ᴘᴍ ᴍᴇ.
{ø 𝕨 
  𝕒 }
»  ᴇʟʟɪᴡʀɪᴍᴏ
»  ᴄʜᴏᴏsᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴏᴡɴ ᴀᴅᴠᴇɴᴛᴜʀᴇ: ᴛʜᴇ ғɪғᴛʜ sᴄʜᴏʟᴀʀʟʏ ᴀʀᴛ
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»  ᴘʟᴏᴛ ʙᴜɴɴɪᴇs × sᴛᴏʀʏ sᴇᴇᴅs × ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ɪɴsᴘɪʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴs

Kivonay

Right now I'm in the midst of reading:

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert Pirsig.  I've found it to be excellent so far, and as good as I'd heard it was.

Chomsky on Anarchism, by Noam Chomsky, of course.  I've been fascinated with his ideas, as well as with anarchism, so putting them together is pretty much having cake and eating it.

Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism, by Robert Pape.  I just checked this one out as I ran across it because the topic fascinated me and I haven't read anything much on the subject, so I can't endorse it either way.

I'm always looking for new things to read.  ^^  I'm terrible about having too many things on the "want to read" list, but just keep adding to it...

NightBird

Domination and the Arts of Resistance: Hidden Transcripts by James C Scott
    Intriguing work suggesting that resistance to domination and exploitation may have more subtle and complex expression than some cultural theorists have considered

Tuskegee's Truths: Rethinking the Tuskegee Syphilis Study edited by Susan M Reverby
    For a class, but also a powerful book about the intersection of racial inequality and medical experimentation in America

An Accidental Goddess by Linnea Sinclair
    My current fun reading - wonderful sf adventure with romantic elements by an author who deserves more recognition

HairyHeretic

Just finished Vampireslayer, another of the Warhammer novels, featuring the most (or possibly least) successfull Dwarven Slayer of them all.

Just started Kushiels Scion, and managed about 200 pages today. I read fast :)
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

ruckus

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. Good book, ran about 288 pages. It was a good three day read.

Description: A modern world with fae, werewolves, vampires, and other fantasy creatures. In this the general public know fae exist. Plot line revolves around a girl who can shapeshift and is in with werewolves. Definitely a good read, everything wrapped up with room for more.
let's make a ruckus.
sub & bi.
Ons & Offs

rainshadow

Quote from: Ignaddio on November 23, 2007, 05:46:01 AMAfter that I'll probably pick up Ender's Game, or start the Wheel of Time series. Hopefully by the time I'm done someone will be able to pick up where he left off. I was completely surprized to hear that Robert Jordan died. >.>
Mr. Jordan had been sick for a very long time, so it was no surprise to his hard-core fanbase that he died. He was really fighting hard to get that last book written because he so wanted to be able to finish before he died... but at least he wrote very detailed notes and the series will be finished (I think by his wife).

I'm between books at the moment. I'm considering Stephen Lawhead's Robin Hood trilogy or a Clancy novel.
"The ticket to the future is always open. What happens in the future is our own responsibility." - Rem, Trigun

"Nothing says 'I hate war' like a good explosion in a populated area." -rainshadow

Jester

His wife isnt finishing but she is editing it.

I think there is another post here somewhere with more details.

rainshadow

It really doesn't matter. I'll never read it anyway. I tried to read the first book of the series a couple times, but could never get past the first couple hundred pages.

Anyone wanting a good fantasy read (complete with dominatrix-types in red leather), I suggest Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth.
"The ticket to the future is always open. What happens in the future is our own responsibility." - Rem, Trigun

"Nothing says 'I hate war' like a good explosion in a populated area." -rainshadow

HairyHeretic

Tried that, but wasn't all that impressed. Not enough to buy the second book.

Picked up the latest Horus Heresy one today, Legion. Now torn between starting that and finishing Kushiels Scion.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

rainshadow

That's too bad. But we all have different tastes, I suppose. :)

I've decided to read Lawhead's Hood, the first book of his King Raven trilogy (based on Robin Hood).
"The ticket to the future is always open. What happens in the future is our own responsibility." - Rem, Trigun

"Nothing says 'I hate war' like a good explosion in a populated area." -rainshadow

HairyHeretic

Oh course. I think your feelings towards the Wheel of Time pretty much mirror mine towards Sword of Truth and its follow ups. Actually, the first time I read Eye of the World, I felt it was ok, but not the book I'd heard everyone raving about. For me, the series really didn't hit its stride til I encountered the Aiel in book 3.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

Jester

How were the Lawhead books?


Anyone picked up the old Dragonlance books since they were a kid? Would it be the same if i read them now or would it be a let down?

HairyHeretic

I only ever really liked the first half dozen .. the War of the Lance, and the Twins trilogy. I can't think how long its been since I last read them though. They'll probably have changed for me somewhat, but I still enjoy the sheer insanity a well placed Kender can bring to a game  ... I almost broke one GM with my kender  ;D
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

Elandra

Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose

and

Christine Falls by Benjamin Black
~~~ ONs & OFFs ~~~ Requests ~~~

Greenthorn

Duma Key by Stephen King  (slowly but surely)
 

Captain Maltese

"The Forgotten Soldier" by Guy Sajer.

Posting status:  25th December: Up To Date 5 of 9 : last month 2, this month 5, total 38 posts for 2023.

O/O            Current stories

SerpentKiss

Title Book one of the Belgariad : Dawn of Prophecy

Author David Eddings.

I was actually shocked and surprised by how many people on the board have read his works, based on the comments in this thread at least. Almost as shocked as the fact that, until about a month ago, I'd never heard of him. I was reading a book by my favourite fantasy author, David Gemmel (RIP), when my house-mate's mother noticed and asked if I liked Eddings too. I confirmed I'd never heard of him before, so she went home that evening and found me the first book.

I have to say though, even with how good a writer he is, he doesn't capture my imagination as much as Gemmel's works do.

Kalen

The Ruins - Steve Smith.

According to Stevie King, this is the best horror book of the century.  I.. love the concept.  I was just hoping for someone who brought as much spark and life to the dialogue as King himself.  I think I would have enjoyed the book more without King getting my hopes set so high  ::)

HairyHeretic

Rereading the collected Tamuli trilogy - Eddings
Just finished Thud - Terry Pratchett
Sitting by my bed is a book of Norse Myths ... last story I read was how Freyja got her necklace Brísingamen.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

SerpentKiss

Currently sitting by my desk is Simon Scarrow's The Eagle and the Wolves. The fourth book of the Eagle series, telling the story of Cato and Macro as they rise in the ranks of the Legion during Roman-occupied Britanny.

Kalen

Firelord, by Parke Godwin.  I looooove this book, and just discovered it again!

Jester

Well thats three of us reading Eddings. And two of the three are brits!

strangely made

Monster Island by David Wellington plus World War Z by Max Brooks interspersed with Day By Day Armageddon (First Edition) by J L Bourne.

HairyHeretic

What do you think of World War Z? I found it a pretty good read, and am curious to see how the film version develops.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

strangely made

World War Z is one of the more intellectual zombie novels. Well written, well imagined and well researched. The fact that he decries his first book "The Zombie Survival Guide" in several places as well as emphasises how well some of the points in it work helps to add the humour. There are a lot of in jokes for Fans of Mr Brooks to find.

The way he describes how the world reacts to the dead coming back is particularly well played out, the denial stage is (I imagine) just how people would react.

Unfortunately if you are expecting the film to be a rigid rendition of the book you'll be disappointed. It is going to be based on the book, but the man character is a journalist and he will be interviewing different survivors. The film will also be interspersed with lots of flash back in order for the story to make sense.


Oh and any day now I'll be reading the next instalment in the Autumn series by David Moody before it goes to the publisher. Proof reading for one of your favourite Authors has it's advantages :)

(The film of Autumn is currently in post production, with David Carradine and  Dexter Fletcher (Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) in staring roles.

HairyHeretic

Quote from: strangely made on April 11, 2008, 04:38:44 PM
World War Z is one of the more intellectual zombie novels. Well written, well imagined and well researched. The fact that he decries his first book "The Zombie Survival Guide" in several places as well as emphasises how well some of the points in it work helps to add the humour. There are a lot of in jokes for Fans of Mr Brooks to find.

The way he describes how the world reacts to the dead coming back is particularly well played out, the denial stage is (I imagine) just how people would react.

Unfortunately if you are expecting the film to be a rigid rendition of the book you'll be disappointed. It is going to be based on the book, but the man character is a journalist and he will be interviewing different survivors. The film will also be interspersed with lots of flash back in order for the story to make sense.

Thats about how I figured they'd be working it. I'm not a huge fan of horror, but I really enjoyed this one. I think the Battle of Yonkers should be fairly impressive on the screen.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

strangely made

If it's done right, although it won't exactly be a happy Scene. The Rydeker plan might start a few debates :)

HairyHeretic

Oh, certainly it will, but reading it I could kinda see the logic behind it. It certainly isn't nice, but I suppose you could understand the why.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

strangely made

It unfortunately was a perfect yet emotionless solution to the problem. And interesting that other countries came up with the exact same solution despite not having read his report until after they had implemented their own plan.

I'm curious as to whether you think the American solution would actually work?

HairyHeretic

Leaving some population centers as bait to delay the hordes, and pulling back to secure areas with the rest? I guess it would depend on how well they could fort up, and if those secure areas would have enough infrastructure to survive and prosper.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

Arete

Hmmm, what am I reading?...Well more like re-reading

Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger

Ignaddio

In No Particular Order:

The Knight-- Gene Wolfe
Stardust- Neil Gaiman
Fragile Things- Neil Gaiman
Best of Sci-Fi 2007 -Various

Thinking about trying to learn Hebrew so I can have a go at the Zohar. Or the Torah, for that matter.

Looking for more from Lawrence Watt-Evans, particularly the next book in The Wizard Lord series.
Vidi, Vici, Veni*I sang, too.
 Like the Avatar? I drew it myself.

Kazyth

Night Watch - Terry Pratchett

and

The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress - Robert A. Heinlein
A rose by any other name... still has thorns you can prick someone with. - Me.


Caustic

I found 1984 in my trunk, and I'm re-reading that between phone calls.  I used to teach it back before they decided I was a crappy teacher, but I lost all my notes/PowerPoint presentations, etc... otherwise, I'd post them to the Wiki, just for giggles.  It was a good unit, if I do say so myself.  The theme was: "Love and the Government".  A couple kids got a kick out of it, said they enjoyed reading it.
Stories are for those late hours in the night when you can't remember how you got from where you were to where you are. Stories are for eternity, when memory is erased, when there is nothing to remember but the story. -Tim O'Brien

Lightangel

3 books in no particular order :
"Fool's errand by Robin Hobb"
"Nicomaque ethics  by Aristotle"
"Dark matter and dark energy
Mysteries of the universe
by Alain Bouquet and Emmanuel Monnier" (tried to translate the title in English)

I may guess your faces, 3 books of 3 different kind of literature, but I love to read ;)

HairyHeretic

The Princess Bride (abridged version)
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

diddywah

Quote from: Caeli on February 15, 2008, 06:46:25 AM
Arrows of the Queen / other assorted Valdemar novels - Mercedes Lackey


God I love her Valdemar books!  I am currently rereading the 'Exile' ones

Exile's Honor and Exile's Valour.