Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: jhookt on May 30, 2007, 02:40:56 PM
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6 months into this year of our lord 2007 i have accomplished my New Year's resolution to quit smoking. I figure since i am on a roll as far as setting and meeting ultimatums i should keep going.
I want to be well read. The problem i have is where do i start? The classics? The best sellers' list? I was hoping that the gracious members of this forum could throw out a title or 2 to begin the path of general enlightment. Just a book that you feel is noteworthy, any and all genres. i figured should go first with the list so here goes:
Atlas Shrugged- Ayn Rand
House of Leaves- Mark Danielewski
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Originally posted by jhookt
I want to be well read. The problem i have is where do i start?
You start with saying "buh bye" to O'Club...
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Read because you like to... not because you think it'll make you into something different.
What interests you? That's where you should start.
Don't start with Ayn Rand... she's infamous for killing the joy of reading for many, many people.
There is a series of volumes "the Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces" that contain hundreds of various classics in one book; you can use them to skim through and see which authors' styles you like, or not, and go from there. Link to Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Norton-Anthology-World-Masterpieces-Renaissance/dp/0393972895/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/104-6018872-7627964?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180555587&sr=8-2)
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Tell us something that you've already read that you really liked... I'd hate to recommend something that's gonna bore you to tears...
But to be honest... The only thing you really NEED to read is :
(http://outleted.com/webpics/zsg.jpg)
:noid
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Read what you enjoy reading. If unsure, I suggest starting with one of the books often used by college level Literature classes that touches on many areas of fiction, poetry, and drama.
Considering the forum you are posting this in, my suggestions:
Il Principe (The Prince) by Niccolò Machiavelli.
On War and possibly Principles of War by Carl von Clausewitz
The Art of War Sun Tzu (aka Chang Qing, aka Sun Wu)
The various writings of Ernesto Guevara de la Serna
The Histories by Herodotus
History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
Anabasis Alexandri by Flavius Arrianus Xenophon, known as Arrian
The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan
Achtung Panzer! by Heinz Guderian
Me, I tend to go for Hard Science Fiction and Military Science Fiction more than any others: David Weber, David Drake, Jerry Pournelle, Joe Haldeman, Keith Laumer, Ben Bova, David Brin, Larry Niven, Kim Stanley Robinson, Charles Sheffield, and the like.
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WTG Jhook, on the smoking. I'm at day 47 no smoking :)
As for the reading, the world of infomation is out there for ya. Start with what intrests you. A simple informative article can turn into a dozen books.
Rokit
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Dayumn Ted, we share a lot of favorite authors!
I concur with Clausewitz and Sun Tzu. I'd also look at reading other things besides old military classics.
Spread your reading around to include more modern works.
Originally posted by tedrbr
Read what you enjoy reading. If unsure, I suggest starting with one of the books often used by college level Literature classes that touches on many areas of fiction, poetry, and drama.
Considering the forum you are posting this in, my suggestions:
Il Principe (The Prince) by Niccolò Machiavelli.
On War and possibly Principles of War by Carl von Clausewitz
The Art of War Sun Tzu (aka Chang Qing, aka Sun Wu)
The various writings of Ernesto Guevara de la Serna
The Histories by Herodotus
History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
Anabasis Alexandri by Flavius Arrianus Xenophon, known as Arrian
The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan
Achtung Panzer! by Heinz Guderian
Me, I tend to go for Hard Science Fiction and Military Science Fiction more than any others: David Weber, David Drake, Jerry Pournelle, Joe Haldeman, Keith Laumer, Ben Bova, David Brin, Larry Niven, Kim Stanley Robinson, Charles Sheffield, and the like.
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Green Eggs and Ham would be a great start.
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Originally posted by Yeager
Green Eggs and Ham would be a great start.
You only think that because you like the pictures and it has few words.
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Originally posted by Dux
Read because you like to... not because you think it'll make you into something different.
What interests you? That's where you should start.
Don't start with Ayn Rand... she's infamous for killing the joy of reading for many, many people.
There is a series of volumes "the Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces" that contain hundreds of various classics in one book; you can use them to skim through and see which authors' styles you like, or not, and go from there. Link to Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Norton-Anthology-World-Masterpieces-Renaissance/dp/0393972895/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/104-6018872-7627964?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180555587&sr=8-2)
Yes, don't read Ayn Rand. She'll make you realize how ****ed the world is (and start to want to set the match to get it burning).
The Fountainhead is an easier read for Ayn Rand. Atlas Shrugged is a great book, however the first 100 pages or so are near painful to read to get into her style of writing. If you can broach that first 100 pages, you'll have trouble putting it down. Most people get lost in those first pages, and refuse to ever try again. But you can say that about any author.
The classics idea is pretty good, Barnes and Noble should have a few stands of cheap paper backs. I read The Count of Monte Cristo, and loved it. I went on to Dumas's other book, The Three Musketeers, and am having trouble finishing it due to a simple style but a rather circular plot line.
And no matter what you choose to read, don't ever think of yourself as an intellectual, and don't do it to be "well read." The people who think like that are some of the biggest sweetheart bags in this world.
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Originally posted by jhookt
Atlas Shrugged- Ayn Rand
House of Leaves- Mark Danielewski
i prefered the fountainhead, but both are good reads.
house of leaves is a great book.
hope you enjoy them. : )
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WTG on putting the cigarettes down!:aok
I don't suggest Atlas Shrugged. My ex wife kept pestering me to read and.... well, she's my ex wife.;)
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I finally got around to reading "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Worth adding to the list.
Charon
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Originally posted by Shifty
My ex wife kept pestering me to read and.... well, she's my ex wife.;)
See there. Nearly every book has something good about it. :)
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if you like world war 2, some really good books are night, and the hiding place. both about the holocaust. night is a quick read and very sad. and the hiding place is a bit longer. but also a good book. also torpedo junction, its a book on u-boats and the atlantic coast, personally i didnt like it, but you may.
night - elie wiesel
the hiding place - ?
torpedo junction - homer hickam jr.
night is heavily reccomended, and torpedo junction isnt homer hickams best book, but his others are very good.
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Terrible Terry Allen ~
*note the interesting story about a horse race here in Texas that he participated in (1922). That army boy kicked the Texan's butt. Wonderful little story there*
Completely colorful general = Patton couldn't stand him (that alone gives Allen reason to be admired).
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Originally posted by Charon
I finally got around to reading "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Worth adding to the list.
Charon
That was is a super one ~ I would have added it too:)
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Tom Clancy is a great author.
Space by James A. Michener is a great book. Wonderfull mix of real life events with fictional personalities that spans the space race starting at the end of WWII up to the moon landings. Was a New York Times best seller.
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Originally posted by Hornet33
Tom Clancy is a great author.
Space by James A. Michener is a great book. Wonderfull mix of real life events with fictional personalities that spans the space race starting at the end of WWII up to the moon landings. Was a New York Times best seller.
Whoa... Tom Clancy is a hack.
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Originally posted by Sandman
Whoa... Tom Clancy is a hack.
OK those are fighting words. Tom Clancy is awsome. By far one of the best military/fiction/espionage writers in the last 20 years. Almost all of his books have been best sellers. He has a gift for mixing real world politics and technology into a fictional story with characters that are interesting and yet down to earth.
I can only surmise from your statement you've never actually read any of his work. You saw the movies though huh? Those sucked and didn't do the novels they were based on any justice at all.
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Originally posted by Hornet33
OK those are fighting words. Tom Clancy is awsome. By far one of the best military/fiction/espionage writers in the last 20 years. Almost all of his books have been best sellers. He has a gift for mixing real world politics and technology into a fictional story with characters that are interesting and yet down to earth.
I can only surmise from your statement you've never actually read any of his work. You saw the movies though huh? Those sucked and didn't do the novels they were based on any justice at all.
The ONLY good Clancy books have to deal with John Clark as the main character. All the rest are painful to read.
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AGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH You guys are killing me here. How can you not like Jack Ryan??? Granted John Clark is a total badass, but Ryan is as well in his own right. I will admit that The Cardinal of the Kremlin and The Sum of all Fears were a little hard to get into due to all the technical data required to really understand what was going on, but even then they were good books.
Here's anouther little factoid.
Clancy is one of only two authors to have sold two million copies on a first printing in the 1990s. (John Grisham is the other author.) Clancy's 1989 novel Clear and Present Danger sold 1,625,544 hardcover copies, making it the #1 bestselling novel of the 1980s.
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Alas Babylon and others... Oh hell, just read a variety of topics/subject matter that interests you. Anything and everything from Blogs, to the Classics...
...as long as you gain some semblance of education, worldly information, historical perspectives you will be considered "well read"
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if you want to be well read, torture yourself through the classics and whatevers on the current book list for whoever...
if you want to actually enjoy reading,start by reading books in the same genre as whatever TV you enjoy...
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I'm a Steinbeck fan. A lot of his work is very approachable, and I feel a good place to start.
The Moon is Down
Cannery Row
Travels with Charlie in Search of America (Non-fiction)
Tortilla Flat
Where not to start:
The Grapes of Wrath
East of Eden
I love books.
-Sik
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Stephen King Gunslinger Series
Ann Rice Vampire Series
Douglas Adams Hitch Hikers Guide
Greg Cox does some wonderful Star Trek books
Timothy Zahn is great for his Star Wars stuff
Dan Brown wrote more than DaVinci Code
As for well read, I could care less, I read what I like.
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Originally posted by Hornet33
AGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH You guys are killing me here. How can you not like Jack Ryan??? Granted John Clark is a total badass, but Ryan is as well in his own right. I will admit that The Cardinal of the Kremlin and The Sum of all Fears were a little hard to get into due to all the technical data required to really understand what was going on, but even then they were good books.
Here's anouther little factoid.
Clancy is one of only two authors to have sold two million copies on a first printing in the 1990s. (John Grisham is the other author.) Clancy's 1989 novel Clear and Present Danger sold 1,625,544 hardcover copies, making it the #1 bestselling novel of the 1980s.
It doesn't have to do with the quality of the main character. I haven't figured out why, but there's a different style of writing between the two books.
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i've been reading for enjoyment for some time now. i've tore thru just about every hunter s thompson i could get my hands on. while i've not read michner's space, i have "the novel" been thru some Clancy redstorm rising, without remorse executive decision. clive cussler i like w.e.b. griffin i've read quite a bit of. the problem i feel i have in my literary choices is that some feel like "hollow" reads if that makes any sense.
let me put a bit of perspective into my wanting to expand. when people like dano for instance quote famous authors that i cant spell, i feel like i am missing on some bit of literary prosperity. does that make any sense?
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It's not history, but for good fun reading that is backed by "real" speculative science (newton's laws aren't broken) and military history, try some science fiction by Jerry Pournelle and/or Larry Niven.
Do a google search for the chief of staff reading list. The USAF chief of staff publishes a reading list of various books each military member should read, for their professional development. Some good stuff in there. I think each service has a similiar program.
Another thing you can do is sign up for a night course in literature at the local community college. That way you'll not only have access to someone who can recommend real literature, but you'll also have some help learning how to THINK about what you read. That's important if you want to separate yourself from the mindless masses.
The Right Stuff is really good.
I thought Clancy got pretty corny after Red October, but The Hunt For Red October and Red Storm Rising were great IMHO.
I've read Atlas Shrugged a few times and I think it's a worthwhile read, but as others have said it can be challenging. Also if you mention to most liberals that you read Ayn Rand and actually AGREE with even one word she wrote, you'll be immediately labelled a greedy, heartless, corporate shill even if the liberal has never read one single word she ever wrote. Which is exactly what Ayn Rand talks about in her book (the mindless emotional reactionary responses spewed by many powerful liberals). One way or another, your philosophy and outlook on life will be changed after reading Ayn Rand whether you agree with her or not.
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If it weren't for Herman Wouk I wouldn't be as big a reader as I am now.
That being said I started off initially with biographies and it went from there. Mostly history or historical fiction. Can't get enough of it.
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Originally posted by Hornet33
OK those are fighting words. Tom Clancy is awsome. By far one of the best military/fiction/espionage writers in the last 20 years. Almost all of his books have been best sellers. He has a gift for mixing real world politics and technology into a fictional story with characters that are interesting and yet down to earth.
I can only surmise from your statement you've never actually read any of his work. You saw the movies though huh? Those sucked and didn't do the novels they were based on any justice at all.
I've read quite a bit of Clancy...
Hunt for Red October
Red Storm Rising
Patriot Games
Cardinal of the Kremlin
Clear and Present Danger
Sum of All Fears
Without Remorse
Debt of Honor
Executive Decisions
Clancy's books are plodding and tedious... and if the boredom wasn't enough to toss the books away, the endless pontification that seems to have infected everything he wrote after Cardinal of the Kremlin pushes them right over.
From the start, his juggling of four or more story arcs has been a source of irritation. With HFRO, I didn't notice so much because each story arc was interesting, but with each book, Clancy seems to fill more and more of his books with crap you have slog through while waiting for the "good" parts.
FWIW... I think HFRO and PG were the most enjoyable.
After COTK, it's all crap.
Anyway... back on topic... if it's jhookt's goal to become "well read," I think he should avoid Clancy like the plague. Same goes for Stephen King.
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Originally posted by Charon
I finally got around to reading "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Worth adding to the list.
Charon
I have never gotten around to reading that book. I think I'll visit the library tomorrow instead of sitting around on the sofa. :)
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Stephen King does some great writing. Except for the gunslinger series.
I'd say avoid them like the plague. They'll make you question whether or not god actually exists. But not because of ideals in the books.
The first 4 books were amazing. Some of the best books I've ever read. Book 5 started to get odd, and not in a storyline sort of way. Book 6 was down right strange. And I can't get myself to keep reading book 7 because of how bad it is.
If there truly is a just and loving god, he wouldn't have allowed the last 3 books to suck so bad.
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I also enjoyed the first 4 books of that series (book 4 most of all). I haven't read any further because I heard others say what you just said about them. It's a shame.
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Originally posted by lasersailor184
Stephen King does some great writing.
I'll amend my earlier statement regarding his writing.
His short stories are excellent.
Here's my thing with King... and maybe it's just me... but I read the original "The Stand" and I thought it was okay. I liked the beginning and the middle, but the end just fell flat. Which... is generally my problem with King... his endings are often predictable. But I digress... Read the original "The Stand" and then read the later version that he released "uncut" with an additional 300 pages. Anyway... after reading the uncut version, I couldn't tell you the difference between the two books (other than the change in candy bar names). He added over 300 pages of literary white noise.
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"but for good fun reading that is backed by "real" speculative science (newton's laws aren't broken) and military history, try some science fiction by Jerry Pournelle and/or Larry Niven."
most of the books i could recommend fall under something similar to this...good fun adventure type stories that just happen to be set in a futuristic or fantasy world. so i dont think i can help you...if you were simply after a few hours of better than TV enjoyment, that would be different.
however...
alistair maclean does good pseudo historical stories
terry pratchet is good, if a little bizarre and pointless at times.
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Originally posted by Sandman
I'll amend my earlier statement regarding his writing.
His short stories are excellent.
Here's my thing with King... and maybe it's just me... but I read the original "The Stand" and I thought it was okay. I liked the beginning and the middle, but the end just fell flat. Which... is generally my problem with King... his endings are often predictable. But I digress... Read the original "The Stand" and then read the later version that he released "uncut" with an additional 300 pages. Anyway... after reading the uncut version, I couldn't tell you the difference between the two books (other than the change in candy bar names). He added over 300 pages of literary white noise.
I can't get through the stand myself. But I've done his other books.
Pick up "The Running Man". It's a much darker scarier story then that 80's tripe with Schwarzenegger. He penned a lot of books under the name Richard Bachman.
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If you're looking to be "in" on hundreds of different quotes and pop culture references, look no further than Shakespeare... but, like Rand, for the casual reader it's hard to get through, and you'll either enjoy it or hate it immensely.
BTW, I enjoyed Clancy up until Ryan became a politician. On a pure shameless level, I enjoyed Marcinko's Rogue Warrior series. Chrichton has some great stories, too.
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Originally posted by Dux
If you're looking to be "in" on hundreds of different quotes and pop culture references, look no further than Shakespeare... but, like Rand, for the casual reader it's hard to get through, and you'll either enjoy it or hate it immensely.
Shakespeare was a joke. I find it rather humorous that somewhere along the line someone got drunk, talked about what a genius he was and everyone has believed it since.
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hehe... case in point. Not much of a fan either, but it's fun to know where all those quotes come from and the context they were intended for.
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Originally posted by Dux
hehe... case in point. Not much of a fan either, but it's fun to know where all those quotes come from and the context they were intended for.
Not really case in point. To truly analyze shakespeare, you have to understand how he did things, who the plays were for and what the writing actually was.
I myself didn't ever really care about him, either for or against. But then I found out what a joke he is, and I laugh at everyone who loves him.
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Originally posted by lasersailor184
Shakespeare was a joke. I find it rather humorous that somewhere along the line someone got drunk, talked about what a genius he was and everyone has believed it since.
You have to be kidding. Who's work do you find genius in?
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O the joy of reading! These will flesh out your humanity:
The Prince (Machiavelli)
Desiderata (Ehrmann)
The Dwarf (Lagerkvist)
Death of a Saleman (Miller)
Top of the World (Ruesch)
Barabbas (Lagerkvist)
The True Believer (Hoffer),
Night of the Hunter (Grubb)
Gift from the Sea (Lindbergh)
War Through the Ages (Montross)
The Painted Bird (Kosinski)
A Garden of Sand (Thompson)
Tell Me a Riddle (Olsen)
Working (Terkel)
Danse Macabre (King)
The Songlines (Chatwin)
Staring at the Sun (Barnes)
Education of a Wandering Man (L'Amour)
A Natural History of the Senses (Ackerman)
On Writing Well (Zinsser)
Anatomy of Love (Fisher)
Undaunted Courage (Ambrose)
Desert Queen (Wallach)
Warriors of God (Reston)
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Jack London, Call of the Wild
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Originally posted by Dadano
You have to be kidding. Who's work do you find genius in?
My own. But that's another story (PUN FULLY INTENDED). :rofl
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jhookt, you're from Texas. Why aren't you reading Larry McMurtry?
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Not exactly literary master pieces, and I doubt finishing them all will make you well read, but Sven Hassle writes some really gritty down to earth war stories from the German soldier's perspective.
I've just read 'Blitzfreeze', paid a dollar for it at the book exchange shop,, and thoroughly enjoyed every page of it.
Pretty much zero Nazi mindset involved, in fact the one hard core Nazi in Mr Hassle's stories cops a LOT of crap from his fellow German soldiers about being a Nazi.
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Dunno bout you guys but I've switched to audiobooks for the last few years. I read all day long at work (email, porn etc). Last thing I need is to bash my eyes some more.
My favourites...
Herbert, the Dune series, even the prequels by his son are fun
Gibson, Neuromancer, Patter Recognition (both fairly prophetic imho)
Heinlein, especially Starship Troopers, and Stranger in a Strange Land (grok it), some of Heinleins other books have interesting ideas
HG Wells stuff, getting back to the original versions rather than the 21st century versions is fun. The Invisible Man and The Island of Doctor Moreau are well worth revisiting.
And of late I've discovered some real gems in the Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars series (I'm currently reading/listening to Gods of Mars).
I like to read the old stuff, it gives you a little insight into the mindset, plus it is great escapism.
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Originally posted by rpm
jhookt, you're from Texas. Why aren't you reading Larry McMurtry?
Lonesome Dove was an enjoyable read. :aok
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Horseman, Pass By
The Last Picture Show (trillogy)
Lonesome Dove (series)
Terms of Endearment (series)
Crazy Horse
Cadillac Jack
I'm sort of biased, we are both from Archer City.
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Originally posted by rpm
jhookt, you're from Texas. Why aren't you reading Larry McMurtry?
never heard of him. the only buzz i have heard about texan writers was that guy who wrote "no country for old men" or some title to that effect. and clearly you can see how much i know about that subject.
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Originally posted by lasersailor184
I can't get through the stand myself. But I've done his other books.
Pick up "The Running Man". It's a much darker scarier story then that 80's tripe with Schwarzenegger. He penned a lot of books under the name Richard Bachman.
Yeah... just as I said... The Running Man was one of his short stories.
Personally, I liked The Long Walk best, I think.
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If you love Texas, you need to read Larry McMurtry. He's a fantastic writer. Horseman, Pass By (a/k/a Hud) is a great place to start. I don't know if it's possible for me to name a favorite, I love them all.
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Economics in One Lesson: The Shortest and Surest Way to Understand Basic Economics, by Henry Hazlitt
http://www.amazon.com/Economics-One-Lesson-Shortest-Understand/dp/0517548232
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Hell... I like McMurtry... and can't say I like Texas much at all...
;)
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Originally posted by Bluedog
Not exactly literary master pieces, and I doubt finishing them all will make you well read, but Sven Hassle writes some really gritty down to earth war stories from the German soldier's perspective.
I've just read 'Blitzfreeze', paid a dollar for it at the book exchange shop,, and thoroughly enjoyed every page of it.
Pretty much zero Nazi mindset involved, in fact the one hard core Nazi in Mr Hassle's stories cops a LOT of crap from his fellow German soldiers about being a Nazi.
Yup, Sven Hassle's books are a good read... good stories with plenty of action without the PC nonsense. Some of his books are better than others but if you read 1 and enjoy it you probably will end up reading them all, I did, and same way as you Blue, through book exchange.
Sven's books a cerebral in comparison, but I still regret chucking out the hundreds of Commando comics I use to have. Probably all classics by now cause I think their been out of print for years.
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(http://www.douban.com/lpic/s1435794.jpg)
"It's What's for Dinner..."
:D
Mac
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My favourite books that I consider classics:
The Tempest (Shakespeare)
Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
Desolation Island (Patrick O'brian)
The Old Man and the Sea (Hemmingway)
Keep the Aspidistra Flying (Orwell)
Down and Out in Paris and London (Orwell)
1984 (Orwell)
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Meh, McMurtry has some brilliant moments. Some utterly forgettable moments as well. Ever tried reading Anything For Billy? Lonesome Dove was awesome. Streets of Laredo was good. Dead Man's Walk I am not even sure Larry wrote. Comanche Moon has it's moments as well but it's mainly just a long snuff novel. I'm interested in seeing how much gore they put in the TV series when its aired this November.
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I find myself in agreement with tedbear on this one.
Read what you enjoy and look at some of the required school stuff... starting with things like tom sawyer and 1984.
Ayn Rand is good... all the old American drunks born around 1900 like Fitzgerald and hemingway and london.
The authors who wrote about their times the good and the bad... is the best history lesson... like listening to a favorite grandfather.
Problem is... you read this stuff and say... What the hell is wrong with us? Why did we stray so much to gain so little?
lazs
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Jhookt,
You have had some outstanding recomendations here for books. Look them over and start broadening your exposure to literature.
The question I have is this, what is your goal for being "well read". Is it for casual conversation, impressing some girl at a party or because you want to experiance more of the literary world?
If it isn't the last one, you're wasting your time as spewing out titles of books you read really doesn't make much of an impression. Being able to understand differing view points because you read more can be helpful as well as seeing things from others perspective. Other than that, find a genre that you like and read for your own enjoyment.
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Originally posted by jhookt
6 months into this year of our lord 2007 i have accomplished my New Year's resolution to quit smoking. I figure since i am on a roll as far as setting and meeting ultimatums i should keep going.
I want to be well read. The problem i have is where do i start? The classics? The best sellers' list? I was hoping that the gracious members of this forum could throw out a title or 2 to begin the path of general enlightment. Just a book that you feel is noteworthy, any and all genres. i figured should go first with the list so here goes:
Atlas Shrugged- Ayn Rand
House of Leaves- Mark Danielewski
Hook congrats on quitting smoking. Wish I could!!
I used to teach college English.
Good luck on your reading.
All the Best,
hap
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Originally posted by lazs2 What the hell is wrong with us? Why did we stray so much to gain so little?
lazs [/B]
Now lazs, knock off asking the important questions or you'll force me to start reading your posts. :aok
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Originally posted by Sikboy
I'm a Steinbeck fan. A lot of his work is very approachable, and I feel a good place to start.
The Moon is Down
Cannery Row
Travels with Charlie in Search of America (Non-fiction)
Tortilla Flat
Where not to start:
The Grapes of Wrath
East of Eden
I love books.
-Sik
Sik,
I had forgotten about Steinbeck. Loved his work so. Read all the little ones and have left unread the big ones. How's that for wierd.
20 years ago Viking published "Working Days," JS's journals commemorating the 50th anniversary of "Grapes of Wrath."
If you can find the NYTimes Book Review front page talking about Working Days, you'll flip your lid. I used to have parts of JS's ruminations memorized. Still do actually, but I won't cause pain to the O'Club by rattling them off.
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Originally posted by Hap
Sik,
I had forgotten about Steinbeck. Loved his work so. Read all the little ones and have left unread the big ones. How's that for wierd.
20 years ago Viking published "Working Days," JS's journals commemorating the 50th anniversary of "Grapes of Wrath."
If you can find the NYTimes Book Review front page talking about Working Days, you'll flip your lid. I used to have parts of JS's ruminations memorized. Still do actually, but I won't cause pain to the O'Club by rattling them off.
Bringing McMurtry and Steinbeck together...
"I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extend that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery and paradox."
-John Steinbeck "Travels with Charley In Search of America"
McMurtry I'm never quite sure of. I've only read the first two of the Thalia books, and the first and third of the Sin Killer books, but it seems to me that while he has some very great writing early on, the stories don't have enough to push through multiple volumes even with a steady rotation of new characters.
My wife suggests F. Scott Fitgerald. She really digs the 20s.
Hap, I'm going to have to look into "Working Days." Have you read "The Log for the Sea of Cortez"? The introduction to that one was particulary telling. And the fact that through Doc he was well grounded in the Sciences fascinates me. Damn near a Renaissance man for his generation.
-Sik
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Originally posted by Sikboy Hap, I'm going to have to look into "Working Days." Have you read "The Log for the Sea of Cortez"? The introduction to that one was particulary telling. And the fact that through Doc he was well grounded in the Sciences fascinates me. Damn near a Renaissance man for his generation.
-Sik [/B]
Nope, never read that book Sik. At one time, I wished for a bumper sticker that would read "So Many Books So Little Time."
As to Fitzgerald, his prose can just win one over. He just so good at being a writer.
As things didn't continue to shake out well for him, he fell prey to self-pity. Which makes him just a regular guy. Only difference is regular guys whine to their buds then put a cork in it when they see their buds have had their fill. Or, they dwindle down looking for other audiences ad nauseum.
FSF had a bit of the same going on but his audience was big.
And he really had a way with words too.
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I have to admit to a fondness for the old drunks born in 1900 or so..
Fitzgerald is unbelievable.. I honestly do think that "the great gatsby" is the great American novel. I have read it 3 times in three different times in my life and got three different meanings out of it.
Hemingway is great in a completely different way..
lazs
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Originally posted by lazs2
I have to admit to a fondness for the old drunks born in 1900 or so
Spooky stuff.
Really good writers too.
There was a slim volume, can't recall the title. Contained more than one profile as I recall. In part, maybe, written by a fellow who served in WWI and knew the Lost Generation headliners and ran in their circles as well. Or written about the guy.
Gosh, I wish I could recollect. It was in part about this guy's life that ended badly and the spirit of the times.
Kept it for years then finally shunted it to a used bookstore with all the other ones gathering dust.
p.s. FOUND IT: Exile's Return.
http://www.amazon.com/Exiles-Return-Literary-Odyssey-Classics/dp/0140187766/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-8020899-9831229?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180639545&sr=1-2
Could be mistaken, but I think that's the one. For anyone who takes interest in the period, its sure is worth reading.
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Ernie Pyle is awesome. Worth a read.
My favorite part about buying books in recent years is my other favorite game: EBAY.
I've purchased many awesome books in the last few years for just pennies.
AND I didn't have to leave the house to browse.
:)
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hap.. I am not sure what you are implying. I am not an english teacher but I read a lot. I have read a lot. I think that you might even be surprised at what is on my bookshelf.. it is pretty eclectic.
maybe you think that if I read what you read that my politics should be as yours are? What is "spooky" to you?
Why would learning that I have read a lot make you any more or less prone to read what I write?
I am trying not to make a judgement here but... you are coming off like a stereotypical egghead eliteist.
lazs
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Some of the things I still enjoy reading..
J.R.R. Tolkien "Lord of the Rings"
Waterhouse "Lady of Shalott"
Poe "All of his stuff"
Daniel Defoe "Same as above"
Hemmingway puts me to sleep fast.
and some others that are a lil more personal.
Most children do not read as much as we did in the past.
Sad really. Come to think of it.
Mac
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Originally posted by lazs2 What is "spooky" to you? [/B]
Lazs,
I was booze hound for many years.
And I share a soft-spot for the drunks born around 1900 also.
:cool:
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http://www.archive.org has old texts, films etc. hours of reading, watching fun and some not so fun (footage of Nanking, yes the Japanese invasion killings etc, not linking to it, use search.)
http://www.archive.org/details/texts
http://www.archive.org/details/movies
and as someone mentioned earlier this http://www.archive.org/details/What_To_Do_In_A_Zombie_Attack
more links at top of the pages to other stuff
oh and here for some Gov't WW2 films
http://www.archive.org/details/cinemocracy
if you can find it under movies, feature films, letter H link, about half way down is a nice little Gov't movie on farming certain something for ropes, clothes, etc. :noid :aok
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Personally, I love children’s literature. After 11 years of college I’ve determined that a lot of writing is difficult just for the sake of being difficult. Language has changed so much over the years to make Shakespeare readable, even Twain is a bit odd and tough.
I’d say the Harry Potter series are the best books I’ve read. Other great ones are: The Giver, Number the Stars, Hatchet, Julie of the Wolves & Maniac Magee. Any recent Newbery Medal Winner or honor books are sure to be great. My daughter just started “The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread” and gave me the low down; it sounds like a fun book.
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I agree with eskimo ~ except I think the children's literature that I like are really picture books that happen to have words included:
Bread & Jam for Frances
Blueberries for Sal
Five Chinese Brothers
Don't let the Pigeon drive the bus
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Sal's mom has got it going on!
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Originally posted by lazs2
I have to admit to a fondness for the old drunks born in 1900 or so..
Fitzgerald is unbelievable.. I honestly do think that "the great gatsby" is the great American novel. I have read it 3 times in three different times in my life and got three different meanings out of it.
Hemingway is great in a completely different way..
lazs
Christ almighty, I agree with lazs.
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Originally posted by AWMac
(http://www.douban.com/lpic/s1435794.jpg)
"It's What's for Dinner..."
Mac
Were you a regular customer of "Loompanics Unlimited" there, AWMac, before they went under?
How about "Kitchen Improvised Explosives, Vol 1 and 2" or "Get Even"?
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Originally posted by Vulcan
Dunno bout you guys but I've switched to audiobooks for the last few years. I read all day long at work (email, porn etc). Last thing I need is to bash my eyes some more.
if your going to cheap out like that you may as well download a bunch of the 30s-50s radio shows onto a mp3 player.
i also agree with eskimo, though i prefer at least young adult stuff, heinleins work is quite good.
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Originally posted by Maverick
The question I have is this, what is your goal for being "well read". Is it for casual conversation, impressing some girl at a party or because you want to experiance more of the literary world?
If it isn't the last one, you're wasting your time as spewing out titles of books you read really doesn't make much of an impression. Being able to understand differing view points because you read more can be helpful as well as seeing things from others perspective. Other than that, find a genre that you like and read for your own enjoyment.
It gives me the heebee jeebees when I agree with Mav, but he's spot on in this case.
Though school had nearly eliminated my outside reading, I did manage to find time for a book or two here and there. I remember starting a similar thread a few years back:
http://forums.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=144554&perpage=25&highlight=fall&pagenumber=1
Anyhow, getting back to what Mav was saying, it all depends on what you want out of a book. I've been reading the Jack Aubrey books on Summers, and they are fun and entertaining. I enjoy them. But often I'm looking for something with a bit more depth. Something that will help me see things from a different perspective, or answer a question I hadn't thought to ask. Theres room for all of those books in anyone's library, but whenever you ask for a recomendation, you have to let us know what it is you want out of the book. Though, there are enough recomndations across the board to meet anything you might want.
-Sik
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Sikboy,
I do believe you're being coy!
:p
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Everyone should read everything they get their hands on... The eggheads have given reading a bad rep... the guys that spend most of their lives in school.
People out living life look at the eggheads and their smug attitude about education and say "I don't want to be like that ahole"
As eskimo says.. some books are difficult for difficulties sake.. most poetry is phony in that way... read whatever comes your way... if you don't like it... you don't have to finish it.
Read what a trusted friend says he liked. read the classics that were popular. Hemingway and Fitzgerald (not as much) were like movie stars back then... people couldn't wait to read their stuff... and for good reason... it will take you to another time and place.
Read trashy stuff that is entertaining... a lot of guys learned to read in the joint... they had time and that was before TV's and computers in cells.. they read connan and louis lamour westerns... those are very entertaining books.
Don't be afraid to drop a book and put it back on the shelf.
I read at night before I go to sleep. I read in airports and waiting rooms and motels. I read after getting a project done in the morning and in the air conditioning out of the hot sun.
lazs
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jhook, here's a book game our family plays (usually takes an entire summer break).
Pick one topic that really interests you, and get a book on that topic; read the entire book. Pick one topic (event, person, etc.) from that book, then get a a book on that particular separate subject. Out of that book get the most interesting topic and get another book on the new topic... and so on & so on.
Usually the kids & I write down our book paths; which, now that I think of it, is pretty nerdy. Oh well; it's a real hoot... fun to see the topic evolution.
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I was going to say "read everything", but didn't have time to type all that needed to follow such an absolute.. thanks lazs..
A high shool world literature teacher gave me a list of a few dozen great books of litteraly all shapes and sizes. I'll try and post it if I find it.
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Originally posted by texasmom Usually the kids & I write down our book paths; which, now that I think of it, is pretty nerdy. [/B]
Doing so would never have been thought of as being "nerdy" long ago.
Big lesson there!
WTG TM!!
Regards,
hap