Haken Posted May 7 14 hours ago, sadj said: One of my friends is the single most beautiful soul imaginable and shes recommended “the Alchemist” anyone read it? Years ago but can't remember much about it, but it's one of those books that's popular to have read... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haken Posted May 7 On 20/04/2020 at 11:43, Haken said: Karin Slaughter's Will Trent series is pretty good without being brilliant. Trent is an interesting character and I like the wider story arc that continues from book to book. So finished Fallen and straight onto the next one, Criminal. Criminal was pretty good and provides a lot of back story to some of the main characters. Clears up a lot of questions around how a dyslexic fella managed to become an agent for a federal agency... Now reading the first of the Wayward Pines trilogy by Blake Crouch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sadj Posted May 7 14 hours ago, Georgecowie said: Surely that is recommendation enough? Or no in other words. I've started the trick is to keep breathing by Janice Galloway. Not sure it's a great idea in lockdown but OK so far. its the best recommendation , was just curious on peoples thoughts on it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Frenchman Returns Posted May 7 Finished Love From Both Sides by Nick Spalding and it was an excellent piece of modern day filthy junk. Now moved on to The Spirit of the Dragon by William Andrews, the 3rd book in the trilogy about Korea. A more serious novel which charts the Japanese occupation and rise of Korean nationalism before and after the 2nd World War. A good read so far and topical as North Korea is back in the news. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
3fingersreid Posted May 19 Just finished Helmet For My Pillow a very interesting view of the Pacific war from a marines point of view . It was the book that the mini series The Pacific was based on Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Frenchman Returns Posted May 19 (edited) The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness, book 2 of the Chaos Walking trilogy. Decent young adult science fiction. I only have about three books left on my kindle, charity shops are closed, so my choices are getting sorely restricted unless I spend some cash. PS Book one of the Chaos Walking trilogy is being made into a film, due out early 2021. Edited May 19 by The Frenchman Returns Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
annushorribilis III Posted May 20 Fire & Fury by Michael Wolff. It's about his perception of Trump's presidency over the first nine months where he had total access to the WH and all staff. Interesting views on the Trump personality and his utterly useless cabinet, family & political advisers. I originally started out thinking they were all opportunists out for personal gain (clearly some are) but more & more you see a country ruled by complete incompetents (because Trump never built a political base ready for power he has no one & anyone with any gravitas will not work for him) and a president who just doesn't care about anything he's not interested in (and he's not interested in much). Interesting too that he never considered he would win the presidential race. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jamhammer Posted May 20 Just finished Stephen King's Doctor Sleep. Haven't read one of his for a wee while but really enjoyed it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
been here before Posted May 20 Nearly finished this.... ...which as an ensemble piece actually flows quite well. Its the story of the band and its constituant members up until 1980. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
will-i-am-a-jambo Posted May 20 9 hours ago, annushorribilis III said: Fire & Fury by Michael Wolff. It's about his perception of Trump's presidency over the first nine months where he had total access to the WH and all staff. Interesting views on the Trump personality and his utterly useless cabinet, family & political advisers. I originally started out thinking they were all opportunists out for personal gain (clearly some are) but more & more you see a country ruled by complete incompetents (because Trump never built a political base ready for power he has no one & anyone with any gravitas will not work for him) and a president who just doesn't care about anything he's not interested in (and he's not interested in much). Interesting too that he never considered he would win the presidential race. If the bit in bold is true - it certainly shows! Back on topic, l've just finished reading War and Peace, it took me about a year, obviously lm not the quickest reader but l feel quite proud having read it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riddley Walker Posted May 21 I'm reading Adults in The Room by Yanis Varoufakis. Former Greek finance minister documenting the years 2010-2015 and the mental behind-the-scenes dealings with the EU, ECB, Greek govt. etc during the Greek debt crisis. It's given me a bit of a crash course in economics but he makes it accessible and has a great writing style. Heavily critical of the EU and European banking bodies. Excellent read so far. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haken Posted June 12 On 07/05/2020 at 11:19, Haken said: Criminal was pretty good and provides a lot of back story to some of the main characters. Clears up a lot of questions around how a dyslexic fella managed to become an agent for a federal agency... Now reading the first of the Wayward Pines trilogy by Blake Crouch. My reading has slowed down mainly due to the fact that I used to do most of it ion my commute. Onto the second instalment in the Wayward Pines trilogy. S'OK On 19/05/2020 at 23:11, The Frenchman Returns said: The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness, book 2 of the Chaos Walking trilogy. Decent young adult science fiction. I only have about three books left on my kindle, charity shops are closed, so my choices are getting sorely restricted unless I spend some cash. PS Book one of the Chaos Walking trilogy is being made into a film, due out early 2021. Glad that not all my recommendations are cack. On 20/05/2020 at 13:28, Jamhammer said: Just finished Stephen King's Doctor Sleep. Haven't read one of his for a wee while but really enjoyed it Probably one of King's better efforts of late. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Weakened Offender Posted June 12 On 20/05/2020 at 13:28, Jamhammer said: Just finished Stephen King's Doctor Sleep. Haven't read one of his for a wee while but really enjoyed it His books are such a mixed bag. The Dark Half and Bag of Bones were a both great reads. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greedy Jambo Posted June 12 (edited) Is this where all the intelligent folk hang out? Moan the grammar police. Edited June 12 by Space Pirate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jamhammer Posted June 12 46 minutes ago, Weakened Offender said: His books are such a mixed bag. The Dark Half and Bag of Bones were a both great reads. His early novels were all amazing, kinda lost his way but really enjoyed Dr Sleep Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
superjack Posted June 25 Just finished reading the fools fate by Robin hobb again. Read all 3 trilogys about prince fitz chivalry one after the other. Wife and daughter looking at me wondering if I was crying during the last 2 chapters tonight, of course I was. Without a doubt, my favourite book series ever. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rupert Pupkin Posted June 25 Also just finished this... Some startling revelations in it.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
superjack Posted June 30 Now started reading a series of books called the magelands epic. I think the author must either live in Edinburgh or at least have connections to it. Been reading the format book for a couple of days now and already there has been mention of slateford and juniper green. Not the actual aces we know, but somewhere fictitious in the books. Starting to get into it quite quick as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Inspector Villiers Posted June 30 Just started Ken Follet's, The pillars of the earth. I've owned this book for about 10 years and keep putting it off due to (a) Its enormous and (b) its about the construction of a cathedral? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marvin Posted July 1 On 20/05/2020 at 13:28, Jamhammer said: Just finished Stephen King's Doctor Sleep. Haven't read one of his for a wee while but really enjoyed it I like King, but his books can be hit or miss. I really enjoyed 11.22.63 and my favourite is The Stand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Frenchman Returns Posted July 28 On 30/06/2020 at 23:35, Inspector Villiers said: Just started Ken Follet's, The pillars of the earth. I've owned this book for about 10 years and keep putting it off due to (a) Its enormous and (b) its about the construction of a cathedral? Hope you enjoyed, there are further books and a prequel due soon anyway just finished the very cheery My Name Is... by Alastair Campbell Campbell obviously uses his own experience with alcohol to tell the story of a troubled teenage girl. For personal reasons it was a pretty tough read for me and I had put off reading it for quite a while. Wouldn't say read it, its great but it does hit the mark in many ways. Back to war of the roses now Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Frenchman Returns Posted September 7 (edited) Ravenspur: Rise of the Tudors (The Wars of the Roses) By Conn Iggulden last book of the four and another thoroughly good historical novel. Have downloaded another set of his books but am reading something lighter for now. Edited September 7 by The Frenchman Returns Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted September 8 On 07/04/2020 at 22:07, Flimsy said: On a mission to read 52 books in 2020. 16 down so far and the lockdown is helping. Set myself a target of 45 back on January 1st but lockdown has helped immensely. Just finished my 56th book of the year so far. Cut and Run by Jeff Abbot. Not too bad 7/10. Not sure what I'll start next. Got tons to choose from. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted September 8 On 30/06/2020 at 23:35, Inspector Villiers said: Just started Ken Follet's, The pillars of the earth. I've owned this book for about 10 years and keep putting it off due to (a) Its enormous and (b) its about the construction of a cathedral? Absolutely loved this book. While the premise doesn't sound too intriguing it's a very enjoyable read. The next two are good too but not as good as The Pillars of the Earth. They're worth reading though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
3fingersreid Posted September 16 Just finished A Game Of Birds and Wolves it’s about the battle of the Atlantic and the use of tactics , we’ll worth a read Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted September 17 (edited) Started this. 5th book in the series. Up to the same high standard as the previous 4. Edited September 17 by dougal Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted September 24 Just started this. Very good so far. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lemongrab Posted September 25 On 07/09/2020 at 14:59, The Frenchman Returns said: Ravenspur: Rise of the Tudors (The Wars of the Roses) By Conn Iggulden last book of the four and another thoroughly good historical novel. Have downloaded another set of his books but am reading something lighter for now. I've not long started Stormbird, the first in the series and thoroughly enjoying it. Thanks for the recommendation. 👍 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doctor jambo Posted September 25 11 minutes ago, Lemongrab said: I've not long started Stormbird, the first in the series and thoroughly enjoying it. Thanks for the recommendation. 👍 Reading “the gates of Athens “ at the moment. excellent also Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Frenchman Returns Posted September 25 12 hours ago, doctor jambo said: Reading “the gates of Athens “ at the moment. excellent also I have the Falcon of Sparta and the Conqueror series sitting on my kindle, need to find some time to sit back and read them (missing holidays!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Furious Styles Posted September 25 Just finished reading this book. Really enjoyed it . First John Grisham novel I’ve read in over 20 years. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Furious Styles Posted September 25 Now currently reading this novel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greedy Jambo Posted September 25 Anyone want to talk me into reading books? I dare you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonesy Posted September 26 Just worked my way through a collection of novellas under the umbrella title 'Forward'. Recommended if you like stories set in the near future. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonesy Posted September 26 20 hours ago, Greedy Jambo said: Anyone want to talk me into reading books? I dare you. Not really. If you revel in ignorance, then books probably aren't for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greedy Jambo Posted September 26 Just now, jonesy said: Not really. If you revel in ignorance, then books probably aren't for you. Revel's mate, now yer talking, anyone that think the coffee ones are shite can gtf. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonesy Posted September 26 Just now, Greedy Jambo said: Revel's mate, now yer talking, anyone that think the coffee ones are shite can gtf. You can read the back of the packet. I dare you. And yes, the coffee ones are good. The orange ones are for deviants only. I'm looking for a novel to get stuck into - can anyone recommend anything like a modern day Robinson Crusoe type of thing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greedy Jambo Posted September 26 3 minutes ago, jonesy said: You can read the back of the packet. I dare you. And yes, the coffee ones are good. The orange ones are for deviants only. I'm looking for a novel to get stuck into - can anyone recommend anything like a modern day Robinson Crusoe type of thing? Have you not tried interactive type things? get yourself an xbox, good for the brain and hand to eye coordination, you'd be surprised by the amount of effort put into some of the titles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
been here before Posted September 26 21 hours ago, Greedy Jambo said: Anyone want to talk me into reading books? I dare you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greedy Jambo Posted September 26 1 minute ago, been here before said: Love you bud Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonesy Posted September 26 5 minutes ago, Greedy Jambo said: Have you not tried interactive type things? get yourself an xbox, good for the brain and hand to eye coordination, you'd be surprised by the amount of effort put into some of the titles. I play Mario Kart on the Wii with my two Primary School-aged sons from time to time - after half an hour video games bore me to tears. Computer games best left to kids, in my opinion. Anyway, this is a book thread, and very useful one for those of us looking for recommendations, so will leave this chat there. Don't wish to derail an excellent 10 year old thread. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greedy Jambo Posted September 26 Just now, jonesy said: I play Mario Kart on the Wii with my two Primary School-aged sons from time to time - after half an hour video games bore me to tears. Computer games best left to kids, in my opinion. Anyway, this is a book thread, and very useful one for those of us looking for recommendations, so will leave this chat there. Don't wish to derail an excellent 10 year old thread. Aye, i'm talking about big boy games, 18 rated ****ers with plenty of reading on the go. But yes, i realise that you're set in your ways. Good luck with the books mate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Frenchman Returns Posted October 1 David Baldacci - The Winner Decent piece of junk fiction. Bit of trailer trash wins the US lottery in suspicious circumstances. Interesting to think what would you do? Also now know how you fix the draw. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bairdy Posted October 1 Not long started Sir Walter Scott's The Heart of Midlothian. ( Yes I know it's not about us !) Bloody hard going, but sticking with it. Have any of you guys read it ? I've only read 40 odd pages so far. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boof Posted October 1 Not yet got to the Malcolm in the Middle years...pretty okay so far. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NANOJAMBO Posted October 3 Great cover of a Tom Waits classic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Frenchman Returns Posted October 3 16 minutes ago, NANOJAMBO said: Great cover of a Tom Waits classic. Is it an audio book? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
