Books, authors, genres, etc...

[grizzlymint]

I enjoy reading, though I hardly ever do it. I enjoyed my high school and college literature classes, so I figured I should start doing it. Books often have an impact on me and make me think. (Well written ones anyways.)

I don't think I've read anything in its entirety since high school, other than a scientific book about Creation vs. Evolution last year (and a bunch of short stories). I really haven't read any novel in its entirety since high school, where we read books such as "A Seperate Peace", "The Great Gatsby", "Of Mice and Men", etc. I enjoyed all of them thoroughly.

So this weekend I picked up a couple. I bought "A Clockwork Orange" (whoever wrote it slips my mind at the moment, but I'm sure we've all heard of it through the movie or book) and "East of Eden" by Steinbeck.

I'm gonna sift through the library soon here and try to find some others. Any recommendations? I like books that make you feel like you've been punched in the gut afterwards, lots of irony and social issues. That type of thing.

What are your favorites and recommend anything you think I should read.

[Weslaba]

I wish I could get more into books. The ones I end up actually finishing I love, but ufortunately thats been hard to come by. I maybe completed one of the required books for this year and I think that was the Shakespeare one we basically read all in class. It's a real shame, and I wish it wasn't true, but what can you do? Well, apparently... rhyme. :D

[Kevin Taylor]

If you're into science fiction at all try out Ray Bradbury & Issaac Asimov.
Martian Chronicles, Farenheit 451, I Robot.. lot's of social commentary and food for thought.

[grizzlymint]

I read Fahrenheit 451 back in the day and enjoyed it. I'm not sure if sci-fi is my thing though. When I start to burn other stuff out, I might give it a throw.

[jiujitsu_jesus]

In all seriousness - check out Don Quixote. I'm reading it at the moment, and I'll just say there's a reason Salman Rushdie called it the greatest novel ever written at one stage. It's thicker than a paving slab - I'm not expecting to finish it this year! - but every word in it is gold. If you get the full version, you'll also get Tobias Smollett(the original translator)'s "Life of Cervantes" at the front, which is fascinating; and the Modern Library Classics version has a really good introduction by Carlos Fuentes.

And if you like or are interested in fantasy, have a look at Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. It's cheesy in parts, but it's damn well-written and it's got a brain.

[Krunek]

Now here is an issue I can contribute to... I enjoy reading. Stayed up plenty of nights doing so. I read anything I can get my hands on. Of course, like everyone, I too have my favourite genre. Dungeons&Dragons. Here I recommend George R.R. Martin, Guy Gavriel Kay. Of course, Tolkien... The Forgoten realms saga is great stuff. As for Don Quijote (or whatever the heck you write it), by all means. Ray Bradbury doesn"t imapct me much, but Isaac Asimov is good... Of course, in that genre, you HAVE to read Jules Verne...In his time, the stuff he was writting about was science fiction. Clockwork orange will make an impression on you... Nyhowz, bare in mind, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Read everything. I have read Bible, Mein Kampf (by Hitler), Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Adam Smith(yeah, yeah, I know).
And I vas never sorry about it. It is good to read. For the last thought, I would recommend The tribe of cave bear... That is at least what it"s called in Croatia. Jean M. Aluel.

[Fret spider]

its called clan of the cave bear in the uk. if ur gonna read it u might as well read the others in the series too. there like 5 books. personally i am a fantassy man.

i do like theweel of time series buy robert jordan. other good writers are gearge rr martin, raymond fiest, david gemmel, david edings (are a bit cheasy at times). and many others.

[Kevin Taylor]

its called clan of the cave bear in the uk.

Skip the movie with Darrel Hannah tho... major suckfest.

[CSchlegel]

What are your favorites and recommend anything you think I should read.
My favorite novel is "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand. I recommend it to everyone.

[clewnii]

Philip K Dick (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/102-1968029-4800911?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Philip+K+Dick&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go) ! =)

or

Just a Couple of Day's by Tony Vigorito (http://www.amazon.com/Just-Couple-Days-Tony-Vigorito/dp/0156031221/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-0793363-0370209?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183399669&sr=8-1)

hmm or

Neil Gaiman (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/103-0793363-0370209?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Gaiman&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go) Check out "Stardust" and "American Gods"

The ending of Stardust can make grown men weep ;P

[da_ardvark]

My favorite novel is "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand. I recommend it to everyone.

No doubt a great novel, but I still prefer Atlas Shrugged.

[da_ardvark]

I recommend the following.

Jem by Frederick Pohl (Sci Fi)
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M Miller Jr. (Apocalyptic)
The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin (Fantasy)
The Trial by Franz Kafka (Fiction)
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (Fiction)
Artillary Attacks by Edwin Rommel (Non-Fiction)
The Innocent Man by John Grisham (Non Fiction)

[R. Shackleferd]

The Sea Wolf by Jack London has a tremendously imposing yet tragic antagonist character pitted against the weakling main character, taking place on a ship. It features some of the usual ocean going ventures of violence and mutiny, weather and shipwrecks, but with looks at morality, value of life (or lack thereof), and conditioning and adaptation among others, that are all illustrated as eloquently as London does. Likely every library has this one.

And since Sci-fi was brought up, no list, however brief, is complete without some Arthur C. Clarke. There's a huge amount in his bibliography; well over 50 years worth and still counting. He imagines well with grand scales and themes yet focuses on the well developed individual characters and plot. Again, common in libraries.

And for most casual reading, I've dug into quite a few Louis L'Amour. Usually short novels good for the historic settings, action, and overall style spanning centuries of uniquely American history. I'd agree his title fits...America's Storyteller.

[Krunek]

its called clan of the cave bear in the uk. if ur gonna read it u might as well read the others in the series too. there like 5 books. personally i am a fantassy man.

i do like theweel of time series buy robert jordan. other good writers are gearge rr martin, raymond fiest, david gemmel, david edings (are a bit cheasy at times). and many others.

Hmmm... No offense, but the later ones, in my humble opinion are a pile of poo. They re commercialized... it is just written for the money. The first one is great, but later ones, dissapointment. But as for other authors, I must congratulate you on your taste...
I noticed someone Kafka above... Hmmm... if that would be your first encounter with that kind of literature, you might find it boring... Try Turgenjev for a start. And, BY ALL MEANS, read Harry Potter. Trust me, fellas. I do know a good deal about books... This Potter stuff is really good. Try it. I really liked it. ;)

[GuitarPsy]

I've been thinking to read more as well, I'm into Sci-fi as long as it stays connected to reality instead of making up all sorts of flashy stuff, and enjoy most Fantasy, I've just finished Raymond E. Feist's 'Magician: Apprentice' and 'Magician: Master' and really enjoyed it

there's one book called Deus Ex Machina written by Pierre Ouellette that I can't forget, it's fascinating on how deep it travels into the science of DNA and computers, but keeping it relatively easy to understand for someone like me

[adevotedone]

Hello, All

OK, feel free to ridicule me to death on this one!!! :)

My All-time fave: The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I've read them 7 times in the last 20 years, and there are still passages that move me to tears. Wonderful books.

Some honorable mentions:

The Harry Potter Books. Easy reads, lots of fun, and well written. Great for when you want to enjoy the read and not have to think about the social commentary too much.

The Eragon Books (Eragon, Eldest) Again, great reads, I was unable to put them down, much to my wife's consternation (actually, she just waited until I finished and said, "so, now I get my husband back).

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Hemmingway.

Since you mentioned the Creation Evolution book, would you happen to be a Christian? If so, there are a few Christian Authors you may want to check out:

Frank Peretti (The Oath, Piercing the Darkness, Another "the Darkness book that I'm not remembering right now, The Visitation, et. Al.) Fantastic suspense/thrillers, in the vein of Stephen King.

Ted Dekker (Thr3e (an amazing book, the ending will completely floor you), Black, Red and White (a trilogy) et. al)

Randy Alcorn (Dominion, Deadline (crime fiction), The Edge of Eternity (guarenteed to entertain, move you to tears, inspire, and make you think all at the same time, Safely Home (will get you VERY interested in taking a hard look at China).

Well, hope this helps. I'd love to hear some comments from anyone whose read any of these.

Finally, I'd love to know the the title of the Creation/Evolution book that you read. I'm getting interested in studying (on personal time) some apologetics, and I'm not sure if I go for a literal 7-day creation, but would love to read some of the evidence both ways. I know enough about Evolution to know that it is impossible as a theory of origins without the Divine Hand, but don't know much about the alternatives. I would suggest Hugh Ross as a resource for you if you are interested in the origins debate, I haven't read him, but I've heard his name quite a bit, and he is very respected (I believe he takes a gap theory perspective)

Well, that's about it. I look forward to comments.
Peace,
Tom

[Leedogg]

http://people.brandeis.edu/~teuber/ishmael.gif

[earthman buck]

Anything at all by Kurt Vonnegut (you might want to start with the classics like Slaughterhouse-Five or Breakfast of Champions).

You will like it. If you don't, I'll give you your money back.

[grizzlymint]

Finally, I'd love to know the the title of the Creation/Evolution book that you read. I'm getting interested in studying (on personal time) some apologetics, and I'm not sure if I go for a literal 7-day creation, but would love to read some of the evidence both ways. I know enough about Evolution to know that it is impossible as a theory of origins without the Divine Hand, but don't know much about the alternatives. I would suggest Hugh Ross as a resource for you if you are interested in the origins debate, I haven't read him, but I've heard his name quite a bit, and he is very respected (I believe he takes a gap theory perspective)

Well, that's about it. I look forward to comments.
Peace,
Tom

Howdy.

Yes, I am a Christian and Creationist. I read "Origins of Life" by Hugh Ross. I am not a gap theorist supporter for various reasons, but his knowledge and science backing up the fact that life could not have spontaneously arrose from a primordial environment is excellent. He touches base with pretty much everything known to science as a valid theory about the origins of life.

My dad also owns a ton of Peretti books, so I may dig into them eventually.

[grizzlymint]

Just to let you all know, "East of Eden" has been nothing short of amazing and I'm just over halfway through it. (Its 600 pages long, so I'd say I'm not reading THAT slowly) Definitely the best read I've experienced yet. I'll be happy if I get into more books that make me think like this one does.

[hunter60]

Just to let you all know, "East of Eden" has been nothing short of amazing and I'm just over halfway through it. (Its 600 pages long, so I'd say I'm not reading THAT slowly) Definitely the best read I've experienced yet. I'll be happy if I get into more books that make me think like this one does.

Glad you're enjoying it. Steinbeck was a GREAT American author who often does not get the same recognition that many of the other authors from that time did. I've always enjoyed his style, finding it more accessible than Fitzgerald and even Faulkner.

[earthman buck]

Steinbeck was definitely one of the best. And I think "East of Eden" may be the best book ever written, as far as I'm concerned.

[grizzlymint]

How I would've loved to sit and have a cold one or 5 with the man and discuss everything in the world...In order to write the way he did, he had to think that way too. And its nothing short of brilliance. I've found application and relation to myself in the book a few times now, and its just about knocked the wind outa me.

[hunter60]

How I would've loved to sit and have a cold one or 5 with the man and discuss everything in the world...In order to write the way he did, he had to think that way too. And its nothing short of brilliance. I've found application and relation to myself in the book a few times now, and its just about knocked the wind outa me.


I know what you mean; there are so many authors that I would love to have sat down with and discussed their craft. Steinbeck had such a profound ability to write deep and meaningful prose but in a way that made it interesting reading. It's not like you would have to slog your way through it. I felt a very similar feeling with 'The Grapes of Wrath'. I am really pleased that you're enjoying the book.

I just finished 'Night' by Elie Wiesel which won the Pulitzer in 1986. It's a first hand account of a young man (15 years old) in Auschwitz. Horrifying. Each page just breaks my heart. I am a bit of a history buff and thought I knew a bit about the Holocaust and I suppose I do but nothing I have ever read about the subject before has presented it in such a personal and painful way.

Whew. I think I need to go sit in the dark for a while and contemplate how man can do something so foul and evil to his fellow man. It's beyond comprehension. :(

[grizzlymint]

I believe this reading thing will be a habit that sticks with me. I've been doing it on my morning break, my lunch break, all hours of the night..... Time passes so quickly while I do it, so I figure it can't hurt. Next on the lineup is "A Clockwork Orange" because I purchased it, but after that, I'm just gonna hit the library and see what I can find.

[earthman buck]

I believe this reading thing will be a habit that sticks with me. I've been doing it on my morning break, my lunch break, all hours of the night..... Time passes so quickly while I do it, so I figure it can't hurt. Next on the lineup is "A Clockwork Orange" because I purchased it, but after that, I'm just gonna hit the library and see what I can find.
You're gonna like it, my droog. It's a good raskazz. A real treat for the glazzies.

[grizzlymint]

Well finished up East of Eden tonight, and it was exactly what I was looking for in a book. Made me feel like I got punched in my non-existant uterus but at the same time made me think. It had a fairly happy ending anyways, so I didn't feel too bad.

I'll ram through "A Clockwork Orange" and then I believe I'm gonna do Steinbeck's whole collection, starting off with Grapes of Wrath.

Thanks for the recomendations and the encouragement. :)

[adevotedone]

Glad you're enjoying it. Steinbeck was a GREAT American author who often does not get the same recognition that many of the other authors from that time did. I've always enjoyed his style, finding it more accessible than Fitzgerald and even Faulkner.

Call me cynical, but that is probably why he did not get as much recognition, at least in academic circles. An ACCESSIBLE author!! GASP!!! ;)

I will say about Faulkner, though, "As I Lay Dying" is absolutely hilarious if you're into black humor.

I love Steinbeck, though, cried like a baby last time I read "Of Mice and Men," so of course I had to read it again and cried even worse!!! The Pastures of Heaven is also a really good read.

Well, enough of my blathering!
Peace,
Tom

[acapella]

I love Steinbeck, though, cried like a baby last time I read "Of Mice and Men," so of course I had to read it again and cried even worse!!! The Pastures of Heaven is also a really good read.

Yeah, I'm thinking of buying a copy of Of Mice and Men, because it's the kind of book I could read over and over. I own Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden (which is the best book in the world) and have read a lot of his other books from the library. I have always really enjoyed Steinbeck, I guess because he knew how to get across the things people can't put into words. I think that he must have thought much the same as I do, just that he was smart enough to say what he thought...or at least give examples of it.

I agree, Pastures of Heaven was good. Definitely an improvement over Cup of Gold. I just finished In Dubious Battle today, and that one was pretty good too.

[Thraxion]

I have to read and write a report on the book 'Lies My Teacher Told Me' for my College US History class... I am dreading this :\ Has anyone read this book before?


(Btw Of Mice and Men is a sweeet read)

[hunter60]

I have to read and write a report on the book 'Lies My Teacher Told Me' for my College US History class... I am dreading this :\ Has anyone read this book before?


(Btw Of Mice and Men is a sweeet read)


I read it a few years ago. As a matter of fact, I may still have a copy at the house. Not sure, I'll have to check. Interesting read. Essentially, it covers a lot of aspects of US history that are told in an incomplete fashion in most schools. There are a number of details (of course) or motivations that were involved that are often times over-looked or glossed over by the old-school historians. A good example (and this is just off the top of my head) is that it is often taught that the civil war was fought over slavery. That may have been a peripheral reason but the main reason was economic (like most wars more basic motivation) and then it goes on to explain the same.

There are many other history books like it. One of my personal favorites is 'Don't know much about history'. Very similar to the above.

If I were writing the paper (and I have written several much like it), I would start with the quote "The winners get to write the history'. That's not an exact quote but you can find the original in a copy of Bartlett's Quotations. That's a very accurate description.

Good luck with your paper.

[grizzlymint]

Yep, I've read Of Mice and Men. Good book. Good movie. Though after reading East of Eden, I'm gonna be impressed if anything lives up to it. I'm still consumed in it, and I finished it a couple days ago. I think I fell in love with Abra myself.

A Clockwork Orange is getting more interesting by the chapter. It took a bit to warm up to because of the slang, but I'm starting to translate it with ease now.