What are you reading right now!

[chairboys]

Almost finished Bobby Fischer Goes To War by David Edmonds and John Eidnow. I used to love playing chess as a kid - it was really big in schools in the 70's / 80's and he was a real icon. Having read this my views on him may have changed!!!! Great read if you like like chess!

[amethyst]

Dean Koontz, Stephen King and James Herbert ~ three of my favourite authors ~ to date I have everything Dean Koontz has written.

I've just finished a great book titled "F**k it!" by John Parkin it's been well needed in my life right now.

xxxx

[allrevvedup]

does the noise in my head bother you - steven tyler

[Sue K]

I'm still reading Jonathan Kellerman's novel, Obsession. I haven't had much time for a read... It's still a bit of a "dunwhat", but what a tale is being weaved ! So many suspects... and now bodies and still, no idea what the crime is that initially sent Dr. Delaware and his detective friend on their quest ! ... lol ... Interesting ...

S ... xo

[wolfy35]

The Omen Machine, Terry Goodkind.... for the 3rd time

[Rage Against]

Dark World - Zak Bagans

[realjem]

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo three books awesome stuff

[Ollie241189]

Im reading Elvis: A Biography in Pictures only because I find it difficult to imagine what Im reading and seeing it in photos as well brings it to life...

Makes me sound thick dont it? Lol

[Hypnobabe]

Katy Reichs - Deja Dead (not getting on well with this one at all, it's not grabbing me). John Grisham - The Innocent Man (true story). Alison Weir - The Captive Queen (story of Eleanor of Aquitane). NO TEXTBOOKS!!!! (until January, anyway...)

[Sue K]

I'm still reading Jonathan Kellerman's novel, Obsession. I managed to get in a couple pages yesterday. Still intrigued !

[melon]

Still trying to get through my Man in the White Suit book written by the Stig guy.... I never have time to read! I am also half way through an AC/DC biography too

[chairboys]

Still trying to get through my Man in the White Suit book written by the Stig guy.... I never have time to read! I am also half way through an AC/DC biography too

that's funny i've just started one on Bon Scott

[melon]

that's funny i've just started one on Bon Scott

I've been "Reading" my AC/DC one for over a year..... :oops: Poor foorm from me.

[Sue K]

I'm still reading Jonathan Kellerman's novel, Obsession and it's not that it's not a good book ! I've not been taking proper reading time. I must. I must. I must. I think that one character is up to no good !!!

[Sebastian.]

I've just started The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

[Sue K]

I'm still reading Jonathan Kellerman's novel, Obsession and it's not that it's not a good book ! I've not been taking proper reading time. I must. I must. I must. I think that one character is up to no good !!!

HEY ... good on me ... lol ... I finished Obsession and that one character turned out to be an okay sort ! ... lol ... And since then, I've read Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. I totally enjoyed that one ... a supernatural tale, a bit along the line of The Sixth Sense, imo. Now I'm off to a slow trot ... lol... on a book entitled Portobello by Ruth Rendell. A friend left it behind on a visit and because I'm reading books alphabetically ... lol ... after Odd Thomas this one was next ... It got off to a slow start, but now that a character has been introduced who seems interesting, I think things may step up !!!

S ... xo

[Hypnobabe]

This week, I've read the first seven books in J R Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series... I'm currently on book 8, (and yes, this is since Monday...) and need to get 9 and 10 pdq!!!

[Sue K]

I'm still reading Portobello by Ruth Rendell. I'm about halfway through ... and ... I'm waiting for some excitement to happen ! ... lol ... It seemed promised via comments on the cover... but it's still pretty much a slow build-up. I'm a patient soul though ... lol ... I'll stick with it to the bitter end... lol ...

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: Coming to the end of The Godfather.
Been a fan of the film for years (and have read the Winegardner books that fill in the gaps between movies) but have never read the original book before.
Highly enjoyable read 8)

[Sue K]

I'm still reading Portobello by Ruth Rendell and still at about the same point as last time I chimed in ... lol ...

[chairboys]

I'm still reading Portobello by Ruth Rendell and still at about the same point as last time I chimed in ... lol ...

it's obviously a page-turner

[Jeanie]

Just finsihed Dean Koontz "Your Heart Belongs To Me", was rather disappointed in the ending. :(

Now reading Stephen King short stories "After Sunset".

J. xo

[snider22]

11/22/63 by Stephen King

[BostonAngel]

11/22/63 by Stephen King

Please let me know how that book is. I have it on HOLD at the library to read. Right now I am reading SLASH. Yes, it Slash's from Guns n Roses autobiography. It is really interesting. I love rock biographies

[melon]

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

[Sue K]

Please let me know how that book is. I have it on HOLD at the library to read. Right now I am reading SLASH. Yes, it Slash's from Guns n Roses autobiography. It is really interesting. I love rock biographies

Good morning, Cathy and OH GOODIE ! ... lol ... Someone in the States I can ask about using a public library. I recently applied for a library card. I haven't been in a library in years. I stopped going because, well, the books were a bit TOO old school for me... but now I feel, as a reader, that I've missed out on alot by not reading more of the classics, ie Moby Dick ... and want to give it a go... plus now you're saying at your library they have books as recent as Stephen King's latest, that interests me immensely. Saying all that... lol ... do you know if libraries in the States carry cds ? My daughter said where she lives in Maryland, they do ... I know they carry dvds, but I was wondering about cds. Thanks in advance for a reply ! Make it a great one because only you can ... :D ...

S ... xo

[BostonAngel]

The library does carry CD's - mine has some Meat Loaf. Also has videos, DVD's, magazines and of course books. Most libraries have a website. You can look at the books & other material they have to lend on-line. My library is part of a network of libraries covering about 25 cities & towns. If the item is available at any one of the libraries in the network, you can order it to borrow and have it sent to your home library for pick-up. My library is also connected with a site called Freegal where you can download music legally and for FREE! There is a limit to how many songs you can download per week. They have lots of current day artists such as Adele, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, James Durbin and Sixx.A.M. Not sure if they have Meat Loaf. They might since Freegal is connected wth Sony Music.The library also has computers to use to write documents, surf the web.....The library is a great place. Some libraries will even give you a mini tour of the library & its resources if you ask. You can definitely get more than just great books to read.

[Sue K]

The library does carry CD's - mine has some Meat Loaf. Also has videos, DVD's, magazines and of course books. Most libraries have a website. You can look at the books & other material they have to lend on-line. My library is part of a network of libraries covering about 25 cities & towns. If the item is available at any one of the libraries in the network, you can order it to borrow and have it sent to your home library for pick-up. My library is also connected with a site called Freegal where you can download music legally and for FREE! There is a limit to how many songs you can download per week. They have lots of current day artists such as Adele, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, James Durbin and Sixx.A.M. Not sure if they have Meat Loaf. They might since Freegal is connected wth Sony Music.The library also has computers to use to write documents, surf the web.....The library is a great place. Some libraries will even give you a mini tour of the library & its resources if you ask. You can definitely get more than just great books to read.

Thanks so for all the info, Cathy ! I have to say... I'm getting pretty excited now about receiving my card and making that first trip to check out the 21st century public library ! ... lol ... I haven't been in one in about 35 years or so !

S ... xo

[MeatGrl1]

http://i42.tinypic.com/28o6xz.jpg

I find these sort of things fascinating...

[BostonAngel]

Re-reading The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx

[Hypnobabe]

Please let me know how that book is.

I read it a few weeks ago, in less than a week, and loved it. A mate of mine who has been somewhat critical of King's recent work also said he thought he was back on form with this one, so enjoy it!

[Cherry.Loaf]

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins I love it! It's like Battle Royale with interesting characters

[BostonAngel]

I just borrowed Anne Rice's latest, The Wolf Gift, from the library. She is done with the vampires and on to the werewolves! I can't wait to read it.

[samurai7]

now that I've finished all of the currently available George RR Martin 'A Song of Ice and Fire' books, I've gone in a completely different direction, and started Stepen Fry's first novel 'The Liar'.

[Cherry.Loaf]

now that I've finished all of the currently available George RR Martin 'A Song of Ice and Fire' books, I've gone in a completely different direction, and started Stepen Fry's first novel 'The Liar'.

I got to half way through A feast for Crows and lost it! Really need to re-buy that book :(

[chairboys]

Cider - a publication by CAMRA which I picked up in a National Trust shop last week. A great read for the lover of "cyder".

[Sue K]

http://i42.tinypic.com/28o6xz.jpg

I find these sort of things fascinating...

I like books of that subject, too, Em, but what I enjoy (if you can use that word here ) reading even more are books about serial killers. I always wonder what turns a person into one. You know, we all come into this world that sweet, innocent babe and ... THEN what happens, know what I mean ?

I'm STILL reading Portobello ... :shock: ... lol ... I'm about 4/5ths through. The action did pick up a bit more... It's just a strange book with strange characters, imo. And update... YAY FOR ME ! I now possess a library card for the Philadelphia Public Libraries ! ... lol ... I visited the local one to get the card into the sytem and was sorely disappointed in the condition of the place ... When the weather is better, I'll start going about the city and check out the others and settle on a fave ... :D ...

[Sue K]

I'm STILL reading Portobello ... :shock: ... lol ... I'm about 4/5ths through. The action did pick up a bit more... It's just a strange book with strange characters, imo. And update... YAY FOR ME ! I now possess a library card for the Philadelphia Public Libraries ! ... lol ... I visited the local one to get the card into the sytem and was sorely disappointed in the condition of the place ... When the weather is better, I'll start going about the city and check out the others and settle on a fave ... :D ...

I have FIIIIInally finished Portobello... Omgoodness... what a drudgery ... lol ... however... I was determined... It just went on and on and then... phhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhht ... everyone happy ever after... wtf was that ? ... lol ... ANYroad... I'm onto a nice little novel entitled A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg who has a bit of a meatie connection because she played the waitress in Crazy In Alabama ! ... It's a really sweet little book and I'm nearly done it !!! It makes me laugh at times and weep a bit at others... I'm enjoying the interaction of the characters... I had an idea on how it would end... but now I've not a clue !!! ...

[Sebastian.]

I bought a Kindle yesterday so decided to get Dracula. Always wanted to read it , and as it's published pre 1900, it was free!

[Sue K]

I'm reading Running With Scissors, an autobiography by Augusten Burroughs ... and omgoodness !!! On the back cover is written a review " RWS promotes visceral responses (of laughter, wincing, retching) on nearly every page ... " ... and they're not kidding... I'd like to add... "gasps and omgawds" as well ... lol ... and I'm enjoying it for what it is ... xo

[Sebastian.]

I have to say the Kindle is one of the best thing's I have every bought, highly recommended. Also, loving Dracula, good old fashioned vampire novel. Sharp teeth, no reflection, and a proper blood lust. None of this sparkly nonsense! :twisted:

[The Flying Mouse]

None of this sparkly nonsense! :twisted:

:twisted: Is there anything worse than an emo self harming vampire? :facepalm:

I've just finished Albert Pierrpoints autobiography.

A fascinating read 8)

My first career aspiration as a kid was to be a hangman. Even though hanging had long been abolished by the time I was born.
I was a weird kid :nuts:

[chairboys]

I've just finished Albert Pierrpoints autobiography.

A fascinating read 8)

My first career aspiration as a kid was to be a hangman. Even though hanging had long been abolished by the time I was born.
I was a weird kid :nuts:


That's one I intend to read one day. I found the film, starring Timothy Spall, really intriguing. Not sure how true to life it was though!
I guess the reason that particular trade disappeared was its failure to keep up with cutting edge technology.

[Sue K]

I'm reading Running With Scissors, an autobiography by Augusten Burroughs ... and omgoodness !!! On the back cover is written a review " RWS promotes visceral responses (of laughter, wincing, retching) on nearly every page ... " ... and they're not kidding... I'd like to add... "gasps and omgawds" as well ... lol ... and I'm enjoying it for what it is ... xo

Still reading RWS ... still enjoying it ... xo

[shell120978]

I am reading 'Confessions of a GP' very interesting to see a doctors take on things and some of the weird people they encounter (hope I'm not one of them!!) :-)

[Sebastian.]

Finished Dracula! Was a brilliant but quite a hard read. Quite creepy as well.

Started on the Hobbit, and then onto The Lord of the Ring's.

First time reading the Hobbit, have to say Tolkien is a storytelling genius.

[Sue K]

Still reading RWS ... still enjoying it ... xo

I'm still reading Running With Scissors and ... yeah ... lol ... still enjoying it... still being a bit shocked by it ... lol ... for the fact it's a true story ...

[Sue K]

Finished Dracula! Was a brilliant but quite a hard read. Quite creepy as well.



I read Dracula many years ago... and when you mentioned "creepy", the word caught my eye and I just had to make a mention. One of the scenes that never left my mind was of the Count crawling head first down the side of a tower... Am I remembering that correctly ? I can't remember, though, just WHY I found that so creepy ... lol ...xo

[Sebastian.]

I read Dracula many years ago... and when you mentioned "creepy", the word caught my eye and I just had to make a mention. One of the scenes that never left my mind was of the Count crawling head first down the side of a tower... Am I remembering that correctly ? I can't remember, though, just WHY I found that so creepy ... lol ...xo

Oh yes. My favourite part of the book is when at the beginning in his castle, when he has Johanthon Harker captive. The thing that makes that bit extra creepy is that he is wearing Johnathon's travelling cloak so that the locals see him. I think Bram Stoker really built up a great scene in the castle and made the characters very deep, which I think what makes it seem so real. I think my favourite part is when Johnathon goes out onto the castle balcony as spots three swirling specs in the distance that turn into three vampire sisters.



Two chapters into the Hobbit. Regret not reading it until now as it's so brilliantly told. I can't wait for the film as I'm sure Peter Jackson will capture the magic perfectly, plus the cast is amazing.

[Sebastian.]

Hobbit's fantastic story, loved it.

Onto the Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the ring. Glad I read the Hobbit beforehand, although not necessary the Hobbit adds to the story, and the beginning of the Fellowship fills in the gaps in the Hobbit, such as where Gandalf kept disappearing to.

[melon]

I'm reading an autobiography on one of our AFL footballers called Black. (the footballers name is Heath Black) He went off the rails when he retired and was later diagnosed with Bipolar II and adult ADHD. I'm not far into the book yet

Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Forum Runner

[Sue K]

I'm reading a book entitled Sam's Letters to Jennifer... written by James Patterson ... In the reviews it is said to be one of those easy summer reads... and it is ... Again, I'm waiting for something to happen ... It's a bit too light and romantic a read for me ... but it was next on the list so ... lol ... there ya go ... xo

[BostonAngel]

I am reading 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs. This is one in the series of books that the TV series Bones is based it. Only one more to go and I will have read all that are out so far

[K1ttycat]

I just finished reading "The Night Circus". Really enjoyed that. My next book will be "The Hangman's Daughter." Sounds really good and it was only £1.99 in the Amazon flashsale on Tuesday. If you want a real tear jerker try "Me Before You" by Jo Jo Moyes. I never cried so hard in my life....

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: I'm going over Bag Of Bones by Stephen King again.

Quite a few years since I read it so I can't remember enough to spoil it as a story.

[Sue K]

I'm reading a book entitled Sam's Letters to Jennifer... written by James Patterson ... In the reviews it is said to be one of those easy summer reads... and it is ... Again, I'm waiting for something to happen ... It's a bit too light and romantic a read for me ... but it was next on the list so ... lol ... there ya go ... xo

Welp... I've finished the book ... Won't say a word so not to be a spoiler... but it just didn't have enough bite for me ... It was a bit like those easy does it romance novels ... Not my cuppa ... I have a couple pages of a preview to read of Patterson's book after that one ... lol ... FROM 2004 ... lol ... and then it's on to I don't know what ... but I will later today ... xo

[Hypnobabe]

Ready to start The Burning, but having to put up with Cognitive Psychology for a while... :roll:

[Sue K]

Welp... I've finished the book ... Won't say a word so not to be a spoiler... but it just didn't have enough bite for me ... It was a bit like those easy does it romance novels ... Not my cuppa ... I have a couple pages of a preview to read of Patterson's book after that one ... lol ... FROM 2004 ... lol ... and then it's on to I don't know what ... but I will later today ... xo

The book ended up being AND still one entitled Saving Alice... by author... last name Lewis... I forget the first ... AND it's nothing to do with Wonderland ... lol ... When I picked it up at the Salvation Army ... I must have thought it did... or was in an odd mind-set ... Anyroad... it's barely one to write home about, imo ... but again ... I've started it and must see how it turns out ... It's about a man who was in love with Alice... He, Alice and Donna were best friends... and Alice and Stephen... I think his name is ... boyfriend-girlfriend... Alice gets killed by a car ... Stephen and Donna, being besties... think it's a good idea to marry... They have a daughter, Alycia ... get it ? ... named for their dead friend, Alice... and ... Donna believes very much in her Christian faith... Stephen's lost faith... and being a stock-broker... manages to lose his and everybody else in town's money... dah dah dah... AND IT'S A LONG BOOK... lol ... I've been at it since... last I yapped... and I STILL have half of it to go ... xo

[Sebastian.]

Finished the Fellowship of the ring, the Two Towers and now I'm onto The Return of the King. Need I say more?

Once LOTR is finished I'm going to start on Game of Thrones, can't wait nearly a year to find out what happens!

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: Full Dark No Stars by S.K.
Collection of 4 stories.
Reading the first one at the moment, and finding the book a very fst and enjoyable read.

[nozza]

Alice Cooper golf monster not bad

[Cherry.Loaf]

Finished the Fellowship of the ring, the Two Towers and now I'm onto The Return of the King. Need I say more?

Once LOTR is finished I'm going to start on Game of Thrones, can't wait nearly a year to find out what happens!

You're in for a treat with Game of Thrones :)

[melon]

The enemy by Lee Child. It's one of the Jack Reacher books

Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Forum Runner

[Hypnobabe]

The Turtle Moves! A book about Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, but not written by him.

[ninja]

starting terry pratchett: snuff :D

[shell120978]

The Hobbit

[lyn]

Just wondering what we are all reading? And please don't say 'this message' :twisted:

I admit to being a bit of a bookworm, and have over 5,000 books at home - hubbs thinks i'm demented...he could be right :roll: :roll:

At the moment, i'm into Alex Kava, Tami Hoag, Stephen King, Cathy Reichs, Michael Connelly, Patricia Cornwell,Harlen Coben,James Herbert and John Connolly.

My fave book of all time hasta be between

Pet Sematary - Stephen King

Deja Dead - Kathy Reichs

IT - Stephen King

The Horse Whisperer - Nicholas Evans


ANd there are so many more.....


Heat
xxx

Awe the Horse Whisperer! I've got it, but haven't read it yet. Suppose to good though.

Well my book choice at the moment may sound boring, but I'm reading a book by the Dalai Lama. Very interesting. I have also read Meats biography which was great too :)

[lyn]

The Hobbit

I loved The Hobbit. I think my next book to read will be Lord of the Rings. After I read Horse Whisperer.

[BostonAngel]

Well my book choice at the moment may sound boring, but I'm reading a book by the Dalai Lama. Very interesting. I have also read Meats biography which was great too :)

Which Dalai Lama book is it? Since it is interesting I want to read it. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm also looking for new stuff to read

Right now I am reading No regrets : a rock 'n' roll memoir by Ace Frehley from the group KISS. it's his autobiography of course

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: Angels & Demons.
My usual cruising speed for a book is approx 30 - 50 pages per night. The only time I tend to read is in bed just before lights out.

Last night I couldn't put the fecking book down and did in about 180 pages :shock:

It's pretty fast paced, and i've got a couple of theories and i'm waiting to see if i'm right or not.

Last night I reluctantly put the book down as the Hassassin pushed the 4th pope into the water.



The Camerlengo is Janus.

The bomb is in the grave the public believe to be St Peter's tomb, but actually contains sashes for cardinals.

This one is a little out there.
The Camerlengo is not actually of the Illuminati, but knows enough of the Illuminati to convice the Hassassin. The Camerlengo is actually possing as an Illuminus to take out the 4 popes, rally the church in it's hour of need, and emerge as a serious and popular contender for being the next Pope.

For this, he would have to murder the late pope, who was like a father to him, but perhaps the pope (who was shown to be quite a liberal after his election) was murdered by a sect within the church, so the Camerlengo has used the murder in his scheme of blaming everything on the Illuminati.
Problem is, if somebody else killed the pope, somebody knows it was nothing to do with the Illuminati. That said, would the guilty party admit to the murder to discredit the Illiuminati, of keep their mouths shut and let the Illuminati take the credit and the blame? :bleh:

Either way he'd be in a strong position to lead and reform the church in a more modern and science friendly way.

Guess i'll find out in the next night or two :shrug:

[Cherry.Loaf]

I just finished Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins for the second time and will probably Re-read Mockingjay next or Wizard of Oz

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: Angels & Demons.
My usual cruising speed for a book is approx 30 - 50 pages per night. The only time I tend to read is in bed just before lights out.

Last night I couldn't put the fecking book down and did in about 180 pages :shock:

It's pretty fast paced, and i've got a couple of theories and i'm waiting to see if i'm right or not.

Last night I reluctantly put the book down as the Hassassin pushed the 4th pope into the water.



The Camerlengo is Janus.

The bomb is in the grave the public believe to be St Peter's tomb, but actually contains sashes for cardinals.

This one is a little out there.
The Camerlengo is not actually of the Illuminati, but knows enough of the Illuminati to convice the Hassassin. The Camerlengo is actually possing as an Illuminus to take out the 4 popes, rally the church in it's hour of need, and emerge as a serious and popular contender for being the next Pope.

For this, he would have to murder the late pope, who was like a father to him, but perhaps the pope (who was shown to be quite a liberal after his election) was murdered by a sect within the church, so the Camerlengo has used the murder in his scheme of blaming everything on the Illuminati.
Problem is, if somebody else killed the pope, somebody knows it was nothing to do with the Illuminati. That said, would the guilty party admit to the murder to discredit the Illiuminati, of keep their mouths shut and let the Illuminati take the credit and the blame? :bleh:

Either way he'd be in a strong position to lead and reform the church in a more modern and science friendly way.

Guess i'll find out in the next night or two :shrug:




:twisted:
Well I was pretty close when I said the bomb was in St Peter's tomb. It was just in the real one rather than the fake tourist attraction one :lol:

I was right about the Camerlengo being Janus, and not really being of the Illuminati, but I thought his motives were a little different. I thought that both the Pope and the Camerlengo embrassed a religion that was more tolerant of the sciences, but it appears that they disagreed over it. I was right about the Camerlengo using the incident to become Pope.

All in all it was a pretty good book (how can something that makes you read 180 pages in one sitting be bad?) but I think some of it was a little forced.
I like it when things come together in unexpected ways, but I think Dan Brown went a bit too far making the Camerlengo the Pope's son, and making his birth the reason the Pope was grateful to science.

The Camerlengo trying to be the next Jesus was a bit over the top too. The Camerlengo had done enough to secure his place as Pope, and the whole talking to God thing was a bit OTT.
I know The Camerlengo wanted a miracle to bring people back to the church, but I think it was too much. If anything, it was premature confirmation that the Camerlengo was dodgy as hell.

The Max Kohler red herring was pretty good, and nearly had me for a minute, but then I realized how many pages there were to go, so it couldn't be resolved so quickly and easily.


All in all though, a good fast paced exciting read. 8)

[sexyeyes_jo]

reading sharpes siege not bad at the moment, i remember the films being really good but the books are good

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown.

[Hypnobabe]

Thought I'd have a go at a classic, so The catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger.

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: Taking another journey through It.

I read Insomnia recently, and it mentions many of the places and people from It, so it made me a little homesick for it :lol:

[Cherry.Loaf]

Out of Oz the last book in the wicked year series by Gregory Maguire

[Hypnobabe]

Still struggling through The Catcher in The Rye, but it's been elbowed out temporarily by The Psychopath Test, by Jon Ronson, the man who wrote The Men Who Stare At Goats - so far, quite an amusing read!

[Dave]

Tales Of The City - Armistead Maupin

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: I finished re-reading It last week, and i've started reading Two Brothers by Ben Elton.
Fitting enough, I was given it for xmas by my brother :lol:

I'm about half way through at the moment, but just for japes I thought i'd look up a couple of reviews.

One review said that "Ben Elton fails as a history teacher" while the next review says that there was too much history included which slowed the story and obscured the characters :lol: :lol: :lol:

So there's either too much history, or not enough.
I suppose when you've got people saying both at the same time you must be somewhere near the middle, which is pretty much the ballpark you want to be in. ;)

I'm not finding it a bad read so far.
It's not the best book i've ever read, but the premise of the book is interesting enough.

In Berlin in 1920 a young woman gives birth to twins, but one in stillborn.
The doctor tells her of a child who has been born the same day, but whose mother died in delivery. The doctor asks if she would consider taking the other baby as one of her twins had died.
You mind find that a little shocking, but you've got to remember the state of Germany at the time. With the war, the flu epidemic, and the constant political fighting (we're talking gunfire in the streets here) practical solutions were much more sought after than what could be classed as sentimentality.

So the baby is born, and the boys are brought up as twins.
But one is Jewish, and one is a Gentile.
With the growth of the nazi party, and as Europe is once more plunged into war, the two brothers find themselves fighting on opposite sides.

But i'm halfway through, and they are not on opposite sides, they're still in Berlin, still brothers, and there's still no indication of anything changing in the near future.

Oh, they're both in love with the same girl.
That's caused a few fisticuffs, but no big split.

The story bounces a lot between the 20s/30s and 1956, where one of the brothers in embroilled in a cold war storyline, in which he receives a letter from the girl who both he and his brother were in love with, and who is now apparntly a member of the East German Secret Police.
It's also been revelaled that the other brother served with the Waffen SS and was killed in action in 1943 (or was it 41?)

So we've yet to get to the point where the brothers are forced apart, and there's still going to be a lot of things to be resolved in 1956.

The brothers being on opposite sides of the war "premise" is losing pages here, and i'm not sure there is going to be much room to tell this part the tale which is supposed to be the hook :?

I'm enjoying the book well enough, don't get me wrong, but there is some baggage that could have been lost without losing anything in the book.
For instance, there is a story at one point about how their musician father, Wolfgang, finds himself becoming attracted to a woman who used to date his boss. There is a lot of talk about Jazz in general that really could have been thrown overboard with no great loss.
He likes Jazz, we get it.

There is supposed to be a great friendship between the boys, Dagmar (She's the one they're both in love. She's the jewish daughter of a wealthy shop owner, and has been taking music lessons from Wolfgang), and Silke (her mother worked as the maid for Wolfgang and his wife, until her mum's new nazi boyfriend made her leave her employment because he didn't want her working for Jews).

But the common Silke is constantly jealous of upper class and aloof Dagmar because the boys like her better.
She doesn't seem to like Dagmar at all, and now she's gone off into the BDM (Bund der Deutcher Madel - Nazi orginization for girls) it seems that the friendship isn't going to get much closer in the forseeable future :?
As a group of faithful and devoted friends, it seems terribly flawed and conflicted (but perhaps that's the point?)

Some of the language seems a little flawed. The way that Ben writes the diolouge of the West Indies lover of one of the brothers is particularly out of place. Never would I have thought i'd read the words "reefer" and "mon" in a story of Jewish persecution :shock: It seems very forced.
But the language of the Germans also sounds wrong to my mind. It sounds too American or British in it's form and use of slang. I've read enough books set during the war, and I can't say i've ever felt that way about how German characters speak.

It sounds like I don't like this book at all doesn't it? :lol:

I'm sticking with it though.
The tale in itself is interesting enough to hold attention, and even the unneccersary sub stories (like Wolfgang's infatuation with the Jazz babe) are not too offensive (as long as you don't expect them to add anything to the plot, or perhaps it will later).

I just hope the pay off is worth it.


Prediction................

Paulus, the brother in England, suspects that Dagmar really is dead, and that the letter was sent by the Stasi to get him to go back to Berlin. But the letter has been composed by someone who knows him well.
I think that's a good indicator that Otto was not killed in action, but instead either deserted to the Russians, or was captured.
How Otto found himself in the Waffen SS is something i've yet to see.

He's gone to work for the Russians, and his superiors have informed him that his brother is with the English foreighn office, and have ordered him to lure him back to Berlin for some devilish plot.

[Hypnobabe]

After a conversation with Cathie the other week, I'm re-reading Dreamcatcher, by Stephen King.

[Julie in the rv mirror]

Still struggling through The Catcher in The Rye, but it's been elbowed out temporarily by The Psychopath Test, by Jon Ronson, the man who wrote The Men Who Stare At Goats - so far, quite an amusing read!

God, I totally hated "Catcher"- had to read it for school. It's so much nicer when you can read what you want to instead of what someone else tells you to.

I just finished the new Springsteen bio, "Bruce" by Peter Ames Carlin. I thought it wasn't bad- I learned a few things I didn't know, but it's very heavy on the early years and skims through the later ones.

I'm almost embarrassed to say I'm reading "Fifty Shades Darker" (You know, the "Mommy porn" series? :oops: ;) ). It's kind of like junk food for your brain- it's terrible, but it tastes good! :mrgreen: :lol:

[Hypnobabe]

God, I totally hated "Catcher"- had to read it for school. It's so much nicer when you can read what you want to instead of what someone else tells you to.

I know what you mean, I'm glad I read it, but wouldn't bother again.


I'm almost embarrassed to say I'm reading "Fifty Shades Darker" (You know, the "Mommy porn" series? :oops: ;) ). It's kind of like junk food for your brain- it's terrible, but it tastes good! :mrgreen: :lol:

It's what I call car crash reading, it's bad, and you know it's bad, but you have to keep going to see what happens!!

I'm reading Dreamcatcher, by Stephen King.

[Monstro]

I'm reading Dreamcatcher, by Stephen King.

Good book, they didn't do too bad of a job with the film either

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: It's been a long time since I read Dreamcatcher.
I don't even think i've still got a copy.

One thing I really like about SK is how he often references his other works.
Place names and characters often crop up, but not intrusivly.
The mention of The Losers Club for instance.
I'm trying to remember, is it a trucking yard that's mentioned in Dreamcatcher? And if so is it the Trackers Brothers?
When I was re-reading It recently it mentioned the window that the boys would peek through, and I remember reading that in Dreamcatcher.

Like Mr M, I thought the film was pretty good.




I'm almost embarrassed to say I'm reading "Fifty Shades Darker" (You know, the "Mommy porn" series? :oops: ;) ). It's kind of like junk food for your brain- it's terrible, but it tastes good! :mrgreen: :lol:

*Note to self - Don't moderate Julie, she'll only enjoy it* :bleh: :lawl:

[AndyK]

One thing I really like about SK is how he often references his other works.
Place names and characters often crop up, but not intrusivly.



Yeah I like that, there are some great references to his other books in 11.22.63, probably more than I realise as I've not read all his books.

[LucyK!]

Yeah he's so good at that! I was reading Misery and it referenced the hotel from The Shining - scared me to death as I started to think it was all real!

[Sebastian.]

Yeah he's so good at that! I was reading Misery and it referenced the hotel from The Shining - scared me to death as I started to think it was all real!

The Hotel is sort of real! I was going to visit in when I was in Colorado but went flying instead.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stanley_Hotel

[LucyK!]

Ooohhh we are going there Andy!!!

[Hypnobabe]

I'm trying to remember, is it a trucking yard that's mentioned in Dreamcatcher? And if so is it the Trackers Brothers?
When I was re-reading It recently it mentioned the window that the boys would peek through, and I remember reading that in Dreamcatcher.

Like Mr M, I thought the film was pretty good.


Yep, that's the one...

I've never seen the film, will look out for it tho' :0)

[The Flying Mouse]

Yeah I like that, there are some great references to his other books in 11.22.63, probably more than I realise as I've not read all his books.

:twisted: How is that book?

Yeah he's so good at that! I was reading Misery and it referenced the hotel from The Shining - scared me to death as I started to think it was all real!

If you've read It, you may or may not remember that Dick Hallorann, the hotel chef in The Shinning, was also one of the black soldiers at The Black Spot when it burned down.

I wonder if it would make a good thread to post links from SK works? :idea:
I know there's a few SK fans amongst us.


The Hotel is sort of real! I was going to visit in when I was in Colorado but went flying instead.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stanley_Hotel

*makes chicken noises* :mrgreen:


I've never seen the film, will look out for it tho' :0)

I remember it being pretty good.
Think i'll watch it again sometime in the next couple of days :bleh:

[AndyK]

:twisted: How is that book?



I really enjoyed it. A slow starter, that doesn't really become all that fast paced at all, but it keeps you interested, won't go into the bits I didn't like as they could become spoilers.

[LucyK!]

I'm just coming to the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire....a year since I started at the first book! I miss having time to read!

Can't decide whether to carry on to the next Harry Potter book or take a break from them and head to 11.22.63

[Julie in the rv mirror]

*Note to self - Don't moderate Julie, she'll only enjoy it* :bleh: :lawl:

:lawl:

I used to like Stephen King, but then I got grossed out for some reason when I started re-reading "The Stand" several years ago, and so I haven't read him anymore.

My favorite author is Michael Crichton- pity he's passed away now. :( I like Harlan Ellison a lot, as well.

[Sebastian.]

All quiet on the Western Front. Been on my list for too long!

Very tempted to read some Sherlock Holmes as they're all free on Amazon.

[The Flying Mouse]

I remember it being pretty good.
Think i'll watch it again sometime in the next couple of days :bleh:

:twisted: I watched the movie last night.
I can't remember how faithful it is to the book because it's so long I read it.
I'm pretty sure it deviates quite a lot in places.

I won't post any spoliers, but i'd say that the alternate ending on the DVD is better than the one they went with.
But that's just personal opinion :shrug:

[chairboys]

I'm just coming to the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire....a year since I started at the first book! I miss having time to read!

Can't decide whether to carry on to the next Harry Potter book or take a break from them and head to 11.22.63

I read the first 4 quickly and then really struggled with number 5. It took me 3 attempts and many years to finish that instalment!! But, after finally wading through it, I had to complete the set, which I did in the summer. It made my visit to the studios much more enjoyable for the effort.
I have never been a prolific reader, but Miss Rowling has ignited this old codger into action.
I am currently on the third phase of the Hunger Games trilogy. I also have Seb Coe's autobiograhy to begin.
In an unashamed effort to plug a new book, may I suggest "Sunlight and Slumber" by Katie Stuart. She is a local High Wycombe lass who has very recently released her first novel on Amazon under the e-books kindle thing.
I only know her as a shop customer, but the few reviews available of her book seem like it's worth a try.
Mrs. Chairboys has downloaded it for me, but I fear it may be quite some time before I get round to reading it.
So, if any of you speedy readers can spare a day or two ( and a couple of quid!) to let me know if we are possibly the ones to kick-start a global phenomenom, I'd be very grateful.
If you didn't catch it initially then let me repeat - SUNLIGHT AND SLUMBER!

[Hypnobabe]

Finished Dreamcatcher, moved on to Bag of Bones, as I saw the adaptation over Christmas...

[Cherry.Loaf]

Still trying to get through the last Wizard if Oz book I'm finding it a real struggle to find time to read it and I'm a really fast reader!

[Hypnobabe]

Still trying to get through the last Wizard if Oz book I'm finding it a real struggle to find time to read it and I'm a really fast reader!

Have you ready the Gregory Maguire books? Wicked and Son if a Witch being the ones I can remember? I loved the way he turned my perception of the Wicked Witch of the West completely upside down!

[Cherry.Loaf]

Have you ready the Gregory Maguire books? Wicked and Son if a Witch being the ones I can remember? I loved the way he turned my perception of the Wicked Witch of the West completely upside down!

Yep thats what I'm reading now :) the last in the series 'Out of Oz'

[Sebastian.]

Finished A Clash of Kings, now onto A Storm of Swords. GRRM is awesome.

[Hypnobabe]

The Burning Wire, by Jeffrey Deaver, and Psychology at Work, by Peter Warr (ed).

[Cherry.Loaf]

Finished A Clash of Kings, now onto A Storm of Swords. GRRM is awesome.

On the whole I agree, but a Feast for Crows I found incredibly Boring! However a Dance with Dragon was much better.

[Sebastian.]

On the whole I agree, but a Feast for Crows I found incredibly Boring! However a Dance with Dragon was much better.

Yeah I've heard AFFC is a bit of a boring read compared to the others.

Stumbled across this today: will download when I've played through enough of Warband.

http://www.moddb.com/mods/a-clash-of-kings

[Sue K]

OH... I've finally gotten myself back to reading a book I started AGES ago... and have been carrying around with me forever... Silent Partner by ... forget his name... but I've read many of his books... It's another with the character Dr. Alex Delaware... Joseph Kellerman perhaps... the author... and I was really having a struggle through it... carried it about... started reading again this past week ... and ugh ... Dr. D's character was just boring me to death... a bit of a mope ... HOWEVER... along came one of my all time fave fictional characters and good friend to Dr D ... Milo Sturgis... cop... on the scene... and I could have hopped up and down in the aisle of the bus I was on ... hahaha ... so... I'm back into Silent Partner ... Now things are going to get good ... :D ...

[Breeze]

I saw Rick Springfield ( from the 80's IE Jessie's Girl) on the Dr.Z show. ( Dr. Oz was associated with Oprah and now people go on his show to confess and ask for help. Charlie Sheen was on recently to admit he was bipolar ) He has a new book out called " late late at night" . It is about the music business and the easy sex and all that . He admits to having a sex addiction and apparently has had a " come to Jesus" moment.
He looked really freaked out on the show and I began wonder about the advisability of having him on a major TV show. He survived the show.
So, I bought the book. It is better than I thought it was going to be. I recommend it .