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jackruby
- FB Fan -
USA
71 Posts |
 Posted - 03/15/2007 : 05:59:15
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Amazing book!! I think I've read it every year since its release. Perhaps I will start a Tom Robbins Thread... |
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mostasteless
- FB Fan -
81 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 06:56:51
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| I am thoroughly addicted to Lars Eighner right now, about 3/4 of the way through his memoir/account of homelessness, "Travels with Lizbeth". Maybe the most amazing non-fiction book i've ever read. A teacher gave me a copy of his essay, "On Dumpster Diving," and there was no way I could not read this. Fucking amazing. |
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Luis Bunuel
- FB Fan -
76 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 07:23:57
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| I'm taking a class in Existentialism, so I've been reading philosophical texts. I just finished Fear and Trembling by Kierkegaard. I can't say it was light reading, in fact it was kind of a chore to get through, interesting, I guess, but beyond my limited capabilities. I feel like I really don't get much from the book, and it's only through class discussions that I even begin to comprehend it, and even then, I'm only scratching the surface on the most basic level. However, next we're reading Camus, and I've already read (and enjoyed) much of his work, so that should prove a little more enjoyable for me. |
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speedy_m
= Frankofile =
Canada
3581 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 07:34:29
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As soon as I'm done with Jane Jacob's "Death and Life of Great American Cities", I plan to go back to some good old fiction (well, aside from some fluff I've read in between, like Casino Royale). I sadly never go through DeLillo's "The Names", even though I thought it was extremely well written, I just had no urge to keep picking it up. I'm so close done, I might just finish it, but I've been reading it for almost 2 bloody years.
I have a few non-fiction books on my shelf I have to (finish) read(ing) as well, but the one remaining work of fiction that I bought is Gravity's Rainbow. I started it when I first bought it, and then put it down in favour of a non-fiction work on WWII (ironically). Has anyone read GR? I'm scared of it. They say it's a "difficult" read, and from what I remember of hte first few pages, that's acurate. But then, your average music listener likely finds FB and the Pixies to be "difficult" listens, so.... Any thoughts on GR or Pynchon in general? Newo?
maybe I'll kick it
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2673 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 08:44:42
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ha last night I took my copy of GR from a friends' house for a reread. The first time I spent a good deal of it saying What the fuck?! to myself, but each reread gives you more and more layers, the FB comparison is apt. Book opens with a dream and segues into a parody the opening of Ulysses. The last 200 pages feel like they were written in a day, he's singing to such a pitch. There is quite a lot of nonfiction stuff about WWII in it, P.'s ruminations on the use of parapsychology, the birth of modern corporate states from the fusion of IG Farben and Standard Oil and such. There are also scores of vile limericks, delirious pothead dialogues and the most inventive custard-pie fight ever.
Just finished a reread of Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said and nearly finished Tropic of Capricorn, which I've been chewing on for two months or so - a paragraph of Miller goes a looong way.
The Names is the only DeLillo book I found a slog, though I have it stored in my mother's house, I feel I might come back to it.
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Gravy boat! Stay in the now! |
Edited by - Newo on 03/15/2007 08:46:57 |
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coastline
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
3111 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 09:02:54
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I'm done with the book on baseball in Japan. Great read. I'm becoming fascinated with Japanese culture lately. This just fueled me even further.
Now I'm reading these three:
 This one's about the 39 (or so) ingredients in a Twinkie, and where they come from. I read "Fast-Food Nation" a few years ago, and it really scared me away from McDonald's et al. Now I'm getting scared to ever eat processed foods again, and yet you can't help but eat them nowadays.
 Please pardon me, for these my wrongs. |
Edited by - coastline on 03/15/2007 09:05:09 |
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misleadtheworld
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1222 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 09:28:07
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Being up to my neck in dissertation work, my main reading material at the moment is as follows:
Postmodern Music / Postmodern Thought - Various
Music and Ideology in Cold War Europe - Mark Carroll
Adorno, Modernism and Mass Culture: Essays on Critical Theory and Music - Max Paddison
...Amongst other titles. Other than that, I've been working my way through Michael Palin's Diaries (1969 - 1979), which is quite fascinating if you like to read of a boring man who you find rather interesting. I've also been reading a really rubbish Joy Division book which I will not recommend.
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speedy_m
= Frankofile =
Canada
3581 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 09:51:36
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Thanks Newo. I'm determined to tackle that beast... someday.
Should I press on with The Names? I'm a good 2/3 through it, but I haven't picked it up in months. Not that I'd need a refresher on what's happened. As far as I can remember: nothing.
maybe I'll kick it
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 11:18:19
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quote:
Originally posted by coastline
This one's about the 39 (or so) ingredients in a Twinkie, and where they come from. I read "Fast-Food Nation" a few years ago, and it really scared me away from McDonald's et al. Now I'm getting scared to ever eat processed foods again, and yet you can't help but eat them nowadays.
Please pardon me, for these my wrongs.
I find that ignorance really is bliss when it comes to food.
 I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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Carolynanna
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Canada
6556 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 11:28:22
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Here at home we've been eating really healthy for awhile.
Although transfat tastes so damn good I find that the more healthy we eat the better its been tasting.
I have alot of time to cook and I love to cook so that helps.
If you learn how to use herbs you can make anything taste good.
And certain herbs have certain healing properties too.
(Sometimes I think my husband is damn lucky I take such good care of him... )
My brother-in-law becoming a nutritionist helps too. So much fiction among the facts according to him.
My advice, if you don't like to cook, marry someone who does.
__________
For Chrissakes have a cup of tea. |
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gyaneshwar
- FB Fan -
194 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 12:39:28
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Homers - I read The Stand earlier this year for the first time, and I couldn't believe how great it was. It's funny, because I read constantly, but I had never picked up Stephen King before. I don't know why. Anyway, it made me want to pick up The Dark Tower series. Let me know how it is.
Right now I am reading London Fields by Martin Amis. |
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benji
> Teenager of the Year <
New Zealand
3420 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 14:17:13
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i've just finished reading
which is a very interesting/depressing read.
i saw the documentary series the book is based on last year and didn't realise there was a book until i saw it at the library last month.
both the documentary and the book are must see/reads..
and i'm still going with this:
which for me is a book i should have read many years ago.
it's amazing to have lived in a country almost my whole life and know so little about it's origins...
but then again, we were never taught new zealand history at school.
i hope they do now.
all i can say, thank god for polio! brian |
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Jefrey
= Cult of Ray =
USA
918 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2007 : 00:25:49
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All I read these days are books on how to not fuck up raising your kid. Every one of them says something different.
He's still alive, so I must be doing something right at least. What's an appropriate age to let him start listening to Pixies and Frank Black? 6 months? 7 months?
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jeffamerica
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tisasawath
= Cult of Ray =
Wallis and Futuna Islands
783 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2007 : 01:30:42
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yeah, live, we all know live versions make the strongest imprints
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AAAAWWWWWRRRIIGGHHTTTTT !! ! |
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2673 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2007 : 03:35:22
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quote:
speedy_m
= Frankofile =
Canada
3432 Posts
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 09:51:36
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Thanks Newo. I'm determined to tackle that beast... someday.
Should I press on with The Names? I'm a good 2/3 through it, but I haven't picked it up in months. Not that I'd need a refresher on what's happened. As far as I can remember: nothing.
I didn't enjoy it that much but was having a conversation with a friend about it last year made me want to return to it. Too, if you're wondering about all these vague, elliptical meetings the main character has, it does come into focus toward the end.
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Gravy boat! Stay in the now! |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2007 : 05:40:47
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quote:
Originally posted by gyaneshwar
Homers - I read The Stand earlier this year for the first time, and I couldn't believe how great it was. It's funny, because I read constantly, but I had never picked up Stephen King before. I don't know why. Anyway, it made me want to pick up The Dark Tower series. Let me know how it is.
Right now I am reading London Fields by Martin Amis.
Will do.
I rememeber the TV adaption of the Stand being really good until the end, which was shit. Similar to IT really. I should give the books a go because I am sure they don't fall foul to the same crap endings.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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gyaneshwar
- FB Fan -
194 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2007 : 08:29:56
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| I refuse to see The Stand miniseries precisely because I know it will blow. The book is brilliant. |
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2673 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2007 : 08:35:51
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don't feel like thinking today so this is perfect.
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Allen Ginsberg says you got no soul. The ancient Egyptians say you got seven of these bastards, and Pharaohs got fourteen, what they get for being Pharaohs. |
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nicole
- FB Fan -
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2007 : 12:45:56
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 10:51:49
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Just finished Hogfather, which was funny and inventive, and have started on The Wee Free Men. I haven't read Pratchett in years (although I got his autograph for the second time last year) but these were among the Birthday pressies from sister last year, so I may rekindle my former love for the Discword books! I'd like to see the Jean Vadim adaptation of Hogfather that was on Sky One over Christmas, it's just out on DVD. Sam Raimi may be bringing The Wee Free Men to the big screen. |
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Carolynanna
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Canada
6556 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 11:05:33
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quote:
Originally posted by Jefrey
What's an appropriate age to let him start listening to Pixies and Frank Black? 6 months? 7 months?
In utero babe, in utero!
Just finished reading;
I find the use of herbal remedies in this book quite interesting and quite relevant.
__________
For Chrissakes have a cup of tea. |
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SPEEDYMARIEGONZALES
- FB Fan -
127 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 11:18:08
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the regulators (king)
catcher in the rye (salinger) (again)
If you had a million years to do it in, you couldn't rub out even half the "Fuck you" signs in the world. It's impossible |
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Brackish
- FB Fan -
142 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 14:43:49
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I'm almost done reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. My favorite part: "Do you want to know how to paint a perfect painting? Its easy. Just make yourself perfect and then paint naturally."
Speedy M, I've been looking high and low for that Jacobs book, every bookstore in SF seems to be sold out. It was written quite awhile ago I think, is it still relevant to today's urban planning issues? |
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trobrianders
> Teenager of the Year <
Papua New Guinea
3302 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 15:00:51
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Re-reading
And re-reading
_______________
Ed is the hoo hoo |
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benji
> Teenager of the Year <
New Zealand
3420 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 15:02:59
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quote:
Originally posted by SPEEDYMARIEGONZALES
the regulators (king)
i really enjoyed this book.
not much of a fan of mr king, and read this not knowing he was richard bachman, but have read it several times since...
all i can say, thank god for polio! brian |
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Stuart
- The Clopser -
China
2291 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 15:40:20
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I'm going through the Bond books at the moment... although as I am an avid book collector there are many books which I want to read. Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts is one of them. I thought that I'd leave this book for traveling as its quite a long one.
I'd recommend reading Vernon God Little though... a bit like Catcher in the Rye. Really good read!
Because your candle burned too bright, that I almost forgot it was twilight |
Edited by - Stuart on 04/25/2007 15:54:09 |
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that means soda
- FB Fan -
Canada
73 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 15:55:12
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 while driving  on the crapper
 on football fields
Montreal, October 1st 2002 |
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coastline
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
3111 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 16:17:39
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I was just listening to Leonard Cohen while riding the bus this afternoon. Seems slightly easier than reading him while driving.
Please pardon me, for these my wrongs. |
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that means soda
- FB Fan -
Canada
73 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 16:39:21
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quote:
Originally posted by coastline
I was just listening to Leonard Cohen while riding the bus this afternoon. Seems slightly easier than reading him while driving.
Please pardon me, for these my wrongs.
yeah well I mean on red lights and stuff...
id like to listen to him too, its just that some poor fellow stole my car radio/cd player one october night last year.
Montreal, October 1st 2002 |
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coastline
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
3111 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 16:48:34
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quote:
Originally posted by that means soda
some poor fellow stole my car radio/cd player
You Canadians are far too polite. |
Edited by - coastline on 04/25/2007 16:48:47 |
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that means soda
- FB Fan -
Canada
73 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 17:46:54
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quote:
Originally posted by coastline
quote:
Originally posted by that means soda
some poor fellow stole my car radio/cd player
You Canadians are far too polite.
yeah haha, us canadians never get mad or anything. No well I was being empathic because the cd player was in fact broken so he probably did all the work for nothing at all...
Montreal, October 1st 2002 |
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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2787 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 17:54:31
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1848:
The Revolution
Of the Intellectuals
by: Lewis Namier
its not so much a read as a little cute book that takes up very little space.
Signature checkbox
checked by default? |
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blue cadet3
- FB Fan -
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 23:49:01
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Here, There, Everywhere by Geoff Emerick
The Beatles early recordings with EMI
It is a book written by the guy that engineered majority of the Beatles albums up to the White Album. There is some good recording and gear talk but, I'm not sure how I feel about the rest of it. I'm at the part where they are recording Sgt. Peppers. That part has been interesting so far.
-Always, no sometimes, I think it’s me- |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2007 : 02:21:10
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 Numberwang? |
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Bubbazooka
- FB Fan -
20 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2007 : 03:33:52
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Revenge of the Lawn by Richard Brautigan. Contains my favourite ever short story:
The Scarlatti Tilt
'It's very hard to live in a studio apartment in San Jose with a man who's learning to play the violin.' That's what she told the police when she handed them the empty revolver. |
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What are you reading?
