Author Topic: Fave Books / Currently Reading  (Read 947136 times)

Tim K in DC

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #105 on: July 14, 2007, 05:54:16 AM »
Last week I finished The Book of Ralph by John McNally and promptly started a second read of it. I was laughing the whole time. So good. A fictionalized account of growing up in a working class Chicago-outlying town in the late 70s which, by virtue of its era (if not area, except perhaps for Richard from Chicago), should be something to which much of the FOT demographic should be able to relate. The bulk of the book is set in McNally's protagonist's junior high school days, but it is one of three time frames that get covered (grade school and 30-something post-professionalhood being the other two) and he just seems to nail the voice and perspective with accuracy. I love to read, but I'm not a lit crit expert, so forgive my pedestrian take on this stuff. But suffice to say, McNally is one of my new favorites and I can't wait to read more from him. http://www.bookofralph.com
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TL

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #106 on: July 14, 2007, 10:08:19 AM »
My mind is currently being blown page after page by the new David Eggers book, "What is the What?"  It's a semi-fictionalized autobiography of a guy named Achack Deng, a/k/a Valentino, who found himself caught up in the Sudanese civil war and wound up trekking across the country and eventually to America as one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan."  Really heavy.  Not exactly beach reading...
Valentino (http://www.valentinoachakdeng.com/) is real, but, as the Wikipedia entry says, "...the book is typical of Eggers' style: blending non-fictional and fictional elements into a nonfiction novel or memoir. By labeling the book a novel, Eggers says, he freed himself to re-create conversations, streamline complex relationships, add relevant detail and manipulate time and space in helpful ways -- all while maintaining the essential truthfulness of the storytelling."
Now write me a receipt so I can tip on outta here...

SpaceBootz

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #107 on: August 09, 2007, 03:27:03 PM »
Has anyone read House of Leaves? I've been thinking about picking it up..

bobby.

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #108 on: August 09, 2007, 04:13:08 PM »
Harry Potter 7 was one of the most exciting books I've ever read! Now I'm reading Pete Doherty's 'Books of Albion'.

Annnnd next is 'What is the What'. TL has me feeling good about it!
BEST SHOW: EXERCISE AND EATING WELL

dave from knoxville

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #109 on: August 09, 2007, 06:48:09 PM »
Has anyone read House of Leaves? I've been thinking about picking it up..

I have actually read it twice. I recommend it if you don't judge me later.

PatrickChew

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #110 on: August 10, 2007, 11:32:15 AM »
Has anyone read House of Leaves? I've been thinking about picking it up..

I have actually read it twice. I recommend it if you don't judge me later.

I've tried reading that a few times and I think I like it in theory, but...it's weird.

I just finished Hell's Angels by Hunter S. Thompson and it put me in the mood to whip someone with a chain.

SpaceBootz

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #111 on: August 10, 2007, 11:44:49 AM »
I have actually read it twice. I recommend it if you don't judge me later.

Oho! A recommendation from Dave! That's all I needed!

John Junk

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #112 on: August 10, 2007, 12:22:23 PM »
I read Justine by the Marquis de Sade.  It wasn't as "pornographic" as I expected, except with its redundant structure, but I suppose if you love torture scenes, you'd get off on this book.  I was also reading a copy from 1968, so I'm thinking it may have been significantly watered down in translation.  I've casually leafed through new translations of this guy's stuff and it's just a toilet-mouthed filth parade.  Hmmm...

I also just finished reading The Book by Alan Watts.  I've always been a big Alan Watts fan.  Something about his approach to zen and philosophy really resonates with me.  There's nothing particularly earth shattering in this book, but I believe that's the point.  I read 90% of it on El Matador beach in Malibu two days ago and I got a fierce, fierce sunburn.

Laurie

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #113 on: August 10, 2007, 01:45:18 PM »
I'm currently reading Fingersmith because I like historical fiction, and I also like lesbians. If I could describe this book in one word, it would be "saucy."

bruce

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #114 on: August 10, 2007, 01:46:37 PM »
I just finished Hell's Angels by Hunter S. Thompson and it put me in the mood to whip someone with a chain.

Check out this book called HELLS ANGELS: INTO THE ABYSS by Yves Lavigne. He ws a undercover informat for the FBI. Really gives you a better insight into the club.

Laurie

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #115 on: August 11, 2007, 01:31:40 PM »
Oh, what fun! A twist! I confess, I did not truly see it coming and feel a bit foolish for it. That's what I get for not reading the pull quotes and teasers on the back of the book, eh? I like a surprise.

Suky Tawdry is a great name for a band. Ooh, or the Fucksters! Also a great band name.

Putin

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #116 on: August 11, 2007, 02:17:31 PM »
i'm reading vampire books. I just finished up Carmilla by J.S. LeFanu and now i'm reading Dracula. 19th century ghost stories are a load of awesome.

Dan B

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #117 on: August 11, 2007, 04:45:39 PM »
I'm reading No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy.  It's good.

bruce

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #118 on: August 11, 2007, 06:27:11 PM »
I'm reading No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy.  It's good.

It's awesome not just good

Ignore Function

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Re: Fave Books / Currently Reading
« Reply #119 on: August 16, 2007, 12:33:45 AM »
Currently reading Low Life : lures and snares of old New York by Luc Sante
I listen to a lot of audio books because I'm in my car a lot.  Recent/current  The Night Gardner by George Pelecanoes, Amazing Grace by Jonathan Kozol, Tales from the Scriptorium by Paul Auster