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Post by PokerKitten on Mar 31, 2003 19:46:36 GMT
There had been quite a bit of chat lately at Bloody Spike about the books we are reading, and recommending faves to others, so I thought we should have a thread for it.
Personally, and to my shame, I hadn't read a book in... 12 months... *cough* It is true, and I think I need some serious help! I am so addicted to this goddamn computer, and to actually writing as opposed to reading, that whilst my bookcases groan under the weight of unopened volumes, and I can't resist buying more on a regular basis, I am not putting in the sitting quietly time to do anything about it. So guys, help me change! Recommend some titles to me, wax lyrical about your faves, enthuse me (us)!! tear me away from this wretched machine!
To think though, if it wasn't for James and the audio book of "Storm Front" I would not have met Harry, and I am totally in love with Harry.... Harry Dresden that is! Jim Butcher, you gloriously funny man! Keep writing him and one day I will catch up! Feeling shamed, I started "Fool Moon" a week or so ago and am enjoying it hugely (and now James is going to be reading that one too!) Over to you!
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Post by PokerKitten on Mar 31, 2003 19:54:21 GMT
I am bringing over some recommendations and discussions from the "old" board - just bear with me!
From: SpikesToy Sent: 27/02/2003 13:06 Great thread PK, I love to read so any recommendations would be appreciated. At the moment I am reading "Aleister Crowley - The Beast Demystified" by Roger Hutchinson. For those of you who don't know Aleister Crowley was a British Occultist and a member of the Order Of the Golden Dawn. For people interested in tarot, he created the Thelema Tarot cards. The books isn't that well written so would only be interesting to someone who is REALLY interested in Aleister Crowley. Rating 5/10 I've just finished reading "Portrait Of A Killer - Jack The Ripper Case Closed" by Patricia Cornwell and would definately recommend it. Although a tad graphic in places it is brilliantly written and all the forensic information is explained in simple terminology. Rating 9/10 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From: PokerKitten Sent: 27/02/2003 19:19 So, are you more a non-fiction gal than a fiction person, Toy? My pal David devours biographies and historical analyses, but I have to say they generally leave me unmoved or a little bored. I guess I have had to do so much of it in the past for study that I need escapism in all things now! Aleister Crowley did get a name check and a (genuine) paraphrased "quote" in HoD but I don't really know much about him.... And the other book sounds more like my cousin's cuppa tea! Have you read any of Kathy Reichs' fiction? She deals with forensics in a very business-like and easy to understand way, and is probably the only crime writer I have ever bothered with as that is generally not my thing either. Strong heroine, not without her foibles of course. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From: SpikesToy Sent: 28/02/2003 02:42 PK, I read anything! (except soppy romance - yuk). I love Kathy Reichs because she really is a forensic pathologist so her details of procedures etc. are very accurate. I find forensics a very interesting science. I'm a bit ghoulish Have to admit I have an "unhealthy" fascination with Jack the Ripper. I have read many books written by peeps who claim to know who he was. I don't totally agree with Patricia Cornwell's theories but the book was extremely well written. I have also had a fascination with Aleister Crowley - supposedly the most evil man alive in the 1920's. As a big Jimmy Page fan (who himself was a follower of Aleister's teachings, he even bought his house on Loch Ness) I have known about him since I was a teenager. Tried reading some of his books (Aleister's that is) but they were too weird and I must admit I didn't understand alot of what he was going on about. He used a lot of drugs so I guess that's why! That's why I wanted to read this biography but I was disappointed because although it gave alot of facts it was not well written. Didn't "grab" me, if you know what I mean. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From: azazel Sent: 28/02/2003 11:36 I tried to read one of Aleister Crowley books called Magick, but really couldnt get into it. May try the one you suggested Toy. Im more into fiction and would recomend to any vampire lover the series by Laurel.K.Hamilton . They are about a vampire slayer called Anita Blake there are 10 in the series so far with an 11th on its way. There are only a few similarities between these books and BTVS series. The books start out with Anita having to battle a marster vampire and the series moves on where she is having to battle more marster vamps, vodoo queens, faries and other demons. As the series progresses she gains more and more power. You will also learn of her comiment to always trying to do the right thing and having to take on a lot of hard responsibilities like been the female leader of the werewolfs and werecats. I rate this series highly and would read them again and again as I miss the charecters when the books finish, not many books are written well enough for me to miss the lives of whom I am reading about, but these do * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From: SpikesToy Sent: 28/02/2003 11:42 Thanks Az, I've made a note of that. Can never have enough to read I too found Aleister's books hard to get into and his fiction novels are just off the wall!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From: Ebony Silvers Sent: 28/02/2003 16:03 PK - each day I find a way we are more alike. I haven't read a whole book in about a year. I spend all my time on-line or writing! I've started several but have not gotten beyond Chapter 1... And I use to read everything in sight....*sigh* I'm hopeless.
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From: PokerKitten Sent: 28/02/2003 17:12 Are you sure you weren't born in October, Ebs? We could have been twinnies, separated at birth! Lol! What you said is exactly how it has been for me this past 12 months or so. *sigh* I used to read the Russian classics for fun... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From: Ebony Silvers Sent: 28/02/2003 17:48 PK - maybe we are long lost twins. Knowing my family they've been lying all these years. LOL. I use to read science texts for fun. I hardly even get to read fanfic any more. I'm consumed by writing. I've just gone insane I suppose.
When I do read, I like mysteries with amusing heroines. Been very impressed with Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum mysteries - they are simply hilarious. Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millone mysteries are good too. Not as uproarious as the Plum mysteries (OMG, I'm in love with Ranger!) but still a good read and often funny. I also like Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries with Thomas & Charlotte Pitt and Inspector Monk. Kind of not impressed with Patricia Cornwall's mysteries any more. The first 4 were really good though.
Used to read a lot of scifi but sort of burned myself out on it. Also, not impressed with the quality of writing that's out there. Same with vampire novels. Damn, I miss Fred Saberhagen's Dracula and Quinn-Yarbro's Saint-Germain.
I refuse to read Laurel Hamilton's vampire series until I finish the BV. I get compared to her a lot and at this point I can honestly say I haven't read a word of them and so was not influenced. I understand they are outstanding.
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Post by PokerKitten on Mar 31, 2003 19:59:18 GMT
As I think I said before, I am not much into non-fiction these days. But a little while back I did read Norman Mailer's "Oswald's Tale", about Lee Harvey Oswald of course... always been interested in that 60s conspiracy stuff, and wanted to know about Lee. Our Norm was doing a good job, diggin around, coming up with lots of stuff about his time in Russia, his marriage etc. And then, towards the end, suddenly declares - well, I reckon Lee was gay and that kinda explains why he did it. Maybe I am being a bit harsh in my interpretation of what he meant, but really, there was no build up to this, and until this point he wasn't really saying he beleived he did or did not do the shooting. It was like how you would finish an exam paper if you were runing out of time... at least to me. Maybe I should go back and re-read. But as I say, interesting up until then. When I AM reading on a regular basis I am such a horror chick.... and my all time fave is the god that is Clive Barker. Any and all of his work I would heartily recommend to the open minded! But his short stories - The Books of Blood - show his versatility and amazing, off the wall imagination. And the novel Weaveworld is my absolute fave. Like Az has said about LKH books, I really didn't want this one to end, and I felt a sharp sense of loss when it did. Yeah, I missed those guys, and the world of the carpet.... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: twistedspike in response to Message 962 Sent: 01/03/2003 19:46 I'll have to check out these Anita Blake books they sound good. Was in the book shop today actually looking for a book to give to James at the Harvest. He really liked the one we gave him at SFX so we thought we'd repeat the gesture. PK if your friend is more into the biographies does he recommend one for James preferably to do with the Cold War. I used to read alot when the kids were younger and I didn't work, mainly horror though Stephen King and James Herbert. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: PokerKitten Sent: 01/03/2003 21:02 Why particularly the Cold War Twistie? I'm sure David would - that is just the kind of thing he loves to read. I'll ask him. I used to like James Herbert when I was a lot younger - The Fog and the Rats.... goodies! But I got tired of him when I found more... um, outre stuff! Still love Stephen King though. People can be very sniffy about him but he has such an effortless style and eye for period and his desriptions of childhood are second to none.
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Post by PokerKitten on Mar 31, 2003 22:25:41 GMT
From: Marilyn Sent: 05/03/2003 02:07 AZ has already told you how great LKH's Anita Blake books are....I just have to add my fervent...yea, baby! I literally carry her book under my arm from room to room, even started bringing her to work with me and reading when I can grab a minute or two on a break...even Harrah's! You'd think ....how much different can each book be with a zombie animator and vampires....but each one is completely different....many of the characters carry over, but always new ones...and new bad guy monsters...very sexy stuff, too....Just loved each one so far and I'm on number nine!! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From: PokerKitten Sent: 10/03/2003 23:16 One day I'll get around to them..... my New Year's resolution was to wean myself from the net for an hour or so each day, and get back to reading. It is now mid-March, nuff said! Lol! But hearing that Book 5 in the Dresden Files is due out this August - Death Masks - has inspired me! And for those of who have already succumbed to the charms of Harry Dresden there's a groovy little message board in his honour and it needs some attention - go visit. You know you wanna! pub10.ezboard.com/bharrydresdenwizard
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Post by PokerKitten on Mar 31, 2003 22:28:07 GMT
Here's some advance notice of an interesting sounding project: Joss Whedon's Buffy gets the spiritual treatment New Spiritual Guide will show Buffy in an entirely new light Submitted by: Sandy Auden On: 01.03.2003 Jana Riess has signed a new book deal for What Would Buffy Do? – A Vampire Slayer As Spiritual Guide with US publishers Jossey Bass.
Covering all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it contains fifteen short chapters on different spiritual themes, including redemption, forgiveness, the appropriate use of power, death-awareness, and the quest for the self.
It may be about spirituality, but the book isn't out to highlight or recruit for any one religion. "A number of different religious worldviews come into play in the show," said Riess. "And that includes Christianity and Buddhism. I'll certainly be looking at how Messiah themes play out, for example. But, my book, like the show itself, is not tied to one particular religious tradition, and explores how the show patches together diverse elements from several religions. In a way, the series is kind of the poster child of the new millennial spirituality, which pulls together elements from fairly disparate sources."
So what does the book have to say about something like appropriate use of power? "This has really been a central theme of the seventh season, so I guess I should answer with the proviso that I may have to change my mind about what the show is saying if later episodes contradict it! But in general, Buffy has always been clear about the idea that it is not moral to use evil, even for a good end. The end never justifies the means on Buffy; while she and other characters are sometimes tempted to employ the powers of darkness to save the world - and it at times seems noble to do so - it's wrong. But the show is very open about discussing the attraction of the darkness, and certainly the whole descent of Willow into dark magic is a good example. Willow has to learn (the hard way) that she cannot abuse magic to impose her own selfish wishes on the world."
"Another theme on Buffy - which is a corollary to this - is the importance of the individual. My college roommate and I were just discussing this the other night, and she pointed out that Buffy goes to great lengths to save every individual - even when, as Spock says in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one, or the few. In Choices, (Episode 3.19), for example, Buffy refuses to sacrifice Willow's life, even if it means risking the lives of others - a sacrifice that her new Watcher, Wesley, is more than willing to make. So you see, the show offers a really tremendous ethical statement about the worth of every person."
And you've got plenty of time to save your pennies for this one, the book won't be out till May 2004.
Source: Jana Riess * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From: azazel Sent: 04/03/2003 11:28 Just a reminder. Joss Whedons biography is due out this May.
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Post by NL on Apr 1, 2003 12:31:24 GMT
Well I've just started 'The Hours' (got a free copy when I went to a preview of the film recently) only read a coupla pages so far so can't comment really but the film was good so I expect the book to be better!
Recently read 'The Blind Owl' by Sadegh Hedayat, excellent book, sort of Kafkaesque, quite horrifying as the tale unfolds and you gradually understand the depth of madness involved. I highly recommend it.
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Post by EbonySilvers on Apr 2, 2003 19:42:30 GMT
Am currently reading a non-fiction thing but enjoying it immensely: "Mind Hunter" by John Douglas. It's about his career in the FBI's serial crime unit. I bought it for research for the novel I'm writing but like I said, I find I'm enjoying it just for the story of a remarkable man's life and career. He's very open about his life and his mistakes as well as his triumphs. He doesn't sugar coat when he screws up. I like the honesty.
I have 3 other books by Mr. Douglas to read and I'm hopeful they are just as interesting.
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Post by NLSpikette on Apr 3, 2003 10:36:55 GMT
I don't read nearly enough non-fiction and when I do it tends to be historical stuff, but thanks for the recommendation Ebs I can imaging working for the FBI he'd have some amazing stories to tell, I'll keep an eye out for his work.
I'm gonna give a plug now to my fav author Richard Laymon (horror fiction), I can recommend ANY of his work. The first of his books I read many years ago was 'Stake' which, you may have guessed, is a Vampire novel. He's extremely witty but also very graphic when it comes to sex and violence, not that that would bother most of you lot of reprobates ;D
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Post by PokerKitten on Apr 5, 2003 15:17:24 GMT
Well, I'm sure I don't know what you mean Ms NL!! Strangely enough, being the horror chick an' all, I don't think I have ever read any of his stuff. Another name to add to the list! I remember way back, when I was living with S*m*n, we used to take it in turns to read horror novels to each other in bed (don't worry, we did other stuff too! ;D). One of my fave authors then was Robert McMannon... or something like that. It has been quite a while. He wrote wonderfully detailed and layered horror and oneof the best was about, you guessed it, vampires. I must go see if I can track him down on the net so I can give you some titles (and his correct name, because I'm not convinced I have it absolutely right!). I do have a feeling that the vamp one was called "They Thirst".... Yes, yes!! I've found him! Robert R. McCammon - well, I was close! Lol! Some of his stuff is out of print, unfortunately, including "They Thirst". I'm not a great one for second hand books but if anyone spots a copy anywhere, PLEASE buy it for me!! I feel all nostalgic (not particularly for S*m*n though ). Another goody of his was "Bethany's Sin". Dear god, where do the decades go?! *cough* Oooh oooh! I'm so excited! I found his website and it has reminded me of a coupla others we read - Swan Song, which was TERRIFIC. And Night Boat. Doncha just love the internet?! ;D
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Post by marilyn on Apr 6, 2003 23:10:06 GMT
Those are going on my ever growing list of books to read! I'm so excited, mine and AZ's books have come in ...the lastest Anita.....want to save it for Chicago, but I don't think I can wait that long! But Az it'll be winging it's way to you in a day or two! ;D
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Post by twistedspike on Apr 8, 2003 21:31:33 GMT
Saw a trailer today for a new film called Dreamcatcher and I was wondering if anyone had read the book by Stephen King. I've seen it about but haven't picked it up to look at. I was just wandering what it was about. PK there are alot of second hand books about on the car boot I'll keep a look out for that one.
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Post by PokerKitten on Apr 8, 2003 21:37:45 GMT
Oooh thanks Twistie, please do! The infamous David has read Dreamcatcher - he says he didn't like it much, but he didn't like The Tommyknockers either, which was also about aliens. He was quite taken with the shit weazels, though..... these ARE the aliens, I think, and they earn their name by all accounts. Lol! Tabitha King wasn't too impressed by the little critters, apparently. ;D It is quite a dark story from what D has said, written not long after his terrible crash, so I guess that's understandable.
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Post by twistedspike on Apr 8, 2003 21:58:25 GMT
The trailer looked good but the films are usually never a patch on the books. I liked Tommyknockers what I can remember of it it's been a very long time since I read it. I tend to only read fiction haven't read any non fiction in like forever.
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Post by azazel on Apr 9, 2003 4:23:00 GMT
@ PK had a lurk on amazon.com for that book 'They thirst' its still not available, but when it is its $25 about £16.50. Its been put on my wish list so think that means if one becomes available I will be notified. Cross fingers etc. @m thankyou for the book soooo looking forward to reading it. Btw I owe you an explanation soon you will know when
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Post by azazel on Apr 9, 2003 16:45:26 GMT
A series of books I have read are Incarnations of immortality by Piers Anthony. They are stories of each incarnation from Death, Fate, War, , nature,Satan and god. They tell of how a mortal person each gains these roles and how they perform in them and their battles usually against satan. The first is called On a pale horse (An extract) The door opened again. This time a woman of middle age entered. Zane had never seen her before. She glanced approvingly at the fallen figure. "Excellent," she mur- mured.
Zane wrenched his horrified gaze to her. "1 killed
Death!" he exclaimed.
"Indeed you did. You shall now assume his office." "I—what?" Zane was having trouble regaining mental
equilibrium.
"You are the new Death," she said patiently. "This is
the way it is done. He who kills Death becomes Death." "Punishment..." Zane said, trying to make sense of
this.
"Not at all. This is not murder in the normal sense.
After all, it was him or you. Self-defense. But you are committed to take his place and to do the best job you
can."
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Post by PokerKitten on Apr 9, 2003 17:20:53 GMT
Cool! Can I be something groovy like that, too?! I've seen PA's books in the SciFi/Fantasy Book Club mag but never known anything about the author or style. Darn, another one to add to the list!
Bloomin' 'eck re "They Thirst", that's a bit steep! It had better be for the hardback!
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Post by azazel on Apr 10, 2003 8:42:07 GMT
PA style is anything from simple fantasy reads like Xanth it is a fictional land that looks very much like the mundane Florida, but with magic and every charecter has a magic talent. Its very punnish some you groan at and others are very clever. Fans of Xanth have been sending in their ideas of puns for years and he tries to use as many as he can in the books. The thing I like about PA is he usually has an authors note at the end of the book where he tells of his writing of the book and what was happening in his life at the time and what may of influenced a paticular chapter, he also credits any ideas from fans here. Another series of his that I have read two of are also fantasy based, but with a touch of science fiction called Modes the ones I have read are Fractal mode and Virtual. Although there is a lot of maths in this series of books if like myself you arent that hot on maths the story still works without that great an understanding. if you have some sort of understanding of how computers and their chips work that also helps. Fractal is the first one where a human Coleen who is very suicidal finds a man Darius from another world Darius had set up an anchor so he could find a wife to help him run his world, but she needs to be one full of joy as his job is to spread joy to his people by depleting his wife of happiness, he wants someone happy enough that she will not be depleted in such a way and he also wants one he can love. This is where the problem begins as he falls in love with Coleen. The story carries on with their travel on the anchor through different modes and their experiences and problems of the creatures of these other modes.
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Post by twistedspike on Apr 11, 2003 21:22:26 GMT
Due to your wonderful reccomendations picked up a couple of LKH' Anita Blake books from the library today. Bloody Bones and Obsidian Butterfly I'll see if there as good as you say. All I need now is the time to read them LOL.
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Post by PokerKitten on Apr 11, 2003 21:29:26 GMT
Could one of you LKH groupies make a list in order of all her Anita Blake books please... I was net shopping for presents the other night and thought maybe I could buy a couple for my mum, who is into that sorta thing. But I just couldn't work out what titles came first, from the descriptions at Amazon...
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Post by willowwood on Apr 11, 2003 21:43:30 GMT
[glow=pink,4,300]Shocking Pink[/glow] By Erica Spindler.
Above is the summary for the new book i am reading, it's really interesting and thrilling, so much so that i haven't been able to put it down since my Nan gave it to me a couple of weeks ago.
I thought that some of you may find it interesting also, which is why i've posted it on here, so that you can check it out if you want to.
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