View Full Version : What's the title of the last good book you've read?
Pages :
1
2
3
[
4]
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Elektra Luxx
05-23-2015, 10:41 PM
On a whim I got Lords of the Sith: Star Wars from audible.
Finished listening the book yesterday. I have to say, it was really, really good. The action sequences are amazing. I was on the edge of my chair. Now I need to decide which audio book to get next. Another Star Wars book, but which one?
Elektra Luxx
05-25-2015, 09:47 PM
I'm now listening to The Martian by Andy Weir. I got it from audible yesterday and I literally can't put it down. It's about an astronaut who gets stranded on Mars and all the things he has to do to survive.
Movie info for the "The Martian".
http://screenrant.com/martian-movie-images-damon-chastain-wiig/
wr1ter
05-27-2015, 05:02 PM
I just finished 'Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things that happened' by Allie Brosh. She has a blog, too. It's really funny stuff, and a lot of realtalk. 'Chocolate and Vicoden' by Janette Fulda is also really good :)
R-209
05-27-2015, 06:47 PM
I just finished 'Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things that happened' by Allie Brosh.
She wrote a book? I love her blog, especially the ones she did on her experiences with depression. I went to re-read them just now and couldn't make it through because they hit so close to home.
I want to write a book, but I'm not that talented.
My current reading is "The Catcher in the Rye," in keeping with my promise to read books mentioned in "We Didn't Start the Fire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_didn%27t_start_the_fire)." The references to "Ben-Hur" and "Bridge on the River Kwai" are to the film adaptations, so I'm not sure they count. Certainly no one even remembers "Psycho" was based on a book, so I can skip that. Authors Kerouac and Pasternak are mentioned by name, but I believe these are references to specific works ("On the Road" and "Dr. Zhivago" respectively), and should count. The reference to Hemingway is to his suicide :(, but I read "The Old Man and the Sea" already.
I just found a copy of "Peyton Place" at a garage sale, coincidentally. "Stranger in a Strange Land" sounds interesting.
MissJu
05-27-2015, 08:25 PM
I just finished "dark avenues" by Ivan Bunin, those stories are so good! I wish i could forget them and read again!they are that good!
I can still read them on english and enjoy one more time!:D
Elektra Luxx
05-27-2015, 08:31 PM
I don't like Robert Heinlein his books are ....weird. His books are creepy in a sexual way.
justanothercamgirl
05-27-2015, 10:43 PM
I am currently loving "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by by Bessel van der Kolk MD
But even though it is a really great book...I wouldn't call it a really fun book to read if you are looking for something purely for pleasure reading.
The last fiction books that I read and really adored was the Kushiel's Legacy series
justanothercamgirl
05-27-2015, 10:49 PM
She wrote a book? I love her blog, especially the ones she did on her experiences with depression. I went to re-read them just now and couldn't make it through because they hit so close to home.
I want to write a book, but I'm not that talented.
My current reading is "The Catcher in the Rye," in keeping with my promise to read books mentioned in "We Didn't Start the Fire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_didn%27t_start_the_fire)." The references to "Ben-Hur" and "Bridge on the River Kwai" are to the film adaptations, so I'm not sure they count. Certainly no one even remembers "Psycho" was based on a book, so I can skip that. Authors Kerouac and Pasternak are mentioned by name, but I believe these are references to specific works ("On the Road" and "Dr. Zhivago" respectively), and should count. The reference to Hemingway is to his suicide :(, but I read "The Old Man and the Sea" already.
I just found a copy of "Peyton Place" at a garage sale, coincidentally. "Stranger in a Strange Land" sounds interesting.
'On the Road' was interesting but it was a slog to get through. I personally found that it tended to meander and I could feel my eyes glazing over during some parts.
I actually enjoyed Stranger in a Strange Land.
I read very little fiction as I am a huge non-fiction fan but still found both books worth reading.
Edited to add: I've read Old Man and the Sea. I appreciated that it was such a quick read. :)
I've read Catcher in the Rye as well. It was......hmmm, how to describe it? I felt the same way after reading it that I did about Moby Dick.... a little lost about what the fuss was all about.
R-209
05-29-2015, 10:02 PM
I've read Catcher in the Rye as well. It was......hmmm, how to describe it? I felt the same way after reading it that I did about Moby Dick.... a little lost about what the fuss was all about.
I'm about three-quarters through and can see how it would have been controversial in the 1950's; it sets such a bad example for the children! The narrative style is certainly unique. Holden has just offered his critique of "The Great Gatsby," the very book I just finished. He hilariously quotes Gatsby's "old sport" affectation. This is in addition to the Gatsby-related coincidences I mentioned upthread.
Also on the subject of "Gatsby," this is just wonderful (http://greatgatsbygame.com/).
Elektra Luxx
05-30-2015, 12:10 AM
Also on the subject of "Gatsby," this is just wonderful (http://greatgatsbygame.com/).
Too Funny!!!
Nyla19
05-30-2015, 11:21 AM
I bought my second AnnRule book. I'm so enjoying Lying in wait, The baby seller.
R-209
06-08-2015, 08:37 AM
Movie info for the "The Martian".
http://screenrant.com/martian-movie-images-damon-chastain-wiig/
Have you seen the trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue4PCI0NamI)?
Sansa
06-08-2015, 08:54 AM
Game of Thrones! You definitely have to be in a fantasy mood though.
Elektra Luxx
06-08-2015, 11:56 AM
Have you seen the trailer
I love the trailer. Thanks for the link. The trailer seems to follow the book.
ScarletKitten
06-08-2015, 01:33 PM
"The Power of Focus" by Jack Canfield is a really excellent book that is helping me get my life back on track. It is seriously one of the most helpful books I've ever read. It's just as good as "Think and Grow Rich", if not better! I recommend it to anyone who is having trouble focusing or changing bad habits. It's like a manual on how to be successful at anything in life. ;)
R-209
06-08-2015, 08:23 PM
I think, having finished "The Catcher in the Rye," I have discovered what scandalized 1950's society. Very near the end of the book, Holden Caulfield uses- brace yourselves- the "F" word. It actually is a little surprising, since the word appears nowhere else in the book. It's a wonderful passage. It doesn't contain any plot spoilers, but I've invisotexted it anyway:
That's the whole trouble. You can't ever find a place that's nice and peaceful, because there isn't any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you're not looking, somebody'll sneak up and write "Fuck you" right under your nose. Try it sometime. I think, even, if I ever die, and they stick me in a cemetery, and I have a tombstone and all, it'll say "Holden Caulfield" on it, and then what year I was born and what year I died, and then right under that it'll say "Fuck you." I'm positive, in fact.
Isn't it true, though?
Current reading is John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath."
Elektra Luxx
06-08-2015, 08:48 PM
^^^There is a place if you believe it is. It's a matter of your perspective of your life. I'll be honest I've been in place in my life where I have no hope, but I have to believe there is always hope or life isn't worth living.
Flickdreams
06-10-2015, 04:11 AM
She wrote a book? I love her blog, especially the ones she did on her experiences with depression. I went to re-read them just now and couldn't make it through because they hit so close to home.
I want to write a book, but I'm not that talented.
My current reading is "The Catcher in the Rye," in keeping with my promise to read books mentioned in "We Didn't Start the Fire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_didn%27t_start_the_fire)." The references to "Ben-Hur" and "Bridge on the River Kwai" are to the film adaptations, so I'm not sure they count. Certainly no one even remembers "Psycho" was based on a book, so I can skip that. Authors Kerouac and Pasternak are mentioned by name, but I believe these are references to specific works ("On the Road" and "Dr. Zhivago" respectively), and should count. The reference to Hemingway is to his suicide :(, but I read "The Old Man and the Sea" already.
I just found a copy of "Peyton Place" at a garage sale, coincidentally. "Stranger in a Strange Land" sounds interesting.
Ah contraire- I remember. Book is deeper; and more violent.
R-209
06-10-2015, 03:17 PM
Ah contraire- I remember. Book is deeper; and more violent.
I read that Hitchcock, prior to the release of the film, purchased every copy of the book he could find in an effort to avoid having the twist revealed.
tuesdaymarie
06-10-2015, 03:59 PM
I am having trouble remembering which single book I read last, but I went on a fantasy binge of the Mistborn series, Demon Cycle, and The Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne. I really liked all of them, though I felt like Sanderson's Mistborn system of magic was a thousand times more interesting than his actual characters, especially in the last book. Demon Cycle and Unhewn Throne aren't complete yet, so I am excited to have some books to look forward to in the next year or two. I am going to pick up the first book in the Malazon Book of the Fallen series tomorrow.
I keep saying I'm going to start A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones books), but GRRM pisses me off. I get that some writers are slower than others, and it would be hypocritical of me to say that I never procrastinate writing, but his spiel about how he's a gardener just taking his time to let his characters authentically bloom or whatthefuckever is just a total load. Sorry, but you're 70. You should've learned how to stop making excuses for not facing your writer's block a few decades ago.
Elektra Luxx
06-14-2015, 05:45 PM
I bought the audiobook Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke from Audible. I saw the previews of the the mini-series and heard a story about it on NPR. Neil Gaiman said great things about it so getting it was a no brainer. The first episode aired last night and I forgot to watch it. Dag Nabit!!! Maybe I can find it on the internet.
(sorry for the filthy language)
Elektra Luxx
07-07-2015, 02:35 PM
I'm listening to Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie. It's kind of slow going so far, but I'll stick it out.
Here's the teaser from Amazon;
Winner of the Hugo, Nebula, British Science Fiction, Locus and Arthur C. Clarke Awards.
On a remote, icy planet, the soldier known as Breq is drawing closer to completing her quest. Once, she was the Justice of Toren - a colossal starship with an artificial intelligence linking thousands of soldiers in the service of the Radch, the empire that conquered the galaxy. Now, an act of treachery has ripped it all away, leaving her with one fragile human body, unanswered questions, and a burning desire for vengeance.
Elektra Luxx
07-07-2015, 02:45 PM
I just finished listening to The Fold by Peter Clines. It's the sequel to "14", but you don't know it's the sequel until maybe 3/4 of the way. The science is a little "iffy", but very entertaining as long as your not a slave to actual science. I like Peter Clines style of writing, no drawn out character development, you get sucked into the story very quickly and lots of action.
Here's the teaser from Amazon;
The folks in Mike Erikson's small New England town would say he's just your average, everyday guy. And that's exactly how Mike likes it. Sure, the life he's chosen isn’t much of a challenge to someone with his unique gifts, but he’s content with his quiet and peaceful existence.
That is, until an old friend presents him with an irresistible mystery, one that Mike is uniquely qualified to solve: far out in the California desert, a team of DARPA scientists has invented a device they affectionately call the Albuquerque Door. Using a cryptic computer equation and magnetic fields to “fold” dimensions, it shrinks distances so that a traveler can travel hundreds of feet with a single step.
The invention promises to make mankind’s dreams of teleportation a reality. And, the scientists insist, traveling through the Door is completely safe.
Yet evidence is mounting that this miraculous machine isn’t quite what it seems—and that its creators are harboring a dangerous secret.
As his investigations draw him deeper into the puzzle, Mike begins to fear there’s only one answer that makes sense. And if he’s right, it may only be a matter of time before the project destroys…everything.
A cunningly inventive mystery featuring a hero worthy of Sherlock Holmes and a terrifying final twist you’ll never see coming, The Fold is that rarest of things: a genuinely page-turning science-fiction thriller. Step inside its pages and learn why author Peter Clines has already won legions of loyal fans.
tuesdaymarie
07-07-2015, 02:54 PM
The first book of the Malazan series was difficult for me to get through, but everyone swears the 2nd or 3rd book (of 10, I think?) is where you got hooked, so I began the second last night.
I tried Neverwhere by Gaiman but disliked it. It was my first Gaiman too--wondering if I should try a different one?
If anyone is into story creation, Vandermeer's Wonderbook is awesome! It has actually made me want to begin his Southern Reach trilogy, which will have film versions starting in 2016!
Elektra Luxx
07-07-2015, 02:55 PM
I bought the audiobook Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke from Audible. I saw the previews of the the mini-series and heard a story about it on NPR. Neil Gaiman said great things about it so getting it was a no brainer. The first episode aired last night and I forgot to watch it. Dag Nabit!!! Maybe I can find it on the internet.
(sorry for the filthy language)
I started listening to this book, but I switched over to The Fold by Peter Clines because I got impatient and I've read Peter Clines before. It's fairly good so far, a little slow, lots of story development, but it's okay. The audiobook is like 32 hours long and I'm maybe at 4 or 5 hours into it.
Here's the teaser from Amazon;
At the dawn of the nineteenth century, two very different magicians emerge to change England's history. In the year 1806, with the Napoleonic Wars raging on land and sea, most people believe magic to be long dead in England-until the reclusive Mr Norrell reveals his powers, and becomes a celebrity overnight.
Soon, another practicing magician comes forth: the young, handsome, and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's student, and they join forces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest, most perilous forms of magic, straining his partnership with Norrell, and putting at risk everything else he holds dear.
Time Magazine #1 Book of the Year « Book Sense Book of the Year « People Top Ten Books of the Year « Winner of the Hugo Award « A New York Times Notable Book of the Year « Salon.com Top Ten of 2004 «Winner of the World Fantasy Award « Nancy Pearl's Top 12 Books of 2004 « Washington Post Book World's Best of 2004 « Christian Science Monitor Best Fiction 2004 « San Francisco Chronicle Best Books of 2004 « Winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel « Chicago Tribune Best of 2004 « Seattle Times 25 Best Books of 2004 « Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top 12 Books of 2004 « Village Voice "Top Shelf" « Raleigh News & Observer Best of 2004 « Rocky Mountain News critics' favorites of 2004 « Kansas City Star 100 Newsworthy Books of 2004 « Fort Worth Star-Telegram 10 Best Books of 2004 « Hartford Courant Best Books of 2004
Elektra Luxx
07-07-2015, 03:03 PM
The first book of the Malazan series was difficult for me to get through, but everyone swears the 2nd or 3rd book (of 10, I think?) is where you got hooked, so I began the second last night.
I tried Neverwhere by Gaiman but disliked it. It was my first Gaiman too--wondering if I should try a different one?
To be honest I couldn't get into Neverwhere either, I always recommend American Gods by Neil Gaiman. The main character is a little on the dull side but the characters he meets are amazing. IMO, Neil Gaiman at his best. I also recommend The Graveyard Book. It's a story aimed at tweens, but very good.
NatalieCentro
07-08-2015, 02:28 AM
OMG why didn't I come by this thread for so long :)
One of my fav on the forum, big thanks to the ts.
Never got my hands on Gaiman, feel like getting it in paper with all the recommendations.
The first book of the Malazan series was difficult for me to get through, but everyone swears the 2nd or 3rd book (of 10, I think?) is where you got hooked, so I began the second last night.
I tried Neverwhere by Gaiman but disliked it. It was my first Gaiman too--wondering if I should try a different one?
If anyone is into story creation, Vandermeer's Wonderbook is awesome! It has actually made me want to begin his Southern Reach trilogy, which will have film versions starting in 2016!
Sounds like we have very similar tastes, so I'll need to check out Vandermeer. I too thought that Malazan Series's first book was dull, never took up the second, although I plan to. I usually read series on one breath, but not this one... too... bloody?
Finished the Dune series recently and regretted reading so quickly :)
I am now on the third book of Barrayar Series AKA Vorkosigan Saga. Warning - severe sleep deprivation, lol. The plot is very intense so it's hard to make yourself let go, but I love books like that so I greatly recommend it if you're up for a thrill. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vorkosigan_Saga)
One author that I was totally in love with is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergei_Lukyanenko - too bad very few of his books are translated into English. He's brilliant, to the point where I'd take up a translation of some of his books to share them with the world :) His most famous things are actually not his best, but still very good. If ever his "Spectrum" book comes out in English - buy it. It's great... in terms of a wild mix of deep thought and adventure / action.
Eric Stoner
07-08-2015, 06:56 AM
Nigel Hamilton's "The Mantle of Command ". Not my favorite historian thanks to his unapologetic and shameless boosting of Monty BUT his latest work was a first class job and an excellent read.
On the other hand , Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Patton " was total waste of time and money. Riddled with errors , sloppily researched and based on a wild and totally debunked theory that the Russians had Patton assassinated.
Raziel
07-08-2015, 11:50 AM
"A Princess of Mars" I had read it years ago, but decided to get my Burroughs on once again.
NatalieCentro
07-11-2015, 06:07 AM
"A Princess of Mars" I had read it years ago, but decided to get my Burroughs on once again.
I read all 14 books of the series in 2 months lol... the action pulled me in so bad I was dreaming about Carter :)
R-209
07-11-2015, 12:17 PM
Took me a while to get through "The Grapes of Wrath" because of various issues. Steinbeck's attention to detail is so incredible that I think I am now qualified to repair 1920's automobiles. It didn't end at all like I expected. I switched to a Kindle halfway through, and went back to my paperback to make sure I wasn't missing a chapter. I Netflixed the John Ford film version to see how it differs. I'm betting it has a more "Hollywood" ending.
Just started "American Gods," because Elektra made me. :)
Elektra Luxx
07-11-2015, 01:53 PM
Just started "American Gods," because Elektra made me. :)
That's right, I kept tickling you with a feather duster until you gave in. It's one of my very favorites. Let is know what you thought of it.
MyRealNameIsWeird
07-13-2015, 07:01 AM
Unsure how many people it appeals to, but if you are into history, geography, Europe or colonial-time adventures, Fergus Fleming "Killing Dragons" is a really vivid account of the conquest of the Alps. Devouring it right now. <3
audrey_k
07-13-2015, 07:37 AM
I just finished the first Game of Thrones books and loved it. I normally hate fantasy so am not sure why I enjoyed it so much (probably my extreme love for Daenerys and secret wish that I could morph into her) but it's like no fantasy book I've ever read. Definitely better than the TV series, I have watched the entire series and the characters, especially the female characters, are so much more complex and interesting in the book than on the show. Things also make a lot more sense as they had to cut out so much stuff to work within the time frame of TV.
I find it really interesting though that so many CONSENSUAL SEX SCENES in the books have been changed in the TV show to become rape scenes. I know when a certain person was raped this season (don't want to post spoilers) everyone went nuts because it didn't happen in the books, but I'm only on the first book and can see they've changed tons already. In the books Daenerys is never raped by Drogo, the first time they sleep together she is nervous but he doesn't have sex with her until she tells him that she wants to and is turned on... in the TV series he rapes her routinely for about the first four episodes. I don't understand what made the show runners decide that it was necessary to turn her into a rape victim on the show? Are they so out of touch with the female experience that there was no way to show her developing into a strong woman unless she was raped in the beginning, or do audiences just get off on rape so much that they thought it would boost their ratings? I know they also changed a consensual Cersei/Jaime sex scene into a rape scene.
tuesdaymarie
07-13-2015, 10:08 AM
Malazan book #2 is getting better, but is still difficult for me to dive into like I normally do with fantasy. There are just so many supporting characters that it is difficult for me to really get attached to any particular storyline. I am considering going to BN today to pick up Southern Reach Trilogy and The Goblin Emperor. But I already have a few books in my "to read" pile...
Edit: I compromised and ordered Goblin Emperor on Amazon Prime :D
Eric Stoner
07-16-2015, 07:14 AM
Down The Rabbit Hole by Holly Madison. According to my sources : A lot of truth ; some re-writing of history = what else is new. As hurtful and stifling as life a the Mansion may have been she was there for seven years ! Her subsequent success- DWTS ; her own hit show on E ! ; successful run in Vegas in Peepshow and now a best selling book all flow directly from being Hef's girlfriend so maybe she should be a little more grateful.
Considering her relative success after leaving Hef and the GND it is not surprising that her fellow bimbos have their claws out for her. Especially Kendra. Hef's statement was relatively mild compared to the way he went after Carrie Leigh after she left him and told tales.
Malazan book #2 is getting better, but is still difficult for me to dive into like I normally do with fantasy. There are just so many supporting characters that it is difficult for me to really get attached to any particular storyline. I am considering going to BN today to pick up Southern Reach Trilogy and The Goblin Emperor. But I already have a few books in my "to read" pile...
Edit: I compromised and ordered Goblin Emperor on Amazon Prime :D
Book two of the malazan series is one of my favorites ever, once the real story gets going you will not put it down and keep devouring the rest of the series until nothing is left. Just finished rereading American Gods, was as good as i remembered. Wasn't there mention of a sequel at some point? I know they are making a series of it for Starz.
R-209
07-19-2015, 10:50 PM
That's right, I kept tickling you with a feather duster until you gave in. It's one of my very favorites. Let is know what you thought of it.
Just finished "American Gods" and loved it. My favorite line is near the very end, when Shadow says "I think I would rather be a man than a god. We don't need anyone to believe in us. We just keep going anyhow. It's what we do."
I feel silly for missing the big hint on the second page. I literally slapped my forehead at that revelation much later in the book.
So not only is Gaiman writing a sequel, but we're also getting a TV series (http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/06/neil-gaiman-is-writing-for-the-american-gods-tv-show)? Who do you envision as Shadow? He's supposed to be a big, yet affable guy, so I think Ray Stevenson (from HBO's "Rome") would be perfect.
In browsing the web for fan theories and details I missed, I learned that Gaiman wrote a short follow-up story, called "Monarch of the Glen." Have you read it?
Elektra Luxx
07-19-2015, 11:32 PM
In browsing the web for fan theories and details I missed, I learned that Gaiman wrote a short follow-up story, called "Monarch of the Glen." Have you read it?
Oh, I'm so so happy that you love it!! I knew you would!! It might be my favorite book of all time!! I didn't know he was writing a sequel, I knew about the series.
I have read "Monarch of the Glen" it's is a collection of short stories called "Fragile Things", but I can't remember how it goes. I think he's traveling in Europe or something. I'll have to find it again and re-read it.
What are you planning on reading next? The Graveyard Book is another good one by Gaiman. Let me know when you decide. I may have to re-read American Gods so we can talk about it. I just finished "Ancillary Justice", blah! Boring, I couldn't wait for it to end. It won so many awards and it was so dull. The main character was dull, the plot was dull, the supporting characters dull, but I told myself I was going to stick it out and I did. I just don't get it.
So not only is Gaiman writing a sequel, but we're also getting a TV series (http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/06/neil-gaiman-is-writing-for-the-american-gods-tv-show)? Who do you envision as Shadow? He's supposed to be a big, yet affable guy, so I think Ray Stevenson (from HBO's "Rome") would be perfect.
He is also supposed to be vaguely ethnic looking, i was thinking someone like the Rock, tough but likeable and can pass for several different races.
audrey_k
07-20-2015, 10:28 AM
I finished Clash of Kings today and just started on Storm of Swords... it's so long it's daunting! I would have thought the books would have started getting shorter but each one is longer than the last. I know the fifth one is like 1500. I read Clash of Kings in a week I think but this one is going to take me a while. I want to get farther on in the books so that things will start separating from the TV series, I know there's a whole Dornish/Ironborn storyline that isn't on the series and thus far things have been pretty similar. I have to admit thought that the TV series storyline for Daenerys in the 2nd season was more interesting than I found her storyline in the book, sorry George R. R. Martin.
R-209
07-20-2015, 12:11 PM
I think Stevenson could pull off vaguely ethnic, but he's 51 and probably too old to play Shadow. I just wanted to see him get a good role again; the character he played on "Dexter" was great. Luckily, he's been cast as Blackbeard on the upcoming season of "Black Sails," coincidentally airing on Starz, the network which will be bringing us "American Gods."
Curious to see how the series will differ from the book. It was published just before 9/11, and America's changed a lot since then. Might this be reflected in the New Gods? Will the entire series be based on the first book, will they incorporate the sequel, or will they take it in its own direction?
Not sure what to read next. Although since "Stranger in a Strange Land" got a shout out in "American Gods" in addition to the Billy Joel song, I might have to pick that.
Elektra Luxx
07-20-2015, 11:10 PM
I finished Clash of Kings today and just started on Storm of Swords... it's so long it's daunting! I would have thought the books would have started getting shorter but each one is longer than the last. I know the fifth one is like 1500. I read Clash of Kings in a week I think but this one is going to take me a while. I want to get farther on in the books so that things will start separating from the TV series, I know there's a whole Dornish/Ironborn storyline that isn't on the series and thus far things have been pretty similar. I have to admit thought that the TV series storyline for Daenerys in the 2nd season was more interesting than I found her storyline in the book, sorry George R. R. Martin.
I've not seen one episode the Game of Thrones TV series. I'm kind of intimidated by it all. The books, games, TV series. I'm one of those people that feel that they have to read every book or watch every show or I'll feel like I'm missing out on something. I have each book on audio somewhere on my old computer. Game of Thrones is the first in the series and I think I'm going to load it up on my phone and have a listen. I'll let you guys know when I get it installed.
I find it really interesting though that so many CONSENSUAL SEX SCENES in the books have been changed in the TV show to become rape scenes. I know when a certain person was raped this season (don't want to post spoilers) everyone went nuts because it didn't happen in the books, but I'm only on the first book and can see they've changed tons already. In the books Daenerys is never raped by Drogo, the first time they sleep together she is nervous but he doesn't have sex with her until she tells him that she wants to and is turned on... in the TV series he rapes her routinely for about the first four episodes. I don't understand what made the show runners decide that it was necessary to turn her into a rape victim on the show? Are they so out of touch with the female experience that there was no way to show her developing into a strong woman unless she was raped in the beginning, or do audiences just get off on rape so much that they thought it would boost their ratings? I know they also changed a consensual Cersei/Jaime sex scene into a rape scene.
Correct me if i'm wrong because i have not read the books in like... half a decade, but from what i remember Drogo was tender and careful and doesn't do anything until she says yes on their wedding night... but every night after that is described as riding all day in a horse and getting ridden all night by Drogo in a very rough manner that she wasn't at all happy with. Basically the way the show portrayed it right from the start, which really makes more sense than being tender and loving one night then just going to town on her every night after that.
audrey_k
07-21-2015, 11:02 AM
Correct me if i'm wrong because i have not read the books in like... half a decade, but from what i remember Drogo was tender and careful and doesn't do anything until she says yes on their wedding night... but every night after that is described as riding all day in a horse and getting ridden all night by Drogo in a very rough manner that she wasn't at all happy with. Basically the way the show portrayed it right from the start, which really makes more sense than being tender and loving one night then just going to town on her every night after that.
He's tender and loving in the beginning (to be specific, she is 'wet' before he has sex with her) and in the next chapter she does describe Drogo as "riding her" but she also says in that sentence that there's a part of it that she likes. She's never as miserable with the Dothraki in the book as she is in the show and she becomes strong a lot faster (the scene where she goes off into the grass and Viserys comes after her and the Dothraki have to save her is like in the second chapter and she's the one that tells her brother he can't ride his horse which causes everyone to laugh at him, I think she also strikes him then, whereas she's so timid at that point in the series she can't event command them not to hurt him, she's still pleading). Their sex life definitely takes off when she mounts him one night in front of the the whole khalassar (which would obviously have been a little too racey even for HBO) but before that it doesn't sound like she's miserable or being raped every night and crying like she is on the show.
Honestly my point was not that they aren't following the books completely, that would be impossible since they're condensing 1,000+ pages into 10 tv episodes which are probably clocking in at around 55 pages including dialogue and description and George R R Martin uses a ton of characters and the show is obviously trying to keep the number lower to not confuse the audience and hire a million actors... it was more, why do they insist on take consensual sex scenes from the book and turning them into rape scenes? The one that pisses me off the most is (stop reading Elektra) the Sansa rape scene, we watch half a season of her finally becoming a strong woman just to see her get torn down again by her rapist and sit in the tower hoping a man is going to save her? I fail to see how that needed to occur. Or why the Cersei/Jaime scene had to suddenly become a rape scene, it's not like they then decided to explore, how is Cersei being raped going to change things. It seems like they just love filming rape scenes and all I can think is that the viewers enjoy it, since it's certainly not doing anything for character development.
I've not seen one episode the Game of Thrones TV series. I'm kind of intimidated by it all. The books, games, TV series. I'm one of those people that feel that they have to read every book or watch every show or I'll feel like I'm missing out on something. I have each book on audio somewhere on my old computer. Game of Thrones is the first in the series and I think I'm going to load it up on my phone and have a listen. I'll let you guys know when I get it installed.
I got into GOT really late but I love it. I'm not into far-out fantasy but for me it has the right amount of fantasy/reality and it also have a heavy political angle. I know George R R Martins inspiration was the War of the Roses.
I also think that the books have a number of interesting and developed female characters that showcase different aspects of womanliness... Sansa, Brienne, Cersei, Daenerys, Arya, Ygritte, Margaery, they're all so different and they grow so much throughout the series. I know that feminists love to hate on GOT but to me the rape/violence scenes against women aren't gratuitous they're just showing the audience how women were seen as property and not people during the time period (sort of medieval). When Cersei Lannister goes on about wishing she was a man she just wishes she could be seen a strong and not pretty and make choices for herself instead of having her husband or her father make them for her.
If you can get through the books I would do them first before watching the show, it'll be easier reading them first.
R-209
07-22-2015, 08:53 AM
Just found a 2011 interview with Gaiman (http://io9.com/5815088/neil-gaiman-talks-the-future-of-american-gods) wherein he discusses some of the points I mentioned above.
I think the character of the technical kid is very much a 1999ish sort of character. It's not that people don't recognize him now. But I'm starting to look right now at what I want to do and how I'm going to approach another volume of American Gods. I think it's time for that story, for me to think about continuing it. And one of the places things are definitely changing is the internet. But I think the overall theme, which is that these new gods are incredibly transient, has probably accelerated with the internet.
I'm fascinated with the speed with which sometimes television feels like its going the way of the dodo. Five years ago or seven years ago, the gods of Myspace were proud and tall and looking out at the world and going, "Nothing can defeat us." Right now, if you've got 50 cents in your pocket and want to take Myspace away in a fire sale — it's forgotten. It's a god of yesterday.
At the time, he apparently had a "Game of Thrones" style plan for the series (it was originally going to air on HBO): six seasons with the entirety of "American Gods" taking place over just the first. This may have changed since the interview, but I wonder what ideas he had for the next five seasons. I like how he described the new gods as being transient; new new gods could pop up all the time. The god of internet memes, the god of mobile devices, the god of reality television...
tuesdaymarie
07-23-2015, 12:22 PM
Malazan and I needed a break. Not sure I'm going to end up finishing the series. I really like The Goblin Emperor so far. I feel like a lot of sci-fi/fantasy writers are more about world building and way less about character development. I really am more character driven, so I appreciate this story a lot.
tuesdaymarie
07-25-2015, 04:56 PM
Finished Goblin Emperor last night. It ended up being okay. I felt like the characters were a little flat. Protagonist is benevolent and surprisingly wise beyond his years, and everyone is always shocked by how kind he is to the poor and powerless. I kept thinking it would go somewhere, aaand then I hit the last page. I hate when I don't check whether the last 20 pages of a fantasy book are just part of a glossary -.-
Jessy1978
07-26-2015, 02:36 AM
Just started LOTR :)
Loreen
07-26-2015, 04:29 AM
I re-read "Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened"
It's so funny, easy and deep in the same time, I love it.