The 2nd "What are you reading now" thread

[spinynorman]

The new Michel Faber, 'The Book of Strange New Things'.

I enjoyed it immensely. Inventive, thoughtful, beautifully written, all the good stuff.

Just started this myself. Really enjoying it so far. Very intriguing book.

 

[grizzlym]

Just started this myself. Really enjoying it so far. Very intriguing book.

It is that. Did you know that Faber's wife was dying while he wrote the book?

 

[spinynorman]

It is that. Did you know that Faber's wife was dying while he wrote the book?

I didn't actually know that much at all about him and so just did a google. Never knew he lived in Melbourne and Sydney for a period.

It'll be interesting reading the rest with that perspective about his wife, anyway.

 

[WALDENPOND]

As an adult I'm actually re reading some Tintin books. I think it's held up really well. Anyone have any favourites from when they were young, or as an adult?

 

[RolandF1]

As an adult I'm actually re reading some Tintin books. I think it's held up really well. Anyone have any favourites from when they were young, or as an adult?

Reading Tintin as an adult isn't a crime, no different to watching Indiana Jones. In fact a lot of those Euro comics had adult themes back in the day. Asterix has a number of jokes I didn't get until I reread some as an adult. There seems to be this stigma that comics are for kids because that's how they were marketed in the US for so many years and the dipshits at Comic Code Authority had their dinosaur rules applied to DC and Marvel. It took a UK invasion from the likes of Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman before it was taken more seriously, reaching a wider audience. These days many of the comics stories are for more mature readers.

 

[WALDENPOND]

Reading Tintin as an adult isn't a crime, no different to watching Indiana Jones. In fact a lot of those Euro comics had adult themes back in the day. Asterix has a number of jokes I didn't get until I reread some as an adult. There seems to be this stigma that comics are for kids because that's how they were marketed in the US for so many years and the dipshits at Comic Code Authority had their dinosaur rules applied to DC and Marvel. It took a UK invasion from the likes of Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman before it was taken more seriously, reaching a wider audience. These days many of the comics stories are for more mature readers.

I agree. It was worded incorrectly maybe. What I meant was.

- I haven't read Tintin since I was young and now that I'm returning to them I'm enjoying them just as much and for different reasons.

- Does anyone ophave a favourite or opinion on the 24 books because I find it interesting.

 

[Roobs321]

The animated series from the early 90s also holds up well.

I still love the comic/books, but in my adult life I have only read it in different languages (as recreational language practice).

 

[Norwegian Blue]

Re-reading Steven Erickson's Malazan series. Halfway through Deadhouse Gates, but I'll probably take a break and read something else before moving onto Memories of Ice.

 

[WALDENPOND]

I'm reading one of Benjamin Law's books. I admire his writing but I'm not sure i care for his work.

 

[The Dice Man]

The pol pot regime, by Ben Kiernan. An Aussie who was in Phnom Penh in 1980.

I can't imagine being a traveller or journalist in those times. With our internet and research capabilities we have a fair idea where we travel to these days.

Seems like nothing is new, rare is it to find unique experience. But so bold were the travelers of even 30 years ago.

 

[ioppolo]

Everything Is Broken - Emma Larkin. Recaps the events and stories out of Myanmar (Burma) during cyclone Nargis in 2008. The military government regime blocked foreign aid entering the country!

Above book mentioned by The Dice Man sounds like an interesting read.

 

[Quinz]

I'm going to re-read The Thief of Time after the sad news of Terry Pratchett passing away this morning.

 

[grizzlym]

I didn't actually know that much at all about him and so just did a google. Never knew he lived in Melbourne and Sydney for a period.

It'll be interesting reading the rest with that perspective about his wife, anyway.

Have you finished the book yet? Interested to hear what you thought of it.

 

[grizzlym]

Reading Julian Barnes History of the world in 10 and a half chapters. I like it. Smart man. Funny too.

 

[Quokka]

Just finished listening to Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything I've read it before but it's such a fantastic book that I wish he'd release A Short History of the years since A Short History.

 

[vonn]

Reading 'The Patriarch' by Nasaw - a biography on JPK. Nasaw had unlimited access to previous family files, resources etc. that many who wrote about JPK didn't. Not sure if I believe that he didn't undertake any liquor bootlegging, but it really does reinnforce my opinion of JPK as an incredible businessman. I've always admired him - but now I do even more.

 

[WALDENPOND]

Reading a book of Henry Lawson's poetry published by Random House. Australia's greatest writer IMO. Really enjoying it.

 

[Father Jack]

I'm ploughing through The Better Angels Of Our Nature - Why Violence Has Declined by Steven Pinker. Am enjoying it, but the problem is that it's a library book and I don't like my chances of finishing it before I have to take it back.

 

[chugginon]

Reading a book of Henry Lawson's poetry published by Random House. Australia's greatest writer IMO. Really enjoying it.

I should take lessons from you . I just can't get into his writing . I know I should . Perhaps I might give him another go

 

[WALDENPOND]

I should take lessons from you . I just can't get into his writing . I know I should . Perhaps I might give him another go

I tried a few times to get into his writing but it never really grabbed me. Then I was on a long train ride with no distractions and once I got into his style I really enjoyed it.

 

[Palmer Stoat]

Have just finished The Enchantress of Florence (Rushdie). About three chapters into Stoner (Williams).

 

[WALDENPOND]

About three chapters into Stoner (Williams).

I've read nothing but great things about this book.

 

[ChubbMuff]

Halfway through The Wind Up Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi (?!), apparently it's a "biopunk" SciFi novel which is cool because I love being able to say cool things like "Yeah right into biopunk because you know cyberpunk is so diluted". Really enjoying it, his collection of short stories Pump Six was an awesome read as well.

Finished Matter by Banks and loved it, haven't found a dud in that man's collection yet.

 

[diegodcg]

Just started reading A Devilish Pastime: A History of Football in all its Forms by Graham Hughes. Seems very interesting but I'm still in the initial chapter.

I read too much stuff at the same time. Also currently reading books about the Spanish Civil War and the American Civil War, plus the 6th book of Sandman by Neil Gaiman, and some other stuff.

 

[Mister Carlton]

GOT: Storm of Swords.