The Book Thread

[Botched]

I read this recently.

It's the true story of (and authored by) a Navy SEAL who was the lone survivor of a catastrophic operation in Afghanistan. It was 2005 I think? They're badly outnumbered by the Taliban, the rest of his team is killed, and he's severely injured. He had to try to survive in the Afghan mountains while hoping to be rescued before the Taliban could find and kill him. The author also spends a good part of the book going into detail about the ridiculously difficult training required to become a SEAL.

It's an incredible story, and I'm amazed it hasn't been made into a movie yet. My only gripe with the book is the author frequently goes off on tangents about how everything is the liberal media's fault, or how Texans are better than everyone else. Other than that it was a really good read.

[Conn]

So after this one guy was harping on me to read Jim Butcher, I bought book one of the Codex Alera series. Basically, I just forced myself to finish, because it wasn't my cup of tea.

So then the guy tells me, "no I meant the Dresden books". So I've read the first two, and they are enjoyable. He's a wizard living in modern day Chicago. Enjoyable, complete diversion, great read on the beach or plane book.

Yeah, the Codex Alrea series are really for a different crowd entirely, although I enjoyed them when I was a bit younger. The Dresden Files books are great though, and they get exponentially better as the series goes on. Kind of like with the HP series, the first few pale in comparison to the books from 4/5 or so on, I think the series is at 13 now? The first few were the authors first books, so they aren't quite as well written. They get very dark, very intense, as the readers' world expands along with the main character's. Looking back at the first couple books in the series...Dresden's world was very small back then. He knew nothing of the larger arcs that have entered the series.

[Chump Bailey]

http://keithbritton.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/lone-survivor-book1.jpg

I read this recently.

It's the true story of (and authored by) a Navy SEAL who was the lone survivor of a catastrophic operation in Afghanistan. It was 2005 I think? They're badly outnumbered by the Taliban, the rest of his team is killed, and he's severely injured. He had to try to survive in the Afghan mountains while hoping to be rescued before the Taliban could find and kill him. The author also spends a good part of the book going into detail about the ridiculously difficult training required to become a SEAL.

It's an incredible story, and I'm amazed it hasn't been made into a movie yet. My only gripe with the book is the author frequently goes off on tangents about how everything is the liberal media's fault, or how Texans are better than everyone else. Other than that it was a really good read.

I enjoyed that too. You would definitely like Not a Good Day to Die & Robert's Ridge. Both are great and deal with true spec ops events in Afghanistan.

[gbear]

My two favorite books I've read lately were Paths of Glory and Blink. Paths of Glory is about George Mallory an Everest climber. It was incredibly gripping, much more so than I expected. It reminded me a lot of the Ken Follet's writings.

Blink was interesting and a bit disturbing to see how so many of our decisions are made quickly and how many of our thought out conclusions are worse than the instant versions. I came away from the book convinced our reasoned answers aren't much better than our intuitive guesses.

[The Evil Genius]

Let's breathe some life back into this thread!

Did you ever check it out? I have it and I loved it!

Bought the book, along with Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter...but started the Lincoln one first. Sadly, I don't read books quickly..so it will prob be a few weeks before I start on the King one.

Thanks for the good words on it, though!

[HSW]

Currently re-reading this to get up to speed for the 2nd one March 1st.

Great, great book if you enjoy fantasy.

http://www.infinitas.com.au/ProductImages/9780756404741.jpg

Awesome book. The second book is just as good. I cannot wait for the third.

I also highly recommend the entire Raimond Feist science fiction series. He is is at least as good as Goodkind and Jordan.

[GoSkins0721]

For those of you interested in US History, especially WWII, this book is a must:

Neptune's Inferno: The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal by James Hornfischer

It's an incredibly detailed account of the naval battles that occurred at Guadalcanal and the stories of the men on the ships during those battles. Truly one of the most moving accounts of men at war, especially naval war, that I have ever read.

I'm saving Hornfischer's other book The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour to read while on vacation this summer.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

While we're on US History:

"The President and the Assassin: McKinley, Terror, and Empire at the Dawn of the American Century"

by Scott Miller

I know I've talked about this book before on here, but I guess it wasn't in this thread. Really excellent read. It covered a piece of American history (turn of the 20th Century) that I really didn't know much about. McKinnley's assassination was the overriding theme, but it covered the two worlds in America at that time: the world of McKinnley and the world of his assassin. So a lot about the Spanish-American War, about McKinnley as president and it also covered the working class and the anarchist movement that was in full swing at that time.

Seriously, seriously recommend it. A lot of books on history are real dry and there are parts where you really have to push yourself through it, but that wasn't the case here at all. Very well written with a great flow.

[Elessar78]

Currently reading:

The Intelligent Entrepreneur by Bill Murphy Jr.

Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer

Dance of Dragons (Game of Thrones book 5).

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

And what I'm reading right now that I'm really enjoying:

"The Rise and Fall of Communism"

by Archie Brown

Is what it says it is. Also another history book that's not dry and is very easy to read. As I've said a billion times by now, the Cold War fascinates me so this is right up my alley. Still, a good read for anyone.

And I'm still amazed that anyone thought Communism was a good idea (or still do in some places :doh: ). Almost lol if so many people didn't die as a result.

[Skin'Em84]

Was recommended the First Law trilogy from a friend after claiming how much I loved the Game of Thrones series. They are fantastic books, well thought out characters, and a great series. Actually, Logen Ninefingers may be one of the more interesting characters I have read in a while.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

http://fantasy-faction.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/The_First_Law_Trilogy.jpg

Was recommended the First Law trilogy from a friend after claiming how much I loved the Game of Thrones series. They are fantastic books' date=' well thought out characters, and a great series. Actually, Logen Ninefingers may be one of the more interesting characters I have read in a while.[/quote']

Love fantasy (Wheel of Time baby--RIP Robert Jordan). What are these about?

[Skin'Em84]

Love fantasy (Wheel of Time baby--RIP Robert Jordan). What are these about?

Hard to describe without giving something away; You have Angland, the main empire, bout to go to war with two other forces, one a barbarian horde, the other led by the big bad evil guy (kind of like the child of Emperor Palpatine and Sauron). There's also a third main force that plays a hand in this that you will find out. Some of the main characters are lead on a quest to find an ancient weapon, some are in the middle of the war.

Lots of violence, torture, crazy people, plot twists and a bit of sex. Altogether a great book.

[Conn]

G.A.C.O.L.B., ever read Brent Weeks' first fantasy series, the Night Angel Trilogy? I'd highly recommend them. Very dark, a little sick especially the first half of the first book, but great dark epic fantasy.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

On the subject of books, what do folk think to e-readers?

I bought my mom one the Christmas before last (A Sony one, although Kindle seems to of become more popular); and she absolutely adores it. She takes it everywhere with her, and has more electronic books on it than she ever had physical ones. And she's always been an avid reader. But each time I've looked at it, I just can't share the same enthusiasm. There's just something uniquely personal to me in a physical book. I love the feel of a crisp, new book that's totally lost on a screen. And not to mention the unique smell different books pick up over the years that all add to a book goers experience.

I don't know how long physical books will fight off technology, with all the stores sadly closing at the competition (although they tell me physical book sales across the board have never been as high); but I for one will stick it out to the end with the traditional version that just gives that personal experience an electronic screen can not.

Hail.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

I swear, nothing worse than writing a post and then the site crashing when you hit post. This was actually on the computer this time too so I didn't bother to copy and paste like I always do on the phone now. And you can rewrite almost word for word and it'll still feel lesser somehow. Blah.

Anyway...

Hard to describe without giving something away; You have Angland' date=' the main empire, bout to go to war with two other forces, one a barbarian horde, the other led by the big bad evil guy (kind of like the child of Emperor Palpatine and Sauron). There's also a third main force that plays a hand in this that you will find out. Some of the main characters are lead on a quest to find an ancient weapon, some are in the middle of the war.

Lots of violence, torture, crazy people, plot twists and a bit of sex. Altogether a great book.[/quote']

Definitely sounds like something I'll like.

G.A.C.O.L.B., ever read Brent Weeks' first fantasy series, the Night Angel Trilogy? I'd highly recommend them. Very dark, a little sick especially the first half of the first book, but great dark epic fantasy.

This too.

Thanks both of you. I've been largely stuck in this history/non-fiction phase for like three years now. It's about time I switched it up. And I love me some fantasy. You know what though? I've never read Game of Thrones. I have it for my Kindle but just haven't gotten around to reading it (haven't watched the show yet either). Is that a must before anything else?

And speaking of Kindle...

On the subject of books, what do folk think to e-readers?

I bought my mom one the Christmas before last (A Sony one, although Kindle seems to of become more popular); and she absolutely adores it. She takes it everywhere with her, and has more electronic books on it than she ever had physical ones. And she's always been an avid reader. But each time I've looked at it, I just can't share the same enthusiasm. There's just something uniquely personal to me in a physical book. I love the feel of a crisp, new book that's totally lost on a screen. And not to mention the unique smell different books pick up over the years that all add to a book goers experience.

I don't know how long physical books will fight off technology, with all the stores sadly closing at the competition (although they tell me physical book sales across the board have never been as high); but I for one will stick it out to the end with the traditional version that just gives that personal experience an electronic screen can not.

Hail.

I used to think the exact same as you. E-book reader? Yeah I don't think so. Give me an old-fashioned book all day,every day. Then someone gave me their old Kindle. I fell in love almost immediately. Then I left it on top of my car before noticing something flying off my roof on 29. Was pull over and save it, but it was DOA. So I got a Kindle II, and I really, REALLY love that. Since, I've gotten three people Kindle II's as gifts. I'm that much of a believer. It's just so easy, they nailed the font/screen. I just love it so much.

I did hear that the newest Kindle has some glare issues or something with the screen but I don't know for certain. I just don't see any reason to switch from the Kindle II. Also, don't really like the Nook. Have messed around with some friends' Nooks and I think it just feels ...less natural than the Kindle. If that makes sense. Not sure what Sony e-reader you're talking about so I can't comment on that.

[StillUnknown]

Picking up a lot of books based on the suggestions, so thanks to all who have contributed.

As far as e-readers, I love them. I find myself reading a lot more now that I use my iPad as opposed to the physical books.

[Conn]

G.A.C.O.L.B, because theyve done it so well, I'd actually recommend watching the show first, and then reading all the books after the 2nd season ends and you're wanting more. The show will be that much better for you that way, and then you can read the books, which will be awesome in their own right. You could go the other way too, I just think that the show has done a uniquely good job putting the books on screen, so I'd reserve the 'woah!' moments for the show and start there.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

G.A.C.O.L.B, because theyve done it so well, I'd actually recommend watching the show first, and then reading all the books after the 2nd season ends and you're wanting more. The show will be that much better for you that way, and then you can read the books, which will be awesome in their own right. You could go the other way too, I just think that the show has done a uniquely good job putting the books on screen, so I'd reserve the 'woah!' moments for the show and start there.

Hey man, thank you so much. I've been asking people about that for a year now: TV show or books first? I was basically stuck because everyone was telling me different things and I couldn't decide what to do. **** it, I'm trusting you and going with your advice. Thank you!!!

[Conn]

Hey man, thank you so much. I've been asking people about that for a year now: TV show or books first? I was basically stuck because everyone was telling me different things and I couldn't decide what to do. **** it, I'm trusting you and going with your advice. Thank you!!!

No problem man, you're going to love it. With most things I'd always recommend reading the source material first because its usually far superior, but in this case I think GoT is one of the best shows on TV, and you're doing yourself a favor reserving the shocks and intense moments from the first couple books for your show-viewing. Especially since there's almost two whole seasons out to watch. If you read the books first, you'll enjoy the show, but you'll spend a lot of time either knowing whats going to happen and missing out on the shock value, or noticing what they've changed. Season 2 has only three more episodes until its finished, so in a few weeks, if you're even caught up by then, you can just read the books to get your fill.

Enjoy!

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

Definitely. Have always had the same experience: book is superior, better to read first. That's what was throwing me off. I had people I know are big readers tell me what you did, watch it first. Totally get the reasoning.

Hey let me ask you something: how bad is the sex in the show? I don't have HBO so I'm gonna have to watch it online. With my computer DOA, that means watching it at work (lunch and breaks here and there). Is there massive amounts of nudity that I'm gonna have to be on constant alert for? I watched the entire Wire series at work but there isn't too much nudity there. All I know is that SNL skit that made it seem like every other scene was an orgy.

[Conn]

Lots of nudity, some episodes more than others. I'd be wary of watching it at work for that reason, but it really depends on the environment. Its not trashy nudity like in True Blood though. Some sex scenes, but they aren't anything you'd mistake for porn most of the time. Ironically the pilot has some of the worst nudity, overall. If you can make it through that without getting fired or pausing it every 15 seconds out of fear when someone walks by, you should be okay.

[thebluefood]

Somehow, I'm going to read through this in the course of one summer. I don't know how, but I will.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

Get out of here with that nerd **** blue. We're talking orgys and nudity. Jk

But yeah Conn, after about the 20th click on a Reddit NSFW link at work, I realized that nobody was checking my computer. And outside of the Wire, I've watched other R-rated movies (never Porn of course--that'd be beyond creepy). I've gotten pretty expertly at keeping track of my surroundings and being at the ready to click on another tab if need be.

Though yesterday my immediate coworker/partner told me that her eight-year-old granddaughter (take your granddaughter to work day or whatever a few weeks ago) told her that I look at "inappropriate stuff" on my computer. I'm a little worried about that. She didn't have details but (I'm an idiot who should've just laughed it off) I asked her to find out what exactly her granddaughter is talking about. They're Jehovas Witnesses so a girl in a bikini or a car crash vid could be inappropriate to her. I can't imagine I looked at anything explicit with an eight year old there. I hope not anyway. I am genuinely curious though. We're pretty close so I'm not worried about her reporting me, I just don't want to feel like a creep.

[thebluefood]

Get out of here with that nerd **** blue. We're talking orgys and nudity. Jk

I'm gonna start calling you Goliath because you are a Philistine. :pfft: