The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings

[TAC]

What kind of books does she write?

The kind you wouldn't like, Tim (probably). Sci-fi and fantasy, but very human focused. A genius wordsmith who will gift you with a thousand word narrative in a couple of short sentences.

Unlike Stadler, who will give me two sentences containing a thousand words.


What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

[Cool Chris]

What kind of books does she write?

The kind you wouldn't like, Tim (probably). Sci-fi and fantasy, but very human focused. A genius wordsmith who will gift you with a thousand word narrative in a couple of short sentences.

Unlike Stadler, who will give me two sentences containing a thousand words.

 

What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I was never a big fantasy literature fan as a kid. Loved Star Wars and all that of course, but never read any fantasy till I was an adult. And now it is really hit or miss, and I can't pinpoint why something is a hit and something else is a miss. I loved the Song of Fire and Ice books, but for every one of those, I ready 4 other fantasy books that I found really boring.

[SchecterShredder]

RIP Anne Rice.

Just came across that bit of news.  While her last few books didn't really move the needle for me,  the Vampire Chronicles will always hold a special place in my heart as the first "adult" books i read as a young teen after randomly picking a book off my mom's shelf. It was book 4, Tale of the Body Thief,  and i actually read the epilogue first (i hadn't originally planned to read the book...i was just bored).

[LudwigVan]

What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I can identify with this sentiment, though maybe not quite to the extent that you do, since I still occasionally read comics and check out the latest sci-fi/fantasy movies and shows. But as I get deeper into fogey-ness, I find that I tend to get super-selective on what I decide to spend my time on (and that includes music).

What fascinates me is how you've managed to enjoy traveling to theme parks over the years and heavy metal music in general, since both are SO steeped in the world of fantasy/sci-fi novels, movies, shows, etc. I mean, take any given power metal album .... the artwork and themes drip with that stuff.

[TAC]

What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I can identify with this sentiment, though maybe not quite to the extent that you do, since I still occasionally read comics and check out the latest sci-fi/fantasy movies and shows. But as I get deeper into fogey-ness, I find that I tend to get super-selective on what I decide to spend my time on (and that includes music).

What fascinates me is how you've managed to enjoy traveling to theme parks over the years and heavy metal music in general, since both are SO steeped in the world of fantasy/sci-fi novels, movies, shows, etc. I mean, take any given power metal album .... the artwork and themes drip with that stuff.

The thing about the theme parks is was really about our family vacations to Disney. They provided a real "in the bubble" experience where the outside world was a million miles away. And they provided some great experiences and exhibits that really provided some child like wonder.
A theme park steeped in..superhero characters couldn't interest me less.

As far as heavy metal goes, I guess you're right, but I've never really thought about that. I love me some Hammerfall, especially their older stuff. Sure they sing about the Templars Of Metal and shit, but I don't really lose myself in those lyrics or world. I do however, pay attention to things like the powers of good vs evil, so I can usually relate those kinds of lyrics and look within myself.



Even as a kid, I never read comic books. I've never seen a Star Trek movie, and I only care about the original Star Wars movie. I'm thinking of asking for a random fiction paperback for a stocking stuffer. I used to love reading books.

[Evermind]

What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I only read fiction and engineering books Maybe in 25 years I'll be the same.

[masterthes]

Anne Rice had such an impact on my reading life. The Vampire Chronicles were pretty much the first adult books I read on my own when I was roughly 13. For me, there were mostly hits from her instead of misses. Of the ones I've read, the only ones I never cared for were Realms of Atlantis and Angel Time (Violin was meh). I still want to look into Cleopatra, her Christ series, her Wolves series, Cry to Heaven and Feast of All Saints

[TAC]

What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I only read fiction and engineering books Maybe in 25 years I'll be the same.

I asked my wife to buy me a paperback book for Christmas. I told her it didn't matter what it was...horror, sci-fi, murder mystery...whatever. Just pick out a book of fiction that she'd think I like.
There were two conditions on what not to get though.
1. Not Stephen King
2. Not a book that is part of a series


It's been 25 years easy since I read a fiction book.

[Evermind]

2. Not a book that is part of a series

Technically there are first books in some series that are fantastic standalone books.

Please share what book she went with when you get your present!

[LudwigVan]

What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I only read fiction and engineering books Maybe in 25 years I'll be the same.

I asked my wife to buy me a paperback book for Christmas. I told her it didn't matter what it was...horror, sci-fi, murder mystery...whatever. Just pick out a book of fiction that she'd think I like.
There were two conditions on what not to get though.
1. Not Stephen King
2. Not a book that is part of a series


It's been 25 years easy since I read a fiction book.

I see you’ve even roped your wife into playing the TAC roulette!

2. Not a book that is part of a series

Technically there are first books in some series that are fantastic standalone books.

Please share what book she went with when you get your present!

Also let us know what you thought of the book when (and if) you read it! 

[Cool Chris]

Impracticalities aside, a literature roulette would be awesome!

[TAC]

What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I only read fiction and engineering books Maybe in 25 years I'll be the same.

I asked my wife to buy me a paperback book for Christmas. I told her it didn't matter what it was...horror, sci-fi, murder mystery...whatever. Just pick out a book of fiction that she'd think I like.
There were two conditions on what not to get though.
1. Not Stephen King
2. Not a book that is part of a series


It's been 25 years easy since I read a fiction book.

I see you’ve even roped your wife into playing the TAC roulette!

 

Please share what book she went with when you get your present!

I definitely will!

[Evermind]

Impracticalities aside, a literature roulette would be awesome!

You know what, I think I may look into it. It'll take forever though.

[masterthes]

Finished the Babel series, so I feel accomplished. Now reading Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom. The guy's been 2 for 2 so far (The Child Thief, Lost Gods)

[LudwigVan]

Impracticalities aside, a literature roulette would be awesome!

You know what, I think I may look into it. It'll take forever though.

Masterthes would finish a literary roulette faster than any of us could do a music one.

[Cool Chris]

Indeed!

[Evermind]

Impracticalities aside, a literature roulette would be awesome!

You know what, I think I may look into it. It'll take forever though.

Masterthes would finish a literary roulette faster than any of us could do a music one.

Yeah, that checks out

[Sacul]

Frank Herbert Dune

[Evermind]

Ah yes, love Frank H. Dune, such a good author

[masterthes]

Now reading Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom. The guy's been 2 for 2 so far (The Child Thief, Lost Gods)

It ended up being my least favorite, but still solid. I'm going to try to catch his newest one some time next year. Moving on to Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar

[masterthes]

Wild Minds: The Artists and Rivalries that Inspired the Golden Age of Animation by Reid Mitenbuler

[TAC]

2. Not a book that is part of a series

Technically there are first books in some series that are fantastic standalone books.

Please share what book she went with when you get your present!

So I got two books.

The Jailhouse Lawyer by James Patterson....These are the kids of books my wife likes, so I'm not surprised but I'm not sure I'm excited to read it, but I said I would, so I will.

Lightning Down by Tom Clavin...This looks like a non fiction account of a WWII pilot's survival story.

[Kwyjibo]

The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

[SchecterShredder]

^^^^ My favorite of the series.


Better Off Dead by the brothers Child.

I'm about 50 pages in,  and once again the writing is seamless. Feels like a single author, and certainly like a Jack Reacher story

[Cool Chris]

Am likewise about 50 pages in to Better Off Dead.

[masterthes]

All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks. Mel Brooks ranks as one of my favorite comedic talents, so I'm anticipating this to be a late year favorite

[Sacul]

Naoki Urasawa 20th Century Boys

[Evermind]

2. Not a book that is part of a series

Technically there are first books in some series that are fantastic standalone books.

Please share what book she went with when you get your present!

So I got two books.

The Jailhouse Lawyer by James Patterson....These are the kids of books my wife likes, so I'm not surprised but I'm not sure I'm excited to read it, but I said I would, so I will.

Lightning Down by Tom Clavin...This looks like a non fiction account of a WWII pilot's survival story.

Haven't read any of these two! Read the summary of The Jailhouse Lawyer on Goodreads and I'm not sure it's my kind of book either.

Let me know what you think though.

[masterthes]

The Mel Brooks was fantastic, my favorite nonfiction of the year, easily. Done with new books for the year, and getting a start on my Wheel of Time read through project for 2022, and going all the way back to the beginning with The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan (this will be my third time reading this)

[Sacul]

Naoki Urasawa 20th Century Boys

Just finished the first volume of the kazenban edition. Really good so far. Already loved Monster and Pluto so am quite eager to see how it goes from here.

[v_clortho]

Finally finished The Count of Monte Cristo and Red Country by Joe Abercrombie.

On to The Devil you Know by Mark Lawrence

[Evermind]

Finishing this year with a reread of one of my favourite books which I've never read in English before, The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

Finished this one, hits somewhat differently than when I was 18 years old and read it in Russian. Still loved it though.

I may spend some time to compile the list of what I've read this year like masterthes does (although it won't be quite as huge), we'll see.

[masterthes]

I guess I'll share my favorites from the year:

Graphic novels
3. Spider-Man: Life Story
2. Saga
1. Invincible


Non-fiction
5. The Bradbury Chronicles
4. The Storyteller
3. VJ
2. The Star Wars Archives
1. All About Me!

Fiction
5. Foundation
4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
3. This Tender Land
2. Guns of the Dawn
1. Sea of Rust

[Cool Chris]

Better Off Dead by the brothers Child.

Standard Reacher fare. I missed some of the police procedural and detective elements I feel were more present in earlier stories, but that isn't new to the last two books. This is a series that is an automatic read for me, but at this point it is largely due to the familiarity of the franchise and speed at which I can read them.

[SchecterShredder]

Better Off Dead by the brothers Child.

Standard Reacher fare. I missed some of the police procedural and detective elements I feel were more present in earlier stories, but that isn't new to the last two books. This is a series that is an automatic read for me, but at this point it is largely due to the familiarity of the franchise and speed at which I can read them.

Sums it up nicely.  I don't expect a life changing read when i pick up a Reacher novel, but i do expect entertainment.

This one was certainly entertaining enough,  but the ending seemed a bit out of place to me. It was essentially sheer luck that Reacher was in the locale he was at the end to even foil the plot. It felt like they had written themselves into a corner, and that was the easiest way out.

At some point one of these novels should be about the FBI coming after Reacher for the dozens of homicides he's committed across the US. He kills at least 1 person in every novel (save one), but he's never even so much as detained or questioned.  Some of the deaths in this one were straight up pre-meditated.