Read a good book lately?

[Martin]

When I picked up Railsea, the bloke behind the counter in Waterstones mentioned that Mieville's working on a graphic novel but since it was in 'comic' rather than 'anthology book' format, they don't have it in stock yet. One of the reasons why it's cool to buy a book from a high street shop occasionally: Amazon are cheaper, but customer service still means something to me.

I've watched a couple of video interviews with him, and he does come across as a very intelligent and articulate guy. It's always nice when writers are as eloquent in person as they are in their writing!

[rjessop]

I finished my murderous dwarf fantasy novel. Doesn't need a review.

Also completed Strange Days Indeed: The Golden Age of Paranoia by Francis Wheen. It's a history of the strange characters and character of the 1970s which neatly dovetails with his previous How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered the World: A Short History of Modern Delusions which starts its own narrative in 1979.

A large proportion of the book details the shifty-eyed profusely-sweating rulers of the period including Nixon, Heath, Wilson, Mao and everyone's favourite megalomaniac (sorry Dan), Idi Amin. Much of the rest deals with popular culture and popular movements, sometimes told through Wheen's own anecdotes. The common theme is the titular paranoia; which runs through every page of the book like a worrying, often gobsmackingly funny seam.

Now reading Greta Christina's Why Are You Atheists So Angry?.

[sarahc]

I just finished Koushun Takamis "Battle Royale", thought it was much better then the film

[RumbleKingJoe]

I have been reading the series of books called "A Song of Ice and Fire" which for those of you who don't know is the chain of novels that the tv series "A Game of Thrones" is based on since it is named after the first book in the series.

Currently I am over halfway through the latest book in the series "A Dance With Dragons Part 2: After the Feast" and I can tell you now that all of them have been consistently thrilling and interesting. The way the characters and the setting of the story is written really captivates your imagination by being very descriptive but without the hassle of too many complex words to throw you off. Every sentence and paragraph just roll on making them an easy read and you should be able to find yourself immersed in the story and losing track of time around you.

I recommend these to anyone who likes settings similar to "The Lord of the Rings" because you will find yourself engrossed.

[silentNate]

Originally Posted by Martin

When I picked up Railsea, the bloke behind the counter in Waterstones mentioned that Mieville's working on a graphic novel but since it was in 'comic' rather than 'anthology book' format, they don't have it in stock yet. One of the reasons why it's cool to buy a book from a high street shop occasionally: Amazon are cheaper, but customer service still means something to me.

I've watched a couple of video interviews with him, and he does come across as a very intelligent and articulate guy. It's always nice when writers are as eloquent in person as they are in their writing!

Strangely I've met him but never read any of his books... he is lovely irl you will be pleased to know

[AnimeHime]

I've not long finished re-reading the always wonderful Matilda by Roald Dahl...I never tire of reading this story, never have done and never will, no matter how old I get

[duoinchains]

Recently finished Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion - interesting twist on the zombie story. Looking forward to seeing the movie in the next week.


And have started Lionheart by Sharon Penman. Normally I love 'Historical Faction', but this starts off very stodgy, mainly as there are so many characters to introduce and place in context.

[Max Takeshi]

Currently reading Spice and Wolf: Volume 2.

Only read the manga, not seen the anime, but this is a better telling of that which involved volumes 4, 5 and 6 of the manga. It's also a much better story than the currency devaluation, too.

The story of the gold smuggling is fantastic and plotted well. The build up is perfectly judged... having Lawrence's decent into despair heightened very well. Norah also comes across as shy, ans tends to stumble with her words.

One thing it lacks, though, is the hints of abuse that Norah suffers, making her less of a victim.

A riveting read, and the changes from the manga here and there make it feel not so much as treading familiar ground, but coming across a new interpretation of familiar events.

[AnimeHime]

Finished reading the wonderful Charlie And The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl the other day...Have now almost finished reading it's follow-up, Charlie And The Great Glass Elevator recently also