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10 to read before the apocalypse?

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Comments

  • #542
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    Anyone ever read Raymond Carvers short stories. terrific reading.


  • #543
    Roisinbunny
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166 ✭✭Roisinbunny


    getz wrote: »
    one of the great books of all time,films,songs and a west end stage show has been made from emily brontes wuthering heights,[she was also good at poetry] if you loved the book ,you must visit haworth and the parsonage[her and her sisters home.it now a museum] i often go there

    I appreciate that it has this massive appeal - I just can't get why it is considered a romance - I think it's very much in the style of Thomas Hardy's sombre stories - but at least at the end of the Mayor of Casterbridge I actually cared a lot for Henchards fate - a real tragic hero!! Heathcliff was a twisted, heartless bully. I could find no redeeming feature in Cathy - how she seriously messed up the lives of both men!

    Hmmm, maybe it deserves to be on the "10 to read" list - I can't stop thinking about it!


  • #544
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    Yes tried twice to finish Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Hardy but could never finish it. Jude the Obscure my favourite book by Hardy. Didn't think much of the adaptation though.


  • #545
    RandomName2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,575 ✭✭✭RandomName2


    bayviewclose wrote: »
    Yes tried twice to finish Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Hardy but could never finish it. Jude the Obscure my favourite book by Hardy. Didn't think much of the adaptation though.

    Jude is brilliant. But I can totally understand why people hate it :D


  • #546
    RandomName2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,575 ✭✭✭RandomName2


    Cassiopeia1 wrote: »

    'The Road' is a fantastic read. It is one book that every student should read as a prime example of how to build suspense. Not the usual genre I would turn to, but once I picked it up, I could not put it down.

    Not for the faint-hearted!

    I heard they're making a film... which is probably not a good idea...


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  • #547
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    RandomName2 wrote: »
    Not for the faint-hearted!

    I heard they're making a film... which is probably not a good idea...
    could be another coen brothers collaboration.


  • #548
    henryporter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,089 ✭✭✭henryporter


    Yes Carver's short stories are a joy to read - and perfectly twisted to encounter before the end of the world.

    Ulysses would probably be too positive to read just before the asteroid hits.

    Anything by Georges Perec would help to go out with a bang, especially 'A Void'.

    One book I loved the first time around and then couldn't stand the second time was Hesse's 'Glass Bead Game' - must have been a phase I was going through.


  • #549
    Paddy Samurai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,015 ✭✭✭Paddy Samurai


    Amended list since i last posted with some new choices.

    1.Eagle in the snow by Wallace Breem (No1 Roman historic novel)

    2.Swan song by Robert mcgammon (its about life after the apocalypse)

    3.Legend by david Gemmell (the number one fantasy classic)

    4.Shogun by James clavell (historic linked fiction)

    5.Necroscope by Brian Lumley (unique vampire horror series)

    6.Dune by Frank Herbert (sci fi epic novel)

    7.On stranger Tides by Tim Powers (blackbeard and zombies )

    8.The Religion by Tim Willocks (muslims vs christians @ siege of Malta)

    9.Troy Trilogy by David Gemmel (Fantastic version of the Trojan war)
    1. Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow (2005)
    2. Troy: Shield of Thunder (2006)
    3. Troy: Fall of Kings (2007)

    10. The Ninja by Eric van lustbader (great thriller)


  • #550
    Damian Duffy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 266 ✭✭Damian Duffy


    bayviewclose wrote: »
    get out more. plenty of people have read it.

    What does me having not read Ulysses have to do with my social life?

    I get out plenty thanks. I also read plenty as do alot of my friends. My point was that i suspect alot of people put Ulysses in their top tens just for the sake of it as was pointed out by a someone above. It was a harmless observation. I suspect 1984, Catch 22 etc to be in top tens cause they're accessible, enjoyable books but Ulysses is alot more difficult. I was just suprised that so many people had read it, as from experience not very many people have.

    No need to be a dickhead.


  • #551
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    Damian Duffy wrote: »
    What does me having not read Ulysses have to do with my social life?

    I get out plenty thanks. I also read plenty as do alot of my friends. My point was that i suspect alot of people put Ulysses in their top tens just for the sake of it as was pointed out by a someone above. It was a harmless observation. I suspect 1984, Catch 22 etc to be in top tens cause they're accessible, enjoyable books but Ulysses is alot more difficult. I was just suprised that so many people had read it, as from experience not very many people have.

    No need to be a dickhead.
    Why would people put a book in their top ten for sake of it. Would assume they read the book before recommending it. Yes it is a difficult read but very rewarding if you persist with it.


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  • #552
    turgon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,762 ✭✭✭turgon


    bayviewclose, a lot of people do things simply to say they have done them. Damian Duffy is simply saying people may put Ulysses in their top 10 to appear smart. Nothing strange about that.


  • #553
    sxt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,767 ✭✭✭sxt


    Paddy Samurai wrote: »
    Amended list since i last posted with some new choices.

    1.Eagle in the snow by Wallace Breem (No1 Roman historic novel)

    2.Swan song by Robert mcgammon (its about life after the apocalypse)

    I have been meaning to get "swan song" for ages ,Have you read "the stand " by S.king by the way?

    Also, Have you read "I,claudious" by robert graves (It's a roman historic novel too)..out of curiousity?,another one I have been looking for in the books shops for a while.


  • #554
    Paddy Samurai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,015 ✭✭✭Paddy Samurai


    sxt wrote: »
    I have been meaning to get "swan song" for ages ,Have you read "the stand " by S.king by the way?

    Also, Have you read "I,claudious" by robert graves (It's a roman historic novel too)..out of curiousity?,another one I have been looking for in the books shops for a while.

    Yes I have read the stand,at the time I thought it was unbeatable...that was untill i read Swan Song by McCammon,it's a superior version on the same theme.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=60348035#post60348035

    Have seen the series on Dvd but I have not read I Claudius.I take it you have read "Eagle in the snow"?.If not try too get your hands on it.
    Its a hard book to get ,but well worth it.


  • #555
    sxt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,767 ✭✭✭sxt


    Thankis. I haven't read "Eagle in the snow" but have been looking for that genre of book ,I might try easons again or buy online allthough I don't think "swan song" will fit in my letterbox :o:p


  • #556
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    turgon wrote: »
    bayviewclose, a lot of people do things simply to say they have done them. Damian Duffy is simply saying people may put Ulysses in their top 10 to appear smart. Nothing strange about that.
    And not because its a good book?


  • #557
    turgon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,762 ✭✭✭turgon


    *sigh*

    Did I say all people are like this?
    Did I even say most people are like this?

    No.


  • #558
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    turgon wrote: »
    *sigh*

    Did I say all people are like this?
    Did I even say most people are like this?

    No.
    Fair enough. We move on.


  • #559
    Paddy Samurai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,015 ✭✭✭Paddy Samurai


    sxt wrote: »
    Thankis. I haven't read "Eagle in the snow" but have been looking for that genre of book ,I might try easons again or buy online allthough I don't think "swan song" will fit in my letterbox :o:p

    Don't think you will get them in the shops,these may help with your search

    http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Snow-Wallace-Breem/dp/1590710118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249062773&sr=1-1


    http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?an=wallace+breem&bt.x=0&bt.y=0&kn=eagle+in+the+snow&sortby=3


    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=swan+song+mccammon


    http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?kn=swan+song+mccammon+swan+song&sortby=3&x=17&y=4


  • #560
    PADRAGON
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 71 ✭✭PADRAGON


    Paddy Samurai wrote: »
    Amended list since i last posted with some new choices.

    1.Eagle in the snow by Wallace Breem (No1 Roman historic novel)

    2.Swan song by Robert mcgammon (its about life after the apocalypse)

    3.Legend by david Gemmell (the number one fantasy classic)

    4.Shogun by James clavell (historic linked fiction)

    5.Necroscope by Brian Lumley (unique vampire horror series)

    6.Dune by Frank Herbert (sci fi epic novel)

    7.On stranger Tides by Tim Powers (blackbeard and zombies )

    8.The Religion by Tim Willocks (muslims vs christians @ siege of Malta)

    9.Troy Trilogy by David Gemmel (Fantastic version of the Trojan war)
    1. Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow (2005)
    2. Troy: Shield of Thunder (2006)
    3. Troy: Fall of Kings (2007)

    10. The Ninja by Eric van lustbader (great thriller)

    Hello Samurai Paddy.Great list i'll definitely be checking out Swan song and
    Necroscope.Couple more that have popped into my mind.

    The brotherhood of the rose - David Morrell
    Night shift - Steven King
    Waylander - David Gemmel


  • #561
    abandinhope
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18 ✭abandinhope


    RandomName2 wrote: »
    Not for the faint-hearted!

    I heard they're making a film... which is probably not a good idea...
    Any of the reviews of test screenings that I've read have said its a pretty much perfect film.

    My list...

    His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman (I actually feel sorry for anyone who hasn't read it)
    Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
    The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
    Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami
    White Noise - Don DeLillo
    Soul Music - Terry Pratchett
    Paradise Lost - John Milton
    Things the Grandchildren Should Know - Mark Oliver Everett (Mr. E from the band Eels)
    Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
    The Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger


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  • #562
    Paddy Samurai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,015 ✭✭✭Paddy Samurai


    PADRAGON wrote: »
    Hello Samurai Paddy.Great list i'll definitely be checking out Swan song and
    Necroscope.Couple more that have popped into my mind.

    The brotherhood of the rose - David Morrell
    Night shift - Steven King
    Waylander - David Gemmel

    Hi paragon,i have read all of gemmels books,loved them all but one.
    I have read brotherhood of the rose along with a few more of morrell's books and i have enjoyed them all.I think a lot of people slag him off because of Rambo,but he still wrote some very good books ,i loved the mortalis trilogy of books.
    I have not read Night shift ,but will but it on my list.LOL ........it's a very long list.


  • #563
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    add to list
    Michael Collins-Tim Pat Coogan
    King of the World-David Remnick
    Dracula-Bram Stoker.


  • #564
    Roisinbunny
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166 ✭✭Roisinbunny


    bayviewclose wrote: »
    add to list
    Michael Collins-Tim Pat Coogan

    +1. Excellent book. Might be seen as a bit biased by some, but I loved it


  • #565
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    Roisinbunny wrote: »
    +1. Excellent book. Might be seen as a bit biased by some, but I loved it
    Yes a terrific read. Coogan was very thorough.


  • #566
    PADRAGON
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 71 ✭✭PADRAGON


    Paddy Samurai wrote: »
    Hi paragon,i have read all of gemmels books,loved them all but one.
    I have read brotherhood of the rose along with a few more of morrell's books and i have enjoyed them all.I think a lot of people slag him off because of Rambo,but he still wrote some very good books ,i loved the mortalis trilogy of books.
    I have not read Night shift ,but will but it on my list.LOL ........it's a very long list.


    Hey Paddy Samurai.Have to ask,which Gemmel book did'nt cut the mustard?
    While on the subject of slating books i could'nt get my head around Morrells
    Totem,and Stephen King lost me some time ago,the books got fat in more ways than one.
    Night Shift is short stories,at least four have been made into films
    of varying quality.
    Bump it up that list of yours.


    "the thing under my bed is'nt real,i know that,and i also know if i'm careful
    and keep my feet under the covers,it'll never be able to grab my ankle..."


  • #567
    quincyk
    Closed Accounts Posts: 79 ✭✭quincyk


    The Drowned World- JG Ballard
    Kafka on the Shore - Murakami
    Satanic Verses - Rushdie
    Tender is the Night - Fitzgerald
    Girlfriend in a Coma - Coupland
    Fight Club - Palahniuk
    1984 - Orwell
    Our man in Havana - Greene
    The Vanishing - Krabbe
    Of mice and Men - Steinbeck


  • #568
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    PADRAGON wrote: »
    Hey Paddy Samurai.Have to ask,which Gemmel book did'nt cut the mustard?
    While on the subject of slating books i could'nt get my head around Morrells
    Totem,and Stephen King lost me some time ago,the books got fat in more ways than one.
    Night Shift is short stories,at least four have been made into films
    of varying quality.
    Bump it up that list of yours.


    "the thing under my bed is'nt real,i know that,and i also know if i'm careful
    and keep my feet under the covers,it'll never be able to grab my ankle..."
    Re Stephen King I think his best collection was Different seasons, a collection of short stories from which both the Shawshank Redemption and Stand By me were adapted from. Read most of his books in my youth. Particularly liked his collaboration with Peter Straub "the Talisman"


  • #569
    KonFusion
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,559 ✭✭✭KonFusion


    Not sure what order to put them in, so I wont :p

    Nineteen Eighty Four- George Orwell
    Shogun- James Clavell
    Childe Harolds Journey- Lord Byron
    On The Road- Jack Keraouc (makes me happy every time I read it)
    Notes From Undergroud- Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Because you'll find yourself smoking and drinking (more) by the end :rolleyes:)
    The Tale Of Genji- Shikibu Murasaki (many translations are available.)
    Treasure Island- Robert Stevenson (yo ho, yo ho....)
    The Count Of Monte Cristo- Alexander Dumas (sweet revenge...)
    The Strange Case Of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde- Robert Stevenson
    Lolita- Vladamir Nabokov


    Alice In Wonderland is also amazing....and any books by Alan Watts....

    I'm forcing myself to stop typing :o:)


  • #570
    PADRAGON
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 71 ✭✭PADRAGON


    bayviewclose wrote: »
    Re Stephen King I think his best collection was Different seasons, a collection of short stories from which both the Shawshank Redemption and Stand By me were adapted from. Read most of his books in my youth. Particularly liked his collaboration with Peter Straub "the Talisman"


    Hey Bay
    havent read Talisman is it the King of old?
    I loved shining-dead zone-carrie-firestarter-stand etc.
    Also the Bachman books.
    Just thought he went off the boil in the last few.
    Maybe Christine did more harm than he thought.


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  • #571
    Spiritoftheseventies
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,082 ✭✭✭✭Spiritoftheseventies


    PADRAGON wrote: »
    Hey Bay
    havent read Talisman is it the King of old?
    I loved shining-dead zone-carrie-firestarter-stand etc.
    Also the Bachman books.
    Just thought he went off the boil in the last few.
    Maybe Christine did more harm than he thought.
    Its a joint collaboration with Peter Straub. Sort of an Odyssey very much in the mode of the Stand. But very magical as well. Was definitely one of my favourite books growing up and the last of the books I think i read. Like i said the four short stories from Different seasons i thought were really excellent and a nice departure for him.


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