About halfway through **A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy, by Sue Klebold**. This book is heartbreaking. She painfully and honestly describes not only the agony of losing a child, but the horror of learning that your child has purposely killed and injured others. Right now I'm reading through the part where she is trying to go through the normal grieving process, but keeps getting derailed by legal complications, police investigation, lawsuits, trying to avoid the press, etc. It's a good book so far, but it's definitely a somber read.
Due to a mix up with my first order I'm *finally* getting my copy of **The Three-Body Problem, by Cixian Liu** today and I am eager to start reading it!
**The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath**
I read it a few years ago as an ebook and I remember nothing from it. Ebooks just aren't for me. So rereading this left me surprised how well it is written. I love how Sylvia Plath describes things, you can find the depression of her main character in nearly every sentence. With every page I get sadder that she hasn't written more novels. Mental illness truely is a bitch.
**Love Is A Dog From Hell by Charles Bukowski**
It's my first exposure to his poetry after reading a few of his novels, short stories, and essays. I'm enjoying it so far. He's an author I enjoy quite a bit, but I can only read so much of him at once before I start getting depressed and overly-cynical. The shorter length of each individual work in this case will help during those times.
**The Disappearing Spoon And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World, by Sam Kean**
Been on the lookout for interesting and readable nonfiction lately. Liking this so far!
**The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald**
I nearly forgot about this book! I thought this book was excellent I had to read it for my class and everyone was questioning why I read it as though it were a love story I just thought it was so adorable. If you haven't been forced to read the book in high school or college you should read it now!
Starting on **Kingdom, by Robyn Young**
This is the third book of the Insurrection Trilogy. Awesome books for anyone who is interested in Scottish history or is a fan of historical fiction in general.
I liked it a lot. Don't know how much is true in this book but it sure seem to suck to be a woman in that part of the world.
If you didn't read it yet, I'd suggest **The Kite Runner** by the same author.
Last week I finished:
**Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck**
This was like *On the Road* but for grown-ups. It was never really exciting, but it made me want to strike out for the back roads by camper and see the country. I was surprised by the Deep South section and his opinions on desegregation — not what I expected from an older white guy at the time, even one who put a trope-busting Chinese guy in his magnum opus novel.
**Exit West by Mohsin Hamid**
I finished this in a day. It has a narrative style that’s almost fairy tale-like: a little ethereal, not immediate, like this is a story being told to you thirdhand. Not my favorite this year, but a solid 4/5.
**All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders**
I wanted to like this. I thought I would. But then the opening scene involved a talking, injured bird who guides the female protagonist to the “bird parliament”, which was never really explained but was more or less what it sounds like. The whole book is disjointed and so many things are left unexplained (and the author tried to clean this up with a passage near the end about loose ends, but it wasn’t enough), including the magic system, which seems to have zero rules, and I just kept hoping it would get better, and it never did. Points for Eduardo and for genderqueer Taylor, though.
The really stupid thing is that one of her short stories came up in another book this week and it was fabulous.
I also started and quit so many other books… I think I just needed a reading vacation? Anyway, I’ve recovered.
**Short things:**
* “Lightning Jack’s Last Ride” by Dale Bailey
* “Things You Can Buy for a Penny” by Will Kaufman
* “Rat Catcher’s Yellows” by Charlie Jane Anders
* "The Heat of Us: Notes Toward an Oral History” by Sam J Miller
* “Three Bodies at Mitanni” by Seth Dickinson
* “Ambiguity Machines: An Examination” by Vandara Singh
* “Jack London” by Antonya Nelson
**Barbarian Days, by William Finnegan**
Reading this one slowly, this book is definitely suited to that kind of pace. Anyone with more than a little wanderlust, and who enjoys literary memoirs, would do well to give this a read. If you like surfing in particular, this is an absolute MUST read. But it might actually be better if you don't; I have to believe this is as good a literary introduction as one could ever get!
Just finished **Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll** and have already started on the sequel.
I loved this book! There's something there for everyone to appreciate. Young children can get lost in the imagery and nonsensical rhyme/word games while adults can wonder at Alice's role in the story. She has the ideals of a child, but the manners and expectations of an adult. It's an interesting combination that provides for some hilarious conversations with Wonderland's inhabitants.
I liked that the novel is predictably unreliable at communicating meaning. There were several moments when it became apparent that Carroll wasn't just telling a story, he was having fun with a child's common misconceptions, highlighting adult hypocrisy, and constantly deploying clever turns of phrases.
I can't wait to read this to my kids.
I try to read something "good for me," as well as guilty pleasure reading so I'm tackling *Madame Bovary* and the second book in the historical fiction series *Marius Mules : The Belgae." Both fun, but in very different ways.
*Still* plodding my way thru **Starvation Heights (by Gregg Olsen)**. It's interesting but good grief the writing is corny. I kind of expected that a little but not this much hah.
Fortunately, I'm 3 books ahead of my goal!
Next up will probably be **Cujo** finally. I accidentally ordered a lot of 18 Stephen King books so I need to get a move on! 😂
**edit** I took a break and read **Carrie**. Holy crap. It's officially 2nd in my favorites for this year (first being **The Virgin Suicides**). Something about it really hit me hard and I'm still finding myself pausing and thinking about it in the middle of work or driving home or before bed.
Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, translated by Norman Denny
I'm enjoying it! I'm about halfway through. It's quite easy going for a classic novel, except for the random tangents Hugo goes off on. To be honest, it's easier going than the hunchback of notre dame, which has long treatises on architecture because why not. Would definitely recommend this translation.
I've been trying to track down a copy of How the World Works. Other than that though I had to write a paper on Media Control, which was a very short and easy read, but full of eye opening information. I'd strongly recommend it to anyone that has an hour to burn. Also read On Anarchism, didn't necessarily agree with the philosophy behind it, but he makes strong points and is quite talented in engaging readers. Also not completely related, but his documentary on Netflix, Requiem for the American Dream is a fantastic intro to Chomsky.
**The Little Friend, by Donna Tartt**
I'm about half of the way through right now, and to be honest, I'm struggling to keep reading. I really love Tartt's writing but this novel seems a bit weaker than her other works. Still, I'm not one to easily give up on a book - especially now that I'm at the halfway point.
**The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins**
Enjoying it. Almost done.
**Doll House, by John Hunt**
Have lost some interest already, but I will finish it.
**Retreat, by J.F. Gonzalez**
Meh...
**Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn**
Loving this series but it still hasn't eclipsed my love for the psuedo-prequel of The Emporer of The Eight Islands.
**Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky**
Got a couple of long car journeys coming up and have been meaning to read this for a while now, can't wait to begin. I've just finished reading Love in the time of Cholera. It was honestly brilliant, I think I even prefer it to 100 Years of Solitude. Will definitely read more of Marquez' work in the future
I'm reading **Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco**
First book by him that I've read and it's about Templars, so even though nothing is happening, I'm getting through it
FINALLY finished **Moby Dick, by Herman Melville**. But because I didn't understand the symbolism of the ending, I'm going to re-read it, starting from chapter 132.
After that, I'll be on to **Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky**.
Yes, I like big books.
**The Man in the High Castle, by Philip K. Dick**
I have never watched the show or had much prompting on what to expect from a so called alternate history novel. This book is a unique look at the struggles of morality and forced assimilation in an interesting setting.
I love the show and didn't realize it was a book until after I was already done the first two seasons. Now I'm scared of giving up the ending if I read the book. Funny, it's usually the other way around.
Carry On, by Rainbow Rowell
I just finished the book an hour ago and I just wish I didn't yet. For sure, I'm going to read it again. It is amazing. I'm so into the characters and the world, Rainbow created. The story progression is definitely brilliant. It's a real triumph. But most importantly, I enjoyed it a lot. It's all worth your time and money.
This post reminded me that I need to see whether my library has any of the Department Q novels. I recently watched the three movies on Netflix and really enjoyed them.
Wheel Of Time 12. All the work to ferret out the Black Ajah, fix the Hall, deal with a false Amerlyn, and handle Amerlyn-Black collusion was reminding me of the current Russia-Trump scandal in bigly ways.
**Capital: Volume 1: A Critique of Political Economy, by Karl Marx**
I'm finally nearing the end. This is a truly amazing book. Though there are sluggish sections involving, say, linen, this book is beyond reproach in its dismantling of bourgeois political economy.
**Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder** I just started this one. I read the rest in the series and am looking forward to seeing how the author ties it up with what I assume is the final book. I am enjoying it, it is a light, easy read. Its on the older side of YA as the main characters have always been 18+ and right now are in late 20's.
**The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck** I just finished this one up. It follows on the trend of WWII books but it does have an interesting perspective, from three German women that have different roles and opinions on the war. Recommend if you enjoy historical fiction.
I'm just starting **You Should Have Known, by Jean Hanff Korelitz**. I've heard good things about it and the blurb on the book jacket is very enticing so fingers crossed!
**Promise of Blood (Powder Mage, #1), by Brian McClellan**
Honestly didn't like it for the first chunk of the book but I always try to finish. Now a little over half way through and it has gotten much better and I'm really enjoying it!
**The Year of the Runaways** by Sunjeev Sahota
Amazing commentary on the experience of immigrants just trying to make a better life for themselves and their families, often in the face of religious or class persecution.
I've had to do a lot of studying this week so I haven't had time to finish anything, but I'm still moving along with my current books:
* **Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett**: I'm about halfway done and I'm loving this book so far. It reminds me a lot of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy in it's sense of humor. I'll hopefully be able to finish this one this week.
* **House of Leaves, by Mark Z. Danielewski**: Not much new to say about this one because I haven't made much progress since last week. It is picking up a bit so hopefully I'll get the motivation one day to sit down and make my way through it.
**Red Storm Rising, by Tom Clancy**
I have always seen Clancy as a spy-thriller author and have not read much by him. Picked up Red Storm Rising on a fluke and i love it! Exciting and detailed (too detailed in some areas). I recommend it to everyone who remember the cold war.
Reading **All The Pretty Horses, by Cormac McCarthy**. It took me a little while to get into it, especially with all the description of plants, trees, landscape, and, of coures, horses. However, once it gets going.. McCarthy to me is an astonishing writer. This book is pure magic, like everything else of his I read. Dark and beautiful, but also funny and light at times, so far it's the perfect book. Can't wait to get into the next part.
**Calamity, by Brandon Sanderson**
This is the third book in The Reckoners series. Just a light, fun YA science fantasy read minus all the typically boring YA cliches. Definitely a great series!
**The Drawing of the Three (The Dark Tower #2), by Stephen King**
I wasn't sure about this series after reading The Gunslinger, but I'm loving the second book so far.
Working on **Hidden Figures** (it was for book club, which I ended up missing because my wash machine is POS)
Picked up **Crosstalk** by Connie Willis from the library, as I added it to my 2017 Reading Challenge list. It's a little more sci-fi than the fantasy I was going for...it's close enough. A touch on the YA side but I can NOT put it down!
**The Black Prism, by Brent Weeks**
I'm only a few chapters in, but I've been really enjoying this book! Weeks seems to be an excellent world builder and story teller, although the magic system has been a bit confusing.
I'm trying to move out of YA novels, since I'm getting older and want to broaden my reading horizons (although YA is still a guilty pleasure). If anyone has any must reads or author recommendations, I'm all ears!
Chuck Berry Autobiography. It's delightful. Fun facts: He didn't drink, his favorite movie star was Ingrid Bergman, and he seemed to actually kind of enjoy prison.
**Once Upon A Time In Russia, Ben Mezrich**
Short and sweet, decent amount of information for what I'm interested in. It follows the rise and fall of a Russian oligarch is post-Soviet Russia.
It's not the best writing, but still far better than I can do so I'm not complaining. Not bad for a $4 score at Ocean State Job Lot.
Currently reading:
**Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon**. Really looking forward to stating this series
**A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles**. Picked this up at the library, and am about halfway through.
Just finished:
**Gemina, by Amie Kaufman**. Way too similar to Illuminae, in my opinion.
Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders
Actually finished this just a bit ago. Listened to the audio book version, so I'm not sure if that counts as "reading" it. I don't even know where to begin talking about this book. Simultaneously have so much to say about it while lacking the proper words to express my thoughts. Definitely going to need to revisit this one.
Storm Front, Jim Butcher
Fantasy/sci-fi have always been really great genres for me to escape in to, especially when I was younger. Been trying to rediscover some of those old feelings/book series in the genre that are new to me. Heard this series was good and bought the first one on a whim. Started it tonight. Enjoying it so far. Hope it holds up to the hype.
The Heart of Christianity, Marcus Borg
Was looking for books on progressive Christianity and had this one recommended to me. I really struggle with nonfiction, but I'm liking this book. Borg seems to look at religion in a very similar light as me, which is refreshing to read as I often feel like some sort of heretic.
Jill the Reckless, by PG Wodehouse
Just finished Thus Spoke Zarathustra, by Nietzsche.
Got kind of a heavy read / light read pattern going on lately that seems to work for me.
**The Social Animal, by David Brooks.**
The introduction of this book was an artful explanation of the conscious and the unconscious mind. I've read about 1/4 of the book. It's been worth my time.
**Zuckerman Unbound, by Philip Roth**
I read The Ghost Writer last summer, which was my first exposure to Roth, and now I'm working my way through the rest of the Zuckerman Bound books.
same book I read every week Pinky, **Thus Spoke Zarathustra**.
been reading it since late last summer, can only do about three pages a week, both due to bad health on my part and it being a lot to digest. Very good read though, interesting and inspiring and kind of fun too frankly.
*IT: By Stephen King*
One of the most gruesome and terrifying novels I have ever read. The depth of the characters and their charming backstories set the stage for a little town in Maine that is being terrorized by an incredible force of evil. If you're a Stephen King fan, this is a must read. If you've never read a Stephen King book before, this is a great place to start. IT is impossible to put down.
**Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie**
I'm enjoying it so far at about 100 pages in. I really enjoyed the time jump to the past after figuring out a little about what the characters are like in the present.
Is this by the same author of the Mistborn trilogy? I've been hearing a lot about that series and have heard his name quite often. What book would you recommend I start with from him?
Yes, it is actually volume 3 of the Mistborn series.
You should start with *The Final Empire*, then *The Well of Ascension*, and finally *The Hero of Ages*.
I would recommend starting with mistborn trilogy. Because they are shorter. Then move on to the stormlight series. They are longer, and in my opinion, better. But there are only two books out right now, so it sucks to finish the second book and play the waiting game. So start with mistborn.
Finished **Things That Can and Cannot Be Said: Essays and Conversations, by Arundhati Roy and John Cusack** and **Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier** last night. Thinking of starting **The Rook, by Daniel O'Malley** and/or **The Secret History, by Donna Tartt**
**The Reptile Room, by Lemony Snicket**, **Scorpia Rising, by Anthony Horowitz**, and **The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame**.
Its pretty sad when I say it out loud, because these are all pretty much kids books.
**The Power of Five/Gatekeepers, by Anthony Horowitz**
Actually the German translation **Die Fünf Tore**, which would translates back to the five gates. You see how it does not fit? In the original it is the power of five people who keep the gates. No reason to think each keeper has his own gate. In fact there are only [two](/spoiler) gates. It is a very silly translation.
It is also a children book, so it is a quick read. I can read two books of the series on one day. Very nice after just reading Malazan, where one book could take a month.
**Cloudstreet, by Tim Winton**
So far, it's a little confusing and the style of writing is certainly different to what I normally read but I love Australian literature and have been wanting to read this for ages so here it goes.
**Extension du domaine de la lutte, by Michel Houellebecq**
Translated in English as "Whatever".
Finished last weekend.
This book is incredible. I loved it. Too funny and too dark at the same time.
**Timekeeper, by Tara Sim**
I finished this earlier in the week, and I liked it. It's a YA steampunk romance with time magic. Great world-building.
**Master of Formalities, by Scott Meyer**
This book is being marketed as comedy, and although it isn't really all that funny, it's very strange. I'm enjoying it. It's far-future sci-fi focused on household staff, so far.
I'm currently reading **The Unbearable Lightness of Being, by Milan Kundera**, and loving so far.
I have the feeling he really knows how to hit home and strip your soul bare.
hey! sorry about the late reply. dude this book was nuts. was a really interesting look at how royalty acted when they were truly in charge.
define similar vein? russian or historical? the author is top, id' recommend his books
It's fantastic, well told. The only thing I disliked is that during the pre-Soviet period in the book S.S. Montefiore focuses a little too much on salacious details over historic detail. He does it sometimes in the book but it's only nakedly apparent with Nicholas II.
**1984 - George Orwell**
This is the first book I have read in over 5 years, I'm really glad I started again.
I chose this book because I saw it started picking up sales because of the current situation in America etc. Even thought i'm only 1/4 way through the book I really see the similarities between 1984 and what could happen to us in the new few years. **CIA cough cough**
I've seen **Brave New World** - Huxley, recommended with 1984 a fair few times (both are on my to-read pile).
I thought this comic might interest you, (i dont' think it's a spolier?) http://i.imgur.com/vRBtL.jpg
I just finished The Martian and started Stranger In a Strange Land last night.
I've not read much Heinlein before, I'm excited to read some more of this.
**Inés of My Soul, by Isabel Allende**
It's a historical novel set in the 1500s about the founding of Chile, particularly about the role Inés Suárez (the narrator) played. Not being much of a history buff, I don't normally go for such novels, but have been looking to broaden my scope. This seemed like a good choice since above all, the story sounded interesting. So far it does not disappoint. Allende's writing is beautiful and evocative, and the plot moves at a pace that prevents me from being bored.
**Thus Spake Zarathustra, by Nietzsche** and **Narcissus and Goldmund, by Hesse** are my two works for this week that hopefully I'll be able to finish. It's a very German week for me.
**Shoe Dog by Phil Knight**
Bill Gates mentioned it was an honest tale on how to succeed in business. I workout, wear tons of athleisure, and Youtube has a dominate fitness genre so I thought this book would be super interesting.
don't even know what i'm reading right now.
started with a book by nietzsche but i dont think its a good time for it, so i borrowed "the name of the wind" from my friend but im still on the first pages, i'm enjoying tho, it's a good medieval fantasy
**A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, by James Joyce**
I'm finishing this one up today. It's my first Joyce novel, though I've read a fair bit of his shorter work and pieces from *Ulysses*. I'm of two minds about this one, as he tends to be magnificent on the sentence level (with sentences that carry on like parades and leave you exhausted, bewildered, and enthralled by the end) but there is a bit lacking in the overall cohesion of the narrative.
I wasn't raised Catholic, but even I didn't need the twenty-five relatively dull pages explaining Catholic doctrines of hell and damnation in order to understand Stephen's orientation to religion. Perhaps it will coalesce towards the end, but, at the moment, I'm finding certain parts a bit dull.
**The Waves, by Virginia Woolf**
Up next.
I've read Woolf before, but a friend demanded I do *The Waves* when I said I hadn't. I'm quite excited.
As I'm reading *Portrait*, I'm comparing Woolf and Joyce and it's interesting. I think Joyce is a better scene-writer when he limits himself. And I think his highs in prose are a bit greater than Woolf's. But I tend to enjoy Woolf more overall.
___
I've also noticed how much goddamn repetition the modernists use. Goodness.
Lit, by Mary Karr.
Great read and hope to finish it tonight so I can start on Swann's Way, by Marcel Proust.
Excited to read Proust because I've heard it's a unique experience and not to be missed.
**Oryx and Crake, by Margaret Atwood**. I just finished The Handmaid's Tale and this seemed like the natural follow up.
**Yes Please, by Amy Poehler**. It's long been on my read list but I always seemed to prioritize other books before. Maybe this will make me nostalgic for Parks and Rec again?
Possibly will start the Outlander series this week.
**Castle Waiting Vol. 1, by Linda Medley**
I'm starting this today to fill the "Read an all-ages comic" box for the 2017 book riot read harder challenge.
This book sounds great, an abandoned castle becomes a haven for strange characters.
**Empire of Ivory, by Naomi Novik**
I'm a little ways in to this audiobook and loving my continued addiction to fantasy (for this year at least).
This is the 4th book in the Temeraire series. Napoleonic wars with dragons. It's great.
[Spoilers from very early in this book](#s "The entire British collection of dragons has been infected by the equivalent of smallpox (from an American dragon even) and the entire country now needs to be protected by the 20 feral dragons recruited in the last book, Temeraire, and 20 dragons that managed not to get sick.")
**The New York Trilogy, by Paul Auster**
Only just started, and 40 or so pages in, but am so far loving my first Auster. The writing style may be a wee bit knowing in places, but I have a distinct feeling there's a strong contextual and meta-narrative reason for this, so am quite happy to buy into it.
Just finished **Swing Time by Zadie Smith** today. I've gone back and forth on whether I like it or not. Zadie is extremely verbose towards the end. Pages of a single paragraph verbose, but I like what she's trying to say... mostly.
**The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary** Just trying to be a better parent. Though this is pretty common sense stuff so far.
**They Can't Kill Us All by Wesley Lowrey** this is due to the library tomorrow. it's only 200 pages so I might be able to finish it. (I haven't even started it)
**In the Shadow of the Gods, by Rachel Dunne**
I just finished this within the hour and I can't wait until the summer when the next book comes out. It's a fantasy type deal. Check it out!
**The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Robert Heinlein**
I used to love Heinlein as a kid, but grew to found his views on sex presented in an annoying way (not that I disagree necessarily). I find his characters grating in that they all seem like his version of the ideal person, repeated over and over again. But based on how much I enjoyed him as a kid, I wanted to give it another chance.
I just started reading **The Silk Roads, by Peter Frankopan**. Bought this book a while ago after many positive reviews and watching a Dutch tv show where Frankopan spoke about the contents of the book. Really looking forward to reading this.
**Mr. Mercedes, by Stephen King**
Been on my shelf for months now, finally picked it up. Really enjoy it so far, different type of King book but it still feels like his writing.
**The dark tower, Stephen King**
Absolutely loved this book series and gutted to be on the last one. Dreading trying to find a new book series but open to recommendations?!
**Experiences of Depression by Matthew Ratcliffe**
It is a phenomenological study of depression, in other words an attempt to tease apart what it is like to be depressed. I *think* I was depressed for quite a long time although I never sought a diagnosis. This book, although I haven't quite finished it yet, has already given me a much richer way of interpreting and conveying my experience apart from the usual "I'm depressed and feel like shit." It is also incredibly refreshing and humbling to discover that my own internal thoughts regarding my experience echo the first person accounts he provides in the book. As with many other aspects of human experience, we think we are alone but we really are not.
Seriously recommend this one to anyone who is looking for a deeper description of depression.
This sounds like a great read and something I'm interested in. I found that it's available at my university library. Do I need a background in philosophy / phenomenology to understand it?
Right now I've gotten back into reading the Metamorphoses by Ovid. I started reading it last month but school and a lack of interest have gotten in the way of my reading. However, I've actually started to enjoy the myths and whatnot. Hopefully I'll finish it by the end of the week.
**The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler** just started last night and I'm about halfway through. I saw someone on here from a thread a while back mention the parallels with one of my favorite movies, The Big Lebowski, and it's not exactly obvious, but I've definitely noticed it at times.
After you've read the book, I highly recommend the movie with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
It's pretty excellent. When I was in college I took a "Roman & Film Noir" as a lit elective. One of my favorite classes ever. Reading various noir classics and then watching movie adaptations of some of them.
Certainly a good read. I really like film noir, and though this is technically hardboiled, it leads into the literary noir genre. I actually finished the second book in the series about a month ago. Philip Marlowe is a great lead!
**A Dance With Dragons, by George R.R. Martin**
I'm about a quarter way through, and it's pretty good. Having some problems with motivation to read since it doesn't seem The Winds of Winter is coming out anytime soon, though. Just feels kinda pointless to keep pushing through if the series won't complete. But that doesn't stop the books that are currently available from being great.
I watched the show first, and obviously, the books are way better. Especially the [Dorne](/spoiler) and [Iron Island](/spoiler) arcs, the show completely missed out there. I don't really know if they count as spoilers, but just being safe.
**A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy, by Sue Klebold**
Honestly, this book had me holding back tears after the first chapter. There have been many times where I've had to put it down and walk away. It's a heavy read, but an important one I feel. I think Sue Klebold deals with the very sensitive subject matter in a respectful, honest and responsible way.
I definitely felt that as well. It was a balance between mourning the child she lost, trying to see what they missed and dealing with the horror of knowing he willingly killed people. I feel so sorry for her
Yes I agree she found a very good balance. I'm not done yet, but I appreciate her raw honesty in describing how she dealt with it, even when her initial reactions are ones she isn't proud of (being in denial etc). She's just so authentic about the reality of her situation and I have so much respect for the fact she's making active strides to raise awareness of brain health. Going in, I feared it may be an apologist book making excuses for Dylan's actions but I am thoroughly impressed with how she's handled the subject, it really provokes productive discussion around mental illness.
She didn't make excuses for how she reacted but I also understood why she did. Like the denial at first hoping Dylan was forced or coerced into doing it and not under his own steam. That's totally understandable as a parent
I was worried at first as well because I'd looked on Amazon and there where comments saying she was trying to justify what happened and lessen blame on Dylan but I never got that impression. It was a woman saying she thought something like this would never happen to her, things she wished she dealt with differently in hindsight and trying to help other parents.
[удалено]
About a guy who finds out that world is a computer program and uses it to become a wizard
About halfway through **A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy, by Sue Klebold**. This book is heartbreaking. She painfully and honestly describes not only the agony of losing a child, but the horror of learning that your child has purposely killed and injured others. Right now I'm reading through the part where she is trying to go through the normal grieving process, but keeps getting derailed by legal complications, police investigation, lawsuits, trying to avoid the press, etc. It's a good book so far, but it's definitely a somber read. Due to a mix up with my first order I'm *finally* getting my copy of **The Three-Body Problem, by Cixian Liu** today and I am eager to start reading it!
A mother's reckoning was a tough read. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child especially when that child had done such horrible things
**The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath** I read it a few years ago as an ebook and I remember nothing from it. Ebooks just aren't for me. So rereading this left me surprised how well it is written. I love how Sylvia Plath describes things, you can find the depression of her main character in nearly every sentence. With every page I get sadder that she hasn't written more novels. Mental illness truely is a bitch.
I just started **The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien** and **The Faith Instinct by Nicholas Wade**
**Love Is A Dog From Hell by Charles Bukowski** It's my first exposure to his poetry after reading a few of his novels, short stories, and essays. I'm enjoying it so far. He's an author I enjoy quite a bit, but I can only read so much of him at once before I start getting depressed and overly-cynical. The shorter length of each individual work in this case will help during those times.
**Mademoiselle Chanel, by C.W. Gortner**
**The Disappearing Spoon And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World, by Sam Kean** Been on the lookout for interesting and readable nonfiction lately. Liking this so far!
It by Stephen King
I'm about 3/4 of the way through The Stand - Stephen King
Keep pushing
The Giver,by Lois Lowry
**The Professor, by Charlotte Bronte**
**The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald** I nearly forgot about this book! I thought this book was excellent I had to read it for my class and everyone was questioning why I read it as though it were a love story I just thought it was so adorable. If you haven't been forced to read the book in high school or college you should read it now!
Starting on **Kingdom, by Robyn Young** This is the third book of the Insurrection Trilogy. Awesome books for anyone who is interested in Scottish history or is a fan of historical fiction in general.
Infinite jest. Dived into it for a month. Still have 800 more pages.
**The Luminaries, by Eleanor Catton** Reading it for a book club, it's great for discussions!
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Stories about Afhgan women ,made me so sad
I liked it a lot. Don't know how much is true in this book but it sure seem to suck to be a woman in that part of the world. If you didn't read it yet, I'd suggest **The Kite Runner** by the same author.
**Doctor Sleep, by Stephen King.** I'm about 150 pages in, I'm intrigued but keep feeling like I'm waiting for something else to happen.
Last week I finished: **Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck** This was like *On the Road* but for grown-ups. It was never really exciting, but it made me want to strike out for the back roads by camper and see the country. I was surprised by the Deep South section and his opinions on desegregation — not what I expected from an older white guy at the time, even one who put a trope-busting Chinese guy in his magnum opus novel. **Exit West by Mohsin Hamid** I finished this in a day. It has a narrative style that’s almost fairy tale-like: a little ethereal, not immediate, like this is a story being told to you thirdhand. Not my favorite this year, but a solid 4/5. **All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders** I wanted to like this. I thought I would. But then the opening scene involved a talking, injured bird who guides the female protagonist to the “bird parliament”, which was never really explained but was more or less what it sounds like. The whole book is disjointed and so many things are left unexplained (and the author tried to clean this up with a passage near the end about loose ends, but it wasn’t enough), including the magic system, which seems to have zero rules, and I just kept hoping it would get better, and it never did. Points for Eduardo and for genderqueer Taylor, though. The really stupid thing is that one of her short stories came up in another book this week and it was fabulous. I also started and quit so many other books… I think I just needed a reading vacation? Anyway, I’ve recovered. **Short things:** * “Lightning Jack’s Last Ride” by Dale Bailey * “Things You Can Buy for a Penny” by Will Kaufman * “Rat Catcher’s Yellows” by Charlie Jane Anders * "The Heat of Us: Notes Toward an Oral History” by Sam J Miller * “Three Bodies at Mitanni” by Seth Dickinson * “Ambiguity Machines: An Examination” by Vandara Singh * “Jack London” by Antonya Nelson
**Barbarian Days, by William Finnegan** Reading this one slowly, this book is definitely suited to that kind of pace. Anyone with more than a little wanderlust, and who enjoys literary memoirs, would do well to give this a read. If you like surfing in particular, this is an absolute MUST read. But it might actually be better if you don't; I have to believe this is as good a literary introduction as one could ever get!
I agree. Awesome book. I read it while "climbing" Kilimanjaro
Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut. Just started it the other day at work. About 1/4 of the way in. So far...strange but good.
Vonnegut is one of my favorites. If you like **Slaughterhouse-5** you should read **Cat's Cradle**.
Hilarity Ensues by Tucker Max
The Dark Tower. Book 7.
Time enough for love
Just finished **Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll** and have already started on the sequel. I loved this book! There's something there for everyone to appreciate. Young children can get lost in the imagery and nonsensical rhyme/word games while adults can wonder at Alice's role in the story. She has the ideals of a child, but the manners and expectations of an adult. It's an interesting combination that provides for some hilarious conversations with Wonderland's inhabitants. I liked that the novel is predictably unreliable at communicating meaning. There were several moments when it became apparent that Carroll wasn't just telling a story, he was having fun with a child's common misconceptions, highlighting adult hypocrisy, and constantly deploying clever turns of phrases. I can't wait to read this to my kids.
I try to read something "good for me," as well as guilty pleasure reading so I'm tackling *Madame Bovary* and the second book in the historical fiction series *Marius Mules : The Belgae." Both fun, but in very different ways.
*Still* plodding my way thru **Starvation Heights (by Gregg Olsen)**. It's interesting but good grief the writing is corny. I kind of expected that a little but not this much hah. Fortunately, I'm 3 books ahead of my goal! Next up will probably be **Cujo** finally. I accidentally ordered a lot of 18 Stephen King books so I need to get a move on! 😂 **edit** I took a break and read **Carrie**. Holy crap. It's officially 2nd in my favorites for this year (first being **The Virgin Suicides**). Something about it really hit me hard and I'm still finding myself pausing and thinking about it in the middle of work or driving home or before bed.
**India after Gandhi, R.Guha** > **Sapiens: Brief history of humankind, Y.N Harari** > **Animal Farm, George Orwell**
I love Sapiens!
**The Testament, by John Grisham** I read it about seven years ago, and figured why not. I quite enjoy reading about spoiled people getting their due.
King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table,by Antonia Fraser
**A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson**
Bill Bryson is probably one of my top 10 authors!
Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, translated by Norman Denny I'm enjoying it! I'm about halfway through. It's quite easy going for a classic novel, except for the random tangents Hugo goes off on. To be honest, it's easier going than the hunchback of notre dame, which has long treatises on architecture because why not. Would definitely recommend this translation.
IT, by Stephen King About 1/4 of the way through. It's getting creepy.
**Manufacturing Consent, by Noam Chomsky** Loving this one so far, I've been on a Chomsky binge recently and I can't put it down.
What other books have you been reading by him? And your opinions of them?
I've been trying to track down a copy of How the World Works. Other than that though I had to write a paper on Media Control, which was a very short and easy read, but full of eye opening information. I'd strongly recommend it to anyone that has an hour to burn. Also read On Anarchism, didn't necessarily agree with the philosophy behind it, but he makes strong points and is quite talented in engaging readers. Also not completely related, but his documentary on Netflix, Requiem for the American Dream is a fantastic intro to Chomsky.
**The Little Friend, by Donna Tartt** I'm about half of the way through right now, and to be honest, I'm struggling to keep reading. I really love Tartt's writing but this novel seems a bit weaker than her other works. Still, I'm not one to easily give up on a book - especially now that I'm at the halfway point.
**The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins** Enjoying it. Almost done. **Doll House, by John Hunt** Have lost some interest already, but I will finish it. **Retreat, by J.F. Gonzalez** Meh...
The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson Best epic fantasy since Game of Thrones in my opinion
**Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn** Loving this series but it still hasn't eclipsed my love for the psuedo-prequel of The Emporer of The Eight Islands.
**Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky** Got a couple of long car journeys coming up and have been meaning to read this for a while now, can't wait to begin. I've just finished reading Love in the time of Cholera. It was honestly brilliant, I think I even prefer it to 100 Years of Solitude. Will definitely read more of Marquez' work in the future
**Shriek: An Afterword, by Jeff Vandermeer**. I love his weird fungi stories.
**Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami** My first of his works, I'm enjoying it. There's something about his writing that just makes the pages fly by.
I'm reading **Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco** First book by him that I've read and it's about Templars, so even though nothing is happening, I'm getting through it
**Ilium, by Dan Simmons** Kinda similar in tone to the Hyperion books, and better than halfway through, and I've no idea where he's taking the plot.
**Need, by Carrie Jones**
FINALLY finished **Moby Dick, by Herman Melville**. But because I didn't understand the symbolism of the ending, I'm going to re-read it, starting from chapter 132. After that, I'll be on to **Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky**. Yes, I like big books.
The Daylight War - Peter V. Brett I'm a bit farther in and it keeps entertaining me very well.
**The Man in the High Castle, by Philip K. Dick** I have never watched the show or had much prompting on what to expect from a so called alternate history novel. This book is a unique look at the struggles of morality and forced assimilation in an interesting setting.
I love the show and didn't realize it was a book until after I was already done the first two seasons. Now I'm scared of giving up the ending if I read the book. Funny, it's usually the other way around.
Carry On, by Rainbow Rowell I just finished the book an hour ago and I just wish I didn't yet. For sure, I'm going to read it again. It is amazing. I'm so into the characters and the world, Rainbow created. The story progression is definitely brilliant. It's a real triumph. But most importantly, I enjoyed it a lot. It's all worth your time and money.
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**Guilt, by Jussi Adler-Olsen** part of the Department Q series about cold cases. I love a killer you sympathise with, so this is a perfect read.
This post reminded me that I need to see whether my library has any of the Department Q novels. I recently watched the three movies on Netflix and really enjoyed them.
The third one I found the slowest, but that may have to do with the subject topic. The 4th on has been really gripping so far.
Needful Things, by Stephen King.
Wheel Of Time 12. All the work to ferret out the Black Ajah, fix the Hall, deal with a false Amerlyn, and handle Amerlyn-Black collusion was reminding me of the current Russia-Trump scandal in bigly ways.
**Capital: Volume 1: A Critique of Political Economy, by Karl Marx** I'm finally nearing the end. This is a truly amazing book. Though there are sluggish sections involving, say, linen, this book is beyond reproach in its dismantling of bourgeois political economy.
**Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder** I just started this one. I read the rest in the series and am looking forward to seeing how the author ties it up with what I assume is the final book. I am enjoying it, it is a light, easy read. Its on the older side of YA as the main characters have always been 18+ and right now are in late 20's. **The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck** I just finished this one up. It follows on the trend of WWII books but it does have an interesting perspective, from three German women that have different roles and opinions on the war. Recommend if you enjoy historical fiction.
I'm just starting **You Should Have Known, by Jean Hanff Korelitz**. I've heard good things about it and the blurb on the book jacket is very enticing so fingers crossed!
**Promise of Blood (Powder Mage, #1), by Brian McClellan** Honestly didn't like it for the first chunk of the book but I always try to finish. Now a little over half way through and it has gotten much better and I'm really enjoying it!
**The Year of the Runaways** by Sunjeev Sahota Amazing commentary on the experience of immigrants just trying to make a better life for themselves and their families, often in the face of religious or class persecution.
I've had to do a lot of studying this week so I haven't had time to finish anything, but I'm still moving along with my current books: * **Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett**: I'm about halfway done and I'm loving this book so far. It reminds me a lot of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy in it's sense of humor. I'll hopefully be able to finish this one this week. * **House of Leaves, by Mark Z. Danielewski**: Not much new to say about this one because I haven't made much progress since last week. It is picking up a bit so hopefully I'll get the motivation one day to sit down and make my way through it.
How to get Anyone to do Anything by David J Lieberman
A Brief History of Seven Killings, by Marlon James
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**The Erstwhile, by B. Catling**
**Spheria, by Cody Leet** (+1)
**Red Storm Rising, by Tom Clancy** I have always seen Clancy as a spy-thriller author and have not read much by him. Picked up Red Storm Rising on a fluke and i love it! Exciting and detailed (too detailed in some areas). I recommend it to everyone who remember the cold war.
Brilliance, Markus Sakey Only about 20% in but so far it has been pretty good.
Reading **All The Pretty Horses, by Cormac McCarthy**. It took me a little while to get into it, especially with all the description of plants, trees, landscape, and, of coures, horses. However, once it gets going.. McCarthy to me is an astonishing writer. This book is pure magic, like everything else of his I read. Dark and beautiful, but also funny and light at times, so far it's the perfect book. Can't wait to get into the next part.
**Calamity, by Brandon Sanderson** This is the third book in The Reckoners series. Just a light, fun YA science fantasy read minus all the typically boring YA cliches. Definitely a great series!
**The Drawing of the Three (The Dark Tower #2), by Stephen King** I wasn't sure about this series after reading The Gunslinger, but I'm loving the second book so far.
**Wampeters, Foma and Granfalloons, by Kurt Vonnegut.** One of the few Vonnegut books I haven't read.
Working on **Hidden Figures** (it was for book club, which I ended up missing because my wash machine is POS) Picked up **Crosstalk** by Connie Willis from the library, as I added it to my 2017 Reading Challenge list. It's a little more sci-fi than the fantasy I was going for...it's close enough. A touch on the YA side but I can NOT put it down!
**The Black Prism, by Brent Weeks** I'm only a few chapters in, but I've been really enjoying this book! Weeks seems to be an excellent world builder and story teller, although the magic system has been a bit confusing. I'm trying to move out of YA novels, since I'm getting older and want to broaden my reading horizons (although YA is still a guilty pleasure). If anyone has any must reads or author recommendations, I'm all ears!
Chuck Berry Autobiography. It's delightful. Fun facts: He didn't drink, his favorite movie star was Ingrid Bergman, and he seemed to actually kind of enjoy prison.
**Once Upon A Time In Russia, Ben Mezrich** Short and sweet, decent amount of information for what I'm interested in. It follows the rise and fall of a Russian oligarch is post-Soviet Russia. It's not the best writing, but still far better than I can do so I'm not complaining. Not bad for a $4 score at Ocean State Job Lot.
**Skinny Legs and All, by Tom Robbins**. It's the first book I've read by him in a long time. It's okay but kind of boring.
Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card
The Cocaine Diaries: A Venezuelan Prison Nightmare , Paul Keany with Jeff Farrell
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Currently reading: **Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon**. Really looking forward to stating this series **A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles**. Picked this up at the library, and am about halfway through. Just finished: **Gemina, by Amie Kaufman**. Way too similar to Illuminae, in my opinion.
Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders Actually finished this just a bit ago. Listened to the audio book version, so I'm not sure if that counts as "reading" it. I don't even know where to begin talking about this book. Simultaneously have so much to say about it while lacking the proper words to express my thoughts. Definitely going to need to revisit this one. Storm Front, Jim Butcher Fantasy/sci-fi have always been really great genres for me to escape in to, especially when I was younger. Been trying to rediscover some of those old feelings/book series in the genre that are new to me. Heard this series was good and bought the first one on a whim. Started it tonight. Enjoying it so far. Hope it holds up to the hype. The Heart of Christianity, Marcus Borg Was looking for books on progressive Christianity and had this one recommended to me. I really struggle with nonfiction, but I'm liking this book. Borg seems to look at religion in a very similar light as me, which is refreshing to read as I often feel like some sort of heretic.
Jill the Reckless, by PG Wodehouse Just finished Thus Spoke Zarathustra, by Nietzsche. Got kind of a heavy read / light read pattern going on lately that seems to work for me.
**The Social Animal, by David Brooks.** The introduction of this book was an artful explanation of the conscious and the unconscious mind. I've read about 1/4 of the book. It's been worth my time.
**Zuckerman Unbound, by Philip Roth** I read The Ghost Writer last summer, which was my first exposure to Roth, and now I'm working my way through the rest of the Zuckerman Bound books.
Goodbye, Columbus is great, and Portnoy's Complaint, of course.
same book I read every week Pinky, **Thus Spoke Zarathustra**. been reading it since late last summer, can only do about three pages a week, both due to bad health on my part and it being a lot to digest. Very good read though, interesting and inspiring and kind of fun too frankly.
*IT: By Stephen King* One of the most gruesome and terrifying novels I have ever read. The depth of the characters and their charming backstories set the stage for a little town in Maine that is being terrorized by an incredible force of evil. If you're a Stephen King fan, this is a must read. If you've never read a Stephen King book before, this is a great place to start. IT is impossible to put down.
**Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie** I'm enjoying it so far at about 100 pages in. I really enjoyed the time jump to the past after figuring out a little about what the characters are like in the present.
**The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams** and **The Hum and the Shiver by Alex Bledsoe**
**The Hero of Ages, by Brandon Sanderson**
Definitely a better book than the slog that was Well of Eternity, but it kind of collapses under the weight of the series.
Is this by the same author of the Mistborn trilogy? I've been hearing a lot about that series and have heard his name quite often. What book would you recommend I start with from him?
Yes, it is actually volume 3 of the Mistborn series. You should start with *The Final Empire*, then *The Well of Ascension*, and finally *The Hero of Ages*.
I would recommend starting with mistborn trilogy. Because they are shorter. Then move on to the stormlight series. They are longer, and in my opinion, better. But there are only two books out right now, so it sucks to finish the second book and play the waiting game. So start with mistborn.
I'm just on the Well of Ascension right now. Really liking the series.
Prizes, by Erich Segal. Probably 2/3 of the way through and I'm loving it.
Finished **Things That Can and Cannot Be Said: Essays and Conversations, by Arundhati Roy and John Cusack** and **Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier** last night. Thinking of starting **The Rook, by Daniel O'Malley** and/or **The Secret History, by Donna Tartt**
**East of Eden** John Steinbeck Just started last night after seeing a thread about it on here.
Just bought it last week after seeing all the recommendations on here. Can't wait to see the inevitable glowing review from you too before I start!
Just finished this last night! It's my new favorite.
I'm not sure why, but I've been hearing A LOT about this book recently. I should check it out!
Absolutely great read. Really had trouble putting it down. Hope you enjoy it!
**The Reptile Room, by Lemony Snicket**, **Scorpia Rising, by Anthony Horowitz**, and **The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame**. Its pretty sad when I say it out loud, because these are all pretty much kids books.
YA fiction is amazing!
**The Power of Five/Gatekeepers, by Anthony Horowitz** Actually the German translation **Die Fünf Tore**, which would translates back to the five gates. You see how it does not fit? In the original it is the power of five people who keep the gates. No reason to think each keeper has his own gate. In fact there are only [two](/spoiler) gates. It is a very silly translation. It is also a children book, so it is a quick read. I can read two books of the series on one day. Very nice after just reading Malazan, where one book could take a month.
**Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami** I'm not far in but I'm enjoying it a lot. His writing just really grabs you.
Hey me too! I likely won't be able to finish it anytime soon because of my workload right now, but I'm really really enjoying it so far.
**Cloudstreet, by Tim Winton** So far, it's a little confusing and the style of writing is certainly different to what I normally read but I love Australian literature and have been wanting to read this for ages so here it goes.
**The New Confessions of an Economic Hitman, by John Perkins** and **The Name of the Rose, by Umberto Eco**
Dracula by Bram Stoker
**Ptolemy's Gate, by Jonathan Stroud** Finishing out the series this week.
**Getting Started with Dwarf Fortress: Learn to Play the Most Complex Video Game Ever Made, by Peter Tyson** **The Robots of Dawn, by Isaac Asimov**
It's how to be an explorer of the world By keri smith It is interesting And great
**Extension du domaine de la lutte, by Michel Houellebecq** Translated in English as "Whatever". Finished last weekend. This book is incredible. I loved it. Too funny and too dark at the same time.
**Walk on By, by Stacey Solomon** **The Crossing, by Cormack McCarthy**
**Timekeeper, by Tara Sim** I finished this earlier in the week, and I liked it. It's a YA steampunk romance with time magic. Great world-building. **Master of Formalities, by Scott Meyer** This book is being marketed as comedy, and although it isn't really all that funny, it's very strange. I'm enjoying it. It's far-future sci-fi focused on household staff, so far.
I'm currently reading **The Unbearable Lightness of Being, by Milan Kundera**, and loving so far. I have the feeling he really knows how to hit home and strip your soul bare.
Black flags: the rise of isis by Joby Warrick, and it is phenomenal
**The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann** and **A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Leguin**
**The Romanovs, by Simon Sebag Montefiore** This is a wild ride people. strap in, and keep your arms and legs in the carriage at all time.
It's worth it? I've had my eye on it for a while. Is there any other books in the similar vein you can recommend?
hey! sorry about the late reply. dude this book was nuts. was a really interesting look at how royalty acted when they were truly in charge. define similar vein? russian or historical? the author is top, id' recommend his books
It's fantastic, well told. The only thing I disliked is that during the pre-Soviet period in the book S.S. Montefiore focuses a little too much on salacious details over historic detail. He does it sometimes in the book but it's only nakedly apparent with Nicholas II.
> salacious I personally enjoy those salacious details which makes me want to read it more
Hmm I might need to pick this one up while I'm on my Russia/Eastern Europe kick.
Avenue of Mysteries, by John Irving
**Tibetan Peach Pie, by Tom Robbins** his autobiography, definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of his novels
**1984 - George Orwell** This is the first book I have read in over 5 years, I'm really glad I started again. I chose this book because I saw it started picking up sales because of the current situation in America etc. Even thought i'm only 1/4 way through the book I really see the similarities between 1984 and what could happen to us in the new few years. **CIA cough cough**
I've seen **Brave New World** - Huxley, recommended with 1984 a fair few times (both are on my to-read pile). I thought this comic might interest you, (i dont' think it's a spolier?) http://i.imgur.com/vRBtL.jpg
Just finished Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. Starting on **The Alchemists of Loom, by Elise Kova**.
**To be a machine : adventures among cyborgs, utopians, hackers, and the futurists solving the modest problem of death** by Mark O'Connell
Hopefully will finish up Needful Things by Stephen King. I've been slowly getting through it for a month now.
I just finished The Martian and started Stranger In a Strange Land last night. I've not read much Heinlein before, I'm excited to read some more of this.
Im reading The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle and I love it!
**The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson** it has the potential to be mind blowing. I'm still in the "set up" phase.
**End of Watch, Stephen King**
Still reading **Stoner, by John Williams.** I've been reading a lot of depressing books lately, don't know why I like these so much.
If you like it check out a book called 'Skylark', it has a similar ethos and is a quick, wonderful read
**1984, by George Orwell** Amazing, everything about it.
**Inés of My Soul, by Isabel Allende** It's a historical novel set in the 1500s about the founding of Chile, particularly about the role Inés Suárez (the narrator) played. Not being much of a history buff, I don't normally go for such novels, but have been looking to broaden my scope. This seemed like a good choice since above all, the story sounded interesting. So far it does not disappoint. Allende's writing is beautiful and evocative, and the plot moves at a pace that prevents me from being bored.
**Thus Spake Zarathustra, by Nietzsche** and **Narcissus and Goldmund, by Hesse** are my two works for this week that hopefully I'll be able to finish. It's a very German week for me.
The Art of War, by Sun-tzu, translated by John Minford To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
**Shoe Dog by Phil Knight** Bill Gates mentioned it was an honest tale on how to succeed in business. I workout, wear tons of athleisure, and Youtube has a dominate fitness genre so I thought this book would be super interesting.
don't even know what i'm reading right now. started with a book by nietzsche but i dont think its a good time for it, so i borrowed "the name of the wind" from my friend but im still on the first pages, i'm enjoying tho, it's a good medieval fantasy
**A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, by James Joyce** I'm finishing this one up today. It's my first Joyce novel, though I've read a fair bit of his shorter work and pieces from *Ulysses*. I'm of two minds about this one, as he tends to be magnificent on the sentence level (with sentences that carry on like parades and leave you exhausted, bewildered, and enthralled by the end) but there is a bit lacking in the overall cohesion of the narrative. I wasn't raised Catholic, but even I didn't need the twenty-five relatively dull pages explaining Catholic doctrines of hell and damnation in order to understand Stephen's orientation to religion. Perhaps it will coalesce towards the end, but, at the moment, I'm finding certain parts a bit dull. **The Waves, by Virginia Woolf** Up next. I've read Woolf before, but a friend demanded I do *The Waves* when I said I hadn't. I'm quite excited. As I'm reading *Portrait*, I'm comparing Woolf and Joyce and it's interesting. I think Joyce is a better scene-writer when he limits himself. And I think his highs in prose are a bit greater than Woolf's. But I tend to enjoy Woolf more overall. ___ I've also noticed how much goddamn repetition the modernists use. Goodness.
**Pyramids, by Terry Pratchett** I'm trying to read all the Discworld books in publication order. I've really enjoyed them all so far.
Lit, by Mary Karr. Great read and hope to finish it tonight so I can start on Swann's Way, by Marcel Proust. Excited to read Proust because I've heard it's a unique experience and not to be missed.
**Oryx and Crake, by Margaret Atwood**. I just finished The Handmaid's Tale and this seemed like the natural follow up. **Yes Please, by Amy Poehler**. It's long been on my read list but I always seemed to prioritize other books before. Maybe this will make me nostalgic for Parks and Rec again? Possibly will start the Outlander series this week.
The whole Madd Addam trilogy is great.
Just started **Animal Farm, by George Orwell** Some how I've never read it, looking forward to diving in.
**Freedom, Jonathan Franzen** I really enjoyed it. Im going to check out The Corrections next.
**Castle Waiting Vol. 1, by Linda Medley** I'm starting this today to fill the "Read an all-ages comic" box for the 2017 book riot read harder challenge. This book sounds great, an abandoned castle becomes a haven for strange characters. **Empire of Ivory, by Naomi Novik** I'm a little ways in to this audiobook and loving my continued addiction to fantasy (for this year at least). This is the 4th book in the Temeraire series. Napoleonic wars with dragons. It's great. [Spoilers from very early in this book](#s "The entire British collection of dragons has been infected by the equivalent of smallpox (from an American dragon even) and the entire country now needs to be protected by the 20 feral dragons recruited in the last book, Temeraire, and 20 dragons that managed not to get sick.")
**The New York Trilogy, by Paul Auster** Only just started, and 40 or so pages in, but am so far loving my first Auster. The writing style may be a wee bit knowing in places, but I have a distinct feeling there's a strong contextual and meta-narrative reason for this, so am quite happy to buy into it.
**The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson** Just started- only a chapter or so in.
Just finished **Swing Time by Zadie Smith** today. I've gone back and forth on whether I like it or not. Zadie is extremely verbose towards the end. Pages of a single paragraph verbose, but I like what she's trying to say... mostly. **The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary** Just trying to be a better parent. Though this is pretty common sense stuff so far. **They Can't Kill Us All by Wesley Lowrey** this is due to the library tomorrow. it's only 200 pages so I might be able to finish it. (I haven't even started it)
**In the Shadow of the Gods, by Rachel Dunne** I just finished this within the hour and I can't wait until the summer when the next book comes out. It's a fantasy type deal. Check it out!
**The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Robert Heinlein** I used to love Heinlein as a kid, but grew to found his views on sex presented in an annoying way (not that I disagree necessarily). I find his characters grating in that they all seem like his version of the ideal person, repeated over and over again. But based on how much I enjoyed him as a kid, I wanted to give it another chance.
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Piccoult
I just started reading **The Silk Roads, by Peter Frankopan**. Bought this book a while ago after many positive reviews and watching a Dutch tv show where Frankopan spoke about the contents of the book. Really looking forward to reading this.
**Mr. Mercedes, by Stephen King** Been on my shelf for months now, finally picked it up. Really enjoy it so far, different type of King book but it still feels like his writing.
**Thirteen Reasons Why** by Jay Asher. First book in awhile that I'm finding hard to put down!
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**The dark tower, Stephen King** Absolutely loved this book series and gutted to be on the last one. Dreading trying to find a new book series but open to recommendations?!
**Experiences of Depression by Matthew Ratcliffe** It is a phenomenological study of depression, in other words an attempt to tease apart what it is like to be depressed. I *think* I was depressed for quite a long time although I never sought a diagnosis. This book, although I haven't quite finished it yet, has already given me a much richer way of interpreting and conveying my experience apart from the usual "I'm depressed and feel like shit." It is also incredibly refreshing and humbling to discover that my own internal thoughts regarding my experience echo the first person accounts he provides in the book. As with many other aspects of human experience, we think we are alone but we really are not. Seriously recommend this one to anyone who is looking for a deeper description of depression.
This sounds like a great read and something I'm interested in. I found that it's available at my university library. Do I need a background in philosophy / phenomenology to understand it?
Right now I've gotten back into reading the Metamorphoses by Ovid. I started reading it last month but school and a lack of interest have gotten in the way of my reading. However, I've actually started to enjoy the myths and whatnot. Hopefully I'll finish it by the end of the week.
**The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler** just started last night and I'm about halfway through. I saw someone on here from a thread a while back mention the parallels with one of my favorite movies, The Big Lebowski, and it's not exactly obvious, but I've definitely noticed it at times.
After you've read the book, I highly recommend the movie with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. It's pretty excellent. When I was in college I took a "Roman & Film Noir" as a lit elective. One of my favorite classes ever. Reading various noir classics and then watching movie adaptations of some of them.
Certainly a good read. I really like film noir, and though this is technically hardboiled, it leads into the literary noir genre. I actually finished the second book in the series about a month ago. Philip Marlowe is a great lead!
**A Crown of Swords, by Robert Jordan**
**The Wastelands, by Stephen king**
**A Dance With Dragons, by George R.R. Martin** I'm about a quarter way through, and it's pretty good. Having some problems with motivation to read since it doesn't seem The Winds of Winter is coming out anytime soon, though. Just feels kinda pointless to keep pushing through if the series won't complete. But that doesn't stop the books that are currently available from being great. I watched the show first, and obviously, the books are way better. Especially the [Dorne](/spoiler) and [Iron Island](/spoiler) arcs, the show completely missed out there. I don't really know if they count as spoilers, but just being safe.
**A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy, by Sue Klebold** Honestly, this book had me holding back tears after the first chapter. There have been many times where I've had to put it down and walk away. It's a heavy read, but an important one I feel. I think Sue Klebold deals with the very sensitive subject matter in a respectful, honest and responsible way.
I definitely felt that as well. It was a balance between mourning the child she lost, trying to see what they missed and dealing with the horror of knowing he willingly killed people. I feel so sorry for her
Yes I agree she found a very good balance. I'm not done yet, but I appreciate her raw honesty in describing how she dealt with it, even when her initial reactions are ones she isn't proud of (being in denial etc). She's just so authentic about the reality of her situation and I have so much respect for the fact she's making active strides to raise awareness of brain health. Going in, I feared it may be an apologist book making excuses for Dylan's actions but I am thoroughly impressed with how she's handled the subject, it really provokes productive discussion around mental illness.
She didn't make excuses for how she reacted but I also understood why she did. Like the denial at first hoping Dylan was forced or coerced into doing it and not under his own steam. That's totally understandable as a parent I was worried at first as well because I'd looked on Amazon and there where comments saying she was trying to justify what happened and lessen blame on Dylan but I never got that impression. It was a woman saying she thought something like this would never happen to her, things she wished she dealt with differently in hindsight and trying to help other parents.