What book are you reading atm??

eviltwin · 12-09-2019 9:35am

An american marriage

It's very highly regarded but tbh I find it a bit ****e

hairyprincess · 12-09-2019 10:01am

A few years ago I read a book by an Irish author living in America, which had won some coveted literary award. Well it was an absolute pile of ****e. Never again will I read a book based on winning awards.

Just started Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

Gannicus · 12-09-2019 10:50am

Just finishing off 'Jurassic Park' now. As much as I love the film the book is way better.

gmisk · 12-09-2019 11:08am

Gannicus wrote: »

Just finishing off 'Jurassic Park' now. As much as I love the film the book is way better.

Michael Crichton is so underrated

Gannicus · 12-09-2019 2:50pm

gmisk wrote: »

Michael Crichton is so underrated

I'm wondering whether or not I should dive straight into 'The Lost World'?

Textra_vision · 12-09-2019 3:26pm

Happiness Hypothesis by Johnathan Haidt.

12-09-2019 3:40pm

Gannicus wrote: »

gmisk wrote: »

Michael Crichton is so underrated

I'm wondering whether or not I should dive straight into 'The Lost World'?

It's nowhere near as good as Jurassic Park.

_Godot_ · 12-09-2019 3:41pm

Gannicus wrote: »

I'm wondering whether or not I should dive straight into 'The Lost World'?

The second book, which I'm rereading now, is miles better than the second film. But then again, I also liked the third movie.

12-09-2019 3:49pm

I'm currently rereading Soul Music by Terry Pratchett. I was going to reread Filth by Irvine Welsh after finishing Porno but couldn't find my copy anywhere. Can't go too far wrong with a discworld book though.

Gannicus · 12-09-2019 8:09pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It's nowhere near as good as Jurassic Park.

The book?

_Godot_ wrote: »

The second book, which I'm rereading now, is miles better than the second film. But then again, I also liked the third movie.

Would you recommend reading 'The Lost World' the book, at all?

Or any other of Crichton's book worth you would highly recommend?

griffin100 · 12-09-2019 8:30pm

Gannicus wrote: »

I'm wondering whether or not I should dive straight into 'The Lost World'?

Try Sphere, imho one of his best books.

12-09-2019 8:39pm

Gannicus wrote: »

Deleted User wrote: »

It's nowhere near as good as Jurassic Park.

The book?

_Godot_ wrote: »

The second book, which I'm rereading now, is miles better than the second film. But then again, I also liked the third movie.

Would you recommend reading 'The Lost World' the book, at all?

Or any other of Crichton's book worth you would highly recommend?

Yeah, the book. Years since I've read it but remember disliking it. It felt like an unnecessary sequel.

gmisk · 12-09-2019 9:39pm

griffin100 wrote: »

Try Sphere, imho one of his best books.

Sphere is an excellent read.. poor film version though

Foweva Awone · 12-09-2019 10:06pm

I've just started "The Easy Way Out" by Steven Amsterdam, I'm enjoying it so far, it's the first book that's grabbed my attention in a while. It's about a guy working as a nurse for euthanasia patients.

The Late Late Show · 13-09-2019 12:11am

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. Enjoying it very much so far.

Achebe · 13-09-2019 4:50pm

Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nahesi Coates.

appledrop · 15-09-2019 7:39pm

hairyprincess wrote: »

A few years ago I read a book by an Irish author living in America, which had won some coveted literary award. Well it was an absolute pile of ****e. Never again will I read a book based on winning awards.

Just started Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

That's how I felt about 'Milkman' . It won the Booker prize. Pile of s***e

EmmetSpiceland · 15-09-2019 7:47pm

Considering the universal hatred for “The Milkman” I’m suddenly very tempted to read it.

I mean, these “prize winners” are, almost always, praised to high heaven and when you finally get around to read them they are, almost always, turgid borefests.

JohnnyFlash · 15-09-2019 8:05pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

Considering the universal hatred for “The Milkman” I’m suddenly very tempted to read it.

I mean, these “prize winners” are, almost always, praised to high heaven and when you finally get around to read them they are, almost always, turgid borefests.

Read it myself, Emmet. Pretty dreadful stuff. One might assume the reason it won is because it’s difficult by design, and was written by a human with a fanny.

Not in Kansas · 15-09-2019 10:44pm

appledrop wrote: »

I hate to tell you but it gets no better + nothing really happens in whole book.

Its crap.

You have just given me permission to give up! Thank you.

Rubberlegs · 15-09-2019 11:01pm

The Institute by Stephen King, 25 pages in and enjoying it immensely.

appledrop · 15-09-2019 11:29pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

Considering the universal hatred for “The Milkman” I’m suddenly very tempted to read it.

I mean, these “prize winners” are, almost always, praised to high heaven and when you finally get around to read them they are, almost always, turgid borefests.

Try + get it from someone else or buy second hand. Mine is gone to charity shop. Trust me it's not worth buying.

Widdershins · 16-09-2019 9:17am

The Lost Words by Robert McFarlane. He wrote the acrostic poems about the words from nature that the Oxford dictionary replaced with technology related terms. Illustrated by Jackie Morris whose paintings I always admired. I might have to content myself with framing the illustrations from the book

.

I've bought a few copies as presents as it's "visually stunning!" as they say.

CrankyHaus · 16-09-2019 9:23am

Trotsky by Robert Service.

Excellent. An entertaining and informative read. The best kind of revisionism. I was curious about the reception it got, apparently generally positive but later received "academic" criticism. On closer look all of this seems to have come from Trotskyists and fellow travellers, Tariq Ali and the like.

Irishder · 16-09-2019 11:02am

Cari Mora by Thomas Harris.

Really struggling to get into it.

Gannicus · 16-09-2019 11:02am

Reading 'The Lost World' by Michael Crichton. Only about 30 odd pages in seems alright so far.

Veloce · 16-09-2019 11:19am

Fastnet Force 10 by John Rousmanerie

CrankyHaus · 16-09-2019 11:24am

Veloce wrote: »

Fastnet Force 10 by John Rousmanerie

That looks great. How are you finding it?

Veloce · 16-09-2019 11:28am

CrankyHaus wrote: »

That looks great. How are you finding it?

It's superb - I'm nearly finished it. a very detailed account of the 1979 race. I'd recommend it. Will read Left for Dead by Nick Ward after - as a follow on!

Marty1983 · 16-09-2019 12:55pm

New ross o carroll kelly one, never get old!

Portlawslim · 16-09-2019 4:45pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I'm nearly finished 'Moonglow' by Michael Chabon. A really enjoyable read, mixing up fiction with historical facts (Operation Paperclip, Wernher von Braun). I picked it up after reading his novel 'Wonder Boys'. I will be reading more of his books.

Reading this myself really enjoyable.

mcgucc22 · 16-09-2019 5:49pm

Just started reading The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. Watched the movie countless times but the book is even better with so much more detail.

Thargor · 16-09-2019 9:16pm

Rubberlegs wrote: »

The Institute by Stephen King, 25 pages in and enjoying it immensely.

Let us know how it goes please. Although his recent stuff has been so abysmal Ive lost all faith in him nearly. Duma Key, Mr Mercedes etc, how has he gotten so bad?

GLaDOS · 16-09-2019 9:18pm

Thargor wrote: »

Let us know how it goes please. Although his recent stuff has been so abysmal Ive lost all faith in him nearly. Duma Key, Mr Mercedes etc, how has he gotten so bad?

I enjoyed The Outsider

Thargor · 16-09-2019 9:46pm

GLaDOS wrote: »

I enjoyed The Outsider

Eh? Never heard of that one and I read goodreads every day at work practically, thats weird. Sounds alright actually Ill keep an eye out for it:

When an eleven-year-old boy is found murdered in a town park, reliable eyewitnesses undeniably point to the town's popular Little League coach, Terry Maitland, as the culprit. DNA evidence and fingerprints confirm the crime was committed by this well-loved family man. Horrified by the brutal killing, Detective Ralph Anderson, whose own son was once coached by Maitland, orders the suspect to be arrested in a public spectacle. But Maitland has an alibi. And further research confirms he was indeed out of town that day.As Anderson and the District Attorney trace the clues, the investigation expands from Ohio to Texas. And as horrifying answers begin to emerge, so King's propulsive story of almost unbearable suspense kicks into high gear.Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy but there is one rock-hard fact, as unassailable as gravity: a man cannot be in two places at the same time. Can he?

sioda · 16-09-2019 9:46pm

Needed some easy reading just finished Shadow by James Swallow fantastic easy read would be good long distance flight book as it moves quite fast

Ipso · 16-09-2019 10:38pm

mcgucc22 wrote: »

Just started reading The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. Watched the movie countless times but the book is even better with so much more detail.

If you're into serial killer novels, try The Poet by Michael Connelly.

Pratchett1234 · 17-09-2019 5:37pm

Any Pratchett fans living in Ireland? I'm new to this forum and am thinking of going to a Pratchett event this Saturday in Trinity. Colin Smyth, Pratchett's agent is being interviewed. Is anyone else going to it?

18-09-2019 10:34am

Dial Hard wrote: »

I'm off to Book Station to pick up The Testaments and The Institute. Bit of a Sophie's choice as to which to read first but I suspect Margaret will wing it. I did my undergrad Literature dissertation on her work.

Oh, i must get these

Dial Hard · 18-09-2019 8:38pm

bluewolf wrote: »

Oh, i must get these

Finished both now. The Institute was... grand. The plot reminded me of a James Patterson story from waaaaay back in the day when he was just a bad writer with some good ideas as opposed to a total hack. King, obviously, did far superior things with his book but it was still just a bit, I dunno, lacking? He's an absolute master at characterisation but I just didn't feel engaged with anyone in this.

So, to The Testaments. Full disclosure; I 100% idolise Margaret Atwood. As I said, I did my Literature thesis on her dystopian work, largely because of the effect The Handmaid's Tale had on me when I first read it. I've met her, she's tweeted me and the woman is a literary Titan and all-round legend, basically. I was VERY excited about this and have been for the two years since she announced its publication.

First proviso: anyone attempting to read this who has only seen the tv adaptation of THT should be displayed on the Wall.

Second proviso: it's *ever* so slightly slow to start. But then rollocks along at a tremendous pace before coming to an extremely Atwood-esque ambivalent ending. That doesn't bother me in the least, it's what she does and it's because she doesn't patronise her readers. If you like a very definitive, squared-off "and this is what happened to everyone" finale and epilogue, you'll be disappointed. But if you're an Atwood fan, you'll love it. It's already started the rounds of my sisters but I can't wait to get it back and read it again.

In the meantime, I haven't a rasher's what to read.

decky1 · 18-09-2019 8:42pm

'Saving Buddy, about a girl who finds an abandoned Staffie. nice story easy read[relaxing]

Rubberlegs · 18-09-2019 9:36pm

Thargor wrote: »

Let us know how it goes please. Although his recent stuff has been so abysmal Ive lost all faith in him nearly. Duma Key, Mr Mercedes etc, how has he gotten so bad?

I'm still enjoying it, don't get much time to read so only about 60 pages in. Looking forward to seeing how it develops. I still enjoy his books but have to say his older stuff like Salem's Lot, Christine, Misery, for example are better than his newer books. The only King book I had to put down was Dreamcatcher, I thought it was dire. I was so disappointed. I might try it again some time. His son Joe Hill is also a writer and I can highly recommend his book NOS4A2.

Edit to add, The Outsider was very good.

18-09-2019 10:03pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

Finished both now. The Institute was... grand. The plot reminded me of a James Patterson story from waaaaay back in the day when he was just a bad writer with some good ideas as opposed to a total hack. King, obviously, did far superior things with his book but it was still just a bit, I dunno, lacking? He's an absolute master at characterisation but I just didn't feel engaged with anyone in this.

So, to The Testaments. Full disclosure; I 100% idolise Margaret Atwood. As I said, I did my Literature thesis on her dystopian work, largely because of the effect The Handmaid's Tale had on me when I first read it. I've met her, she's tweeted me and the woman is a literary Titan and all-round legend, basically. I was VERY excited about this and have been for the two years since she announced its publication.

First proviso: anyone attempting to read this who has only seen the tv adaptation of THT should be displayed on the Wall.

Second proviso: it's *ever* so slightly slow to start. But then rollocks along at a tremendous pace before coming to an extremely Atwood-esque ambivalent ending. That doesn't bother me in the least, it's what she does and it's because she doesn't patronise her readers. If you like a very definitive, squared-off "and this is what happened to everyone" finale and epilogue, you'll be disappointed. But if you're an Atwood fan, you'll love it. It's already started the rounds of my sisters but I can't wait to get it back and read it again.

In the meantime, I haven't a rasher's what to read.

I'm a fan and don't massively like the the tv show. I've read her other post apocalyptic ones, they were good. i'll nab this one next.
that's so cool you've met her! what was she like?

I read 'only ever yours' recently, you might like it? louise o'neill

Dial Hard · 18-09-2019 11:09pm

bluewolf wrote: »

I'm a fan and don't massively like the the tv show. I've read her other post apocalyptic ones, they were good. i'll nab this one next.
that's so cool you've met her! what was she like?

She's a slightly aloof but also affable little old lady who looks like your friend's grandmother but who has this incredibly acerbic intellect and the entire time you speak to her you just kind of keep thinking "God I hope she doesn't think I'm stupid".

I didn't particularly rate the tv series either. First few episodes were ok but imo it didn't even begin to depict how horrible a place Gilead is/was.

Bluewolf wrote:

I read 'only ever yours' recently, you might like it? louise o'neill

That's been on my list for a while, just haven't picked it up yet. Incidentally, The Surface Breaks, which is her retelling of The Little Mermaid is well worth a read. It's technically YA but it has some interesting themes.

gutenberg · 19-09-2019 12:32pm

I had a long flight recently so I watched the entirety of HBO's Chernobyl series. Harrowing, yet really well done.

When I got back, it inspired me to pick up Svetlana Alexievich's Chernobyl Prayer, which I have owned for ages but hadn't read. It's a series of 'monologues' by people affected by the disaster. All of them are affecting, with some truly disturbing. I've just finished a series of monologues by people who have returned to live in the exclusion zone, which are fascinating.

I don't know if I'll be able to read it non-stop until it's finished, as it is quite tough going, but for the moment I'm finding it compelling.

Earthhorse · 19-09-2019 12:46pm

Chernobyl Prayer is a really tough but ultimately worthwhile read.

First 100 pages is the toughest. I had to put it down at one point after one story.

But there was nothing as bad in it after that.

19-09-2019 9:24pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

She's a slightly aloof but also affable little old lady who looks like your friend's grandmother but who has this incredibly acerbic intellect and the entire time you speak to her you just kind of keep thinking "God I hope she doesn't think I'm stupid".

I didn't particularly rate the tv series either. First few episodes were ok but imo it didn't even begin to depict how horrible a place Gilead is/was.

That's been on my list for a while, just haven't picked it up yet. Incidentally, The Surface Breaks, which is her retelling of The Little Mermaid is well worth a read. It's technically YA but it has some interesting themes.

that sounds like a brilliant experience! i must keep an eye out if she's here again.

i'm going to add that to my list!
a friend recommended 'asking for it' by her, but i think it need a break from that whole mood... although seeing it in the gaiety could be interesting.

Carry · 19-09-2019 9:52pm

bluewolf wrote: »

that sounds like a brilliant experience! i must keep an eye out if she's here again.

She'll be in Galway* next year

I'll certainly will be there, too!

*Galway is European Capital of Culture next year.

adox · 20-09-2019 2:27pm

Thargor wrote: »

Let us know how it goes please. Although his recent stuff has been so abysmal Ive lost all faith in him nearly. Duma Key, Mr Mercedes etc, how has he gotten so bad?

Mr Mercedes I thought was excellent and 11/22/63 was the best work hes put out in years.

Tauriel · 20-09-2019 10:15pm

I recently finished The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield. It truly is an astonishing story of what these men endured under Nazi occupation. I would highly recommend this book.

I also read I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark.

What book are you reading atm??

Comments