What are you reading at the moment?

[oakman]

Recently read Butcher's Crossing by John Williams and loved it. Just started another of his that's been on my 'to read' list for years. Impressive how an author can go from a Western to a book about college life so effortlessly. 

 

[UniFox21]

Just about finished the first Sherlock Holmes book, a study in scarlett. 

I'm not the biggest reader but have really enjoyed getting back into it and reading this one. Descriptions are great and the way the story flows was really enjoyable 

[The Bear]

I recently read a book of Sherlock Holmes short stories, and have been meaning to look into which full books of his are the best. 

[ozleicester]

the level of conspiracy and privilege exposed in this book is eye opening.

 

[Ollie93]

Listened to both of Ant Middletons books, first one much better than the second but both decent.

Edited 7 February 2020 by Ollie93

[swanlee]

 

 

Read Death and the Dervish sometime ago. And the only reason I've just got around to The Fortress was the price-point. £20 for the English translation!

 

Selimović creates a Kafkaesque world, one that is oppressive, brutal & traumatic. However the writing style is less turgid and obtuse than Kafka and the world created is certainly more humane & warmer than the Kafkaesque archetype.

 

In short, as a Franz K fanboy, I enjoyed and I've no problem shelling out the cash for what is a rarity.

 

[UniFox21]

On 04/02/2020 at 09:10, The Bear said:

I recently read a book of Sherlock Holmes short stories, and have been meaning to look into which full books of his are the best. 

I've just read the Study in Scarlett and have about finished the Sign of the four, and have to say I've really enjoyed them. Quite looking forward to reading the rest of them 

[Raj]

Undisputed truth.

Autobiography of Mike Tyson.

Can't believe it's 30 years since he lost to Buster Douglas.

One of the greatest of our generation.

Lucky enough to have watched him at Manchester v Julius Francis when he wasn't in his prime but still the night was electric when he entered the ring.

Really interesting read so far....

[ozleicester]

If youve got, or are planning kids.... These books are as relevant now as they were (i wish id read them then) 30 years ago.

 

 

 

 

[SecretPro]

On 03/02/2020 at 17:18, oakman said:

Recently read Butcher's Crossing by John Williams and loved it. Just started another of his that's been on my 'to read' list for years. Impressive how an author can go from a Western to a book about college life so effortlessly. 

 

Stoner is a phenomenal book. Only came to public attention long after it was written and is definitely a masterpiece.

[ClaphamFox]

Completely agree on Stoner - a wonderful book. The writing is restrained and unflashy, but I remember being hooked within a few paragraphs. There was just something about the author's voice that told me this was going to be something special. And it was.

 

I've just finished Sarah Hall's recent short story collection Sudden Traveller. Her writing is a world away from Williams's, but she too is a phenomenal talent.

 

 

[oakman]

11 hours ago, SecretPro said:

Stoner is a phenomenal book. Only came to public attention long after it was written and is definitely a masterpiece.

Thought it was brilliant - heartbreakingly sad but I can’t recommend it highly enough. Like you said, a masterpiece.

[swanlee]

Bought this on a whim. I'd (rather shamefully) never heard of this author before.

 

If you are, or ever have been, into hiking, climbing, caving, or just plain old outdoor adventure, then I'd recommend you check this fella out.

 

This is a very poetic journey into what MacFarlane describes as 'deep time'. It is also a thoroughly enjoyable book about nature, place & people. 

 

(PS Didn't realise it at the time, but the cover art is by Stanley Donwood ... the same fella' that did my profile pic ;-))

 

Edited 26 February 2020 by swanlee

[oakman]

Nearly finished The Death of Grass by John Christopher. Post-apocalyptic novel written in 1956 - grasses and crops worldwide are killed by a virus and the book follows a group of survivors travelling across England. Pretty enjoyable read (if you like that sort of thing).

 

 

[ozleicester]

very enjoyable light read

[swanlee]

 

English, but with Irish ancestry, I've really enjoyed this well-balanced book.

 

Mainly centred around Kerry, much of the book focuses on the war of independence and the subsequent civil war. The premise that it was mainly Irish men killing other Irish men and as such there are (still) wounds.

 

The English don't get off with it (and nor should they). Rather though than the standard simplistic narrative of English oppression, greed & brutality. There's an acknowledgement that there is a broader sweep of history at play.

 

Recommended if you have an interest in the darker side of the Irish national psyche.

Edited 16 March 2020 by swanlee

[Izzy]

My Will.

Just trimming it down a bit 

[ajthefox]

On 10/03/2020 at 15:47, oakman said:

Nearly finished The Death of Grass by John Christopher. Post-apocalyptic novel written in 1956 - grasses and crops worldwide are killed by a virus and the book follows a group of survivors travelling across England. Pretty enjoyable read (if you like that sort of thing).

 

 

Any pearls of advice?

[ozleicester]

12 hours ago, Izzy said:

My Will.

Just trimming it down a bit 

Do you need my address?

[oakman]

16 hours ago, ajthefox said:

Any pearls of advice?

Lessons learned from the book - get yourself a shotgun and head to Cumbria - kill anyone you come across and steal everything you can on route. Pretty simple.

[melrose]

Bruce Grobbelaar  Life in a Jungle, only 20% into it but very good so far.

I was in Rhodesia at the same time as he was fighting in the war there so it has brought back a few memories.

I just hope the rest of it with him as a pro footballer is good.

[Dahnsouff]

Been reading this for ages (yes, before this all started) and its a bit poo, but it has wonderful soporific qualities

 

[Sol thewall Bamba]

Midnight in Chernobyl. Even before the HBO show I was fascinated by the whole thing. Absolutely on my bucket list to go there at some point. 

[swanlee]

10 hours ago, Sol thewall Bamba said:

Midnight in Chernobyl. Even before the HBO show I was fascinated by the whole thing. Absolutely on my bucket list to go there at some point. 

I read the below last year. I really enjoyed it. Factual recounting of the unfolding of the tradegy. A timeline of the people involved, the decisions & actions taken, and the consequences thereof.

 

I'm also a massive fan of Svetlana Alexievich and have read many of her books including Chernobyl Prayer. Beautifully poetic, she comes at history from a completely different angle. She interviewed more than 500 eyewitnesses, including the firefighters, their wives, the liquidators, politicians, physicians, physicists, and a range ordinary citizens. She builds up a collage of opinions & experiences, a mosaic of thoughts, feelings & emotions of the everyday people caught up in the catastrophe. Incredibly humane & compassionate writing.

[VLC86]

On 19/03/2020 at 08:00, Sol thewall Bamba said:

Midnight in Chernobyl. Even before the HBO show I was fascinated by the whole thing. Absolutely on my bucket list to go there at some point. 

When you do, remember not to stroke the stray dog like a certain individual who shall remain nameless.

 

Just finished this, hilarious and harrowing in equal measures.