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What are you reading?

Started by Snowcrash, June 08, 2012, 19:13:33 PM

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Snowcrash

Seeing as Dave, DD and myself are avid readers, I though I'd post what I'm reading and see what happens.

Just finished Jeremy Clarkson's 'how hard can it be?'. A book of his Sunday Times articles. Lots of ranting at the world.

Just started a SciFi novel called 'the departure' by Neal Asher. I think this is his 12th novel; all good. If you've not heard of him then get 'gridlinked', his 1st novel.

Feel free to put recommendations.
"I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

DD1975

Since the birth of Miss DD junior reading time is hard to come by but I'm currently reading "The Crippled God" which is the 10th (and final!!) novel of the fantasy epic "The Malazan Book of the Fallen" by Stephen Erikson.

The first book in the series is "Gardens of the Moon". It's a big long read, but I canm report that 10 books in we seem to finally be getting to the polint   :D

I admit fantasy is more my genre, but do like sci-fi too and would defibnately agree with snowy in recommending Neal Asher, I'm somewhat behind on his books though.
Smoke me a Kipper I'll be back for breakfast - Ace Rimmer

DaveMorton

For myself, I've been re-visiting the Inheritance Cycle, by Christopher Paolini. For a first work from such a young author, I found it to be interesting, compelling, and vastly entertaining. But it's not SciFi, is it? The most recent work in that genre that I've been reading is the Foundation Trilogy, by good old Uncle Issac. I've probably read the Foundation series more than a dozen times, and never tire of it. It's like taking a trip to visit old friends. I think that Salvor Hardin and I would either be fast friends, or mortal enemies. :)

Which brings up a question that's (mostly) off topic, and not related to any books so far mentioned: Is Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series SciFi or Fantasy? Just curious aboout your collective takes on the matter. :)
Safe, Reliable Insanity, Since 1961!

Freddy

H.P.Lovecraft, The Haunted House.

I don't read as much as I used to but I got this free for Kindle and this one of his I have not read yet.  Genre is supernatural horror.

DD1975

I would class the Anne McAffrey Pern series as Sci-fantasy Dave, it's a mixture of both.

It started out as almost pure fantasy but as the series went on got more sci-fi.

In fact the pre-quel book Dragondawn is almost pure sci-fi.
Smoke me a Kipper I'll be back for breakfast - Ace Rimmer

DaveMorton

I have to agree, DD. I've read the entire series (again, several times... I do a LOT of that, actually), and Anne is still on my list of all time favorites, of ANY genre. Yet another day of crying when she passed away, a few months back. Of course, I also cried like a baby when Robinton died in the book, so maybe I cry too easily? Nah. I don't think so. :)
Safe, Reliable Insanity, Since 1961!

Snowcrash

Quote from: DaveMorton on June 08, 2012, 20:36:03 PM
The most recent work in that genre that I've been reading is the Foundation Trilogy, by good old Uncle Issac. I've probably read the Foundation series more than a dozen times, and never tire of it. It's like taking a trip to visit old friends.

I've read all 10 books in the foundation series!

Original trilogy. Plus 4 more by Asimov. Wiki. And the second trilogy written by 3 different authors and authorised by the Asimov estate. Link to books.
"I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Snowcrash

Forward the Foundation was the last book written by Asimov in the series but second in the time line.

This book deals with Hari Seldon's death and the parallels between that character and Asimov all the more poignant as Asimov died when it was released.

It also amuses me that the first (self contained) walking robot is called Asimo.
"I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

DD1975

I'm another who reads books over and over again Dave  :thumbsup:

Another auther who bridged the sci-fi and fantasy genres was Chris Bunch (who also sadly has passed away).

On Sci-fi there was the Shadow Warrior trilogy which I found to be a blast, and the Sten series which I haven't read. In fantasy there was the Seer King trilogy and the dragon master trilogy, these two series use history as their basis despite being based in fantasy worlds. I found them a really enjoyable read.
Smoke me a Kipper I'll be back for breakfast - Ace Rimmer

DaveMorton

Quote from: Snowcrash on June 08, 2012, 22:47:57 PM
It also amuses me that the first (self contained) walking robot is called Asimo.

That's no accident, Snowy. The developers at Honda chose that name as a tribute to one of the greatest pioneers of Robotics (even if it WAS only in fiction).
Safe, Reliable Insanity, Since 1961!

Snowcrash

The best SciFi/Fantasy crossover series I've read was 'Otherland' by Tad Williams. Main plot set in virtual reality so you can do anything really.

I've also read his Fantasy series 'The dragonbone chair'. This maybe a title of a book in that series, not sure.

All good.
"I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

DaveMorton

Tad Williams doesn't writes books. He writes BOOKS!!! :) Love his work, though.
Safe, Reliable Insanity, Since 1961!

sybershot

Does reading a chilton auto repair manual count, I been reading and rereading this darn manual for days now rrrrrrr   :(

Diesel

I'm with you Syber, there's nothing like a good Destruction Manual for a little light reading before bed.  :P
It WILL be fine !...

sybershot

Quotethere's nothing like a good Destruction Manual for a little light reading before bed.  Tongue
Now that was funny :)
But this ignition problem is not funny :( but that is another story.