I know there has been loads of threads on this subject but....best books read recently anyone????
Cos I'm a tight hoor I've just got around to reading Paul McGrath's (out in paperback now).....genuinely shocking what that man went through and what he put his family through as well.... I defy you not to be moved by it.
To paraphrase Ferguson when speaking to someone about him when he played against and beat Man United while playing for Derby County at the end of his career.
"How good would he have been if he didnt drink?"
ICON
I'm reading "Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic" by Tom Holland at the moment. Very easy to read, and a fascinating period in history.
I'm over half way through reading "Mother tongues" by Helena Drysdale. It's an account of an 18-month journey around Europe cataloguing the progress or demise of some of Europe's lesser known languages. After that I'll be tackling "1688" again. A great historical account of a year that, more than most, changed dramatically the world. I've got hold of a great book for a couple of squid in a library sale here in Oz, called "China: Land of invention and discovery". Damn they were clever buggers those Chinese.
"Feet in the clouds" - A tale of Fell-Running and obsession (Richard Askwith)
Askwith's an editor with the Independent in London who just got into fell-running.
A bit sceptical when I got this to be honest but it turned out to be a great book which I really couldn't put down.
Just started "A Thousand Spendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini author of the "Kite Runner". very good so far. if you haven't read the "Kite Runneri'd definitely recommend it.
I have to buy a lad, 52, a Man Utd book. He's retiring. Anything out there of note?
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YX7HQ9D5L._SS500_.jpg)
Just finished the 'Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Very unusual but touching book.
Just finished "Diffusion of Innovations" by Everett M. Rogers.
Fascinating!
Who read it for you?
Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill
Fantastic Reading.
Quote from: Mac Eoghain on June 09, 2007, 10:46:22 PM
Just started the Life of Pi. Havent a baldy what its about yet.
Stick with it Mac - a fantastic read.
Geez lads we're all very intelligent!
I am still reading May's edition of 442 magazine!
Quote from: stephenite on June 10, 2007, 04:15:25 AM
Quote from: Mac Eoghain on June 09, 2007, 10:46:22 PM
Just started the Life of Pi. Havent a baldy what its about yet.
Stick with it Mac - a fantastic read.
I second that.
Of everything I've read in the last five years, I'd put Sebastian Barry's "A Long Long Way" at the top of the list. For a good laugh "Tragically I was an Only Twin" - a collection of Peter Cook's comic writings.
Books I've started but didn't bother finishing recently include A Short History of Nearly Everything (where Bryson puzzlingly loses his touch), The Lunar Men and A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian. (It must be a short history thing).
The Ross O'Carroll Kelly books are class the character is such a likeable a55hole, if you a D4 head you will think its funny & if you a Nortside Scobie, Muck Savage Culchie or a Nordie you will funny too.
Life of Pi - agree with the other lads, stick with it, it's a fantastic read.
Other books which I've read recently worthy of recommendation:
Vernon God Little - it's a great read once you get into it. A satire on American culture as a small town in Texas looks for a scapegoat after a school shooting.
Last Man Standing - a year in the life of Hurling Goalkeepers - written by Christy O'Connor, he gets up close and personal with all the key hurling goalkeepers for one summer of championship hurling (2004 I think). It gives a great insight into the dedication these lads show, and even moreso into the isolation that a hurling goalkeeper can feel if mistakes are made - some of the abuse these lads get from 'fans' is unreal.
Any Irvine Welsh book - not everyones cup of tea, but if you can get to grips with the writing style (completely scottish dialogue, 'ya ken wha ay mean') his stories are first rate. Most people have seen trainspotting, so if you enjoyed that, you'll enjoy reading Glue, Porno or Filth.
Quote"Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic" by Tom Holland
J70, I read that a few years ago on holidays, it was great. I've his newer one about Persian history lined up for this year, and Anthony Beevor's book on the Spanish Civil War too.
Just finished, Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee, the storey of the demise of Native Americans in the face of the European invasion. Its a harrowing storey told from the Native Americans point of view which can make it biased at times as it doesnt really account for the atrocities that they themselves commited against the Europeans but it definatley accounts for the hardship and abuse they got. Hard to read at times as some of the cruelty would sicken you, but its informative and shows that what it really boiled down to, to quote from "Cool Hand Luke", failure to communicate.
At the moment reading Moby Dick, its a great book, only at the beginning, still yet to meet Ahab.
was in the book shop on saturday just looking aroung when i spotted ''for whom the bells toll'' by hemmingway and i realised i had never read it. so i bought it and went home and starting reading.
Jesus Christ, what a book and what a writer. for anyone who has not read it put it on the holiday book list.
Quote from: oakleafer on June 11, 2007, 10:34:04 AM
Last Man Standing - a year in the life of Hurling Goalkeepers - written by Christy O'Connor, he gets up close and personal with all the key hurling goalkeepers for one summer of championship hurling (2004 I think). It gives a great insight into the dedication these lads show, and even moreso into the isolation that a hurling goalkeeper can feel if mistakes are made - some of the abuse these lads get from 'fans' is unreal.
Good book Oakleaf, read it too.
Just finished "A secret life" - an account of Rychard Kuklinski, a high-ranking Polish army officer who passed Warsaw Pact secrets to the CIA at the height of the Cold War in the hope that it would help prevent invasion and annihilation of his country and possibly WWIII in Europe. His ideals were noble but many former colleagues thought him a traitor, something which hurt him in later years.
Just started "Until i find You" by John Irving. first couple of chapters have whetted the appetite
Keep us posted on the John Irving book Declan - do you not find his form has seriously disimproved over the past five or so books?
Quotedo you not find his form has seriously disimproved over the past five or so books?
Did a bit alright Billy. Couldn't get into Son of the Circus at all but the Widow for One Year was OK. I think he was always going to struggle to reproduce a work similar to "A Prayer for Owen Meany" but the reviews of this one are good but I'll hold my judgement until I finish it.
I've been struggling since 'Hotel New Hampshire' myself. :P
I have just finished "Tarry Flynn". It's uncanny but Tarry's mother is the spittin image of my own.
I have just started "Why Men don't listen and women can't read maps".
I'm inspired to move to Australia because in that book I read that in a survey conducted anon (no spoofing), men in their 40's have sex on average 78 times a year. Though it doesnt say with what. Maybe I would have put in an extra few q's in that survey.
Agree with the comments re Irving - but as Dec said the chances of him ever writing anything better than A Prayer for Owen Meaney are slim
Tuesdays with Morrie
Check it out - one of the best books I ever read
Ireland by Frank Delaney - classic
Just read 'Damned United' about Brian Clough's ill fated spell at Leeds and also his rise through management - it's an excellent read, part fact and fiction, highly recommended.
I'd also recommend 'Stuart: A Life Backwards' a true story about a homeless man and how he came to be on the streets - a moving and funny story.
Life of Pi is good, though I'd be interested to hear what people think of the ending and what it means in relation to the comment on the cover about making you believe in God.
recent reads:
Hard Cash
Harry Potter and the deathly hallows
50 Cent pieces to weight
Robbie Fowler
Mickey Harte Kicking down heavens door
Gonna look for JAck O'Connors next as hear its an excellent read!
Quote from: 5iveTimes on September 10, 2007, 02:55:28 PM
What was Mickey Hartes book like?
its ok intersting enough- it doesnt go that in depth just sort of a dairy. i like the way he lines out each of his teams, including errigal, and names scorers etc. he kept good record of them.
have just read paul mcgrath book and a pretty good read but my favorite book of all time would be killing pablo,fascinating look of the life of pablo escobar the biggest crime lord of all time.
Just started reading Peter Kays autobiography, only 2 chapters in, very funny so far...
QuoteI've been struggling since 'Hotel New Hampshire' myself.
Meant to reply earlier BB - Read the latest Irving one on holliers. Found it hard going but got through it. Didn't really all hang together for me and some of the subject matter a bit uncomfortable- child molestation etc. Also found it hard to sympathise with the main character.
QuoteJust read 'Damned United' about Brian Clough's ill fated spell at Leeds and also his rise through management - it's an excellent read, part fact and fiction, highly recommended.
I loved this - read it in one sitting. Highly recommended, for Leeds fans, or for folk who remember the era and the man. Believeable, if you can strtetch the imagination far enough to picture Johnny Giles as evil incarnate. :P
Yeah Declan, I've given up on Irving for my Americana fix - have transferred my allegiances to Harlan Coben (light) and John Updike (thinking).
Recently
My wicked wicked ways - the story of Errol Flynn
The road to McCarthy - Pete McCarthy
The triggermen & Bandit Country
Anyone fans of Carl Hiassen or Lee Child?
The Road to McCarthy --- Feck me, an awful book! If you are trying not to write a cliched book about Ireland, don'y stick nuns in full habit drinking Guiness on the front!!! My fav book of all time is Filth by Irvine Welsh .. Tapeworms, sex, violence, sectarianism, racism, murder and pornography ... and that's from the cop! Welsh was trying to take the piss out of Ian Rankin's Rebus and suceeds spectacularly...
Im not sure who wrote it, but Round Ireland with a Fridge is a great read. Its been out a while now, should be easy to pick up in paperback.
Just about to finish The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
Blurb - The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir, a well-to-do Pashtun boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, who is haunted by the guilt of betraying his childhood friend Hassan, the son of his father's Hazara servants. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of the monarchy in Afghanistan through the Soviet invasion, the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States, and the Taliban regime.
Best i've read since Arthur and George.
Quote from: Hurler on the Bitch on September 10, 2007, 10:11:47 PM
The Road to McCarthy --- Feck me, an awful book! If you are trying not to write a cliched book about Ireland, don'y stick nuns in full habit drinking Guiness on the front!!! My fav book of all time is Filth by Irvine Welsh .. Tapeworms, sex, violence, sectarianism, racism, murder and pornography ... and that's from the cop! Welsh was trying to take the piss out of Ian Rankin's Rebus and suceeds spectacularly...
I actually enjoy petes writing style. Granted McCarthys bar was much much funnier, this is still worth a read on the can.
McCarthy's Bar - I've read that - it was ok. Met the man himself in my local a few years back.
The name of the local - McCarthy's of course :D :D
The road - Cormac McCarthy.
Father and young son in post apocalyptic America.
Short book, short sentences that snap and crackle. Some of it will stay with me a long time.
Long tim since I read a book as good.
Quote from: 5iveTimes on September 10, 2007, 01:46:28 PM
Finished Jack O`Connors book, Keys to the Kingdom recently. Very good book even if he does feel that the whole world is against him. Great insight into some of the players and what they go through.
Also bought "The GAA Book of Lists" which has some interesting facts and figures. Certainly well worth a tenner of anyones money.
i have that aswell by Eoghan Corry, i really enjoyed it especially reading about the competitions that no longer exist such as the World Cup :D
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on September 10, 2007, 10:46:49 PM
McCarthy's Bar - I've read that - it was ok. Met the man himself in my local a few years back.
The name of the local - McCarthy's of course :D :D
Yeah great book,I read another book by him can't think of the name right now..
Unfortunately he died a few years back,he was a great writer
Quote from: stiffler on September 10, 2007, 10:28:51 PM
Im not sure who wrote it, but Round Ireland with a Fridge is a great read. Its been out a while now, should be easy to pick up in paperback.
Tony Hawkes I think. Very funny book, McCarthy's Bar is good but too much in the way of gushing adoration of everything Irish. Hawkes had only been to Ireland once before the Fridge trip (he was drunk and lost a bet!!) and didn't particularly like it here. Makes the book even better.
Someone mentioned Rubicon...excellent book and likewise I have Persia sitting wiating to be read for ages. Stuck in a rut at the moment of starting books and getting nowhere.
For quick funny essays I recommend Clarksons compilations and alsoTom Humphries' books.
If you're interested in politics I'd recommend the Blair Years by Alastair Campbell. You might despise Campbell but it's written very well in a diary format so is quite snappy and fast moving and is very insightful - some great anecdotes and NI and the peace process features heavily.
You have to remember that it's written by the original Spin Doctor, so I'm not taking everything as gospel but thoroughly enjoyable read
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on September 10, 2007, 11:42:19 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on September 10, 2007, 10:46:49 PM
McCarthy's Bar - I've read that - it was ok. Met the man himself in my local a few years back.
The name of the local - McCarthy's of course :D :D
Yeah great book,I read another book by him can't think of the name right now..
Unfortunately he died a few years back,he was a great writer
the road to mccarthy?
Recently read 'A monk Swimming' and the follow-up 'Singing my him song', both autobriographical accounts of Malachy McCourt's life(Frank's bro), very very entertaining.
Lance Armstrong - It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life
Have read a few books on the 'Templars' by Steve Berry, excellent stuff, part fiction part fact. Anybody know any other good ones on the templars?
Also, want to read up on Stalin and Che Quevara so if anybody knows good starting points that would be great....
;D
Bummp
Quote from: The Forfeit Point on September 10, 2007, 11:37:03 PM
Quote from: 5iveTimes on September 10, 2007, 01:46:28 PM
Finished Jack O`Connors book, Keys to the Kingdom recently. Very good book even if he does feel that the whole world is against him. Great insight into some of the players and what they go through.
Also bought "The GAA Book of Lists" which has some interesting facts and figures. Certainly well worth a tenner of anyones money.
i have that aswell by Eoghan Corry, i really enjoyed it especially reading about the competitions that no longer exist such as the World Cup :D
have book of lists as well- Dennis Taylor used to play minor ball for Tyrone :o
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on September 10, 2007, 04:22:13 PM
Just started reading Peter Kays autobiography, only 2 chapters in, very funny so far...
enjoyed the read myself Croí very funny all the way tru
Quote from: 5iveTimes on September 13, 2007, 12:51:20 PM
Quote from: longball on September 13, 2007, 12:10:40 PM
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on September 10, 2007, 04:22:13 PM
Just started reading Peter Kays autobiography, only 2 chapters in, very funny so far...
enjoyed the read myself Croí very funny all the way tru
The book was very funny, but it was also very perdictable. It was like one of his stand up routines, funny the first time you heard it but he does tend to do the same stuff over and over again.
yea, thought if u had seen his standup a lot has appeared in his book! was good read. has ne1 read chris moyles book dunno if id fancy it.
U can see some of the gags coming alright, still gets a chuckle when they arrive all the same...
By far the best novel I have read this year, and i have gone through a few, is Q and A by Vikas Swarup.
It's about an Indian waiter who wins their version of who wants to be a millionaire.
It's a wonderful read with a great twist in the end.
It pisses all over anything that McCarthy bloke wrote. In fact, it pisses all over most of the novels and biographies knocking about at the moment.
Just in the middle of "Half A Yellow Sun" a novel set in the Nigerian Civil war of the late sixties - brilliant so far, but harrowing as well at times.
Finished "Custer and Crazy Horse" a parallel history of the two warriors who met at Little Big Horn, by Steven Ambrose, the same guy who wrote "Band of Brothers" - really interesting and the comparisons between the two and the societies they represented are fascinating.
I'd recommend anything by Anthony Beevor - but "The Spanish Civil War" and "Stalingrad" are my favourites.
And finally, probaly the best work of fiction I've read in the last five years is "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell. You won't regret reading it.
Quote from: longball on September 13, 2007, 01:26:26 PM
yea, thought if u had seen his standup a lot has appeared in his book! was good read. has ne1 read chris moyles book dunno if id fancy it.
i think it wud be great! u not like him? or maybe he'd be a bit much to listen to for a whole book!
QuoteAnthony Beevor ... "The Spanish Civil War"
As if by magic, again, that's what I'm reading at the moment - very good indeed.
Quote from: SidelineKick on September 13, 2007, 07:30:36 PM
Quote from: longball on September 13, 2007, 01:26:26 PM
yea, thought if u had seen his standup a lot has appeared in his book! was good read. has ne1 read chris moyles book dunno if id fancy it.
i think it wud be great! u not like him? or maybe he'd be a bit much to listen to for a whole book!
i dont really like him, but find myself switching on to listen to him most mornings, think hes very much into himself which i cant stand, think its a bit like a car wreck i cant help but look!
Half way through The Blair Years by Alaistair Campbell.
Anyone with the slightest interest in politics will enjoy this. Great behind the scenes look at how the UK was run by Blair.
Ref: the Blair Years ... quite evident from reading them that Tony is currently pissing himself at Gordon's electoral situation...............
Any Stephen King fans? Starting to read some now, in the middle of IT, decent book if you like that genre.
Quote from: corn02 on October 08, 2007, 03:14:08 PM
Any Stephen King fans? Starting to read some now, in the middle of IT, decent book if you like that genre.
Some great books.
The dark side
Firestarter
Bag of bones
3 of my favourite king novels.
Quote from: 5 Sams on October 08, 2007, 02:46:26 PM
Half way through The Blair Years by Alaistair Campbell.
Anyone with the slightest interest in politics will enjoy this. Great behind the scenes look at how the UK was run by Blair.
Yep, mentioned it on the last page - finished it a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it
Currently reading Gene Wilder's biography; To me, he's got a strange style of writing and it's putting me off a bit, but some great laughs as well though.
working my way through this
(http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1963/irishdt7.jpg)
Quote from: hardstation on October 09, 2007, 02:31:48 AM
Quote from: corn02 on October 08, 2007, 03:14:08 PM
Any Stephen King fans? Starting to read some now, in the middle of IT, decent book if you like that genre.
Never read the book but it was a class film. Still scares the bejaysis out of me.
(http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:FufXdSpOFN_8AM:http://movies.infinitecoolness.com/it/pennywise/it-pennywisewp06.jpg)
Great books and great films;
Stephen King - Misery
John Grisham - A Time to Kill
John Grisham - The Pelican Brief
Anything by John Grisham
Forgot to mention 'Caislean Oir' by Seamus Mac Grianna (Máire). Great book, crap ending though.
"Fuar fuar", arsa Séimí.
If only he had stayed at home with Babaí Mháirtín..............
...............What could have been......................
Seriously, I know it's often said, but the book is a million times better than the film. Movie is pants in comparison.
200 pages into the IT book and it is excellent but I will watch the movie too. I suppose King is one of few novelists who have had films version surpass thier books i.e Shawshank and Green Mile.
Was in Easons in Newry yesterday and was amazes at the proliferation of G.A.A. orientated Books. Changed times indeed i thought to myself
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on October 09, 2007, 07:11:03 PM
working my way through this
(http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1963/irishdt7.jpg)
Jesus Gabriel, thats a tough read. Ive started and quit numerous times. Does it get any better after the first 10 pages?
Quote200 pages into the IT book and it is excellent but I will watch the movie too. I suppose King is one of few novelists who have had films version surpass thier books i.e Shawshank and Green Mile.
Apart from "Dolores Clairbourne", "Misery" and the "Dead Zone" the film adaptations of Stephen King Novels have rarely lived up to the original.
The Shawshank Redemption & The Green Mile are both feel good movies,which despite being good movies, dont live up to the original stories and are untypical of King books.
Has anyone who says that Shawshank the movie is better than the book actually read the book
"It" was an overly long book and a rubbish movie.
As a Tv mini series "Salems Lot" wasn't a bad adaptaion for its time.
Quote from: Puckoon on October 10, 2007, 01:31:13 AM
g228.imageshack.us/img228/1963/irishdt7.jpg[/img]
Jesus Gabriel, thats a tough read. Ive started and quit numerous times. Does it get any better after the first 10 pages?
[/quote]
I'm just after finishing the ancient Rome bit
Maybe I need to try it one more time... :-\
Just read the Last Testament by Sam Bourne. Fairly entertaining -slow start, but great when it gets going!
Also read Judg & Jury by James Patterson - Very easy book to read. Again entertaining...but fairly predictable.
In the middle of Relentless - very good so far!
Quote from: Windmill abu on October 10, 2007, 03:13:40 AM
Quote200 pages into the IT book and it is excellent but I will watch the movie too. I suppose King is one of few novelists who have had films version surpass thier books i.e Shawshank and Green Mile.
Apart from "Dolores Clairbourne", "Misery" and the "Dead Zone" the film adaptations of Stephen King Novels have rarely lived up to the original.
The Shawshank Redemption & The Green Mile are both feel good movies,which despite being good movies, dont live up to the original stories and are untypical of King books.
Has anyone who says that Shawshank the movie is better than the book actually read the book
"It" was an overly long book and a rubbish movie.
As a Tv mini series "Salems Lot" wasn't a bad adaptaion for its time.
Dont forget The Shining, brilliant film.
Cujo, The Stand, Carrie and Needful Things were OK but The Shining is in a league of its own (with Shawshank)
Quote from: Pangurban on October 10, 2007, 12:51:33 AM
Was in Easons in Newry yesterday and was amazes at the proliferation of G.A.A. orientated Books. Changed times indeed i thought to myself
name a few there pangurban
Is Oisins book available yet?
Quote
Re: Books
« Reply #85 on: Today at 09:56:23 AM »
Reply with quote
Just read the Last Testament by Sam Bourne. Fairly entertaining -slow start, but great when it gets going!
Also read Judg & Jury by James Patterson - Very easy book to read. Again entertaining...but fairly predictable.
In the middle of Relentless - very good so far!
Read a couple of Bourne's books, Last Testament is a good read but Righteous Men is a bit better, you should have a go
Patterson seems to be drawing the Cross saga out too much, Big Bad Wolf was an excellent read but everything after that has been mediocre('Double Cross' and 'Cross')....still think all pre Big Bad Wolf books are highly underrated.....
Quote from: Dangleberrys on October 10, 2007, 02:01:21 PM
Quote
Re: Books
« Reply #85 on: Today at 09:56:23 AM »
Reply with quote
Just read the Last Testament by Sam Bourne. Fairly entertaining -slow start, but great when it gets going!
Also read Judg & Jury by James Patterson - Very easy book to read. Again entertaining...but fairly predictable.
In the middle of Relentless - very good so far!
Read a couple of Bourne's books, Last Testament is a good read but Righteous Men is a bit better, you should have a go
Patterson seems to be drawing the Cross saga out too much, Big Bad Wolf was an excellent read but everything after that has been mediocre('Double Cross' and 'Cross')....still think all pre Big Bad Wolf books are highly underrated.....
Yeah really enjoyed Righteous Men, that made me have a go at his latest one. Think he only has 2 though!
Just about to finish 'The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East' by Robert Fisk. Excellent read especially for the first hand accounts he gives of the countries and people.
Quote from: Windmill abu on October 10, 2007, 03:13:40 AM
Quote200 pages into the IT book and it is excellent but I will watch the movie too. I suppose King is one of few novelists who have had films version surpass thier books i.e Shawshank and Green Mile.
Has anyone who says that Shawshank the movie is better than the book actually read the book
"It" was an overly long book and a rubbish movie.
As a Tv mini series "Salems Lot" wasn't a bad adaptaion for its time.
I think you're being hard on the movie there. As I recall, its finished at no 1 in a survey of the top 100 movies here at Christmas.
Quote from: Windmill abu on October 10, 2007, 03:13:40 AM
Quote200 pages into the IT book and it is excellent but I will watch the movie too. I suppose King is one of few novelists who have had films version surpass thier books i.e Shawshank and Green Mile.
Has anyone who says that Shawshank the movie is better than the book actually read the book
"It" was an overly long book and a rubbish movie.
As a Tv mini series "Salems Lot" wasn't a bad adaptaion for its time.
Ive read the book (or novella actually - the book is different seasons and contains apt pupil and stand by me and the breathing method, which hasnt been made into a film as its crap) and i find the film as good as the book.
It is amusing that "red" is actually irish with red hair in the book, and in the film when asked why they call him read jokes that "maybe its cos im irish.
Puckoon anyone?
Never bought anything from Amazon until last week. Had been looking through my book collection and realised that two of my favourites were no longer with me (brother probably stole them years ago). Anyway, even though I've read them both a couple of times wanted to have a copy of them and give them another read. They arrived today....
The Big Fellow by Frank O'Connor (about the greatest man in Irish history)
The Boss by Joe Joyce & Peter Murath (about the greatest gangster in Irish History)
Whatever your feelings on either character I found both to very enjoyable reads. The Big Fellow is far from your typical historical biography, firstly it was written only 15 years after his death and it is full of anecdotes. Frank O'Connor being such a wonderfull short story writer (I'm sure most on here have read the wonderfull First Confession at some stage) writes this in very different style than any other book you will get on Collins. The Boss focuses one very interesting year in Irish poltics, 1982. Phone taps and Haugheys first govt.
Just finished reading Brian Clough's Autobiography (Clough: The Autobiography 1995).
One you accept his ego was out of control, it becomes an extremely enjoyable read. Highlights are his version of the Leeds debacle, Hillsborough, the 2 European Cups, his drinking, Peter Taylor, Gazza and relegation. His despair regarding his final season and the relegation is surprising. You get the impression that it ultimately ruined his whole career, for him. Very sad.
Some brilliant one-liners and analysis of his players and other. He wasn't a fan of the smart-arsed Martin O'Neill.
half way thro 'ryanair'. its a great read..
was it not withdrawn duing to being libelous rather than banned?
and he has also payed huge damages as some of the claims at least where absolute balls
im sure there is some truth there 5times, its just reading "factual" books when you know a lot of it is balls, but cant tell which bits strikes me as a waste of effort.
Halfway through "Shoot To Kill" about a fellas time in the paras, he has just landed in Belfast to take part in "peacekeeping duties".......
A Peoples History of the United States by Howard Zinn - amazing book - its a history text book and I read it cover to cover and was shocked by every chapter - definitely worth a look!
5times, I've read a few chapters and found it interesting but haven't read the whole book. I don't know how the libel cases went or whole all took them, but still worth the read i'd say. I'm just not a big reader.
QuoteJust finished reading Brian Clough's Autobiography
Shane, I mentioned this below before - it's a 'fictional' account of Clough's 40-odd days at Leeds, based on several other accounts published and otherwise. A fantastic read, completely unputdownable. Johnny Giles was not Cloughie's favourite person, and the feeling was mutual. Great stuff indeed.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Damned-Utd-David-Peace/dp/0571224334/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-3474608-6574326?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194512866&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Damned-Utd-David-Peace/dp/0571224334/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-3474608-6574326?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194512866&sr=8-1)
Just finished Salem's Lot by Stephen King. It's the first book I've read by him, inspired I think by the recent 'horror scenes' thread that was floating about.
It's good, I enjoyed the build up perhaps more than the ending, but he's very easy to read and I'd certainly read another novel of his fairly soon. Open to suggestions too if other posters have recommendations.
Yer Ma, i've read quite a few Stephen King books and im currently half way through one of his books called Desperation which is good! But 1 King book i really enjoyed and would recommend is Everything's Eventual. Series of short stories that are really good.
Dan Brown novels are excellent aswell. Thought Deception Point and Digital Fortress were the 2 best!
The 'Damned United' book is brilliant alright Billy. Sometimes you need to remind yourself it is a novel though, or at least an interpretation, because it is writtin in the first person at times, and you think it's non-fiction :D
Also, on a seperate note, I love the wise cracking fictional detective type. The likes of Marlowe in the Big Sleep and his descendants like Spencer from Robert B. Parker and Elvis Cole from Robert Crais. Any others about I should know about?
I actually don't like Charlie Chan that much.
QuoteAny others about I should know about?
James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux series, set in Louisiana.
Sara Paretsky's stuff has the smartarse comments you'd like AZ.
Henning Mankell's Swedish thrillers, if you're into Swedish humour (i.e. ahem, none).
Michael Dibdin's Inspector Zen series, set in Italy, and as funny/cynical as it gets, anywhere.
Manuel Vázquez Montalbán's Pepe Carvalho series set in Barcelona - offbeat, but good.
QuoteJames Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux series, set in Louisiana.
Sara Paretsky's stuff has the smartarse comments you'd like AZ.
Henning Mankell's Swedish thrillers, if you're into Swedish humour (i.e. ahem, none).
Michael Dibdin's Inspector Zen series, set in Italy, and as funny/cynical as it gets, anywhere.
Manuel Vázquez Montalbán's Pepe Carvalho series set in Barcelona - offbeat, but good.
I like Dave Robicheaux a lot, but he's not the smart arse I had in mind. He's much deeper and more of a crusading knight. I like the writing style of Burke though, very descriptive.
Never looked at Sara Paretsky's stuff, must take a gander, but in general I'm not a huge fan of female writers in that Genre. Patricia Cornwell and Sue Grafton have sort of worn on me, although I used to like their stuff when I read it first.
I doubt if I'll be reading the Swedish lad, unless you strongly advise otherwise, but the Italian and Catalan lads sound interesting. I'll give them a crack. Cheers.
Actually, in the local little bookshop there last week I bought a hardback, bound copy of the complete Holmes works of Arthur Conan Doyle. It's a lovely volume, and I'd forgotten what a good read they were.
AZ, there's also the Patricia Highsmith stuff - again not that smartarsey, but well put together. The Ripley series is extraordinary - I read it again recently and enjoyed it immensely.
http://www.mysterynet.com/books/testimony/ripley.shtml (http://www.mysterynet.com/books/testimony/ripley.shtml)
Lord of the Rings - a great trilogy of books
Bourne series - A great set of books which were destroyed by the films >:(
Colin Forbes books - great reads and complicated
Riftwar sage - Raymond Feist
Sam Bourne - also good...
Shanara Books - Terry Brooks
The Wolf of Masada - can't remember who wrote it - story based on the siege of Masada
Dune - Frank Herbert
David Gemmell - Druss books
Finished Friday Night Lights - although various people told me it was quality I found it somewhat disappointing
Quote from: full back on November 14, 2007, 02:11:00 PM
Finished Friday Night Lights - although various people told me it was quality I found it somewhat disappointing
It was as much a social commentary on small town USA as a book about American Football, i enjoyed it though.
Quote from: The Forfeit Point on September 10, 2007, 11:37:03 PM
Quote from: 5iveTimes on September 10, 2007, 01:46:28 PM
Also bought "The GAA Book of Lists" which has some interesting facts and figures. Certainly well worth a tenner of anyones money.
i have that aswell by Eoghan Corry, i really enjoyed it especially reading about the competitions that no longer exist such as the World Cup :D
Went into Eason for a browse on Friday night and ended up getting what I think are called coffee table books (although they will probably end up closer to the throne!)
The aforementioned book of lists and two Shane Coleman books, the latest one is called 'Up the Polls' and I can't for the life of me remember the other one at the moment but it is basically to do with poltical gaffes made by Irish politicans. I'd recommend all of them in that they are inexpensive and the type of book you can pick up and read one of the stories and then not look at it again for a while.
Reading Band of Brothers - did start it some time ago and left it but got right back into it this week, great book and obviously a lot more detail in it than the TV series, looking forward to watching the series again.
Is it me or is he not very complimentary to the British tank drivers (I'm sure that's not the miltary term for them)? He only mentions them a few times (so far anyway) and thats to point out they done something wrong.
Anyone read any other books by Ambrose? Was thinking of giving D Day a go after this.
Also reading The Boys of Winter - about the 1980 US hockey team - interesting.
I just picked up a book two days ago by Terry Goodkind, it was the final part of a series and it is has been very enjoyable.
I am looking forward to getting a copy of Oisins book, it will be added to the Armagh memorabillia collection in me basement after i read it.
Had a glance through "Princes of Pigskin" in Waterstones last night and the hint was duly dropped to herself last night so hopefully it will be in the stocking. Classy looking publication.
For all youse snobby cnuts out there it might not be Chekhov or Shakespeare but it's what the the people of this country are interested in!!
"Would you like a book for Christmas?"
- "No, thanks. I already have a book".
Phew. Couldn't decide what to get you Hardy.
Just finished 'The Road to Croker' by Eamon Sweeney, and although I've always had my suspicions about thon boy for his views on Armagh I thought it was fantastic, probably the best sporting book I've ever read and I've read at least four. With a bit of hindsight he wasn't that far of the mark regarding Armagh.
Bought Oisin's book today and The Glory years(cant mind the author).
have oisin book now as well but saving it for over the xmas period
Does anyone know where i might get my hands on the Desmond Fahy book 'How the GAA survived the troubles'.Was in a few book shops in Dublin today but to no avail. If anyone has a copy they could sell on i'd be very interested.
There's a few selling it on amazon.
Just finshing David Peace's brilliant novel, the Damned United which, based on fact, tells the story of Brian Howard Clough's days at Deby County and his disastrous short stay at Leeds. Came recommended by no less a literary critic as Billys Boots, whilst Rick Broadbent of the Times wrote in his review,
'Probably the best novel ever written about sport....'
Magnificent!
I just finished 'The Miracle of Castel di Sangro' by Joe McGinness, an American Author who spent a season with Castel di Sangro, a tiny team in Italy, after they got promoted all the way to Serie B. The author is a bit of a pain in the arse, especially his attempts to completely overstep his role as a guest by continually arguing tactics with the manager and the way the book is written (it's all about Joe, Joe, Joe), but it's a good read at the same time. The trials and tribulations that go on with the team during the season are unreal, and there's a twist at the end as well.
Well worth it if anyone hasn't read it yet.
QuoteCame recommended by no less a literary critic as Billys Boots
Glad you liked it Rufus. ;) It's the best book I've read this year - do yourself a favour, especially if you remember that era.
Quote'The Miracle of Castel di Sangro' by Joe McGinness
I liked this too, and I shared AZ's views on the author. It's a completely mad story too, and apparently true. Imagine Longford Town FC, in its present incarnation, being allowed to participate in the English Championship - that would be a good start on the premise involved. If you like to read about Italian football, 'A Season with Verona' by Tim Parks is good too.
On Italian football, Paggy Agnew's 'Forza Italia' is a good read as well.
Billy, is the Verona book in a similar vein to the Castel di Sangro?
QuoteBilly, is the Verona book in a similar vein to the Castel di Sangro?
No, it's about an English fellah (don't let that put you off) living in Verona who buys a season ticket for the local club in Serie A - it's a game by game account of the season. Enjoyable and interesting.
Just finished Keith Duggan's House of Pain.
One of the best GAA books I have ever read...and I've been through quite a few. Highly recommended.
Reading INLA Deadly Divisions, only a few chapters in but absolutely fascinating book.
Quote from: Mack the finger on September 10, 2007, 11:08:56 PM
The road - Cormac McCarthy.
Father and young son in post apocalyptic America.
Short book, short sentences that snap and crackle. Some of it will stay with me a long time.
Long tim since I read a book as good.
Just finished No Country for Old Men Mack...the reviews of the Road are deadly ...probably be my next purchase!
Was " No Country for Old Men" good 5Sams? I might buy it today, its only a few quid.
Excellent Minder....I dunno where you're based but you'll get it for a fiver in the record shop(Zavvi I think....used to be Virgin Records) in the Buttercrane in Newry
Tell me this lads, what's the verdict on audiobooks? Are they any good or are you better of sticking to the real thing?
Quote from: 5 Sams on May 07, 2008, 10:18:11 AM
Excellent Minder....I dunno where you're based but you'll get it for a fiver in the record shop(Zavvi I think....used to be Virgin Records) in the Buttercrane in Newry
I work in Lisburn of all places >:(........I saw it in Waterstones the other day for £4.99 so i will get it today
Bought a load of books from amazon about 2 months ago:
"Sniper on the Eastern Front: The Memoirs of Sepp Allerberger, Knight's Cross" - Excellant book. Gives an account of a german sniper on the eastern front during world war 2. The Russians wher bad bastards.
"Eyewitness Auschwitz: Three Years in the Gas Chamber" Filip Muller - Excellant book. About a fella who worked in the gas chambers in Auschwitz and survived by mixture of luck and by not giving up hope. Its a short enough book but definately worth reading. Shocking from start to finish. Some complete sickos knocking about in those days.
"Bad as I Wanna Be" Dennis Rodman - Good books. The man is a f**king looper, cross dressing and hanging out in gay bars all the time. He has a whole chapter on his relationship to madonna which is interesting enough. I mite buy Madonnas book to get her take on the whole thing with Rodman.
"Band of Brothers" Stephen E. Ambrose - I love the TV series, must have watched the box set 15 times now. The book is just as good. Unreal what them men went through.
"Slaying the Dragon: How to Turn Your Small Steps to Great Feats" Michael Johnson - Not a bibliography, more of a motivational book. If you are after a bibliography on this man then dont buy it but i thought it was excellant and will definately read it again at some stage.
"Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, the Man Who Led the Band of Brothers" - Only starting to read it now but so far so good.
"Drive: the Story of My Life" Larry Bird - Havent started reading it yet.
"My Life" Earvin "Magic" Johnson - Havent started reading it yet.
Anybody know any good war books to read.
Jim,
When you bought in amazon did you pay postage on all the books seperate? what is the best way to do this?
Cant beat play.com for books and CDs...all delivered free....dunno how they do it.
Quote from: ludermor on May 07, 2008, 03:10:48 PM
Jim,
When you bought in amazon did you pay postage on all the books seperate? what is the best way to do this?
Aye, complete f**king bolllocks. Most of the books where under £5 each because they where 2nd hand but the postage cost of ones from america knocked the price up. I think 2 of the books came together from the same place but the others where seperate. I didnt realise that some of the books come from america until they sent the receipt to my email. I knew the price was to good to be true when i seen them on amazon. When i went to the checkout in amazon it didnt show me any extra postage costs etc so just watch out for it. Saying that if i was to buy the same books from book stores 1st hand they would have cost me 4 times the price. I will have a look through my old emails later to see if i can get you the exact price i paid for each book + postage.
Quote from: 5 Sams on May 07, 2008, 03:16:44 PM
Cant beat play.com for books and CDs...all delivered free....dunno how they do it.
Great site. Ive bought cds and i also bought my playstation 3 off their site last week. It included grand theft auto and cost £300 - free delivery. Every other site i checked either didnt offer the same deal or else it was £20 or £30 more expensive.
I must try them for their books.
cheers for that lads, the postage stood out like a sore thumb alright, its still good value but if there better around...
just browsing through play.com and came across the far side books by gary larson, forgot about these , i had a load of them in my younger days.
JS, coupla recomendations..
War Letters-Andrew Carroll. Self explanatory really, a touching insight into war from yer typical grunt.
The Naked and the Dead-Norman Mailer. Great book, great writer. A fantastic read..
Not sure If they have been mentioned - Pete McCarthy's travel books are great
"McCarthy's Bar" and "The Road to McCarthy" are brilliant - first one is a eejit meetin, stout drinkin, hill walkin traipse from West Cork to Lough Derg. Trying to find his spiritual home...As he says - never pass a bar with your name on it! He's great at writing about the situations we have all found ourselves in, and nutters we have all met
2nd one is a similar jaunt only overseas - from meeting the "McCarty Mor" in Tangiers and various other headers - to a tour of NYC on paddies day to Van diemens land and beyond.
Very very funny writer
another in the same vein - "Larkin about in Ireland" by John Larkin (Aussie) - totally different writer who was more bemused by Ireland, i think, than impressed - bit of a sarky git but not too bad either - not in the same league as McCarthy though
Pete McCarthy was very funny, have read both his books. Unfortunately his writing skills were cut short when Pete died in 2004. RIP
Just finished Bad luck and trouble by Lee Child. Jack Reacher is at it again.
Matt Taibbi's new book about Dubya-era America promises to be good if the excerpt he had in Rolling Stone about his incognito weekend retreat with John Hagee's crazy fundamendalist christian group is any guide!
I think its just out or coming out and is called "The Great Derangement: A Terrifying True Story of War, Politics, and Religion at the Twilight of the American Empire"
His political stuff in Rolling Stone is excellent. Pretty good coverage of the campaign trail on the Bill Maher show too.
YouTube piece about the book here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku8JRW3cz1E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku8JRW3cz1E)
Just started Ska'd for life by Horace Panther (bass player with the Specials) For anyone who was into the SKA / 2Tone scene back then it's worth a trip down memory lane .
Just read Mr Nice by Howard Marks. Amazing story..you actually grow to like him the more you read, despite him being the worlds biggest dope smuggler for about 20 years!
Quote from: cavanmaniac on June 09, 2007, 10:30:59 PM
Just finished the 'Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Very unusual but touching book.
No way - just read that myself. Excellent book. Must be a Cavan thing!
Quote from: 5 Sams on May 06, 2008, 11:44:42 PM
Quote from: Mack the finger on September 10, 2007, 11:08:56 PM
The road - Cormac McCarthy.
Father and young son in post apocalyptic America.
Short book, short sentences that snap and crackle. Some of it will stay with me a long time.
Long tim since I read a book as good.
Just finished No Country for Old Men Mack...the reviews of the Road are deadly ...probably be my next purchase!
Just finished "The Road". I can see why people have described this book as a masterpiece. Haunting tale....and one of the most original novels I have ever read.
For an excellent read you should all try and get your hands on a copy of EarthDog Running Dog. Would be very informative for all you city slickers
Reading 'Flat Earth News' by Nick Davis. For those of you here who pick up on everything in the papers this is a must read for you.
Quote from: Fishbat on May 08, 2008, 11:38:18 PM
Not sure If they have been mentioned - Pete McCarthy's travel books are great
"McCarthy's Bar" and "The Road to McCarthy" are brilliant - first one is a eejit meetin, stout drinkin, hill walkin traipse from West Cork to Lough Derg. Trying to find his spiritual home...As he says - never pass a bar with your name on it! He's great at writing about the situations we have all found ourselves in, and nutters we have all met
2nd one is a similar jaunt only overseas - from meeting the "McCarty Mor" in Tangiers and various other headers - to a tour of NYC on paddies day to Van diemens land and beyond.
Very very funny writer
another in the same vein - "Larkin about in Ireland" by John Larkin (Aussie) - totally different writer who was more bemused by Ireland, i think, than impressed - bit of a sarky git but not too bad either - not in the same league as McCarthy though
Pity that Pete McCarthy died just when his star was in the ascendancy............................................... Though though that it was a bit 'stage Irish' with stories of Nuns etc .. in fact the cover of McCarthy's Bar had a Nun - Penguin Style drinking Guinness on the flip side.. now I'm not a sceptic but .. it all seemed a bit Father Ted ..
Quote from: Hurler on the Bitch on May 30, 2008, 09:58:07 PM
Pity that Pete McCarthy died just when his star was in the ascendancy............................................... Though though that it was a bit 'stage Irish' with stories of Nuns etc .. in fact the cover of McCarthy's Bar had a Nun - Penguin Style drinking Guinness on the flip side.. now I'm not a sceptic but .. it all seemed a bit Father Ted ..
Many words to say nothing?
I enjoyed McCarthy's Bar - he was very comfortable in his writing style and had a good eye for life's subtleties.
I thought it was top class comic writing.
I recently discovered another classic - A Confederacy Of Dunces, a hilarious comic work by John Kennedy Toole (American). It was written in the early 60s, when he was in his mid-20s and his failure to get it published led to his suicide in 1969 at the age of 32. His mother took up the cause and eventually got it published in 1981. It won a pulitzer prize.
Highly recommended.
Quote from: laceer on May 22, 2008, 04:57:33 AM
Just read Mr Nice by Howard Marks. Amazing story..you actually grow to like him the more you read, despite him being the worlds biggest dope smuggler for about 20 years!
thanks for the tip laceer just finished it and a very good read. you do actually grow to like him, tho i was delighted the yanks got him in the end. he had no problem making unknown millions out of it no matter what he says. just got judys version now so we'll see how that goes (judys grandfather was patrick murphy the catholic ruc man joe cahill was convicted of killing).
Hold My Hand- Glenys Carl- A true story about a young fella who has an accident in Austraila and then is left brain damaged. Had me in bits- amazing story.
Just finished "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac. Absolutely class.
Just started "Crime", the new one by Irvine Welsh.
At The Tomb Of The Inflatable Pig by John Gimlette
Kind of history / travelogue of Paraguay , very humerous and extremely entertaining.
imperium- set in bc rome very interesting read with good insight into politics in that era!
halfway through - the savage garden, very good so far, hardest book to put down ive read in a long time!
Quote from: hardstation on July 29, 2008, 08:28:17 PM
Under the Hawthorn Tree.
what about it hardstation? is it about a tree or an old man walking with a hawthorn stick? is it any good? who wrote it? you gotta do a bit more work there ;)
Quote from: hardstation on July 29, 2008, 08:28:17 PM
Under the Hawthorn Tree.
Great read, about the irish famine, and the struggle to make ends meet during that period.
Quote from: magickingdom on July 28, 2008, 06:52:09 PM
Quote from: laceer on May 22, 2008, 04:57:33 AM
Just read Mr Nice by Howard Marks. Amazing story..you actually grow to like him the more you read, despite him being the worlds biggest dope smuggler for about 20 years!
thanks for the tip laceer just finished it and a very good read. you do actually grow to like him, tho i was delighted the yanks got him in the end. he had no problem making unknown millions out of it no matter what he says. just got judys version now so we'll see how that goes (judys grandfather was patrick murphy the catholic ruc man joe cahill was convicted of killing).
is that the one called mrs nice?haven't read it yet.read senor nice about a month ago - not as good but still tells a few good stories
Im heading to asia later in the year so i decided to do a bit of reading about some of the countries. Ive always had an interest in war books but never really the vietnam war. I have recently read 2 books about the vietnam and i am dying to find out more so i went and ordered a shit load of books off amazon.
Chickenhawk by Mason, Robert
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
Once A Warrior King: Memories of an Officer in Vietnam by Donovan
Sog: The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam by Plaster
Dear Mom: a Sniper's Vietnam by Ward, Joseph T.
Blackjack 33: with Special Forces in the Viet Cong Forbidden Zone
Blood Trails: The Combat Diary of a Foot Soldier in Vietnam
And the following 2 about what the khrem rouge done in cambodia
Survival in the Killing Fields by Ngor, Haing S.; Warner, Roger
Voices from S-21: Terror and History in Pol Pot's Secret Prison
If anyone has an interest in the vietnam war or war books in gereral then you will love the following:
The Cage by Tom Abraham "was one of the very few Englishmen who served in Vietnam. In the late 60s he took part in some of the most carnage-filled battles of the war as an officer in the first Cavalry Division. His courage gained him a slew of medals, and he even obtained one of the most prestigious decorations awarded by the American army, the Silver Star.
This astonishing testimony takes us into the very heart of that nightmare conflict, and some passages are positively lacerating in their impact. Captured by the Viet Cong during the Tet offensive, Abraham endured torture during the relentless interrogations, and his bold escape into the treacherous jungle was a classic case of from frying pan to fire: his ordeal (naked, hungry, terrified) brought him (Abraham tells us) to the level of a beast.
Abraham's ability to convey his own extreme psychological state is astonishing, but not just in terms of the Vietnam war: the book is equally involving when Abraham takes us on to the events that nearly destroyed his life 30 years after the conflict, when he had returned to England."
The Tunnels of c u Chi by Tom Mangold - "The campaign in the tunnels of c u Chi was fought with cunning and savagery between Viet Cong guerrillas and special teams of US infantrymen called 'Tunnel Rats'. The location: the 200-mile labyrinth of underground tunnels and secret chambers that the Viet Cong had dug around Saigon. The Tunnel Rats were GIs of legendary skill and courage. Armed only with knives and pistols, they fought hand-to-hand against a cruel and ingenious enemy inside the booby-trapped blackness of the tunnels. For the Viet Cong the tunnel network became their battlefield, their barracks, their arms factories and their hospitals, as the ground above was pounded to dust by American shells and bombs."
Booker Prize 2008 longlist:
Aravind Adiga "The White Tiger"
Gaynor Arnold "Girl in a Blue Dress"
Sebastian Barry "The Secret Scripture"
John Berger "From A to X"
Michelle de Kretser "The Lost Dog"
Amitav Ghosh "Sea of Poppies"
Linda Grant "The Clothes on Their Backs"
Mohammed Hanif "A Case of Exploding Mangoes"
Philip Hensher "The Northern Clemency"
Joseph O'Neill "Netherland"
Salman Rushdie "The Enchantress of Florence"
Tom Rob Smith "Child 44"
Steve Toltz "A Fraction of the Whole"
Going to get my hands on O'Neill's book. Have rate decent reviews. In fact, I want all of us to read them all by September 1st.
You'd wonder how the Yanks ever lost.
Some fictional fiction books:
Francis Bellew - Snowdrops and Daffodils
Paul Galvin - Booked Out
Mickey Harte - Unshaven
Jody Gormley - A Cold House For Aliens
Paidi O Se - The Animal Inside
Joe Kernan - One More Won't Kill Me
Pillar Caffrey - No Maguire, No Smile
Kieran McGeeney - Water, With Ice.
Mick ODwyer - Cute as a Badger's Bizem.
Brian Dooher - Red Hand Up The Passage
Quote from: laceer on July 29, 2008, 11:11:56 PM
Quote from: magickingdom on July 28, 2008, 06:52:09 PM
Quote from: laceer on May 22, 2008, 04:57:33 AM
Just read Mr Nice by Howard Marks. Amazing story..you actually grow to like him the more you read, despite him being the worlds biggest dope smuggler for about 20 years!
thanks for the tip laceer just finished it and a very good read. you do actually grow to like him, tho i was delighted the yanks got him in the end. he had no problem making unknown millions out of it no matter what he says. just got judys version now so we'll see how that goes (judys grandfather was patrick murphy the catholic ruc man joe cahill was convicted of killing).
is that the one called mrs nice?haven't read it yet.read senor nice about a month ago - not as good but still tells a few good stories
its called mr nice and mrs marks laceer, good read i'm about half way into it. saw senor nice a few weeks ago but it was gone the other day but i'll get that too..
O'Neill, after you read Netherland you must read the History of the MCC
Quote from: JimStynes on July 31, 2008, 12:03:27 AM
Im heading to asia later in the year so i decided to do a bit of reading about some of the countries. Ive always had an interest in war books but never really the vietnam war. I have recently read 2 books about the vietnam and i am dying to find out more so i went and ordered a shit load of books off amazon.
Chickenhawk by Mason, Robert
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
Once A Warrior King: Memories of an Officer in Vietnam by Donovan
Sog: The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam by Plaster
Dear Mom: a Sniper's Vietnam by Ward, Joseph T.
Blackjack 33: with Special Forces in the Viet Cong Forbidden Zone
Blood Trails: The Combat Diary of a Foot Soldier in Vietnam
And the following 2 about what the khrem rouge done in cambodia
Survival in the Killing Fields by Ngor, Haing S.; Warner, Roger
Voices from S-21: Terror and History in Pol Pot's Secret Prison
If anyone has an interest in the vietnam war or war books in gereral then you will love the following:
The Cage by Tom Abraham "was one of the very few Englishmen who served in Vietnam. In the late 60s he took part in some of the most carnage-filled battles of the war as an officer in the first Cavalry Division. His courage gained him a slew of medals, and he even obtained one of the most prestigious decorations awarded by the American army, the Silver Star.
This astonishing testimony takes us into the very heart of that nightmare conflict, and some passages are positively lacerating in their impact. Captured by the Viet Cong during the Tet offensive, Abraham endured torture during the relentless interrogations, and his bold escape into the treacherous jungle was a classic case of from frying pan to fire: his ordeal (naked, hungry, terrified) brought him (Abraham tells us) to the level of a beast.
Abraham's ability to convey his own extreme psychological state is astonishing, but not just in terms of the Vietnam war: the book is equally involving when Abraham takes us on to the events that nearly destroyed his life 30 years after the conflict, when he had returned to England."
The Tunnels of c u Chi by Tom Mangold - "The campaign in the tunnels of c u Chi was fought with cunning and savagery between Viet Cong guerrillas and special teams of US infantrymen called 'Tunnel Rats'. The location: the 200-mile labyrinth of underground tunnels and secret chambers that the Viet Cong had dug around Saigon. The Tunnel Rats were GIs of legendary skill and courage. Armed only with knives and pistols, they fought hand-to-hand against a cruel and ingenious enemy inside the booby-trapped blackness of the tunnels. For the Viet Cong the tunnel network became their battlefield, their barracks, their arms factories and their hospitals, as the ground above was pounded to dust by American shells and bombs."
Your a glipe. You should have called round to my house and I'd have give ye all the Vietnam books ye wanted without going and buying them!
Quote from: 5 Sams on May 30, 2008, 02:42:45 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on May 06, 2008, 11:44:42 PM
Quote from: Mack the finger on September 10, 2007, 11:08:56 PM
The road - Cormac McCarthy.
Father and young son in post apocalyptic America.
Short book, short sentences that snap and crackle. Some of it will stay with me a long time.
Long tim since I read a book as good.
Just finished No Country for Old Men Mack...the reviews of the Road are deadly ...probably be my next purchase!
Just finished "The Road". I can see why people have described this book as a masterpiece. Haunting tale....and one of the most original novels I have ever read.
Finished "The Road" recently also, brilliant read, couldnt put it down, will no doubt read it again - are McCarthy's other books worth reading?
Currently reading The Ballad of a Thin Man - A biography of Phil Lynott. An absorbing read, some very funny anecdotes etc..
Am looking for an easy read for the holidays
Any ideas lads?
Quote from: full back on August 27, 2008, 12:53:33 PM
Am looking for an easy read for the holidays
Any ideas lads?
fb get the book on john gilligan (cant think of its name). i spent a great week on the beach reading it - knowing the tosser was locked up only made it more enjoyable :D another good one is mr nice
Full Back i know you support United but i dont know if you are interested in football. . . . . . . Read "Provided you dont kiss me - 20 years with Brian Clough " by Duncan Hamilton when i was on holiday. Tremendous.
Quote from: Minder on August 27, 2008, 07:33:12 PM
Full Back i know you support United but i dont know if you are interested in football. . . . . . . Read "Provided you dont kiss me - 20 years with Brian Clough " by Duncan Hamilton when i was on holiday. Tremendous.
heard that was very good. if you want a general american sport book with an irish twist get 'america at large' by george kimball. its a decade of his irish times columns and all proceeds go to temple st childerns hospital. very good read
Cheers magickingdom & minder, will try one or both of them
thanks for the idea hardstation but already read it.....superb ;)
just finished Frank Delaney's Tipperary
have to say it was a slow start but a great book - historical fiction, mostly set in around the time of the easter rising. Collins and Dev all get a good mention - the main character meets some great characters too - Yeats, Wilde etc., some great fiction around the actual rising and the resulting executions and aftermath throughout the country. Real action, adventure, bit of comedy and romance thrown in - all in all a good read.
john mc enroe was a good easy read on holidays not much thinking required
Just finished "A fraction of the whole" A book of epic proportions but a right good read. Very funny.
Quote from: Denn Forever on September 25, 2008, 08:21:47 PM
Just finished "A fraction of the whole" A book of epic proportions but a right good read. Very funny.
i get it :D but i'd prefer this one
Quote from: youngfella on September 25, 2008, 08:15:50 PM
john mc enroe was a good easy read on holidays not much thinking required
Quote from: cavanmaniac on June 09, 2007, 10:30:59 PM
Just finished the 'Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Very unusual but touching book.
Where did it touch you ha-ha-ha !!!
"The Power Of One" by Bryce Courtney is my all time favourite.
"First with the head, then with the heart".
Brilliant line
Read almost all of Freakonomics and Krakatoa.
Both excellent.
Reading Ian Rush's autobiography at the moment..Brings back some great memories
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on October 01, 2008, 05:19:46 PM
Reading Ian Rush's autobiography at the moment..Brings back some great memories
Read it a few weeks ago LL,its really good for a footballers autobiography anyway.
Quote from: muppet on October 01, 2008, 05:10:55 PM
Read almost all of Freakonomics and Krakatoa.
Both excellent.
freakenomics was very interesting - read "the tipping point" there a few weeks back - think you would enjoy that if you liked freakenomics
Quote from: Minder on August 27, 2008, 07:33:12 PM
Full Back i know you support United but i dont know if you are interested in football. . . . . . . Read "Provided you dont kiss me - 20 years with Brian Clough " by Duncan Hamilton when i was on holiday. Tremendous.
Just finished this....brilliant book. Its about a journalist who covered all of Forest's games during their glory years.....in the first chapter he describes his first interview with Clough....Clough's first words to him were..."Who the fcuk are you?" :D :D :o
Highly recommended.
the Historian
I'm half way through it and its pure class. Its a gripping story about the fact and fiction around the legend of Dracula and a families' quest to uncover the truth.
Mummy's Boys by Jim McDowell is quite good if you can wade through the wide boy Frankie rhyming slang McDowell uses.
It gives a pretty good insight into the "workings" of the Shoukris and the other thugs in the UDA.
QuoteFinished "The Road" recently also, brilliant read, couldnt put it down, will no doubt read it again - are McCarthy's other books worth reading?
Would recommend the Border Trilogy, 3 books, thought they were genius
Anyone recommend any half decent travel books?
The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy
Around the World in 80 days.
Quote from: stiffler on December 04, 2008, 06:26:41 PM
Anyone recommend any half decent travel books?
Blood River is pretty good - about a guy who travels across congo
Bill Bryson has some good ones.
Quote from: nifan on December 04, 2008, 08:00:35 PM
Quote from: stiffler on December 04, 2008, 06:26:41 PM
Anyone recommend any half decent travel books?
Blood River is pretty good - about a guy who travels across congo
Bill Bryson has some good ones.
Aye I have read bill bryson's book 'down under', he has a good mix of giving you details of the place he visits with a little humour relevant to the place.
Is it travel books you're after (found in the travel section of online or actual bookshops) or books for you to read whilst travelling?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on December 04, 2008, 08:47:32 PM
Is it travel books you're after (found in the travel section of online or actual bookshops) or books for you to read whilst travelling?
travel books. something like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Round-Ireland-Fridge-Tony-Hawks/dp/0091867770 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Round-Ireland-Fridge-Tony-Hawks/dp/0091867770)
(great read by the way)
Know what you mean - McCarthy's Bar sort of thing.
Not really into the book reading lark..
But just read Tony Adam's book Addicted...Very good read..
Picked up Catch 22 the other week having last read it about 10 years ago - still hilarious and mad, genius writing
Quote from: stephenite on December 04, 2008, 09:19:32 PM
Picked up Catch 22 the other week having last read it about 10 years ago - still hilarious and mad, genius writing
My favourite book of all time.
Major Major Major and the whole Milo story line are two particularly good bits
Quote from: The Watcher Pat on December 04, 2008, 09:15:46 PM
Not really into the book reading lark..
But just read Tony Adam's book Addicted...Very good read..
Great book. Would be a classic except for Adams rather annoying opinion of himself as a footballer (and I'm an Arsenal fan).
Cascarino's book is very good but McGrath's is the best of this genre.
McGraths and Bests are the two 'best' football related books ive picked up.
The books are only going to ever be as good as the story to be told. McGrath's was good because his entire life has been a struggle with race, growing up in homes in dublin, alcohol, injury etc. Compare his story with that of Wayne Rooney or Frank Lampard who have also had books out and you know before you open the cover which is best!
Seen The Road by Cormac McCarthy mentioned here a few times so picked it up there on Sunday and finished it in about 4 hours - I couldn't put it down. Depressing, emotive, inspiring book. Definitely one of the best I have read for a while and will remember.
Has anyone else read any of the "Twilight" series?
I read the first two and they are actually good.
Quote from: The Iceman on January 13, 2009, 04:16:56 PM
Seen The Road by Cormac McCarthy mentioned here a few times so picked it up there on Sunday and finished it in about 4 hours - I couldn't put it down. Depressing, emotive, inspiring book. Definitely one of the best I have read for a while and will remember.
Has anyone else read any of the "Twilight" series?
I read the first two and they are actually good.
There was talk of a movie coming out...can't see how any film could do justice to this book.
Read the Twilight series over the Christmas break and thoroughly enjoyed it. Went to see the film also and typically wasn't as good as the book but thought it was o.k. Believe the whole Twilight thing is massive in the States and the author has become a bit of a celeb. Currently reading Obama biography - takes a while getting into. Know it has been said before but 'Kite Runner' one of my favourites and has anyone read the 'Bog Child' by Siobhan Dowd - brilliant!!!
Has anyone read any of the Bill Bryson books? I bought "The life and times of the thunderbolt kid" today for a bit of light reading on the plane tomorrow as im heading to Disneyland Paris. Anyone read it?
powerful book - the man is a genius - very light reading - will definitely make you laugh -still remember his craic about his granny and the licorice babies LOL
Just finishing off Duncan Bannatynes "Anyone Can Do It", fantastic read. He's a real down to earth man, very normal for the position he is in. A real good rags to riches story, he came from nowhere, messed about til he was near 30 then decided to make something of himself! Very enjoyable read.
Well lads anyone reading or just finished any decent books lately?
Few I have read worth taking a look at:
The Richest Man in Babylon - classic book about personal finance and money management well worth a read during these tough times.
The Little Black Book of Connections - A Gitomer sales guru book - very very to the point! Anything by this guy Gitomer is worth a read.
The Life of Pi - a story of survival - a Indian boy and a tiger on the ocean for over 200 days and he makes it believable!!!! And there is a whole undertone of other themes running through the book - worth a look!
Quote from: Minder on January 16, 2009, 02:41:10 PM
Has anyone read any of the Bill Bryson books? I bought "The life and times of the thunderbolt kid" today for a bit of light reading on the plane tomorrow as im heading to Disneyland Paris. Anyone read it?
read 'down under' by bill bryson, great read & very funny
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on March 23, 2009, 07:29:33 PM
Quote from: Minder on January 16, 2009, 02:41:10 PM
Has anyone read any of the Bill Bryson books? I bought "The life and times of the thunderbolt kid" today for a bit of light reading on the plane tomorrow as im heading to Disneyland Paris. Anyone read it?
read 'down under' by bill bryson, great read & very funny
Must say the Thunderbolt Kid hasn't really sucked me in yet. I'm about halfway through but it's a chore. I have Provide You Don't Kiss Me on standby.
Just finished "the road" by Cormac McCarthy. A brilliant book but very very sad.
Quote from: mylestheslasher on March 23, 2009, 07:53:57 PM
Just finished "the road" by Cormac McCarthy. A brilliant book but very very sad.
think its been mentioned a few times before, but rightly so, a really brilliant book
Myles, read "The Road" myself, and while it's dark and apocalyptic, I didn't find it as sad as you say.
Just finished "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle"--almost a terrific book. Beautifully written, moving, and if you like dogs you'll love it.
You're right, Downcamog, over here the "Twilight" series has a rabid female cult following, however the prospect of wading through 100s of pages of Edward and Bella staring endlessly at each other and him glistening just doesn't thrill me.
Ready, Fire, Aim - Michael Masterson
For those of you in business, especially in this climate!
Quote from: Oraisteach on March 23, 2009, 09:27:39 PM
Myles, read "The Road" myself, and while it's dark and apocalyptic, I didn't find it as sad as you say.
Just finished "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle"--almost a terrific book. Beautifully written, moving, and if you like dogs you'll love it.
You're right, Downcamog, over here the "Twilight" series has a rabid female cult following, however the prospect of wading through 100s of pages of Edward and Bella staring endlessly at each other and him glistening just doesn't thrill me.
Maybe sad isn't the right word. I think the end is extremely sad but with a light chink of light at the very end. Don't think i've ever read anything as dark. It is almost haunting as I find myself thinking about the lessons of the story every now and again.
Gerry Ryan.
I always thought he was a dickhead but I got his book through a book club recently and thought it was a great read....very honest and actually very funny and a superb read from start to finish....still a tool though :-\
Currently reading "spycatcher" by Peter Wright , brilliant read even better because the brits tried to ban it !! heh heh heh
Just finished "the Iceman" Chuck Liddell's story - great read.
His story about Dana White walking into his room the morning after he beat Tito at UFC 47 with naked women laying all over the place is mad craic.
Reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad at the minute - great so far.
Quote from: The Iceman on April 09, 2009, 03:04:53 PM
Just finished "the Iceman" Chuck Liddell's story - great read.
His story about Dana White walking into his room the morning after he beat Tito at UFC 47 with naked women laying all over the place is mad craic.
Reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad at the minute - great so far.
Does he mention how he likes to paint his nails? Seriously.
you have lost me? Have you read the book?
I read an article/interviww with chuck on espn and he loves to paint his toe nails. Neon pink if I remember. Just wondered if it was in his book.
Oh - sorry I thought you were talking about Rich dad.....
yeah Chuck paints his toe nails for fights - it started off as a joke then became a good luck thing for him. If anyone can get away with it he can. He even lists his favourite colours lol Are you going to tell him he sounds like a fruit?
Great read Puck, for any MMA fan - it really goes through the entire history of the sport in America and beyond and although he toots his own trumpet a bit it is enjoyable.
Just started Provided You Don't Kiss Me (Christmas present 2007).
Great intro.
Quote from: ONeill on April 09, 2009, 07:33:37 PM
Just started Provided You Don't Kiss Me (Christmas present 2007).
Great intro.
Was it something along the lines of "f**k off shithouse"? It is the definitive book on Clough.
It was more the foreword/preface thingymajigimy. He mentions a book by a journo who committed suicide.
Quote from: ONeill on April 09, 2009, 07:33:37 PM
Just started Provided You Don't Kiss Me (Christmas present 2007).
Great intro.
I got a lend of this from another board member but I have since mislaid it. I was looking forward to reading it too.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 09, 2009, 08:08:39 PM
Quote from: ONeill on April 09, 2009, 07:33:37 PM
Just started Provided You Don't Kiss Me (Christmas present 2007).
Great intro.
I got a lend of this from another board member but I have since mislaid it. I was looking forward to reading it too.
Provided you dont kiss me - 20 years with Brian Clough " by Duncan Hamilton
Much better than that recent book
Not long finished 'Marching Powder' by RustyYoung & Thomas McFadden.
Interesting read about the notorious prison San Pedro in Bolivia.
Tough reading at times but overall an interesting read.
Just got 'jamie's ministry of food' book today and was wondering has anyone tried any of the recipes innit?
If so any recommendations?
Quote from: hardstation on April 09, 2009, 10:16:46 PM
Quote from: maggie on April 09, 2009, 10:11:15 PM
Just got 'jamie's ministry of food' book today and was wondering has anyone tried any of the recipes innit?
If so any recommendations?
Quote from: maggie on January 13, 2009, 05:27:41 PM
I think im still as broad a cluchie as the day and hour I arrived 4 years ago. In fact the children in my class imitiate my accent- with wee T'rone phrases.
The day and hour i think i have an English accent- im off.
South East/Essex-horrendous accent and they say yea after every word, innit, yea.
My mum yea, etc etc
How times have changed. Time you were off.
What sort of freak would remember that?!
I was being facetious H.S. as in Jamie Oliver is a cockney geezer-innit etc etc.
*Rolling eyes*
Quote from: 5 Sams on April 09, 2009, 09:45:51 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 09, 2009, 08:08:39 PM
Quote from: ONeill on April 09, 2009, 07:33:37 PM
Just started Provided You Don't Kiss Me (Christmas present 2007).
Great intro.
I got a lend of this from another board member but I have since mislaid it. I was looking forward to reading it too.
Provided you dont kiss me - 20 years with Brian Clough " by Duncan Hamilton
Much better than that recent book
Ah c'mon Sam, one's a factual account and the other is a work of fiction (based on factual circumstances) - how can you compare them?
i am half way through twilight and absolutely loving it....
does the film do it justice, and is the relationship between edward and bella acted well... i really hope so
Quote from: leenie on April 23, 2009, 03:33:48 PM
i am half way through twilight and absolutely loving it....
does the film do it justice, and is the relationship between edward and bella acted well... i really hope so
My girlfriend and her sister are into this crap as well!! They loved the film, I refused to watch it or read any of the tripe...
Any of you read the book "nothing but an unfinished song" about Bobby Sands? Great read!
Quote from: Mickey Linden on April 23, 2009, 04:01:16 PM
Any of you read the book "nothing but an unfinished song" about Bobby Sands? Great read!
Very good read, great insight into his life as opposed to solely the hunger strikes.
why is it tripe sideline........
how do u know if u haven't read it?
Quote from: leenie on April 23, 2009, 04:16:04 PM
why is it tripe sideline........
how do u know if u haven't read it?
Jesus, Nail does the old "hit somebody a kick and turn round and let your friend get the blame" trick!
Leenie, your issues are with thon Nail boy!
sorry sideline ...... :-\
ok nail why is it tripe?
Quote from: leenie on April 23, 2009, 04:23:39 PM
sorry sideline ...... :-\
ok nail why is it tripe?
Vampire love stories??
:-\
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on April 23, 2009, 04:25:49 PM
Quote from: leenie on April 23, 2009, 04:23:39 PM
sorry sideline ...... :-\
ok nail why is it tripe?
Vampire love stories??
:-\
Its actually a decent trilogy if you take the time to read it. I enjoyed it but I read quite a lot so if you are a 3 book a year person then these aren't for you - but I usually read a book a week so it wasn't a major investment of my time.
the film is so bad you will laugh
Quote from: The Iceman on April 23, 2009, 09:17:38 PM
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on April 23, 2009, 04:25:49 PM
Quote from: leenie on April 23, 2009, 04:23:39 PM
sorry sideline ...... :-\
ok nail why is it tripe?
Vampire love stories??
:-\
Its actually a decent trilogy if you take the time to read it. I enjoyed it but I read quite a lot so if you are a 3 book a year person then these aren't for you - but I usually read a book a week so it wasn't a major investment of my time.
the film is so bad you will laugh
You calling me a three book a year man?!?!
I have read four books this year already so there, and I'm not even a keen reader, I am more of a playstation/DVD kinda guy... And I am in no way ashamed of that.
Half way through reading 'Jellyman's thrown a wobbly' by Jeff Stelling.
It's alright... a bit disapoiting to be honest.
Quote from: The Iceman on April 23, 2009, 09:17:38 PM
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on April 23, 2009, 04:25:49 PM
Quote from: leenie on April 23, 2009, 04:23:39 PM
sorry sideline ...... :-\
ok nail why is it tripe?
Vampire love stories??
:-\
Its actually a decent trilogy if you take the time to read it. I enjoyed it but I read quite a lot so if you are a 3 book a year person then these aren't for you - but I usually read a book a week so it wasn't a major investment of my time.
the film is so bad you will laugh
bought the book yesterday and i have just finished it....... absolutely loved it, will try and get new moon tomorro....
raging to hear that about the film... might rent it anyway!
im halfway through the history of super glue- i cant put it down :-[
Orwell Homage to Catalonia
Quote from: Hoopeddefender on April 24, 2009, 04:37:43 PM
Orwell Homage to Catalonia
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
You can't read. Good try though.
Was thinking of getting the twilight books but is it worth it? anyone have it that wants to lend them? lol
So far ive heard that the first 3 books are very good with the last being very disappointing- can anyone confirm this? That would be a bad letdown if you ask me i mean all building to the last book and it being disappointing!
i have just read the first three and i really enjoyed them.... just about to start on the last one .... its 800 pages though :-\
Quote from: leenie on May 12, 2009, 06:18:43 PM
i have just read the first three and i really enjoyed them.... just about to start on the last one .... its 800 pages though :-\
i hope the last one isnt disappointing! esp when u enjoyed the first 3 so much and then 800 pages of the final book and to be let down would be gutting!
there is only 3 books
the fist one was good - i enjoyed the 2nd book a lot more and the 3rd one was good also
To tell you what I was disappointed with would spoil the series but I think you won't regret reading them if you like to read.....
Quote from: The Iceman on May 13, 2009, 02:24:47 PM
there is only 3 books
the fist one was good - i enjoyed the 2nd book a lot more and the 3rd one was good also
To tell you what I was disappointed with would spoil the series but I think you won't regret reading them if you like to read.....
I think there is 4 books:
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
Breaking Dawn
your missing a book dude
'Twilight is a young-adult vampire-romance novel[3][4] written by author Stephenie Meyer. It was originally published in 2005 in hardback. It is the first book of the Twilight series, and introduces seventeen-year-old Isabella "Bella" Swan who moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to Forks, Washington, and finds her life in danger when she falls in love with a vampire, Edward Cullen. The novel is followed by New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn'- wikipedia
Quote from: The Iceman on May 13, 2009, 02:24:47 PM
there is only 3 books
the fist one was good - i enjoyed the 2nd book a lot more and the 3rd one was good also
To tell you what I was disappointed with would spoil the series but I think you won't regret reading them if you like to read.....
My bad - sorry
has anyone read 'men who stare at goats'
I havent but Jonathan Ross says its a must read
Quote from: The Iceman on May 13, 2009, 09:22:30 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on May 13, 2009, 02:24:47 PM
there is only 3 books
the fist one was good - i enjoyed the 2nd book a lot more and the 3rd one was good also
To tell you what I was disappointed with would spoil the series but I think you won't regret reading them if you like to read.....
My bad - sorry
dude when u finished eclipse were you not wondering what next .... sure it doesn't complete the story ...
still haven't finished breaking dawn but man does it get good/strange.... quite grown up too...
still haven't decided if i am team edward or team jacob!
they have changed new moon quite a bit from the book .....
Quote from: leenie on May 26, 2009, 03:17:42 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on May 13, 2009, 09:22:30 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on May 13, 2009, 02:24:47 PM
there is only 3 books
the fist one was good - i enjoyed the 2nd book a lot more and the 3rd one was good also
To tell you what I was disappointed with would spoil the series but I think you won't regret reading them if you like to read.....
My bad - sorry
dude when u finished eclipse were you not wondering what next .... sure it doesn't complete the story ...
still haven't finished breaking dawn but man does it get good/strange.... quite grown up too...
still haven't decided if i am team edward or team jacob!
they have changed new moon quite a bit from the book .....
What do u mean they have changed it quite a bit from the book? this film isnt made yet is it?
Quote from: longball on May 26, 2009, 03:28:14 PM
Quote from: leenie on May 26, 2009, 03:17:42 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on May 13, 2009, 09:22:30 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on May 13, 2009, 02:24:47 PM
there is only 3 books
the fist one was good - i enjoyed the 2nd book a lot more and the 3rd one was good also
To tell you what I was disappointed with would spoil the series but I think you won't regret reading them if you like to read.....
My bad - sorry
dude when u finished eclipse were you not wondering what next .... sure it doesn't complete the story ...
still haven't finished breaking dawn but man does it get good/strange.... quite grown up too...
still haven't decided if i am team edward or team jacob!
they have changed new moon quite a bit from the book .....
What do u mean they have changed it quite a bit from the book? this film isnt made yet is it?
they're finishing off filming now ... out in nov and they're beginning filming eclipse in august as they intend it to be the 2010 summer blockbuster...
i was reading up about it and they've kept to the same story but have shortened some parts to extend otherparts, there is 3 characters that didn't appear until the 3rd book but have been brought into new moon... there is others things too but i don't want to give them away...
your grammar is terrible.
[
[/quote]
they are finishing off filming now ... out in nov and the are beginning filming eclipse in august as they intent it to be the 2010 summer blockbuster...
i was reading up about it and they've kept to the same story but have shorten some parts to extend others, there is 3 characters that didn't appear till the 3rd book have been brought into new moon... there is others things too but i don't want to give them away...
[/quote]
dude .... that has been recognized a long time ago...
i think i am competing with gnevin to see who is the worst !
it must be old age, the lack of concentration, or they gave me the wrong grade at a levels !
Why are you using American spelling leenie?
this is a cracking website for anyone 9nterested in picking up cheap books. Free p&p. www.awesomebooks.co.uk (http://www.awesomebooks.co.uk)
Quotehas anyone read 'men who stare at goats'
I havent but Jonathan Ross says its a must read
Yes, its a cracking book, and if its all true, then the American Military is full of some seriously wierd people
Almost finished "Target North Korea" by Gavin McCormack, an Aussie journalist. The Dear Leader might have been out of order in the past few days but this book provides a very interesting background to the events of the past few years.
A Concise Ulster Dictionary by Caroline McAfee
Any hoors here have this? A b'stard of a book to find.
Time for some recommendations people. Biographies or fictional page-turners please :)
I am almost finished this book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enemy-Number-One-Secrets-Professional/dp/190515660X/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_i/279-3669316-7002527
Patrick Vietch's autobiography, hes a professional punter who has cleaned the British bookies the last ten years winning millions, including his horse that they backed from 100-1 to 8-1 one day and cleaned up on.. Also the murkier side like when a local con man tried to fleece him and force Patrick into hiding for a year
Obviously you would need a strong niterest in racing an all but if you do then its very good..
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on June 24, 2009, 10:49:38 PM
I am almost finished this book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enemy-Number-One-Secrets-Professional/dp/190515660X/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_i/279-3669316-7002527
Patrick Vietch's autobiography, hes a professional punter who has cleaned the British bookies the last ten years winning millions, including his horse that they backed from 100-1 to 8-1 one day and cleaned up on.. Also the murkier side like when a local con man tried to fleece him and force Patrick into hiding for a year
Obviously you would need a strong niterest in racing an all but if you do then its very good..
Sounds like that could be really interesting.. Am in the middle of Mick Fitzgeralds "Better Than Sex" so that will be next on the agenda thanks
Quote from: vav on June 25, 2009, 12:10:26 AM
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on June 24, 2009, 10:49:38 PM
I am almost finished this book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enemy-Number-One-Secrets-Professional/dp/190515660X/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_i/279-3669316-7002527
Patrick Vietch's autobiography, hes a professional punter who has cleaned the British bookies the last ten years winning millions, including his horse that they backed from 100-1 to 8-1 one day and cleaned up on.. Also the murkier side like when a local con man tried to fleece him and force Patrick into hiding for a year
Obviously you would need a strong niterest in racing an all but if you do then its very good..
Sounds like that could be really interesting.. Am in the middle of Mick Fitzgeralds "Better Than Sex" so that will be next on the agenda thanks
Mick's book is very good, I read it a few months back...
Are you not a woman?
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on June 24, 2009, 10:49:38 PM
I am almost finished this book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enemy-Number-One-Secrets-Professional/dp/190515660X/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_i/279-3669316-7002527
Patrick Vietch's autobiography, hes a professional punter who has cleaned the British bookies the last ten years winning millions, including his horse that they backed from 100-1 to 8-1 one day and cleaned up on.. Also the murkier side like when a local con man tried to fleece him and force Patrick into hiding for a year
Obviously you would need a strong niterest in racing an all but if you do then its very good..
Is this the guy that was on 'The Last Word' a few weeks back with Matt Cooper?
Welcome to hell by Colin Martin
Couldnt put it down when i started, unreal.
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on June 24, 2009, 10:49:38 PM
I am almost finished this book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enemy-Number-One-Secrets-Professional/dp/190515660X/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_i/279-3669316-7002527
Patrick Vietch's autobiography, hes a professional punter who has cleaned the British bookies the last ten years winning millions, including his horse that they backed from 100-1 to 8-1 one day and cleaned up on.. Also the murkier side like when a local con man tried to fleece him and force Patrick into hiding for a year
Obviously you would need a strong niterest in racing an all but if you do then its very good..
read that one aswell ONL, thought it was a good read, read your man Nevisons aswell but he comes across as a p***k, for the amount of money he has won, vietch seems alot more level headed and likable.
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on June 25, 2009, 10:20:53 AM
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on June 24, 2009, 10:49:38 PM
I am almost finished this book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enemy-Number-One-Secrets-Professional/dp/190515660X/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_i/279-3669316-7002527
Patrick Vietch's autobiography, hes a professional punter who has cleaned the British bookies the last ten years winning millions, including his horse that they backed from 100-1 to 8-1 one day and cleaned up on.. Also the murkier side like when a local con man tried to fleece him and force Patrick into hiding for a year
Obviously you would need a strong niterest in racing an all but if you do then its very good..
read that one aswell ONL, thought it was a good read, read your man Nevisons aswell but he comes across as a p***k, for the amount of money he has won, vietch seems alot more level headed and likable.
Is that the 'No Easy Money' one? I bought it at the same time as Veitch's... Plan to read it after...
Yeah FB, think it was him he has been doing the rounds recently plugging the book.
reading "Spin Selling" at the minute and liking it. For anyone in sales it is a good read.
To Hell or Barbados - the Ethnic Cleansing of Ireland" By Sean O'Callaghan is a great read if you can find it.
The Abhorsen Trilogy - by Garth Nix is something I am two books into and waiting to read the third. Great so far - very dark
There are more copies of Argos catalogues in households in the UK and Ireland than Bibles. This is a shocking statistic.
There are more bibles in hotel rooms than Argos catalogues. Frightening statistic.
read "the accountants story" by roberto escobar. he gives an insight to pablo escobars life. i thought it was very good.
then you'll love 'killing pablo' the story of the hunt for him
Fnished Darkly Dreaing Dexter today. If you liked the TV show this is way better. There are many things left out to allow a TV show that really add to the book.
Also bought Dexter in the Dark and Dearly Devoted dexter as well as Ritual by Mo Hayder because Easons had a 2 for 1 on the 3 Dexters and that.
Ritual is on the same lines as Dexrer but english set. I read the first few pages and found it interesting.
And if yu still havent read it, Im still looking for something as grippingas the Da Vinci Code.
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on June 25, 2009, 09:57:08 AM
Quote from: vav on June 25, 2009, 12:10:26 AM
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on June 24, 2009, 10:49:38 PM
I am almost finished this book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enemy-Number-One-Secrets-Professional/dp/190515660X/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_i/279-3669316-7002527
Patrick Vietch's autobiography, hes a professional punter who has cleaned the British bookies the last ten years winning millions, including his horse that they backed from 100-1 to 8-1 one day and cleaned up on.. Also the murkier side like when a local con man tried to fleece him and force Patrick into hiding for a year
Obviously you would need a strong niterest in racing an all but if you do then its very good..
Sounds like that could be really interesting.. Am in the middle of Mick Fitzgeralds "Better Than Sex" so that will be next on the agenda thanks
Mick's book is very good, I read it a few months back...
Are you not a woman?
Erm yeah I am a girl who likes horseracing is that that hard to believe ???
Have read a few of John Francomes fictional books (kinda along similiar lines to Dick Francis novels) which have been good reads.. would recommend them too
[quote
[/quote]
Erm yeah I am a girl who likes horseracing is that that hard to believe ???
Have read a few of John Francomes fictional books (kinda along similiar lines to Dick Francis novels) which have been good reads.. would recommend them too
[/quote]
Dick Francis for you.
Favorite books of the past while are The Book Thief and The Elegence of the Hedgehog. Beutiful.
Quote from: magickingdom on June 25, 2009, 08:08:05 PM
then you'll love 'killing pablo' the story of the hunt for him
Excellent book - couldn't believe the scale of corruption going on... they would put our politicians to shame
Quote from: down6061689194 on June 25, 2009, 08:13:32 PM
And if yu still havent read it, Im still looking for something as grippingas the Da Vinci Code.
Did you not think that "Angels and Demons" was more gripping?
I read a book called "The Shakespeare Secret" by some bird, which was pretty good. Though you do have to forget that its a bit of a rip off of the Da Vinci code.
Just finished two books by Anthony Bozza.
Whatever you say I am: the life and times of Eminem and Slash (which was eh co-written by Slash)
The Eminem one is mildly interesting but the Slash book is completely insane. He is totally off the stage.
Here is a quote from the main man:
"I had no remorse whatever about my overdose -- but I was pissed off at myself for having died."
Good read though and tells it openly warts and all.
He can play though: Slash: Godfather Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCplsXu1HRk&feature=related)
'four iron for the soul' or when i bought it it was called 'it should have been a three iron' by lawrence donegan now guardian golf scribe but former musician (with Leonard cohn). the story of a year (1996) as a caddy on the european tour for ross drummond. i couldn't stop laughing at some of the scenes in the book... brilliant
Finally got the twilight series. Have read most of the first book hopefully will finish it this evening have to say its excellent. Cant wait to get onto new moon. anyone else read these?
Quote from: Hound on June 26, 2009, 01:14:40 PM
Quote from: down6061689194 on June 25, 2009, 08:13:32 PM
And if yu still havent read it, Im still looking for something as grippingas the Da Vinci Code.
Did you not think that "Angels and Demons" was more gripping?
True but they are very similar in characters (excusing Rob L) and theme, as is Deception Point. It might be a case of - whichever one you read first.
If you like the secret society - murder mystery type book try Foucaults Pendulum. It's was recommended to me by a friend as "best book I ever read" but I found it tough going. Good at times but hard work at times too.
http://www.amazon.com/Foucaults-Pendulum-Umberto-Eco/dp/0345368754
I'm reading a Cormac McCarthy novel called Blood Meridian at the minute. Has anyone read it? Savage stuff altogeher, not for the faint hearted.
Quote from: Mr. Nakata on July 20, 2009, 03:45:36 PM
I'm reading a Cormac McCarthy novel called Blood Meridian at the minute. Has anyone read it? Savage stuff altogeher, not for the faint hearted.
I read it quite a while ago Mr Nakata....typical McCarthy....he has been discussed on this thread before...The Road is his best work to date imho
Just finished Capello - Portrait of a Winner by Gabriele Marcotti and it provides a great insight into someone who is a born winner. You get the feeling that England will be well worth a serious bet for the World Cup going on his approach and his achievements to date. Also just completed the Ian Wooldridge compilation "Seaching for Heroes" which is a simple collection of his newspaper articles over the years ranging from Ali, to Best, to Coe, Mary Peters and many many more, lovely read. In the process of reading "The Two of Me" by Andrew Johns (Aussie Rugby League star). The guy is rated the ebst player ever but has only recently revealed he is bipolar and also has a serious drink and drugs problem. Fascinating character and would make Cantona look like a straight forward guy. "City Boy" by Geraint Anderson is also a must read for anyone with an interest in the stock market, banking or even the present economic crisis. Warts and all story of a city trader.
Quote from: Zapatista on July 20, 2009, 01:29:32 PM
Quote from: Hound on June 26, 2009, 01:14:40 PM
Quote from: down6061689194 on June 25, 2009, 08:13:32 PM
And if yu still havent read it, Im still looking for something as grippingas the Da Vinci Code.
Did you not think that "Angels and Demons" was more gripping?
True but they are very similar in characters (excusing Rob L) and theme, as is Deception Point. It might be a case of - whichever one you read first.
If you like the secret society - murder mystery type book try Foucaults Pendulum. It's was recommended to me by a friend as "best book I ever read" but I found it tough going. Good at times but hard work at times too.
http://www.amazon.com/Foucaults-Pendulum-Umberto-Eco/dp/0345368754
I read that myself a while ago was tough going alright. Finishing off Christopher Brookmyre's a big boy did it and ran away before starting Sunnyside, Glen David Gold's follow up to Carter Beats the Devil.
Lads, only came across this particular thread now so it might have been mentioned before but anyway... Have any of ye read any of the Jack Reacher series of books by Lee Child? Very very good read, I think there are about 11 or so of them out at the minute - not a series where you have to start at the begininng I have read 3 or 4 of them now from various stages of the series and it doesn't make a difference... would recommend them to anyone
Quote from: magickingdom on July 01, 2009, 07:36:29 PM
'four iron for the soul' or when i bought it it was called 'it should have been a three iron' by lawrence donegan now guardian golf scribe but former musician (with Leonard cohn). the story of a year (1996) as a caddy on the european tour for ross drummond. i couldn't stop laughing at some of the scenes in the book... brilliant
Donegan may have played with Leonard Cohen but his chief claim to fame is as one of Lloyd Cole's Commotions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sb0VEwF0O0
Just finished Walter Macken's 'The Silent People'. I liked it, it put the recession in perspective.
Quote from: Zapatista on July 22, 2009, 08:22:55 AM
Just finished Walter Macken's 'The Silent People'. I liked it, it put the recession in perspective.
I read that book at school and even back then I thought it was a stunning book and it is amazing how many times it springs to mind at various times. It would be fair to say it left an impression on me - and not just from the time Brother Mc sent it flying in my direction.
Quote from: irunthev on July 22, 2009, 02:58:35 PM
Quote from: Zapatista on July 22, 2009, 08:22:55 AM
Just finished Walter Macken's 'The Silent People'. I liked it, it put the recession in perspective.
I read that book at school and even back then I thought it was a stunning book and it is amazing how many times it springs to mind at various times. It would be fair to say it left an impression on me - and not just from the time Brother Mc sent it flying in my direction.
Did anyone else here think that Wind that Shakes the Barley movie was a complete rip-off of Walter Macken's The Scorching Wind?
just finished Guernica by dave boling - excellent - based on baque country at time of guernica bombings - easy read - tesco for £3 ish.
on walter macken trilogy - silent people,scorching wind and seek fair land - i like many others had to read them in years 1-3 in secondary school - hated them then but have since re-read and thoroughly enjoyed them
Quote from: comeontheredhands on July 22, 2009, 04:49:28 PM
just finished Guernica by dave boling - excellent - based on baque country at time of guernica bombings - easy read - tesco for £3 ish.
on walter macken trilogy - silent people,scorching wind and seek fair land - i like many others had to read them in years 1-3 in secondary school - hated them then but have since re-read and thoroughly enjoyed them
I think that statement covers just about anything any of us had to do in secondary school..... both youth and education are wasted on the young.
Quote from: irunthev on July 22, 2009, 05:25:32 PM
Quote from: comeontheredhands on July 22, 2009, 04:49:28 PM
just finished Guernica by dave boling - excellent - based on baque country at time of guernica bombings - easy read - tesco for £3 ish.
on walter macken trilogy - silent people,scorching wind and seek fair land - i like many others had to read them in years 1-3 in secondary school - hated them then but have since re-read and thoroughly enjoyed them
I think that statement covers just about anything any of us had to do in secondary school..... both youth and education are wasted on the young.
Peig was the exception.
Quote from: irunthev on July 22, 2009, 02:58:35 PM
Did anyone else here think that Wind that Shakes the Barley movie was a complete rip-off of Walter Macken's The Scorching Wind?
Don't know I never read it. It wouldn't have been compulsory reading for the education system in the north. We were stuck with @Across the baricades' and 'Roll of thunder hear my cry' which taught us that as white people we were first class citizens.
I like them stories once in a while but they are very romantic and too much can be a n off put sometimes. Leon Uris'sTrinity was good too. if you like that humble Irish hero type romance. I do like it but not too much of it.
I've now started on Gulliver's travels just because it was luing around.
Just finished The Butcher Boy by Patrick McCabe. Loved it. Absolutely brilliant.
Strangely enough every man and his dog has a book out in the run up to Xmas. Any tips or recommendations on sports, autobiographies, other populist entertainment books?
how does a dog write a book
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 02, 2009, 03:22:22 PM
Strangely enough every man and his dog has a book out in the run up to Xmas. Any tips or recommendations on sports, autobiographies, other populist entertainment books?
Tony would ya be into a book about men imprisoned in bangkok - read a deadly book on that - in fact read about 20 but this was by far the best.
Also read recently - though this wont interest 99% of people " Being the Soham psychic" - about your man who helped the wee girl hollies parents - interesting reading.
Quote from: WeAreBlueWeAreWhite on November 02, 2009, 03:31:45 PM
how does a dog write a book
http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Dog-Through-Friend/dp/1400052424
DK DIY manual, £5 at WH Smith reduced from 25.
on recommendation from this thread (i think), i've got a couple of Discword novels to start reading. Think i'm gonna start with Reaper Man because of the whole halloween craic. Hoping its gonna be good.
Just finished John Daly's book "My Life in and out of the Rough".
Great read and only £2 in Bargain Books.
He has had some life to date.....2 majors before he was 30, 4 wives, blew millions in casinos, nearly killed himself on the Jack Daniels.....he doesnt do things by half.
Just re-read fantastic Mr FOX ahead of the movie release date.
Still as good as ever - just a shame it only takes a week to finish it now compared to the 3 weeks as a chisler.
Just about to finnish Moby Dick,hard enough work but well worth it.About 20 pages in I was asking myself why I'd never read it before- classic.
Flags of Our Fathers
Best War book i have ever read. 27000 marines die to kill 22000 Japanese holed up in one maze of tunnels on a volcanic island that is Iwo Jima.
Must read!
Just finished 'Lord of the Flies'. I wasn't to keen on the start of if but about half way through it started to heat up and I loved it.
Half way through a book that is a tremendous read for anyone with an interest in the rural Irish lifestyle circa 1800-1930. A fella called Charles McGlinchey told his life story to a headmaster, Patrick Kavanagh, over the 1940s and 1950s. Kavanagh wrote it down but nothing was done with it. Kavanagh's son came across the documents and passed then on to Brian Friel who edited them and produced 'The Last of The Name'.
A true-life jaw-dropping account of life in Ireland in Donegal in the 1800s.
Good call O'Neill. I just found it there on a site I use to track books to read and that I have read etc. (www.goodreads.com) It has gotten rave reviews already.
If you liked them you might like "Ireland" or "tipperary" by Frank Delaney
Quote from: ONeill on November 19, 2009, 10:31:02 PM
Half way through a book that is a tremendous read for anyone with an interest in the rural Irish lifestyle circa 1800-1930. A fella called Charles McGlinchey told his life story to a headmaster, Patrick Kavanagh, over the 1940s and 1950s. Kavanagh wrote it down but nothing was done with it. Kavanagh's son came across the documents and passed then on to Brian Friel who edited them and produced 'The Last of The Name'.
A true-life jaw-dropping account of life in Ireland in Donegal in the 1800s.
Has it changed?
I'd say it has. The practice of rape-marriages was astounding.
Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2009, 03:26:50 PM
Good call O'Neill. I just found it there on a site I use to track books to read and that I have read etc. (www.goodreads.com) It has gotten rave reviews already.
If you liked them you might like "Ireland" or "tipperary" by Frank Delaney
Read more today - it's possibly the best real-life account I've set eyes on. Short enough (bout 150 pages) but tremendous detail of the simple life.
Quote from: ONeill on November 20, 2009, 09:15:27 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2009, 03:26:50 PM
Good call O'Neill. I just found it there on a site I use to track books to read and that I have read etc. (www.goodreads.com) It has gotten rave reviews already.
If you liked them you might like "Ireland" or "tipperary" by Frank Delaney
Read more today - it's possibly the best real-life account I've set eyes on. Short enough (bout 150 pages) but tremendous detail of the simple life.
Stories like that have been lost. An entire village lies deserted in N. Antrim where my granny grew up and I believe she was the last surviving person from there when she died a few years back. Stories from that area were never committed to paper and I'm sure only my uncle knows the names of the various small townlands in the area. When he goes that's it.
Soldiers of Folly - The IRA Border Campaign 1956-1962.
Jaw-dropping romanticism and right-wing attitudes to the freedom of Ireland. :-\
Can anyone tell me the full name of a book i read in school about life on the Blaskets in the early years of the last century...20 years a growing...or something like that? Was written by Maurice o'Sullivan? I'd love to read it again. Thanks.
I'm reading "spies among us" by Ira Winkler. Great stuff. I've also got "turlough" on the go (albeit slowly) by Brian Keenan.
Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2009, 03:26:50 PM
Good call O'Neill. I just found it there on a site I use to track books to read and that I have read etc. (www.goodreads.com) It has gotten rave reviews already.
If you liked them you might like "Ireland" or "tipperary" by Frank Delaney
Seems like a cracker site there iceman
Im currently reading a book about the battle for Stalingrad. f**k Stalin was a bad bastard, didnt give a shit about how many millions of his people died.
Reading 'I am Ozzy' at the minute. Absolutely loving it. I wouldn't be a fan of Black Sabbath or Ozzy but the book is excellent so far.
Quote from: Aerlik on November 21, 2009, 08:23:59 AM
Can anyone tell me the full name of a book i read in school about life on the Blaskets in the early years of the last century...20 years a growing...or something like that? Was written by Maurice o'Sullivan? I'd love to read it again. Thanks.
I'm reading "spies among us" by Ira Winkler. Great stuff. I've also got "turlough" on the go (albeit slowly) by Brian Keenan.
"Fiche bliain ag Fas" is the book you're talking about Aerlik.....its a great book...if you like it you will love An tOileanach by Tomás Ó Criomhthain...are you reading it in Irish or Bearla?
BTW There another one called Peig..my mates in the Free State arent that fond of it ;) ;)
Any soccer fans could do worse than read "Soccernomics: Why England Loses, Why Germany and Brazil Win, and Why the U.S., Japan, Australia, Turkey--and Even Iraq--Are Destined to Become the Kings of the Worlds Most Popular Sport" by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski.
A lot of statistics and so on, but very, very interesting.
The chapter on penalty kicks and game theory alone is worth getting the book for, particularly for the account of Chelsea's tactics in this regard against Van Der Sar in the 2008 Champions League final. It would have worked for Chelsea too, only for Terry hit the post, after which United and Van Der Sar figured out what they were doing! Van Der Sar signalled to Anelka that he knew where he was going to hit it, Anelka cracked, and United won!
Lots of other decent stuff too, such as an analysis showing that England perform more or less exactly as would be expected given their population, economic status, soccer tradition and so on (apparently these are all powerful predictors of international soccer performance), giving lie to the fact that they always think they should be doing better! And, according to their analysis, we ourselves have been, on average, playing above expectations for the past 25 years.
Quote from: JimStynes on November 21, 2009, 08:43:46 AM
Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2009, 03:26:50 PM
Good call O'Neill. I just found it there on a site I use to track books to read and that I have read etc. (www.goodreads.com) It has gotten rave reviews already.
If you liked them you might like "Ireland" or "tipperary" by Frank Delaney
Seems like a cracker site there iceman
Im currently reading a book about the battle for Stalingrad. f**k Stalin was a bad b**tard, didnt give a shit about how many millions of his people died.
Jim its a great site for keeping track of your own books and your mates. I never remember authors or books so this was perfect for me to be able to tag a book that was recommended to me. Also a great spot to send the relatives to when they are considering Christmas or Birthdays!! ;)
Quote from: Aerlik on November 21, 2009, 08:23:59 AM
Can anyone tell me the full name of a book i read in school about life on the Blaskets in the early years of the last century...20 years a growing...or something like that? Was written by Maurice o'Sullivan? I'd love to read it again. Thanks.
I'm reading "spies among us" by Ira Winkler. Great stuff. I've also got "turlough" on the go (albeit slowly) by Brian Keenan.
got the name and author spot on as bearla
Quote from: hardstation on November 22, 2009, 11:19:55 PM
Quote from: Aerlik on November 21, 2009, 08:23:59 AM
I'm reading "spies among us" by Ira Winkler.
Ha ha.
I'm not joking HS. When I saw the author's name I, too, had a wee tiocfhall ( I mean chuckle).
It's a great read as it exposes the myriad of ways that we are being spied on by everyone from the nerd in the attic to the nerd in the Government agency.
Quote from: 5 Sams on November 21, 2009, 10:06:24 PM
Quote from: Aerlik on November 21, 2009, 08:23:59 AM
Can anyone tell me the full name of a book i read in school about life on the Blaskets in the early years of the last century...20 years a growing...or something like that? Was written by Maurice o'Sullivan? I'd love to read it again. Thanks.
I'm reading "spies among us" by Ira Winkler. Great stuff. I've also got "turlough" on the go (albeit slowly) by Brian Keenan.
"Fiche bliain ag Fas" is the book you're talking about Aerlik.....its a great book...if you like it you will love An tOileanach by Tomás Ó Criomhthain...are you reading it in Irish or Bearla?
BTW There another one called Peig..my mates in the Free State arent that fond of it ;) ;)
I read An tOileanach there last year and it's a great read. Read An béal bocht by Myles na gCopeleen as well, deadly parody of it :)
Anyone read John Irving's latest Last Night in Twisted River?
Am in two minds about getting it
I think Irving's been on a downward slope since Hotel New Hampshire - though I liked Cider House Blues. For reference purposes, I hated (passionately) the Owen Meany farce.
Took me a while but I'm slap bang in the middle of reading Star of the Sea . This is my first departure from Joe O'Connor's "Irish Male Abroad" type stuff.
Should have done it earlier...magnificent stuff.....
Here is the Movie recommendation.
My Sisters Keeper - 7.5/10 Girlfriend made me watch this for making her sit through so many 'boy films' she reckoned that this will be the film that makes me cry. Although i stayed strong i could feel myself getting emotional at times. Would definitely recommend it, its not a soppy film, but looks at the dilemas a family faces with their little girl dying from cancer.
I read the book and thought it as brilliiant. Written by Jodi Picoult who I foyund later on has written loads. Must check out more of her books at the library.
HELP NEEDED PLEASE :
I need help in finding a book that I'm interested in reading -
I've no idea of the title -
The story is true life - a man eho has only one son is diagnosed with cancer and has about 12 months to live - in that 12 months he writes to a load of famous people throughout the world and explains his story and he gets all the famous people to write his only son a letter advising him what to do and how to get on with his life as soon as his father dies.
The father gets all these letters back and he puts them in this book, which has been published.
Apparently there are some great letters and the book is a great read.
Dear Sebastian by Jordan Ferguson....
Quote from: liihb on January 11, 2010, 01:00:47 PM
Dear Sebastian by Jordan Ferguson....
Appreciate your help.
Have you read it ??
Not yet, got it for Christmas, but haven't started it, looks pretty good tho.....I got a kindle as well, so I've been obsessed with that toy for the last few weeks!
Just after reading The Road... holy jaysus it was an exprience! Very hard to put down and some of the imagery in it would turn your stomach. But a serious read none the less
Quote from: 5 Sams on November 26, 2009, 11:21:59 PM
Took me a while but I'm slap bang in the middle of reading Star of the Sea . This is my first departure from Joe O'Connor's "Irish Male Abroad" type stuff.
Should have done it earlier...magnificent stuff.....
Star of the Sea is brilliant!!
Just finished the first book in the 'Warrior of Rome' trilogy. I love that ancient warfare stuff.
Quote from: Zapatista on March 02, 2010, 03:01:40 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on November 26, 2009, 11:21:59 PM
Took me a while but I'm slap bang in the middle of reading Star of the Sea . This is my first departure from Joe O'Connor's "Irish Male Abroad" type stuff.
Should have done it earlier...magnificent stuff.....
Star of the Sea is brilliant!!
Just finished the first book in the 'Warrior of Rome' trilogy. I love that ancient warfare stuff.
Yes, read 'Star of the Sea' last week - really interesting, well-researched and well-written.
I'm reading D-Day by Stephen E Ambrose (the guy that wrote Band of Brothers). It's very interesting stuff, of course a heavy dose of the 'magnificent American fighting spirit', but well written and put together. It's amazing how chaotic the whole thing was in Normandy, and there a serious case of 'what if'. Rommel and Hitler fecked up a good chance to throw the Allies back into the seas. As one of the GIs said, 'They could have swept us into the sea with a broom.'
Just read 'of mice and men' there. Seen it plugged on Lost TV show and thought I'd give it a go. While the show give it away I still really enjoyed it. Great wee novel :)
'Angels in my hair'- the author is Lorna Byrne (an irish mystic who sees angels, its based on her life story)
Would love to know has anyone else read it and what they made of it.
I would love to go and visit her to hear what she would tell me.
Started reading Day of the Jackal (yet again). If there has been a better thriller written I have yet to read it.
Recently read a book about Summits (Yalta, Vienna, Moscow, Camp David etc). Not a bad read though a bit heavy at times.................. think it was a tie in to a tv series.
It is World Book Day today.
I know this because i am Dorothy for the day. Red shoes and all.
Quote from: Canalman on March 04, 2010, 12:40:49 PM
Started reading Day of the Jackal (yet again). If there has been a better thriller written I have yet to read it.
Recently read a book about Summits (Yalta, Vienna, Moscow, Camp David etc). Not a bad read though a bit heavy at times.................. think it was a tie in to a tv series.
Superb book imho, in light of recent events i have ordered "by way of deception:the making and unmasking of a mossad officer" can't wait to get me hands on it.
I'm halfway through "Four quarters of Light" by Brian Keenan. A very enjoyable of his physical and emotional journey through Alaska, in some ways complementing (for want of a better word)his incarceration in Lebanon.
I finished Booking Passage by Thomas Lynch, which has many traits that all exiles and non-first generation Irish can empathise with. If you're from east Clare, it is for you.
Also planned for reading this year are:
Microsoft, China and Bill Gates' Plan to win the road ahead;
Peace Kills ;
Under the Banner of heaven;
Martyrs' Day;
Where Heaven and Earth meet;
The last of the lunatics;
Cape Breton Road.
If anyone has read any of these, I'd welcome your comments.
Just after reading "Guerilla Days in Ireland" by Tom Barry an absolute cracker of a book from start to finish. A very compelling read which gave a very throughout look at the campaign in West Cork during the War of Independence. It goes into detail the events at Kilmichael and Crossbarry as well as the training, planning and life of the Flying Columns.
Barry waited until 25 years after the end of the civil war so as not be fan any flames. It strikes me as a open and honest account and Barry talks about the struggle at large and the unit involved rather than a personal account. If one didn't know, it would be hard to discover that he was the commander of the West Cork Brigade Flying Column.
Couldn't recommend it high enough.
Just started Ernie O'Malley's book "On another Man's Wound" - Gonna lift Tim Pat Coogan's book on Collins too - always wanted to read it but never did.
reading 'Nine Lives' by David Courtney a helicopter pilot in the irish air corp., doing a lot of search and rescue work. super book, well written by a guy who takes time to appreciate where he is. he grew up in tullamore of c of i stock, his dad having served in the british army in world war 2. some great stories there of president robinson visiting the aran islands and a trip with charlie to his blasket island home. the book would make you proud to be irish with guys like him around
heres a review by kevin myres (cant believe i agree with him!)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/birdseye-view-of-a-rescuer-who-flew-in-the-face-of-fear-1482558.html
Quote from: Zapatista on March 04, 2010, 01:03:02 AM
Just read 'of mice and men' there. Seen it plugged on Lost TV show and thought I'd give it a go. While the show give it away I still really enjoyed it. Great wee novel :)
We did that for our Junior Cert English. I have to say I enjoyed that book.
Quote from: Celt_Man on March 02, 2010, 01:58:37 PM
Just after reading The Road... holy jaysus it was an exprience! Very hard to put down and some of the imagery in it would turn your stomach. But a serious read none the less
It's a grim read alright and compelling to the end. Leaves you stunned at the end.
Recently read Blacklands by Belinda Bauer...really good read too. Its about a cub who starts writing to a child serial killer to try to find out where he buried his dead child uncle. I good read.
Quote from: magickingdom on April 01, 2010, 09:28:22 PM
reading 'Nine Lives' by David Courtney a helicopter pilot in the irish air corp., doing a lot of search and rescue work. super book, well written by a guy who takes time to appreciate where he is. he grew up in tullamore of c of i stock, his dad having served in the british army in world war 2. some great stories there of president robinson visiting the aran islands and a trip with charlie to his blasket island home. the book would make you proud to be irish with guys like him around
heres a review by kevin myres (cant believe i agree with him!)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/birdseye-view-of-a-rescuer-who-flew-in-the-face-of-fear-1482558.html
Flying a plane in shite weather is tricky enough but a helicopter is many times more difficult due to its designed 'instability'. I was watching Trawlermen a few weeks back and it was described as the most dangerous job in Britain. Well, one of the fishermen had to be rescued from a boat 100miles out to sea. No mention of the danger in flying the chopper!
Quote from: Aerlik on April 03, 2010, 06:35:39 AM
Quote from: magickingdom on April 01, 2010, 09:28:22 PM
reading 'Nine Lives' by David Courtney a helicopter pilot in the irish air corp., doing a lot of search and rescue work. super book, well written by a guy who takes time to appreciate where he is. he grew up in tullamore of c of i stock, his dad having served in the british army in world war 2. some great stories there of president robinson visiting the aran islands and a trip with charlie to his blasket island home. the book would make you proud to be irish with guys like him around
heres a review by kevin myres (cant believe i agree with him!)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/birdseye-view-of-a-rescuer-who-flew-in-the-face-of-fear-1482558.html
Flying a plane in shite weather is tricky enough but a helicopter is many times more difficult due to its designed 'instability'. I was watching Trawlermen a few weeks back and it was described as the most dangerous job in Britain. Well, one of the fishermen had to be rescued from a boat 100miles out to sea. No mention of the danger in flying the chopper!
This frequently accomplished with serious fuel shortages also if the boat is far enough out. Often they have enough fuel for say 15 minutes at the rescue. Tough decisions have to be made if the rescue isn't complete with 13 or 14 minutes of that time elapsed.
Reading Tony Robbins' Awaken the Giant Within, at the moment
Fantastic book so far - the man is a legend and the book reads like he talks/shouts.
Just got given the complete Conan series as a gift - I read a few of them back in the school days but not all of them - looking forward to some easy reading for the next wee while.
These have probably been mentioned on here before...
I got "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy after Christmas there based on how good the movie "No Country For Old Men" was.
It was amazing, I've since read "No Country...", and am now reading "Blood Meridian".
He's an absolutely brilliant author.
Reading The Hobbit now at the moment. Almost finished. Good enough read not something I would usually go for considering it was written in 1937, which is evident from the writing style.
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 23, 2009, 10:24:22 AM
I think Irving's been on a downward slope since Hotel New Hampshire - though I liked Cider House Blues. For reference purposes, I hated (passionately) the Owen Meany farce.
I thought Owen Meany was a great read - a harmless enough book as an old teacher of mine used to say
any of yous read 'i hope they serve beer in hell' by some american chap max tucker? its basically just stories about all the girls he has slept with and stories from drinking. good read-puts you in the mood to go out anyway!
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
Great wee easy to read novel following the daily lives of 3 people trying to survive during the siege of Sarajevo. When they become accoustom to the war the small things are huge and the huge things are small.
Quote from: muppet on April 03, 2010, 12:04:06 PM
Quote from: Aerlik on April 03, 2010, 06:35:39 AM
Quote from: magickingdom on April 01, 2010, 09:28:22 PM
reading 'Nine Lives' by David Courtney a helicopter pilot in the irish air corp., doing a lot of search and rescue work. super book, well written by a guy who takes time to appreciate where he is. he grew up in tullamore of c of i stock, his dad having served in the british army in world war 2. some great stories there of president robinson visiting the aran islands and a trip with charlie to his blasket island home. the book would make you proud to be irish with guys like him around
heres a review by kevin myres (cant believe i agree with him!)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/birdseye-view-of-a-rescuer-who-flew-in-the-face-of-fear-1482558.html
Flying a plane in shite weather is tricky enough but a helicopter is many times more difficult due to its designed 'instability'. I was watching Trawlermen a few weeks back and it was described as the most dangerous job in Britain. Well, one of the fishermen had to be rescued from a boat 100miles out to sea. No mention of the danger in flying the chopper!
This frequently accomplished with serious fuel shortages also if the boat is far enough out. Often they have enough fuel for say 15 minutes at the rescue.Tough decisions have to be made if the rescue isn't complete with 13 or 14 minutes of that time elapsed.
I suppose you'd just have to say 'Sure I'll give it another minute or two...'
Quote from: haranguerer on August 25, 2010, 01:56:58 PM
Quote from: muppet on April 03, 2010, 12:04:06 PM
Quote from: Aerlik on April 03, 2010, 06:35:39 AM
Quote from: magickingdom on April 01, 2010, 09:28:22 PM
reading 'Nine Lives' by David Courtney a helicopter pilot in the irish air corp., doing a lot of search and rescue work. super book, well written by a guy who takes time to appreciate where he is. he grew up in tullamore of c of i stock, his dad having served in the british army in world war 2. some great stories there of president robinson visiting the aran islands and a trip with charlie to his blasket island home. the book would make you proud to be irish with guys like him around
heres a review by kevin myres (cant believe i agree with him!)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/birdseye-view-of-a-rescuer-who-flew-in-the-face-of-fear-1482558.html
Flying a plane in shite weather is tricky enough but a helicopter is many times more difficult due to its designed 'instability'. I was watching Trawlermen a few weeks back and it was described as the most dangerous job in Britain. Well, one of the fishermen had to be rescued from a boat 100miles out to sea. No mention of the danger in flying the chopper!
This frequently accomplished with serious fuel shortages also if the boat is far enough out. Often they have enough fuel for say 15 minutes at the rescue.Tough decisions have to be made if the rescue isn't complete with 13 or 14 minutes of that time elapsed.
I suppose you'd just have to say 'Sure I'll give it another minute or two...'
It has often happened that they had to ditch the helicopter due to lack of fuel. It happened in the book 'The Perfect Storm' which was real rather than the film which was not.
QuoteIt has often happened that they had to ditch the helicopter due to lack of fuel
when?
Quote from: under the bar on August 25, 2010, 02:56:01 PM
QuoteIt has often happened that they had to ditch the helicopter due to lack of fuel
when?
Read the previous post.
Quote from: muppet on August 25, 2010, 02:16:07 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on August 25, 2010, 01:56:58 PM
Quote from: muppet on April 03, 2010, 12:04:06 PM
Quote from: Aerlik on April 03, 2010, 06:35:39 AM
Quote from: magickingdom on April 01, 2010, 09:28:22 PM
reading 'Nine Lives' by David Courtney a helicopter pilot in the irish air corp., doing a lot of search and rescue work. super book, well written by a guy who takes time to appreciate where he is. he grew up in tullamore of c of i stock, his dad having served in the british army in world war 2. some great stories there of president robinson visiting the aran islands and a trip with charlie to his blasket island home. the book would make you proud to be irish with guys like him around
heres a review by kevin myres (cant believe i agree with him!)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/birdseye-view-of-a-rescuer-who-flew-in-the-face-of-fear-1482558.html
Flying a plane in shite weather is tricky enough but a helicopter is many times more difficult due to its designed 'instability'. I was watching Trawlermen a few weeks back and it was described as the most dangerous job in Britain. Well, one of the fishermen had to be rescued from a boat 100miles out to sea. No mention of the danger in flying the chopper!
This frequently accomplished with serious fuel shortages also if the boat is far enough out. Often they have enough fuel for say 15 minutes at the rescue.Tough decisions have to be made if the rescue isn't complete with 13 or 14 minutes of that time elapsed.
I suppose you'd just have to say 'Sure I'll give it another minute or two...'
It has often happened that they had to ditch the helicopter due to lack of fuel. It happened in the book 'The Perfect Storm' which was real rather than the film which was not.
But if they had enough fuel for 15 minutes at the rescue, then after 13 or 14 minutes the decision wouldn't be that tough - just give it another minute or two... ;)
Currently reading 'Awkward Situation for Men' by Danny Wallace. Interesting enough wee read, but not a patch on his earlier books.
Read "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and have to say it was a great read, one of the best I've read in a year or so. It was slow to start but grabbed you by the throat and pulled you in after about 100 pages.
Reading the second book now of the series and it's not as good but still excellently written.
Quote from: The Iceman on August 25, 2010, 08:23:38 PM
Read "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and have to say it was a great read, one of the best I've read in a year or so. It was slow to start but grabbed you by the throat and pulled you in after about 100 pages.
Reading the second book now of the series and it's not as good but still excellently written.
I thought the second was the best of the three... stick with it, it gets considerably better.
Yes - a great trilogy, excellently written. I haven't enjoyed a mystery thriller as much in a long time. Looking forward to the films as soon as herself has finished the books.
Quote from: haranguerer on August 25, 2010, 03:37:21 PM
Quote from: muppet on August 25, 2010, 02:16:07 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on August 25, 2010, 01:56:58 PM
Quote from: muppet on April 03, 2010, 12:04:06 PM
Quote from: Aerlik on April 03, 2010, 06:35:39 AM
Quote from: magickingdom on April 01, 2010, 09:28:22 PM
reading 'Nine Lives' by David Courtney a helicopter pilot in the irish air corp., doing a lot of search and rescue work. super book, well written by a guy who takes time to appreciate where he is. he grew up in tullamore of c of i stock, his dad having served in the british army in world war 2. some great stories there of president robinson visiting the aran islands and a trip with charlie to his blasket island home. the book would make you proud to be irish with guys like him around
heres a review by kevin myres (cant believe i agree with him!)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/birdseye-view-of-a-rescuer-who-flew-in-the-face-of-fear-1482558.html
Flying a plane in shite weather is tricky enough but a helicopter is many times more difficult due to its designed 'instability'. I was watching Trawlermen a few weeks back and it was described as the most dangerous job in Britain. Well, one of the fishermen had to be rescued from a boat 100miles out to sea. No mention of the danger in flying the chopper!
This frequently accomplished with serious fuel shortages also if the boat is far enough out. Often they have enough fuel for say 15 minutes at the rescue.Tough decisions have to be made if the rescue isn't complete with 13 or 14 minutes of that time elapsed.
I suppose you'd just have to say 'Sure I'll give it another minute or two...'
It has often happened that they had to ditch the helicopter due to lack of fuel. It happened in the book 'The Perfect Storm' which was real rather than the film which was not.
But if they had enough fuel for 15 minutes at the rescue, then after 13 or 14 minutes the decision wouldn't be that tough - just give it another minute or two... ;)
So do you lower the winch-man at 13 mins or not? What about 14 mins?
Quote from: mc_grens on August 25, 2010, 08:27:42 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on August 25, 2010, 08:23:38 PM
Read "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and have to say it was a great read, one of the best I've read in a year or so. It was slow to start but grabbed you by the throat and pulled you in after about 100 pages.
Reading the second book now of the series and it's not as good but still excellently written.
I thought the second was the best of the three... stick with it, it gets considerably better.
Just finished the trilogy there last week and would agree the second book is best in my opinion but they are all very good and make an excellent trilogy(£9 off amazon - bargain!)
I liked the Swedish version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo but I fear the Hollywood version just won't do the books justice.
Quote from: The Iceman on August 25, 2010, 08:23:38 PM
Read "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and have to say it was a great read, one of the best I've read in a year or so. It was slow to start but grabbed you by the throat and pulled you in after about 100 pages.
Reading the second book now of the series and it's not as good but still excellently written.
I'm making good progress on it now. Really enjoying it.
Quote from: Hardy on August 25, 2010, 09:07:08 PM
Yes - a great trilogy, excellently written. I haven't enjoyed a mystery thriller as much in a long time. Looking forward to the films as soon as herself has finished the books.
The (Swedish) movies aren't bad at all - they don't have the depth of the books, but enjoyable romps nonetheless.
Don't know if been posted before as I couldn't be arsed trawling back through but Tucker Max 'I hope they serve beer in hell' has to be the funniest book i have ever read in my entire life
if you haven't heard of him, google him - some of the stories are :o
I see overthebar mentioned the same book in last page - gona order it of amazon here now. Could do with a laugh
so he did, show's how lazy I am, didn't even go back one page :D
it is a pure scream though, definitley order it!
Appropriately at a time when the two biggest religions are being hammered for the antics/vices of some their clergy, I'm reading Jon Krakouer's so-far excellent look at Mormonism, it's creation and its rise in influence in north America. Entitled "Under the banner of Heaven", it is one serious eye opener. Will be interesting when they next come knocking on my door. ;)
Quote from: Aerlik on August 26, 2010, 12:38:56 PM
Appropriately at a time when the two biggest religions are being hammered for the antics/vices of some their clergy, I'm reading Jon Krakouer's so-far excellent look at Mormonism, it's creation and its rise in influence in north America. Entitled "Under the banner of Heaven", it is one serious eye opener. Will be interesting when they next come knocking on my door. ;)
:D
FFS Aerlik yer not planning to ambush some poor Mormons are ye?
Pricless :D
Quote from: Zapatista on August 26, 2010, 02:51:20 PM
Quote from: Aerlik on August 26, 2010, 12:38:56 PM
Appropriately at a time when the two biggest religions are being hammered for the antics/vices of some their clergy, I'm reading Jon Krakouer's so-far excellent look at Mormonism, it's creation and its rise in influence in north America. Entitled "Under the banner of Heaven", it is one serious eye opener. Will be interesting when they next come knocking on my door. ;)
:D
FFS Aerlik yer not planning to ambush some poor Mormons are ye?
Pricless :D
I've already got the questions from
Doctrine & Covenants set up. ;)
Quote from: mc_grens on August 25, 2010, 08:27:42 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on August 25, 2010, 08:23:38 PM
Read "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and have to say it was a great read, one of the best I've read in a year or so. It was slow to start but grabbed you by the throat and pulled you in after about 100 pages.
Reading the second book now of the series and it's not as good but still excellently written.
I thought the second was the best of the three... stick with it, it gets considerably better.
It was very slow now in fairness but I'm about 50 pages form the end and can't wait to finish it on the train ride home later!
I'd never have believed in advance that the most compelling fictional character I'd come across in a decade would be a semi-autistic, bisexual, violent, body-pierced and multi-tattooed girl genius.
Quote from: Banana Man on August 26, 2010, 09:40:46 AM
Don't know if been posted before as I couldn't be arsed trawling back through but Tucker Max 'I hope they serve beer in hell' has to be the funniest book i have ever read in my entire life
if you haven't heard of him, google him - some of the stories are :o
Read that alright, very funny book. Could be mostly bullshit but it's entertaining so who cares!
Quote from: Hardy on August 26, 2010, 03:21:39 PM
I'd never have believed in advance that the most compelling fictional character I'd come across in a decade would be a semi-autistic, bisexual, violent, body-pierced and multi-tattooed girl genius.
How would you
not be drawn to a book about such a character?
Quote from: Hardy on August 26, 2010, 03:21:39 PM
I'd never have believed in advance that the most compelling fictional character I'd come across in a decade would be a semi-autistic, bisexual, violent, body-pierced and multi-tattooed girl genius.
Ahh f**k, way to ruin a great surprise >:(
:P
Quote from: Billys Boots on August 26, 2010, 03:41:31 PM
Quote from: Hardy on August 26, 2010, 03:21:39 PM
I'd never have believed in advance that the most compelling fictional character I'd come across in a decade would be a semi-autistic, bisexual, violent, body-pierced and multi-tattooed girl genius.
How would you not be drawn to a book about such a character?
Ah I dunno - wouldn't really be my home territory!
Quote from: Zapatista on August 26, 2010, 03:41:43 PM
Quote from: Hardy on August 26, 2010, 03:21:39 PM
I'd never have believed in advance that the most compelling fictional character I'd come across in a decade would be a semi-autistic, bisexual, violent, body-pierced and multi-tattooed girl genius.
Ahh f**k, way to ruin a great surprise >:(
:P
Don't worry Zap, no spoilers there.
Quote from: Hardy on August 25, 2010, 09:07:08 PM
Yes - a great trilogy, excellently written. I haven't enjoyed a mystery thriller as much in a long time. Looking forward to the films as soon as herself has finished the books.
Agree with that, have read the first two and gonna start the third next week, can't wait. Saw the first Swedish film as well, decent effort but not as good as the book I thought, I suppose they rarely are.
QuoteQuote from: Billys Boots on Today at 03:41:31 PM
Quote from: Hardy on Today at 03:21:39 PM
I'd never have believed in advance that the most compelling fictional character I'd come across in a decade would be a semi-autistic, bisexual, violent, body-pierced and multi-tattooed girl genius.
How would you not be drawn to a book about such a character?
Ah I dunno - wouldn't really be my home territory!
You do hail from Bellewstown, right??
I knew I was leaving my chin hanging out there.
Quote from: Hardy on August 26, 2010, 03:21:39 PM
I'd never have believed in advance that the most compelling fictional character I'd come across in a decade would be a semi-autistic, bisexual, violent, body-pierced and multi-tattooed girl genius.
And it all started so brightly for Harry Potter.
Anyone read 'How the GAA Survived the Troubles ' by Des Fahy? Much use?
Quote from: Niall Quinn on August 26, 2010, 04:21:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on August 26, 2010, 03:21:39 PM
I'd never have believed in advance that the most compelling fictional character I'd come across in a decade would be a semi-autistic, bisexual, violent, body-pierced and multi-tattooed girl genius.
And it all started so brightly for Harry Potter.
:D.
Hardy has a fascination with tattoos. He just won't admit it. They're under his skin.
New book in the Dexter series. Dexter is Delicious.
If its like the others it will be great!
Girl With Dragon Tatoo.
Very good. I'm not usually one for crime thrillers but I liked this one. I think it will be a while before I pick up the sequel though, I could get end up tired of Salander which would be a shame. I will get round to them though.
Anyone book club members?
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese is my next book, anyone read it?
http://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Stone-novel-Abraham-Verghese/dp/0375414495
Just after finishing another Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child. It was called Die Trying. Another great read, very hard to put down. definitely my favourite series of novels and Reacher is one cool fecker and my favourite character
i know its been discussed on here before, but im only 4 chapters into paul mcgraths book, and ive already been shocked,horrified,astounded several times;
whats that oul sayin about walkin a mile in a mans shoes.....
Quote from: Celt_Man on September 03, 2010, 03:09:23 PM
Just after finishing another Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child. It was called Die Trying. Another great read, very hard to put down. definitely my favourite series of novels and Reacher is one cool fecker and my favourite character
Reacher is a stud.
Room.
Get it.
Read Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada while on holiday recently. Is based on the true story of one man's resistance in war time Berlin after the loss of his son. Best book I've read in quite some time I think, I was glued to it.
Quote from: CiKe on September 23, 2010, 10:51:19 PM
Read Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada while on holiday recently. Is based on the true story of one man's resistance in war time Berlin after the loss of his son. Best book I've read in quite some time I think, I was glued to it.
Happens ross4life all the time.
I'm currently re-reading "Friday Night Lights".
It's the best sport book I've ever read.
The girl with trilogy was a good read ...pity the poor fecker never lived to see the benefits of his sales . Some kind of dispute between family and his unmarried partner about it too.
Read "The Troubles" by JG Farrell ( winner of the lost booker prize ) lately . I didnt get it .
" One Day " is a good holiday read ( especially for the other half).
Also read a couple of Jonathon Coe books lately ...." The Rotters Club" has its moments of excellence recalling 70s/80s and some good characters but might be a bit too " English" for most tastes.
"The Secret River" by Kate Grenville is an excellent book .
Crimes Against Liberty- by David Limbaugh
Couldn't put it down :o
Arrived today - 'Lough Neagh Places - Their Names and Origins'. Totally fascinating and well sourced (for those who'd be interested).
Quote from: ONeill on September 24, 2010, 08:06:34 PM
Arrived today - 'Lough Neagh Places - Their Names and Origins'. Totally fascinating and well sourced (for those who'd be interested).
Maybe you could start a thread...
Quote from: ONeill on September 24, 2010, 08:06:34 PM
Arrived today - 'Lough Neagh Places - Their Names and Origins'. Totally fascinating and well sourced (for those who'd be interested).
I read this book. The origin of how the bottom of Lough Neagh got its name blew me away. The top and the middle were pretty self explanatory after that though.
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 24, 2010, 05:50:28 PM
Crimes Against Liberty- by David Limbaugh
Couldn't put it down :o
Hope you didn't get the hardback copy :D
(http://www.faithmouse.com/mitt_romney_is_a_mormon.jpg)
Of course and a signed copy at that, sure nothing but the best comes into our house...and anyway paper backs are for girls 8)
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 24, 2010, 09:18:38 PM
Quote from: ONeill on September 24, 2010, 08:06:34 PM
Arrived today - 'Lough Neagh Places - Their Names and Origins'. Totally fascinating and well sourced (for those who'd be interested).
Maybe you could start a thread...
I was rightly and pleasantly surprised at the detail given to every townland within a 10-mile touching distance of the lough. I've only read from Ardboe down to Maghery and Ballinderry (Antrim) up to Crumlin and already I've a mountain of places I want to explore or didn't know about.
Quote from: ONeill on September 24, 2010, 08:06:34 PM
Arrived today - 'Lough Neagh Places - Their Names and Origins'. Totally fascinating and well sourced (for those who'd be interested).
Eel enjoy reading that.
Big debate over Derrytresk. Treasc. Brewer's grain as the locals want or 'refuse, leaves, lees, hogwash' as is the editor's wont?
Early Irish tresc?
I've started reading "The Last of the lunatics" a memoir of John Cawte, a psychiatric doctor in the last asylum in Adelaide in the 1950s. Compelling stuff and an interesting exposure to the methods and devices used before the use of neuroleptics and other modern drugs. Among the many interesting lines is this one which could really apply to anyone;
"...it is tempting to watch for general paralysis of the insane in the most unlikely places if one detects illusions of grandeur".
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 24, 2010, 05:50:28 PM
Crimes Against Liberty- by David Limbaugh
Couldn't put it down :o
Did you try gun or lethal injection?
hunter s thompsons fear and loathing in las vegas. laugh out loud funny.
Just finished In A Strange Room by Damon Galgut. Only managed to read three of the six Booker short listers (Room and C the others) - the result is on Tues evening and personally it'd be Room (loosely based on the Fritzl case). However, Galgut's novel is rich in geographical references and the first person/third person narrative might be the next big thing and that might just swing it. C is favourite.
Just got the Alan Sugar autobiography. I'll report back in about 6 months when I've finished it.
Just read Snouts in the Trough by Ken Foxe.
The dirty bastards had some time traveling the world in the lap of luxury. Makes me so angry. The figures are that high and there are that many of the they become a blur after the first couple of chapters and they barely even register. And now we must pay for it all while they swan off witrh their big bonuses and big pensions. Bastards.
Howard Jacobson's The Finkler Question - complete outsider - won the Booker. First comedy novel they say.
Darragh Se's book is just out...looking forward to it....I have it ordered on Amazon so I'm trying to stop reading it when I go into Eason's....though from what I hear he doesnt rattle any cages like Kennellly or Jack O'C did...although I think he gives his Uncle a few rattles :D
About 3/4 way through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,really loving it.
I see there is also a film on it in Swedish,anyone watched it with the English subtitles? Is it worth watching?
Just as I thought Darragh's book was benign enough....not much controversy apart from Jack getting a wee rattle (we didnt move in the same circles) and a bit of good natured banter about Paidi...a few refs got a lash as well but nothing to take him to the High Court about...a bit disappointing in fact....I'm sure he has plenty of juicy stuff he could write about esp.. the Mo Fitz saga, he glossed over Tomas and the Gooch gettin dropped. The book was like having a lovely meal and being still hungry when you're finished....enjoyable but not enough....
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on October 19, 2010, 09:08:58 PM
About 3/4 way through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,really loving it.
I see there is also a film on it in Swedish,anyone watched it with the English subtitles? Is it worth watching?
Is definitely worth checking out. Maybe a wee bit too long but is really easy to watch even with the subtitles. Some brutal scenes in it that would be diluted in a Hollywood version.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on October 19, 2010, 09:08:58 PM
About 3/4 way through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,really loving it.
Do you have to tell us every time you score?
Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis of the Chilis - the man should be dead about five times
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on October 22, 2010, 04:41:20 PM
Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis of the Chilis - the man should be dead about five times
Read it...agreed...how in the nayma fcuk does he look so good after all that abuse...???
(http://imstars.aufeminin.com/stars/fan/red-hot-chili-peppers/red-hot-chili-peppers-20070221-215035.jpg)
Not much of a reader but just finished a book Called "I Hope they serve beer in hell". Written by an American guy called Tucker Max about his exploits with women, drink and parties. Very good read for the lads, good laugh, he claims its all true also.
Quote from: DirtyDozen12 on October 26, 2010, 11:41:05 AM
Not much of a reader but just finished a book Called "I Hope they serve beer in hell". Written by an American guy called Tucker Max about his exploits with women, drink and parties. Very good read for the lads, good laugh, he claims its all true also.
The movie of this is currently in production.
Bought Flann O'Brien's The Third Policeman today for E1 in a St.VdeP. shop. Will start it shortly.
Recently read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Not too impressed . Very average and probably a beter film. Can see how the Oprahistas loved it as the male of the species isn't really portrayed favourably.
Trickle up Poverty :'(
-Michael Savage
Quote from: Canalman on November 09, 2010, 05:46:29 PM
Bought Flann O'Brien's The Third Policeman today for E1 in a St.VdeP. shop. Will start it shortly.
Drop what you're reading and start it now. It'd be my idea of the greatest comic novel ever written if I could make up my mind whether it's better that At Swim-Two-Birds or not.
Quote from: Zapatista on November 10, 2010, 02:18:02 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 09, 2010, 05:50:04 PM
Drop what you're reading and start it now. It'd be my idea of the greatest comic novel ever written if I could make up my mind whether it's better that At Swim-Two-Birds or not.
I picked up At Swim Two Boys on the hop a few years ago. Didn't finish it, it took me by surprise :o
'At Swim Two Birds' you mean? I read it last year. Brilliant but unlike anything I had read before, so I think I need to read it a second time to really appreciate it!
Quote from: Hardy on November 09, 2010, 05:50:04 PM
Drop what you're reading and start it now. It'd be my idea of the greatest comic novel ever written if I could make up my mind whether it's better that At Swim-Two-Birds or not.
Funniest and second-funniest books I've ever read. I've heard 'At Swim Two Birds' described as a book about a man writing a book about a man writing two books. The piss-taking of Irish Mythology (ancient and recent) is without parallel, on my planet anyway. 'The Third Policeman' is the first occasion on which the Atomic Theory of Bicycles is postulated.
Haven't read through this thread so it's probably been mentioned, but the best book I've read in the last year is Shantaram.
Absolutely loved it - couldn't put it down. Was reading it in Thailand and Australia so it will always have great memories anyway, but the book itself is brilliant
(http://www.timallenbooks.co.uk/images/books/shantaram.jpg)
After I had finished that, I read The Satanic Verses.
I had been expecting some very serious, heavy discussion on Islam!
Completely different to what I was expecting. Very, very funny book, completely mental, but very enjoyable read.
Quote from: Zapatista on November 10, 2010, 02:27:01 PM
Quote'At Swim Two Birds' you mean
http://www.iol.ie/~atswim/atswim/home/1swim.html
Oh, never heard of that one... You said you didn't finish it - why was that? Is it worth giving it a go?
Finished Not Untrue and Not Unkind by Ed O'Donoghue recently, fictional story of a journalist's life in African from about '95 onwards. Was long listed for the booker in 2009. Thoroughly enjoyable. Started The Grapes of Wrath as never read it before, enjoyable enough so far. Next up is then An Unsung Hero about Tom Crean. Anyone read it?
Just after picking up Paul Daly's book Creating Ireland for three pound in Heatons. Anyone read it? If so was if a good read?
A bit ironic that one of the most significant events in the Republics history is occuring right now, I wonder how many books will be in their embryonic stage at this very minute?
Reading Michael Kelly's "Martyr's Day", about his experiences during the first Gulf War. Interesting perspective.
Anyone read The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb?
Started it there last week and it's incredible.
Quote from: omagh_gael on November 24, 2010, 07:34:44 PM
Just after picking up Paul Daly's book Creating Ireland for three pound in Heatons. Anyone read it? If so was if a good read?
A bit ironic that one of the most significant events in the Republics history is occuring right now, I wonder how many books will be in their embryonic stage at this very minute?
Whoever created Ireland for three pound got ripped off.
I know what you meant.
I've just read Alone In Berlin by Hans Fallada. We all know about the Nazi regime and the detail of what went on from reading the history and all of the non-fictional accounts. But this work of fiction (though based on a true story) brought me to a new level of understanding of the chilling evil of that society and how it was ruled by fear and treachery. But mostly fear.
Quote from: Hardy on November 25, 2010, 12:18:23 PM
I've just read Alone In Berlin by Hans Fallada. We all know about the Nazi regime and the detail of what went on from reading the history and all of the non-fictional accounts. But this work of fiction (though based on a true story) brought me to a new level of understanding of the chilling evil of that society and how it was ruled by fear and treachery. But mostly fear.
Try Berlin Noir and the follow-ons - good depiction of Germany leading up to and after the war, in the style of a Sam Spade detective novel.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Violets-Criminal-Requiem-Penguin-Mystery/dp/0140231706/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290687918&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Violets-Criminal-Requiem-Penguin-Mystery/dp/0140231706/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290687918&sr=1-1)
Thanks Billy - didn't know about those.
Hi lads, haven't read through the previous 30 pages but was just wondering if anyone could recommend some good sports autobiographies to me??
I appreciate any responses.
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 25, 2010, 12:27:30 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 25, 2010, 12:18:23 PM
I've just read Alone In Berlin by Hans Fallada. We all know about the Nazi regime and the detail of what went on from reading the history and all of the non-fictional accounts. But this work of fiction (though based on a true story) brought me to a new level of understanding of the chilling evil of that society and how it was ruled by fear and treachery. But mostly fear.
Try Berlin Noir and the follow-ons - good depiction of Germany leading up to and after the war, in the style of a Sam Spade detective novel.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Violets-Criminal-Requiem-Penguin-Mystery/dp/0140231706/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290687918&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Violets-Criminal-Requiem-Penguin-Mystery/dp/0140231706/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290687918&sr=1-1)
Hardy fully agree, read it on holiday a couple months ago and actually also mentioned it on here. Could not put it down, thought it was absolutely gripping. Definitely made me think about things in a different light.
Quote from: CiKe on November 25, 2010, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 25, 2010, 12:27:30 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 25, 2010, 12:18:23 PM
I've just read Alone In Berlin by Hans Fallada. We all know about the Nazi regime and the detail of what went on from reading the history and all of the non-fictional accounts. But this work of fiction (though based on a true story) brought me to a new level of understanding of the chilling evil of that society and how it was ruled by fear and treachery. But mostly fear.
Try Berlin Noir and the follow-ons - good depiction of Germany leading up to and after the war, in the style of a Sam Spade detective novel.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Violets-Criminal-Requiem-Penguin-Mystery/dp/0140231706/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290687918&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Violets-Criminal-Requiem-Penguin-Mystery/dp/0140231706/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290687918&sr=1-1)
Hardy fully agree, read it on holiday a couple months ago and actually also mentioned it on here. Could not put it down, thought it was absolutely gripping. Definitely made me think about things in a different light.
Well not an auto-biograhhy but Christian Giudice's Hands of Stone: The Life and Legend of Roberto Duran is a good read
Quote from: cavan4sam on November 25, 2010, 06:10:20 PM
Hi lads, haven't read through the previous 30 pages but was just wondering if anyone could recommend some good sports autobiographies to me??
I appreciate any responses.
Assuming you haven't read them:
Paul McGraths's is a must read.
Tony Adam's would be the best of it's type but for his annoying ego. Still a good book about a serious alcoholic who was winning the League and Captaining his country all at the same time.
Tony Cascarino's is different and well worth reading.
Read John McEnroe and while it was interesting he just annoyed me.
Finished reading a book by Tim Brannigan, the 'black IRA man' from Belfast. Dunno what to think of him. His life story is an unusual one although being made an OC whilst inside (for allowing weapons to be stored in a car) seemed a bit mad to me.
(http://www.nibooks.org/images/uploaded/Where_are_you_really_from.jpg)
A decent 2-night read all the same.
Quote from: muppet on November 25, 2010, 08:46:30 PM
Quote from: cavan4sam on November 25, 2010, 06:10:20 PM
Hi lads, haven't read through the previous 30 pages but was just wondering if anyone could recommend some good sports autobiographies to me??
I appreciate any responses.
Assuming you haven't read them:
Paul McGraths's is a must read.
Tony Adam's would be the best of it's type but for his annoying ego. Still a good book about a serious alcoholic who was winning the League and Captaining his country all at the same time.
Tony Cascarino's is different and well worth reading.
Read John McEnroe and while it was interesting he just annoyed me.
Muhammad Ali- His Life and Times by Thomas Hauser
Not an Autobiography as such, but as close as your likely to get as it is one hundred percent authorised by Ali, meaning Hauser got unlimited access to the entire inner circle.
Quote from: muppet on November 25, 2010, 08:46:30 PM
Tony Cascarino's is different and well worth reading.
Mad book. Voices in his head telling him he's shite and him out riding half of France.
Quote from: ONeill on November 25, 2010, 08:52:02 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 25, 2010, 08:46:30 PM
Tony Cascarino's is different and well worth reading.
Mad book. Voices in his head telling him he's shite and him out riding half of France.
They were right.
The biography on Garrincha is a brilliant read.
I've got a few books here, but don't know which to start.
The Writer's Tale - Russell T. Davis
The Preacher - Garth Ennis
I Can Do it - Louise L. Hay
Anyone hear of a book called, 'the biggest bleeding hearts racket in the world' or something to that affect. It was about a lotto scam in Ireland in the 20th century. Probably old news but I have to be honest and say I hadn't heard of it!
They were talking to the author on Today FM a month or so back and it sounded really interesting. Still haven't sat down to read it yet.
Same as Ziggy...
I've got Shantaram, The Shadow Of The Wind, and The Blind Assasin... Which should I read next, I'm just about to finish The Name Of The Rose.
Quote from: CiKe on November 25, 2010, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 25, 2010, 12:27:30 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 25, 2010, 12:18:23 PM
I've just read Alone In Berlin by Hans Fallada. We all know about the Nazi regime and the detail of what went on from reading the history and all of the non-fictional accounts. But this work of fiction (though based on a true story) brought me to a new level of understanding of the chilling evil of that society and how it was ruled by fear and treachery. But mostly fear.
Try Berlin Noir and the follow-ons - good depiction of Germany leading up to and after the war, in the style of a Sam Spade detective novel.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Violets-Criminal-Requiem-Penguin-Mystery/dp/0140231706/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290687918&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Violets-Criminal-Requiem-Penguin-Mystery/dp/0140231706/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290687918&sr=1-1)
Hardy fully agree, read it on holiday a couple months ago and actually also mentioned it on here. Could not put it down, thought it was absolutely gripping. Definitely made me think about things in a different light.
Hardy/CiKe, there's a series set in Stalinist Russia that's even bleaker (but extraordinarily gripping) by Tom Rob Smith - the first one is called Child 44 and the second is called The Secret Speech. I'd recommend both for the winter evenings, links below:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Speech-Tom-Rob-Smith/dp/1847391605/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290760073&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Speech-Tom-Rob-Smith/dp/1847391605/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290760073&sr=1-1)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Child-44-Tom-Rob-Smith/dp/1847391591/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290760073&sr=1-3 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Child-44-Tom-Rob-Smith/dp/1847391591/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290760073&sr=1-3)
The new St.Galls book was launched tonight in the clubrooms.
Entitled 'FROM CLONARD TO CROKE', it follows the history of the club from it's formation in the Clonard area of Belfast in 1910 to the pinnacle of it's sporting history when the footballers were crowned AI club champions on St.Patricks day 2010.
Just got my copy and just sitting down to read it.
Started 'American Psycho' at the weekend, about a third through it already. Can't put it down at night.
I have seen the film first but the detail in the book (as always with films adapted from books) is brilliant.
The dark humour in the book is brilliant.
Just listenin to Don Johnston above saying he couldnt put "American Psycho" down it was that good.
Anyone else start a book and read it in one go...maybe some of yiz do it regularly... the only one I did it with was "The Road"....although listening to the reviews I'd say Christy O'Connor's "The Club" could be the next one.
Quote from: 5 Sams on December 08, 2010, 10:35:54 PM
Just listenin to Don Johnston above saying he couldnt put "American Psycho" down it was that good.
Anyone else start a book and read it in one go...maybe some of yiz do it regularly... the only one I did it with was "The Road"....although listening to the reviews I'd say Christy O'Connor's "The Club" could be the next one.
I need to drink in different bars.
Quote from: 5 Sams on December 08, 2010, 10:35:54 PM
Just listenin to Don Johnston above saying he couldnt put "American Psycho" down it was that good.
Anyone else start a book and read it in one go...maybe some of yiz do it regularly... the only one I did it with was "The Road"....although listening to the reviews I'd say Christy O'Connor's "The Club" could be the next one.
Read The Godfather in the one go one Sunday morning to night. A right riveting read and only imo The Day of the Jackal and The Name of the Rose come close to it as the best novel I have ever read.
Recently read Crashed and Byrned as a result of a recommendation on this forum. A rollicking autobiography.............. well worth a read imo. The guy doesn't pull any punches.
Read The Godfather one year abroad in about three days lying up at the pool.
A great book.
Quote from: mc_grens on November 25, 2010, 08:49:39 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 25, 2010, 08:46:30 PM
Quote from: cavan4sam on November 25, 2010, 06:10:20 PM
Hi lads, haven't read through the previous 30 pages but was just wondering if anyone could recommend some good sports autobiographies to me??
I appreciate any responses.
Assuming you haven't read them:
Paul McGraths's is a must read.
Tony Adam's would be the best of it's type but for his annoying ego. Still a good book about a serious alcoholic who was winning the League and Captaining his country all at the same time.
Tony Cascarino's is different and well worth reading.
Read John McEnroe and while it was interesting he just annoyed me.
Muhammad Ali- His Life and Times by Thomas Hauser
Not an Autobiography as such, but as close as your likely to get as it is one hundred percent authorised by Ali, meaning Hauser got unlimited access to the entire inner circle.
Great sports books, not necessarily autobiographies
- The Damned United by David Peace. Brian Clough's short reign at Leeds
Kings Of September by Michael Foley. Account of the Offaly/Kerry AI Final
Booked by Tom Humphries. Collection of his Irish Times articles
Its not about the bike by Lance Armstrong.
Preferred Lies by Andrew Greig. Read this if you play golf - brilliant book
Bounce by Matthew Syed. Not completely about Sport, but a brilliant insight into what makes a winner
Quote from: Don Johnson on December 08, 2010, 10:12:07 PM
Started 'American Psycho' at the weekend, about a third through it already. Can't put it down at night.
I have seen the film first but the detail in the book (as always with films adapted from books) is brilliant.
The dark humour in the book is brilliant.
Have you read 'Filth' by Irvine Welsh? Similar in some ways ..
Quote from: Hurler on the Bitch on December 09, 2010, 11:48:43 PM
Quote from: Don Johnson on December 08, 2010, 10:12:07 PM
Started 'American Psycho' at the weekend, about a third through it already. Can't put it down at night.
I have seen the film first but the detail in the book (as always with films adapted from books) is brilliant.
The dark humour in the book is brilliant.
Have you read 'Filth' by Irvine Welsh? Similar in some ways ..
Have a few Irvine Welsh books sitting I bought a few months ago but then started to read something else and they went on the back burner. Will get into them after. I don't like the Scottish dialogue though, hard to understand.
My da was telling me tonight there that there is a book knocking about from years ago about Mickey Culbert and Dermot Earley Snr. Something about how their lives started similar but followed very different paths after under 21. Anyone know the name of it?
Quote from: JimStynes on December 13, 2010, 10:44:08 PM
My da was telling me tonight there that there is a book knocking about from years ago about Mickey Culbert and Dermot Earley Snr. Something about how their lives started similar but followed very different paths after under 21. Anyone know the name of it?
Tom Humphries wrote a book called Green Fields, the diverging paths of Culbert and Earley from their meeting in an U-21 final was a very long chapter in that book. Maybe that's what he's on about?
It's Chapter 5 of the Tom Humphries book "Green Fields: Gaelic Sport in Ireland". I picked it up in Easons for £1 a couple of years ago.
It's a must read for any fan of Gaelic Games
Aye that must be the one he is on about. It is lying around the house somewhere, i must get a read at it.
Ghosts of Belfast
Great book for anyone from Armagh or who ever lived about Belfast. Great fiction thriller about the IRA
Quote from: The Iceman on December 16, 2010, 04:05:13 PM
Ghosts of Belfast
Great book for anyone from Armagh or who ever lived about Belfast. Great fiction thriller about the IRA
Just found out the author used to run the Music Shop down in dobbin lane years ago
Quote from: The Iceman on December 16, 2010, 04:05:13 PM
Ghosts of Belfast
Great book for anyone from Armagh or who ever lived about Belfast. Great fiction thriller about the IRA
It's called The Twelve over here. He has another one called Collusion - not sure if title changed for US market. He's very good.
Its called Collusion over here Tony - Being sold as a package along with the Ghosts of Belfast book.
No surprise over the holidays I've read a fare few books...
Worth Dying For - Lee Child... The latest installment of the Jack Reacher series - fecking excellent, have been looking forward to it for a good while and it didn't disappoint. Literally couldn't put in down, probably read it in 4 or 5 sittings
Deliver Us From Evil - David Baldacci... follow up to The Whole Truth, another cracker - in fairness Baldacci is one of the best around IMHO, the main character Shaw is another cool mo-fo a lá Reacher above
Read one of the latest Alex Cross books from James Patterson, I don't find them near as good as I used to, seem to have a bit of "fiction writing by numbers" about it...
Also one of those First Murders Club or something like it (I was stuck for something to do) think it was called 8th Confession... Written by Patterson and some chick - really hate those "Big name writer coauthoring a book with a lesser light" because it feels like the "big name author" really had fook all to do with it
Finished this book. It's a wonderfully uplifted argument and makes you feel that nothing's important. I was also a bit sad with everything at the end.
(http://static.letsbuyit.com/filer/images/uk/products/original/129/41/better-never-to-have-been-the-harm-of-coming-into-existence-12941960.jpeg)
Quote from: Puckoon on January 04, 2011, 08:09:09 PM
Its called Collusion over here Tony - Being sold as a package along with the Ghosts of Belfast book.
Just about finished Collusion - fantastic stuff for a debut author. Have you read them Puck?
Olly, I'd be interested to hear your take on Benatar's antinatalist stance. Is this indeed a world of net pain, and is procreation always the wrong option?
Here's another book I think you might enjoy:
(http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/green-nazis-lg.jpg)
Heading away travelling with work now for a couple of weeks.
Any reccomendations for a bit of reading?
Anyone got a kindle? Are they any good?
Quote from: Joxer on February 14, 2011, 04:31:48 PM
Heading away travelling with work now for a couple of weeks.
Any reccomendations for a bit of reading?
Jaysus...there's 33 pages here of recommendations :o
Quote from: Celt_Man on January 05, 2011, 01:09:10 AM
No surprise over the holidays I've read a fare few books...
Worth Dying For - Lee Child... The latest installment of the Jack Reacher series - fecking excellent, have been looking forward to it for a good while and it didn't disappoint. Literally couldn't put in down, probably read it in 4 or 5 sittings
Deliver Us From Evil - David Baldacci... follow up to The Whole Truth, another cracker - in fairness Baldacci is one of the best around IMHO, the main character Shaw is another cool mo-fo a lá Reacher above
Read one of the latest Alex Cross books from James Patterson, I don't find them near as good as I used to, seem to have a bit of "fiction writing by numbers" about it...
Also one of those First Murders Club or something like it (I was stuck for something to do) think it was called 8th Confession... Written by Patterson and some chick - really hate those "Big name writer coauthoring a book with a lesser light" because it feels like the "big name author" really had fook all to do with it
James Patterson has quit trying. He seems to have a stable of co-writers just churning out book after book. Just a money making machine.
New on here so don't know your tastes but I would highly recommend The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (brilliant)
This is only going to cause confusion.
Quote from: Hardy on February 27, 2011, 01:31:04 PM
This is only going to cause confusion.
You'd think with ziggy (the other one) being a mod he would have vetoed yer new man's username.
What is?
Anyone ever read 'Room'?
Went back to fiction there for a while and not sure if any of you enjoy Martial Arts Crime Thrillers but two really good books for yous:
Sensei by John Donoghue
The Cutting Season by Arthur Rosenfeld (Have read 9 books so far this year and this has been by far the best to date)
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 14, 2011, 08:51:10 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on January 05, 2011, 01:09:10 AM
No surprise over the holidays I've read a fare few books...
Worth Dying For - Lee Child... The latest installment of the Jack Reacher series - fecking excellent, have been looking forward to it for a good while and it didn't disappoint. Literally couldn't put in down, probably read it in 4 or 5 sittings
Deliver Us From Evil - David Baldacci... follow up to The Whole Truth, another cracker - in fairness Baldacci is one of the best around IMHO, the main character Shaw is another cool mo-fo a lá Reacher above
Read one of the latest Alex Cross books from James Patterson, I don't find them near as good as I used to, seem to have a bit of "fiction writing by numbers" about it...
Also one of those First Murders Club or something like it (I was stuck for something to do) think it was called 8th Confession... Written by Patterson and some chick - really hate those "Big name writer coauthoring a book with a lesser light" because it feels like the "big name author" really had fook all to do with it
James Patterson has quit trying. He seems to have a stable of co-writers just churning out book after book. Just a money making machine.
Bigtime re James Patterson. Even so, the co authored ones are still readable.
Celt Man, re the Lee Child books, would you have to read them in order?
Have finished all the Simon Kernick books (the wife kept buying)..Im a sucker for a fast passed book. Enjoyed them alot (though he's not too keen on South Armagh)
Quote from: J OGorman on March 03, 2011, 03:53:39 PM
Bigtime re James Patterson. Even so, the co authored ones are still readable.
Celt Man, re the Lee Child books, would you have to read them in order?
Have finished all the Simon Kernick books (the wife kept buying)..Im a sucker for a fast passed book. Enjoyed them alot (though he's not too keen on South Armagh)
Ahh the newer Patterson books are just about readable and then instantly forgettable though
No I haven't read them in order apart from the last two in the series. Every now and again you would get a wee bit of information that might have happened in another book but they are grand as stand alone books - definitely don't need to read them in sequence. Having said all that, if you get a chance to do that I would
For those who liked Stieg Larsson, the Norwegian author Jo Nesbo's books aren't bad. I think there about 6 of them so far and I'm into the 4th one now.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 03, 2011, 06:21:40 PM
For those who liked Stieg Larsson, the Norwegian author Jo Nesbo's books aren't bad. I think there about 6 of them so far and I'm into the 4th one now.
Reading them as well. I made the mistake of reading The Snowman first. It's probably a good idea to read these booms in order, starting with The Redbreast.
Quote from: Estimator on March 03, 2011, 08:16:44 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 03, 2011, 06:21:40 PM
For those who liked Stieg Larsson, the Norwegian author Jo Nesbo's books aren't bad. I think there about 6 of them so far and I'm into the 4th one now.
Reading them as well. I made the mistake of reading The Snowman first. It's probably a good idea to read these booms in order, starting with The Redbreast.
I got The Redbreast for Christmas and have been reading them back to back since although I've ODd a bit and have slowed up on The Redeemer. As Amazon was tardy with their deliveries I read The Devil Star and Nemesis the wrong way round.
What's not to love about a leading character called Harry Hole. Halfway throughout the Redeemer at the moment. Just after buying The Leopard, already have the Snowman in the house. These should keep me going until the new Boris Akunin & Christopher Brookmyre books come out.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 04, 2011, 02:01:52 PM
What's not to love about a leading character called Harry Hole. Halfway throughout the Redeemer at the moment. Just after buying The Leopard, already have the Snowman in the house. These should keep me going until the new Boris Akunin & Christopher Brookmyre books come out.
I dunno Harold, the (Nesbo) books all start really well, are beautifully plotted for the first two-thirds and then end badly/fizzle out.
QuoteBoris Akunin
I loved the Fandorin books until 'She Lover of Death' which was dire - I can't see how 'He Lover of Death' will be an improvement either, but will persevere.
I thought He Lover of Death was much better than She Lover of Death, the weakest Fandorin IMHO. He new one, The Diamond Chariot is out in September and apparently covers the period Fandorin was in Japan & his meeting with Masa.
You're probably right about the Nesbo books, but I find them distracting enough to want to finish the series.
Ah don't get me wrong, I enjoy the Nesbo books and will probably read The Leopard next - I enjoy them when I'm reading but always feel a bit cheated when I'm finished.
Glad to hear that about Fandorin, looking forward to 'He Lover of Death' now, and his adventures in Japan.
Have you read the Montalbano series, set in Sicily? (Andrea Camillero) - I think you'd enjoy.
Yes Billy have read most of the Montalbano books, enjoyed everyone so far.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 04, 2011, 03:21:43 PM
Yes Billy have read most of the Montalbano books, enjoyed everyone so far.
I guess it's time to point you towards Montalban so - Manuel Vasquez Montalban (the muse for Camillero) wrote Spanish thrillers in the 1970s; the 'hero' was Pepe Carvalho. Good gritty stuff, in the spirit of film noir, with Catalan gastronomic delights (instead of Sicilian) and lots of politics.
Another good Spanish writer is Eugenio Fuentes; his 'hero' is Ricardo Cupido, a cycling (think Séan Kelly, rather than David Norris) private detective.
I'll look out for Montalban, I was reading a bit about him in the Observer a few weeks ago in a piece about European crime fiction.
Almost finished a book at the min called, torso in the canal. It's book detailing the scissor sister killing a few years ago. Horrific but interesting reading. Can't put it down
Finished that John Donoghue series - really enjoyed them. Forth book due out this summer and looking forward to it.
Anyone ever read Ursula LeGuin and the Earthsea books? I picked them up recently and got through all five books. Fantastic. Very light summer reading.
Just started the Harry Bosch books by Michael Connelly, has anyone on here read them? I don't know who recommended Sebastian Barry's A Long Long Way but I have just finished it, an excellent read. Any more recommendations for books about this subject, it seems it's a period in history that not very much has been written about.
Quote from: ziggy90 on June 16, 2011, 09:18:17 PM
Just started the Harry Bosch books by Michael Connelly, has anyone on here read them? I don't know who recommended Sebastian Barry's A Long Long Way but I have just finished it, an excellent read. Any more recommendations for books about this subject, it seems it's a periodin history that not very much has been written about.
I recommended that for one. Glad you enjoyed it. It's one of the best I've read in the last few years. As regards other work in that vein, the best novels I've read about WWI would include All Quiet On the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and How Many Miles To Babylon? by Jennifer Johnston.
I've read some of the Michael Connelly stuff - a few of the Harry Bosch ones and The Lincoln laywer - top class crime fiction.
Couple of books that caught my attention recently - anyone read them?
Finest Years - Churchill As Warlord
Dead Funny: Humor in Hitler's Germany, By Rudolph Herzog
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2011, 10:33:18 PM
Couple of books that caught my attention recently - anyone read them?
Finest Years - Churchill As Warlord
Dead Funny: Humor in Hitler's Germany, By Rudolph Herzog
Is that the Max Hastings one? Got it the other day for 99p from Waterstones with the Sunday Times offer. Haven't looked at it yet.
Quote from: Minder on June 17, 2011, 10:43:28 PM
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2011, 10:33:18 PM
Couple of books that caught my attention recently - anyone read them?
Finest Years - Churchill As Warlord
Dead Funny: Humor in Hitler's Germany, By Rudolph Herzog
Is that the Max Hastings one? Got it the other day for 99p from Waterstones with the Sunday Times offer. Haven't looked at it yet.
Cheapskate. Yes, the deal ends tomorrow at midnight. Hopefully she's passing that way.
I would have to say the Lee Child, Michael Connolly and Peter James are all very easy read.
James Patterson & Patricia Cornwall are just churning out cr&p.
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2011, 10:48:00 PM
Quote from: Minder on June 17, 2011, 10:43:28 PM
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2011, 10:33:18 PM
Couple of books that caught my attention recently - anyone read them?
Finest Years - Churchill As Warlord
Dead Funny: Humor in Hitler's Germany, By Rudolph Herzog
Is that the Max Hastings one? Got it the other day for 99p from Waterstones with the Sunday Times
offer. Haven't looked at it yet.
Cheapskate. Yes, the deal ends tomorrow at midnight. Hopefully she's passing that way.
They were sold out of them after a day or two in the Waterstones I was in.
Quote from: Minder on June 17, 2011, 10:43:28 PM
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2011, 10:33:18 PM
Couple of books that caught my attention recently - anyone read them?
Finest Years - Churchill As Warlord
Dead Funny: Humor in Hitler's Germany, By Rudolph Herzog
Is that the Max Hastings one? Got it the other day for 99p from Waterstones with the Sunday Times offer. Haven't looked at it yet.
Aye probably a good one...
May have said it before, but if you like crime fiction set in wartime, try 'Berlin Noir' a trilogy set around Nazi Germany by Philip Kerr - a Sam Spade type ex-cop working around the touchy, feely attentions of the Gestapo. Enjoy!
Quote from: Hardy on June 17, 2011, 07:47:42 PM
Quote from: ziggy90 on June 16, 2011, 09:18:17 PM
Just started the Harry Bosch books by Michael Connelly, has anyone on here read them? I don't know who recommended Sebastian Barry's A Long Long Way but I have just finished it, an excellent read. Any more recommendations for books about this subject, it seems it's a periodin history that not very much has been written about.
I recommended that for one. Glad you enjoyed it. It's one of the best I've read in the last few years. As regards other work in that vein, the best novels I've read about WWI would include All Quiet On the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and How Many Miles To Babylon? by Jennifer Johnston.
I've read some of the Michael Connelly stuff - a few of the Harry Bosch ones and The Lincoln laywer - top class crime fiction.
just finished a long long way as a result of your recommendation, very moving book. good call.
Apologies if anyone has already mentioned these books but Imperium and Lustrum by Robert Harris, concerning periods in the life and career of Cicero from the perspective of his scribe are absolutely brilliant, historical-political thrillers.
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 18, 2011, 12:34:01 PM
May have said it before, but if you like crime fiction set in wartime, try 'Berlin Noir' a trilogy set around Nazi Germany by Philip Kerr - a Sam Spade type ex-cop working around the touchy, feely attentions of the Gestapo. Enjoy!
And a few more where he emigrates to Argentina.
Another good author is James Lee Burke. Books set around New Orleans and the Louisianan coast.
If you enjoyed those Robert Harris books, you may enjoy I Claudius by Robert Greaves. A retelling of the intrigues of the 1st (2nd maybe) Emperors of Rome. The TV series of it from the 70's was great (as I remember it). I wonder if it has aged well?
Anyone read any of the Booker longlist?
Julian Barnes The Sense of an Ending (Jonathan Cape - Random House)
Sebastian Barry On Canaan's Side (Faber)
Carol Birch Jamrach's Menagerie (Canongate Books)
Patrick deWitt The Sisters Brothers (Granta)
Esi Edugyan Half Blood Blues (Serpent's Tail)
Yvvette Edwards A Cupboard Full of Coats (Oneworld)
Alan Hollinghurst The Stranger's Child (Picador - Pan Macmillan)
Stephen Kelman Pigeon English (Bloomsbury)
Patrick McGuinness The Last Hundred Days (Seren Books)
A.D. Miller Snowdrops (Atlantic)
Alison Pick Far to Go (Headline Review)
Jane Rogers The Testament of Jessie Lamb (Sandstone Press)
D.J. Taylor Derby Day (Chatto & Windus - Random House)
Started Barry's last week and enjoying it - a view from the British side around the time of the Rising/civil war in Ireland (early on in novel).
Tried to finish The Finckler Question again and bored me rigid.
Paddy McGuinness is the boy.
Minder gave me a disc for the Kindle with about 500 books on it so I'm sorted for the forseeable!
Quote from: LeoMc on June 17, 2011, 10:48:59 PM
I would have to say the Lee Child, Michael Connolly and Peter James are all very easy read.
James Patterson & Patricia Cornwall are just churning out cr&p.
Not familiar with James but Connolly and Childs are superb....
Gave up on Cornwall long ago and Patterson is churning out some shite these days... all of about 3 minutes "sitting on the can" worth of thought put into plot and the like
Quote from: ONeill on August 04, 2011, 10:58:43 PM
Anyone read any of the Booker longlist?
Julian Barnes The Sense of an Ending (Jonathan Cape - Random House)
Sebastian Barry On Canaan's Side (Faber)
Carol Birch Jamrach's Menagerie (Canongate Books)
Patrick deWitt The Sisters Brothers (Granta)
Esi Edugyan Half Blood Blues (Serpent's Tail)
Yvvette Edwards A Cupboard Full of Coats (Oneworld)
Alan Hollinghurst The Stranger's Child (Picador - Pan Macmillan)
Stephen Kelman Pigeon English (Bloomsbury)
Patrick McGuinness The Last Hundred Days (Seren Books)
A.D. Miller Snowdrops (Atlantic)
Alison Pick Far to Go (Headline Review)
Jane Rogers The Testament of Jessie Lamb (Sandstone Press)
D.J. Taylor Derby Day (Chatto & Windus - Random House)
Started Barry's last week and enjoying it - a view from the British side around the time of the Rising/civil war in Ireland (early on in novel).
Tried to finish The Finckler Question again and bored me rigid.
Julian Barnes win Booker Prize, finished it the other day, very good.
Glad to hear that. Did you make sense of the ending?
Quote from: Minder on October 18, 2011, 10:20:54 PM
Quote from: ONeill on August 04, 2011, 10:58:43 PM
Anyone read any of the Booker longlist?
Julian Barnes The Sense of an Ending (Jonathan Cape - Random House)
Sebastian Barry On Canaan's Side (Faber)
Carol Birch Jamrach's Menagerie (Canongate Books)
Patrick deWitt The Sisters Brothers (Granta)
Esi Edugyan Half Blood Blues (Serpent's Tail)
Yvvette Edwards A Cupboard Full of Coats (Oneworld)
Alan Hollinghurst The Stranger's Child (Picador - Pan Macmillan)
Stephen Kelman Pigeon English (Bloomsbury)
Patrick McGuinness The Last Hundred Days (Seren Books)
A.D. Miller Snowdrops (Atlantic)
Alison Pick Far to Go (Headline Review)
Jane Rogers The Testament of Jessie Lamb (Sandstone Press)
D.J. Taylor Derby Day (Chatto & Windus - Random House)
Started Barry's last week and enjoying it - a view from the British side around the time of the Rising/civil war in Ireland (early on in novel).
Tried to finish The Finckler Question again and bored me rigid.
Julian Barnes win Booker Prize, finished it the other day, very good.
I think you're getting John Barnes and Julian Barnes mixed up.
Anyone ever attempted to write a book. I have 6 ideas for books but don't know if I could pen them over 300 odd pages. :-[
Anyone recommend any good books about trade unions in the UK or the US?
Just finished Fast Food Nation and it has interested me.
Finished the Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Great stuff.
Quote from: Don Johnson on October 19, 2011, 11:18:15 AM
Anyone recommend any good books about trade unions in the UK or the US?
Just finished Fast Food Nation and it has interested me.
Supersize me is another in the same vein.
Confessions of a Union Buster (USA) is one I have been looking for for years but it is out of print at the moment.
Wasters by Shane Ross (I know) & Nick Webb is actually a very good read even if not quite about unions in either US or the UK.
QuoteAnother good author is James Lee Burke. Books set around New Orleans and the Louisianan coast
Possibly my fave author in that genre - Dave Robicheaux is a great character.
Just started re-reading the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly books- a good giggle
QuoteAnyone recommend any good books about trade unions in the UK or the US?
"The best democracy money can buy" by Greg Palast - brilliant expose of lobbyists etc
Just finished 'Mercy' by Jussi Adler-Olsen - fantastic, about a grumpy, disillusioned, depressed, slight-psychotic cop. Right up your street Declan - far more believable than Dave Robicheaux (I love the books, but find him to be a fussy, immature person).
QuoteJust finished 'Mercy' by Jussi Adler-Olsen - fantastic, about a grumpy, disillusioned, depressed, slight-psychotic cop. Right up your street Declan
:D
Cheers Billy - must stick it on the list
Halfway through Kimmage's book called Engage. About a young English rugby player paralysed from neck down............... humbling stuff.
Also gives a good insight into the scrum in rugby and Leicester RFC . Not a rugby fan by any means but would recommend the book highly.
Anyone read George RR Martin's, 'A game of thrones'? I am on book five now of the series, 'A dance with dragons' and have found them all enjoyable. I think anyone who enjoyed Tolkien's, 'Lord of the rings' would be into these.
Quote from: Hashtag on October 19, 2011, 08:24:01 AM
Anyone ever attempted to write a book. I have 6 ideas for books but don't know if I could pen them over 300 odd pages. :-[
:D
Quote from: Canalman on October 24, 2011, 10:17:54 AM
Halfway through Kimmage's book called Engage. About a young English rugby player paralysed from neck down............... humbling stuff.
Also gives a good insight into the scrum in rugby and Leicester RFC . Not a rugby fan by any means but would recommend the book highly.
Good writer. Good sports interviews in the Sunday Times too.
Miles to Run...Promises to Keep by Ian O'Riordan (writes in Irish Times)
Really enjoyable read
Reading a book called "In the Woods" part of the Dublin Murder Squad series of books.......
Anyone ever read them?
Halfway through 'The Doomsday Prophecy' by Scott Mariana pretty good read anyone read any of his other books?
Quote from: The Iceman on November 02, 2011, 07:43:02 PM
Reading a book called "In the Woods" part of the Dublin Murder Squad series of books.......
Anyone ever read them?
iread that 'in the woods 'one, thought it was excellent
Umberto Eco's new book is coming out in English shortlly........... Prague Cemetery I think. Will buy it in the hope that it is as good as the NOTR and not like his other novels which I gave up on after starting.
Here's hoping as the reviews are good (for what they are worth).
Been a while since I posted on this.
Nico Roches inside the pelethon, interesting if ur a cycling fan.
Vernon God Little, thought first half was very slow and tough going, second half couldn't put it down thought it was excellent
Moneyball, very interesting, personalised the book very well considering he was talking about a sport and players I know little about.
Cloud atlas, Excellent story telling, have just started the thousand autumns of Jacob de Zoet, also by David Mitchell, similar style, think I'll like it also.
Greame Obree - The flying Scotsman, brutal writing but savage story, again one for the cyclists.
Liam Hayes - out of our skins, think he's an arsehole but good book.
Currently reading 'Pigeon English'
Enjoying it. Like the style of writing.
Penning my own tale at the moment as well.
Quote from: Canalman on November 03, 2011, 12:12:07 PM
Umberto Eco's new book is coming out in English shortlly........... Prague Cemetery I think. Will buy it in the hope that it is as good as the NOTR and not like his other novels which I gave up on after starting.
Here's hoping as the reviews are good (for what they are worth).
I found Name Of The Rose disappointing. I came away wanting more story and less preaching. Kinda preferred CJ Sansom's earlier Shardlake novels to be honest.
Quote from: Agnes Dipesto on October 24, 2011, 11:10:34 AM
Anyone read George RR Martin's, 'A game of thrones'? I am on book five now of the series, 'A dance with dragons' and have found them all enjoyable. I think anyone who enjoyed Tolkien's, 'Lord of the rings' would be into these.
Ordered them the other day on Amazon, meant to be good alright.
If you like that sort of book, try Joe Abercrombie's First Law Trilogy. I thought they were fantastic and would go as far as saying I enjoyed them more than lord fo the rings. He has a couple of other follow on books called Best Served Cold and The Heroes which are good too.
Finished Empire State of Mind by Colin Bateman. After Divorcing Jack and I predict a riot (both excellent) I was let badly down.
Just finished David Mitchell's, the thousand autumns of Jacob de zoet, great tale, good meaty book too, I'd highly recommend it
Forget your game of thones, for those who appreciate their fantasy, check out the master storyteller, Dabid Gemmell, especially Waylander and in particular, Legend. For those into Tolkien, check out, Raymond E. Feist's Magician series and David Eddings, Belgariad and Mallorean series. True masters of their genre. Gan doubt[sic]
Got a tip from a man to pick up 'City of Bohane' by Kevin Barry.
Only half way through but it's already shaping up to make my top 5, awesome story.
Just finished the latest Erast Fandorin by Boris Akunin, The Diamond Chariot. A fantastic book, it's two novels in one, the first is set in 1905 during the Russo-Japanese war and the second recounts Fandorin's time in Japan in 1878. There is a shocking twist on the final page.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on December 21, 2011, 11:07:36 AM
Just finished the latest Erast Fandorin by Boris Akunin, The Diamond Chariot. A fantastic book, it's two novels in one, the first is set in 1905 during the Russo-Japanese war and the second recounts Fandorin's time in Japan in 1878. There is a shocking twist on the final page.
They're great alright Harold - next on my list is 'He Lover of Death' and then on to the Diamond Chariot. Looking forward to them immensely. ;D
Any good books out there about sporting irish men except Tony McCoys?
Quote from: Radda bout yeee on December 21, 2011, 12:34:35 PM
Any good books out there about sporting irish men except Tony McCoys?
Paul McGrath's & Cascarino's are the best soccer ones.
House of Pain is a very good Gaa book but you probably need to be from or frequently play against Mayo to like it.
Quote from: Radda bout yeee on December 21, 2011, 12:34:35 PM
Any good books out there about sporting irish men except Tony McCoys?
Any of McCoy's books are about as interesting as the selling hurdle at Market Rasen. Timmy Murphy's autobiography is the best racing book by a distance. Walsh's and Fitzy's books are so-so. Hoping that Santy brings a copy of Paul Carberry's book. Not expecting anything insightful from it but there should be a good few yarns about his frequent daft behaviour!
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 21, 2011, 12:59:22 PM
Quote from: Radda bout yeee on December 21, 2011, 12:34:35 PM
Any good books out there about sporting irish men except Tony McCoys?
Any of McCoy's books are about as interesting as the selling hurdle at Market Rasen. Timmy Murphy's autobiography is the best racing book by a distance. Walsh's and Fitzy's books are so-so. Hoping that Santy brings a copy of Paul Carberry's book. Not expecting anything insightful from it but there should be a good few yarns about his frequent daft behaviour!
Spot on. However, I got to about forty pages before I got fed up with the daft behaviour yarns and gave it away.
Speaking of (Ruby) Walsh's book, which I haven't read, surely Ted's, if he ever gets around to it, is destined to be the greatest racing book ever. Greatest sports book, even.
Anyone read " Masters of Nothing" about the whole financial meltdown?
Currently struggling to get thorugh Moneyball before I go see the film. Dull boook in a lot of places.
I thought moneyball was excellent, really enjoyed it
Started 'screaming at the sky' by Tony Griffin a while back & gave up on it, must get back to it. Didn't demand my attention for some reason.
Declan Bouge's book really was excellent.
Ned Boulting's 'How i won the yellow jumper' was a good read. Also bought a pictoral history of Le Tour - tres bein.
I really liked screaming at the sky, showed the mental torture he put himself through.
I see Greame Obree is going for another world record, his book, The flying Scotsman, is horribly written but a good story
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cycling/16231501.stm
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 04, 2011, 08:07:30 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on December 16, 2010, 04:05:13 PM
Ghosts of Belfast
Great book for anyone from Armagh or who ever lived about Belfast. Great fiction thriller about the IRA
It's called The Twelve over here. He has another one called Collusion - not sure if title changed for US market. He's very good.
Reading the Twelve at the minute after finishing Collusion last week bit back to front but still 2 good reads
Quote from: BenDover on January 16, 2012, 04:59:20 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 04, 2011, 08:07:30 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on December 16, 2010, 04:05:13 PM
Ghosts of Belfast
Great book for anyone from Armagh or who ever lived about Belfast. Great fiction thriller about the IRA
It's called The Twelve over here. He has another one called Collusion - not sure if title changed for US market. He's very good.
Reading the Twelve at the minute after finishing Collusion last week bit back to front but still 2 good reads
The missus got me a couple of signed copies for Christmas. Third one is out this month I think.
I think the third one focuses on the cop and the wee girl but would likely be worth picking up.
Reading Shogun at the minute. Never seen the miniseries but have heard of it.
Book is amazing. Top 5 without a doubt.
Quote from: The Iceman on January 17, 2012, 12:05:07 AM
I think the third one focuses on the cop and the wee girl but would likely be worth picking up.
Reading Shogun at the minute. Never seen the miniseries but have heard of it.
Book is amazing. Top 5 without a doubt.
They are essentially now the Jack Lennon series.
Really?
Lennon played a minor enough role in the first two in fairness and I wouldn't be overly intrigued in a book focusing on him.... Think Neville is changing direction to cover all sides of the community?
For those of you with a Kindle or Kindle app, The Same Old Game (Volumes 1&2) by Mike Roberts is available free today on Amazon. It's a 800 page compendium on the origins of football and includes a few chapters on Gaelic Games.
I can also recommend City of Bohane.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on January 25, 2012, 01:16:39 PM
For those of you with a Kindle or Kindle app, The Same Old Game (Volumes 1&2) by Mike Roberts is available free today on Amazon. It's a 800 page compendium on the origins of football and includes a few chapters on Gaelic Games.
I can also recommend City of Bohane.
Well played Harold :)
Quote from: 5 Sams on January 25, 2012, 01:45:50 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on January 25, 2012, 01:16:39 PM
For those of you with a Kindle or Kindle app, The Same Old Game (Volumes 1&2) by Mike Roberts is available free today on Amazon. It's a 800 page compendium on the origins of football and includes a few chapters on Gaelic Games.
I can also recommend City of Bohane.
Well played Harold :)
MOTM again today Harold, fair play!
Thanks for that, will download when I get home.
You won't Keane; it's only for folk in the UK!
Try the Spanish site http://www.amazon.es/Same-Old-Game-Volumes-ebook/dp/B006F6WRD6
In Donegal here and was able to download it for free from Kindle App on android
If a few of you Mexican hoors are interested in it I'll email you the file when I get home from work. PM me if you want.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2012, 06:38:59 PM
If a few of you Mexican hoors are interested in it I'll email you the file when I get home from work. PM me if you want.
This Mexican downloaded it free from Amazon.com.
Quote from: Billys Boots on January 25, 2012, 04:45:21 PM
You won't Keane; it's only for folk in the UK!
Downloaded with no problem from the US site.
Reading World War Z by Max Brooks. Tremendous.
Bought The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins at the weekend. Got it in Lisburn, Bargin Books, for £7.49 for the three books. Thought that was a good bargain. 100 pages into the first book and very good so far. Probably more of a teen read much like the Harry Potter Series or Twilight.
Read White Teeth, Zadie Smith's debut novel there on holiday. Had heard of her but not previously read anything she had written. Very vulgar and pretty frequent laugh out loud moments. Loved it.
Just finished The Phantom, the latest Harry Hole thriller by Jo Nesbo. Very good with a shock twist at the end.
I see Martin Scorsese is set to direct a film version of The Snowman!
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 27, 2012, 11:39:10 PM
Just finished The Phantom, the latest Harry Hole thriller by Jo Nesbo. Very good with a shock twist at the end.
I see Martin Scorsese is set to direct a film version of The Snowman!
Reading it at the minute and unfortunately opened up a Guardian review of it on twitter the other day which kind of spoiled it a wee bit! He makes Oslo sound like an awful grip but I still wouldn't mind visiting Norway.
Almost did the same myself with John Crace's digested read in yesterday's Guardian. Also read Headhunters recently, was Ok.
I read Stuart Neville's latest there last week after having it since early January and thought it was a good read too. Maybe one plot device too many but I like his stuff.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 27, 2012, 11:39:10 PM
Just finished The Phantom, the latest Harry Hole thriller by Jo Nesbo. Very good with a shock twist at the end.
I see Martin Scorsese is set to direct a film version of The Snowman!
Hole is certainly a good character to transfer to the movies. You have to wonder these days if most authors are writing a book or have one eye on a screenplay at the same time!
I bought a new Kindle recently and was looking to buy O'Farrell's new book about the man who forgot who his wife was. I saw that it was £8 to download from Amazon. I thought that was a bit steep, presumably hardback. Can anyone tell me if I can download a softback copy?
Quote from: Olly on March 28, 2012, 09:10:49 AM
I bought a new Kindle recently and was looking to buy O'Farrell's new book about the man who forgot who his wife was. I saw that it was £8 to download from Amazon. I thought that was a bit steep, presumably hardback. Can anyone tell me if I can download a softback copy?
Sure you can, except that the download is restricted to walking pace, literally.
Thanks. That doesn't sound like my cup of tea. I'll wait for the softcopy in the shop and then copy it over manually.
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 18, 2011, 12:34:01 PM
May have said it before, but if you like crime fiction set in wartime, try 'Berlin Noir' a trilogy set around Nazi Germany by Philip Kerr - a Sam Spade type ex-cop working around the touchy, feely attentions of the Gestapo. Enjoy!
Good call Billy, just finished March Violets & looking forward to the next two in the trilogy. Superb!
I just finished the millennium trilogy. Very good read and very graphic in places
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 27, 2012, 11:39:10 PM
Just finished The Phantom, the latest Harry Hole thriller by Jo Nesbo. Very good with a shock twist at the end.
I see Martin Scorsese is set to direct a film version of The Snowman!
I finished the Phantom last night, excellent... check out Headhunters as well, also being made into a movie
ALso lads, my cousin had his first novel published, its actually very good
http://www.amazon.co.uk/After-Lockout-Darran-McCann/dp/0007429479/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333642772&sr=8-1
I know your cousin's cousin. :'( I'm still waiting to read both of yours cousins first novel.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 05, 2012, 09:50:37 AM
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 18, 2011, 12:34:01 PM
May have said it before, but if you like crime fiction set in wartime, try 'Berlin Noir' a trilogy set around Nazi Germany by Philip Kerr - a Sam Spade type ex-cop working around the touchy, feely attentions of the Gestapo. Enjoy!
Good call Billy, just finished March Violets & looking forward to the next two in the trilogy. Superb!
I read an extraordinary novel over the Easter - again set in wartime Berlin, called 'Alone in Berlin - Hans Fallada'. Different to Kerr's efforts in that it was written in 1946 (while set in 1940), and the author died before it was published. It is a fictionalised account of a true occurrence - a man and his wife decide to subvert the Nazi system (following the death of their only son in the war effort) simply by leaving postcards with hand-written anti-Nazi slogans all around the city. It's pretty clear that the author sees this 'campaign' as symbolic of the beginning on the end for the regime. While the story is horrific (in real terms, rather than what the word has come to mean lately), and contains a litany of truly disgusting characters, it is extremely uplifting as a human experience. Very, very highly recommended.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alone-Berlin-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/014118938X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334230528&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alone-Berlin-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/014118938X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334230528&sr=8-1)
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 12, 2012, 12:36:00 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 05, 2012, 09:50:37 AM
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 18, 2011, 12:34:01 PM
May have said it before, but if you like crime fiction set in wartime, try 'Berlin Noir' a trilogy set around Nazi Germany by Philip Kerr - a Sam Spade type ex-cop working around the touchy, feely attentions of the Gestapo. Enjoy!
Good call Billy, just finished March Violets & looking forward to the next two in the trilogy. Superb!
I read an extraordinary novel over the Easter - again set in wartime Berlin, called 'Alone in Berlin - Hans Fallada'. Different to Kerr's efforts in that it was written in 1946 (while set in 1940), and the author died before it was published. It is a fictionalised account of a true occurrence - a man and his wife decide to subvert the Nazi system (following the death of their only son in the war effort) simply by leaving postcards with hand-written anti-Nazi slogans all around the city. It's pretty clear that the author sees this 'campaign' as symbolic of the beginning on the end for the regime. While the story is horrific (in real terms, rather than what the word has come to mean lately), and contains a litany of truly disgusting characters, it is extremely uplifting as a human experience. Very, very highly recommended.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alone-Berlin-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/014118938X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334230528&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alone-Berlin-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/014118938X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334230528&sr=8-1)
Agreed, Billy. It's excellent. I remember recommending it here after I read it. I found it gave me the best insight I've ever had, from all the history and fiction I've read and documentaries and movies I've watched, into the evil ethos of the Nazi regime.
Now that I think about it Hardy, I bought it on your recommendation. Thanks!
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 12, 2012, 01:14:42 PM
Now that I think about it Hardy, I bought it on your recommendation. Thanks!
You read the other two; Little Man, What Now? and Wolf Among Wolves? Might fire thesd onto the Kindle tonight.
No, but the author looks an interesting character alright. Might do so again.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 12, 2012, 03:30:47 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 12, 2012, 01:14:42 PM
Now that I think about it Hardy, I bought it on your recommendation. Thanks!
You read the other two; Little Man, What Now? and Wolf Among Wolves? Might fire thesd onto the Kindle tonight.
Hey now, I'll not have someone steal the credit due me, I was the first to recommend!
Tony presume you haven't read them rather than looking to reread them? I'd be interested to know what they're like as well, as can't think of any books i've ever read that are better than Alone in Berlin. If they're half as good, should be plenty.
Quote from: CiKe on April 12, 2012, 07:25:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 12, 2012, 03:30:47 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 12, 2012, 01:14:42 PM
Now that I think about it Hardy, I bought it on your recommendation. Thanks!
You read the other two; Little Man, What Now? and Wolf Among Wolves? Might fire thesd onto the Kindle tonight.
Hey now, I'll not have someone steal the credit due me, I was the first to recommend!
Tony presume you haven't read them rather than looking to reread them? I'd be interested to know what they're like as well, as can't think of any books i've ever read that are better than Alone in Berlin. If they're half as good, should be plenty.
Fair play, Cike. I do seem to remember it was your recommendation that brought it to my attention. I am in your debt.
Haven't read any of them cike. Was checking if they were all worth a lash as I'm low on books at the min. Will start with Alone in Berlin.
Thanks for the tip.
Anyone read any David Foster Wallace books?
Quote from: Hardy on April 12, 2012, 07:40:07 PM
Quote from: CiKe on April 12, 2012, 07:25:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 12, 2012, 03:30:47 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 12, 2012, 01:14:42 PM
Now that I think about it Hardy, I bought it on your recommendation. Thanks!
You read the other two; Little Man, What Now? and Wolf Among Wolves? Might fire thesd onto the Kindle tonight.
Hey now, I'll not have someone steal the credit due me, I was the first to recommend!
Tony presume you haven't read them rather than looking to reread them? I'd be interested to know what they're like as well, as can't think of any books i've ever read that are better than Alone in Berlin. If they're half as good, should be plenty.
Fair play, Cike. I do seem to remember it was your recommendation that brought it to my attention. I am in your debt.
Sorry CiKe - my brain is addled with old-age, thanks.
Check out any book by Karin Slaughter if you like gritty crime novels
Some decent non-fiction shorts amongst this lot...
http://byliner.com/spotlights/101-spectacular-nonfiction-stories (http://byliner.com/spotlights/101-spectacular-nonfiction-stories)
Just finished a truly remarkable book " A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry". It is a microcosm of Indian society in the 70,s. Don't let the subject matter put you off, it really is the most insightful look into the human spirit I have ever read.
Had a quick glance through Jimmy Deenihan's book last week and will probably buy it at some stage. Anyone read it yet?
Quote from: 5 Sams on April 27, 2012, 02:42:51 PM
Had a quick glance through Jimmy Deenihan's book last week and will probably buy it at some stage. Anyone read it yet?
You need help for that Kerry obsession!
Quote from: BerfArmagh on April 05, 2012, 05:20:13 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 27, 2012, 11:39:10 PM
Just finished The Phantom, the latest Harry Hole thriller by Jo Nesbo. Very good with a shock twist at the end.
I see Martin Scorsese is set to direct a film version of The Snowman!
I finished the Phantom last night, excellent... check out Headhunters as well, also being made into a movie
ALso lads, my cousin had his first novel published, its actually very good
http://www.amazon.co.uk/After-Lockout-Darran-McCann/dp/0007429479/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333642772&sr=8-1
Just finished it, I enjoyed it. Very good for a first novel. Not very flattering about Derrynoose footballers though!
Quote from: ziggy90 on April 20, 2012, 09:52:01 AM
Just finished a truly remarkable book " A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry". It is a microcosm of Indian society in the 70,s. Don't let the subject matter put you off, it really is the most insightful look into the human spirit I have ever read.
Thanks to your recommendation I've just finished this ziggy and yes it was a very good read.
Recently finished Alex Higgins' most recent biography. Good read about an absolutely despicable person. A selfish selfish person according to the book anyway.
Quote from: BenDover on June 13, 2012, 09:14:14 AM
Quote from: ziggy90 on April 20, 2012, 09:52:01 AM
Just finished a truly remarkable book " A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry". It is a microcosm of Indian society in the 70,s. Don't let the subject matter put you off, it really is the most insightful look into the human spirit I have ever read.
Thanks to your recommendation I've just finished this ziggy and yes it was a very good read.
Your welcome B, there are some great recommendations on this thread. I don't know who endorsed those Erast Fandorin books but I can't get enough of them. I'm on The Coronation now (I think it's no7 in the series) and can't put it down. Does anyone have the sequence for the rest of them after the Lovers of Death?
Quote from: ziggy90 on June 13, 2012, 01:34:33 PM
Quote from: BenDover on June 13, 2012, 09:14:14 AM
Quote from: ziggy90 on April 20, 2012, 09:52:01 AM
Just finished a truly remarkable book " A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry". It is a microcosm of Indian society in the 70,s. Don't let the subject matter put you off, it really is the most insightful look into the human spirit I have ever read.
Thanks to your recommendation I've just finished this ziggy and yes it was a very good read.
Your welcome B, there are some great recommendations on this thread. I don't know who endorsed those Erast Fandorin books but I can't get enough of them. I'm on The Coronation now (I think it's no7 in the series) and can't put it down. Does anyone have the sequence for the rest of them after the Lovers of Death?
Me, me, me (and Harold Disgracey).
There's a list in Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Akunin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Akunin)
Oh, you again Billy, it's a good job they say opposites attract. :o Anyway thanks to yourself and the good Harold, if it wasn't for ye, I'd never have heard of these and would be a whole lot poorer for it.
Anyone read the Henning Menkel (Wallander) books? Finished the first one, Faceless Killers, and it was excellent.
Quote from: Minder on June 13, 2012, 05:17:27 PM
Anyone read the Henning Menkel (Wallander) books? Finished the first one, Faceless Killers, and it was excellent.
Over to Billy there.
They are all very good and I would also recommend that you check out Jo Nesbo and the Harry Hole books.
Succumbed to the hype/peer pressure and read 50 Shades over the weekend. (Your wives and g/f's will know it.)
Am no doubt in the minority but I thought it was an absolute pile of dung.
Quote from: Celt_Man on January 05, 2011, 01:09:10 AM
No surprise over the holidays I've read a fare few books...
Worth Dying For - Lee Child... The latest installment of the Jack Reacher series - fecking excellent, have been looking forward to it for a good while and it didn't disappoint. Literally couldn't put in down, probably read it in 4 or 5 sittings
Deliver Us From Evil - David Baldacci... follow up to The Whole Truth, another cracker - in fairness Baldacci is one of the best around IMHO, the main character Shaw is another cool mo-fo a lá Reacher above
Read one of the latest Alex Cross books from James Patterson, I don't find them near as good as I used to, seem to have a bit of "fiction writing by numbers" about it...
Also one of those First Murders Club or something like it (I was stuck for something to do) think it was called 8th Confession... Written by Patterson and some chick - really hate those "Big name writer coauthoring a book with a lesser light" because it feels like the "big name author" really had fook all to do with it
For all the Reacher fans, get ready to reach for a bucket to puke into...........
http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/exclusive-tom-cruise-still-tough-50-first-jack-161656849.html
These past few years I only listen to audio books on my iPod, much depends on the reader.
Atm, I'm going through a Russian phase.
'Maybe mentioned before'
Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov, after 5 minutes you are dragged into a bizarre brilliantly constructed surreal satire.
Child 44 - Tom Rob Smith, loosely based on the serial killer, the Rostov Ripper. It's let down a bit by a weak ending but gets to the heart of the pernicious rot of Bolshevism right down to family relationships. I was originally interested to read a non-fiction book about the hunt for this serial killer but there were none available on audio.
Quote from: maggie on July 04, 2012, 12:25:34 AM
Succumbed to the hype/peer pressure and read 50 Shades over the weekend. (Your wives and g/f's will know it.)
Am no doubt in the minority but I thought it was an absolute pile of dung.
I heard a lot of women said they really enjoyed it. Said they were flicking their way through it no problem.
QuoteChild 44 - Tom Rob Smith
That's the first in a trilogy, I've read the second as well and it's not bad (and have the third lined up for the holidays).
If you like the grim Russian stuff, try R.N. Morris's St. Petersburg novels (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gentle-Axe-St-Petersburg-Mystery/dp/0571238572/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341396250&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gentle-Axe-St-Petersburg-Mystery/dp/0571238572/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341396250&sr=1-1)). An interesting construct - the detective/investigator is Porfiry Petrovich (of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment) in mid-late 19th century St. Petersburg (a little before Fandorin's time however, further removed from the October Revolution, and less concerned with that political landscape. A good read, and there's four novels to-date.
Thanks Billy, I'll check them out, ie. if they're available for download
Re Tom Rob Smith, imo the trilogy gets progressively weaker.
Quote from: maggie on July 04, 2012, 12:25:34 AM
Succumbed to the hype/peer pressure and read 50 Shades over the weekend. (Your wives and g/f's will know it.)
Am no doubt in the minority but I thought it was an absolute pile of dung.
My friend bought me a copy but I forgot to take it on hols, so my wee sis started reading it. She couldn't even make it through the book, bless her wee innocent socks. I really don't particularly want to read it now.
Quote from: DrinkingHarp on July 04, 2012, 03:20:01 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on January 05, 2011, 01:09:10 AM
No surprise over the holidays I've read a fare few books...
Worth Dying For - Lee Child... The latest installment of the Jack Reacher series - fecking excellent, have been looking forward to it for a good while and it didn't disappoint. Literally couldn't put in down, probably read it in 4 or 5 sittings
Deliver Us From Evil - David Baldacci... follow up to The Whole Truth, another cracker - in fairness Baldacci is one of the best around IMHO, the main character Shaw is another cool mo-fo a lá Reacher above
Read one of the latest Alex Cross books from James Patterson, I don't find them near as good as I used to, seem to have a bit of "fiction writing by numbers" about it...
Also one of those First Murders Club or something like it (I was stuck for something to do) think it was called 8th Confession... Written by Patterson and some chick - really hate those "Big name writer coauthoring a book with a lesser light" because it feels like the "big name author" really had fook all to do with it
For all the Reacher fans, get ready to reach for a bucket to puke into...........
http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/exclusive-tom-cruise-still-tough-50-first-jack-161656849.html
Ahh feck, Where is he getting the 8" heels from?
Quote from: Rois on July 04, 2012, 12:04:18 PM
Quote from: maggie on July 04, 2012, 12:25:34 AM
Succumbed to the hype/peer pressure and read 50 Shades over the weekend. (Your wives and g/f's will know it.)
Am no doubt in the minority but I thought it was an absolute pile of dung.
My friend bought me a copy but I forgot to take it on hols, so my wee sis started reading it. She couldn't even make it through the book, bless her wee innocent socks. I really don't particularly want to read it now.
On a personal note, I've never been happier.
Quote from: ONeill on July 04, 2012, 01:41:10 PM
Quote from: Rois on July 04, 2012, 12:04:18 PM
Quote from: maggie on July 04, 2012, 12:25:34 AM
Succumbed to the hype/peer pressure and read 50 Shades over the weekend. (Your wives and g/f's will know it.)
Am no doubt in the minority but I thought it was an absolute pile of dung.
My friend bought me a copy but I forgot to take it on hols, so my wee sis started reading it. She couldn't even make it through the book, bless her wee innocent socks. I really don't particularly want to read it now.
On a personal note, I've never been happier.
Tell us more O Neill ;)
Quote from: maggie on July 04, 2012, 12:25:34 AM
Succumbed to the hype/peer pressure and read 50 Shades over the weekend. (Your wives and g/f's will know it.)
Am no doubt in the minority but I thought it was an absolute pile of dung.
Spoken like a true lady!
You don't want to know really. Let's just say the exam marking has fairly slowed down.
Quote from: ziggy90 on June 13, 2012, 04:48:39 PM
Oh, you again Billy, it's a good job they say opposites attract. :o Anyway thanks to yourself and the good Harold, if it wasn't for ye, I'd never have heard of these and would be a whole lot poorer for it.
You should also give Akunin's Sister Pelagia novels a go, though perhaps not as good as the Fandorin series they are engaging nonetheless.
Thanks for that H. I was intending to give them a try but I'll wait until I've finished Fandorin's adventures.
Quote from: Minder on June 13, 2012, 05:17:27 PM
Anyone read the Henning Menkel (Wallander) books? Finished the first one, Faceless Killers, and it was excellent.
Just started Menkels The Troubled Man there based on recommendations on here. Starting quite promisingly.
Quote from: LeoMc on July 11, 2012, 10:46:28 AM
Quote from: Minder on June 13, 2012, 05:17:27 PM
Anyone read the Henning Menkel (Wallander) books? Finished the first one, Faceless Killers, and it was excellent.
Just started Menkels The Troubled Man there based on recommendations on here. Starting quite promisingly.
I loved all the Wallander books - the best ones are Faceless Killers, Sidetracked and One Step Behind. Troubled Man is quite good too, though most of it was kind of sad for me knwoing there wouldn't be another.
Loved the Montalbano series and read the lot on Billy's rec. Read the Godfather for the first time afterwards. Excellent read if you can forget the film.
Also recently read the three Alec Blume Novels by Conor Fitzgerald. The first one is best of trilogy.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Dogs-Rome-Blume-Commissario/dp/1408809923/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342004503&sr=8-1
Montalbano-esque but not quite there.
Reading Steve Jobs bio now. Seems to have been a bit of a nutter.
just finished this THE BOXER'S STORY - FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE IN THE NAZI CAMPS By Nathan Shapow. A bio on one man's survival through WWII who went on to fight for the creation of the State of Israel. Would definitely recommend this!
Quote from: BenDover on July 16, 2012, 11:52:27 AM
just finished this THE BOXER'S STORY - FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE IN THE NAZI CAMPS By Nathan Shapow. A bio on one man's survival through WWII who went on to fight for the creation of the State of Israel. Would definitely recommend this!
sounds like a film with Wilem Defoe?
Quote from: The Iceman on July 18, 2012, 09:00:44 PM
Quote from: BenDover on July 16, 2012, 11:52:27 AM
just finished this THE BOXER'S STORY - FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE IN THE NAZI CAMPS By Nathan Shapow. A bio on one man's survival through WWII who went on to fight for the creation of the State of Israel. Would definitely recommend this!
sounds like a film with Wilem Defoe?
Triumph of the Spirit. Different person but similar story.
Just read The Hard Way - one of the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child... Top notch stuff as usual. I find it very hard to put down any of the books in that series, normally read them in 2 or so days... Couldn't recommend them high enough
Just read Rough Ride by Paul Kimmage (the updated one where he covers the 2006 Tour) and quite enjoyed it. Read Born to Ride by Stephen Roche and for whatever reason didn't really like the tone of it, though a few good anecdotes.
Finished my 1st Ian Fleming book...... Moonraker and have to say it was a good read although I wasn't expecting too much from it.
Quote from: Billys Boots on July 11, 2012, 11:25:33 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on July 11, 2012, 10:46:28 AM
Quote from: Minder on June 13, 2012, 05:17:27 PM
Anyone read the Henning Menkel (Wallander) books? Finished the first one, Faceless Killers, and it was excellent.
Just started Menkels The Troubled Man there based on recommendations on here. Starting quite promisingly.
I loved all the Wallander books - the best ones are Faceless Killers, Sidetracked and One Step Behind. Troubled Man is quite good too, though most of it was kind of sad for me knwoing there wouldn't be another.
Serious ending to it too, depressed me.
Quote from: Celt_Man on July 19, 2012, 01:14:01 AM
Just read The Hard Way - one of the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child... Top notch stuff as usual. I find it very hard to put down any of the books in that series, normally read them in 2 or so days... Couldn't recommend them high enough
Easy reads alright though the thought of Tom Cruise playing 6'4" Jack Reacher has put me off them a bit.
Quote from: LeoMc on August 27, 2012, 05:21:10 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on July 19, 2012, 01:14:01 AM
Just read The Hard Way - one of the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child... Top notch stuff as usual. I find it very hard to put down any of the books in that series, normally read them in 2 or so days... Couldn't recommend them high enough
Easy reads alright though the thought of Tom Cruise playing 6'4" Jack Reacher has put me off them a bit.
poor choice...the list of other suitable actors is endless
I've been into the Reacher series for well over a decade now, one of my favourite characters - even if one or two of the books have ended kinda blah.
Watched the trailer for the movie last week and it is f-ing woejus looking.
One scene where as usual Reacher is surrounded by 3 or 4 big dudes all looking a piece of him and the camera cuts to short arse - clearly much much smaller than the 3 or 4 dudes and you're supposed to believe it's Reacher?
Might be sellable to someone who hasn't read the books but it's pure shite casting.
With a little effort I think Alexander Skarsgaard would have made a decent Reacher. He's got the height and the build.
(http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110110000917/trueblood/images/1/10/Henrik-Montgomery-Photoshoot-09-alexander-skarsgard-18212533-375-565.jpg)
I don't know about the Jack Reacher series, probably because I haven't gotten further than the 2nd one. The first one (when he drifted into a town) was interesting enough but I couldn't finish the 2nd one where he was held captive by a bunch of right wing loons, who allowed him to wander around the encampment armed to the teeth. I got as far as the helicopter hunt for the runaway bomb.
I went through the Fandorin series on audio (thanks Billy - or will some other fécker say 'it was me who was first'). Needless to say it was an enjoyable experience. Some of the books were read by the same guy who just caught the humour spot on, especially the boat journey 'Murder on the Leviathan', whereas the 'Turkish Gambit' suffered a bit from a deadpan delivery.
The Berlin Noir trilogy by Philip Kerr was also interesting, maybe also because of the location and time period.
As I have gone through 3 different tv drama versions of the Wallander series, I think I'll wait until I forget what happened before considering the book version..
Quote from: Puckoon on August 27, 2012, 07:45:14 PM
I've been into the Reacher series for well over a decade now, one of my favourite characters - even if one or two of the books have ended kinda blah.
Watched the trailer for the movie last week and it is f-ing woejus looking.
One scene where as usual Reacher is surrounded by 3 or 4 big dudes all looking a piece of him and the camera cuts to short arse - clearly much much smaller than the 3 or 4 dudes and you're supposed to believe it's Reacher?
Might be sellable to someone who hasn't read the books but it's pure shite casting.
I think he says 'Remember you asked for this' as the four dudes surround him. Ridiculous. They might as well have given the part to Woody Allen or Danny DeVito!
Yeah, that's what he says. Terrible casting indeed.
Ahh thats pathetic.... Whats with the Impala SS? Is it an episode of Supernatural too???
That's just an appalling casting choice - I presume the midgets Production Company is invovled and thats how he has the gig
The Mrs is reading a book by Alexandra Ardonetta, part of a trilogy - first book is called Halo. Kind of like a twilight but with angels and demons. Says it is excellent. Author was 18 when she wrote the first one. Might be worth a look as a possible Christmas present for your good ladies....
Just finished the Pack by Jason Starr. Kind of like a Werewolf version of Lost Boys - funny I didn't want to stop reading it but I don't know if i loved it that much by the time i was done....
Read Stephen Roche's Born to Ride, very good read if you like the bikes. Also have Nico's Inside the Peleton to get through.
Bought Jim Stynes' autobiography and found myself getting very emotional reading it.
There isn't a lot covered that isn't in the documentary but it does give you further insight into the mental side of things.
The book skims over the football side of things in a few chapters and is predominantly aimed at cancer sufferers and those who are affected.
It was very strange reading the first page (you end up reading it in his voice) knowing the poor bugger lost his fight.
Found myself today searching for a good read. I m going through a sports book phase at the moment - but find I m going back to old favourites, rather than new stuff. I seldom do fiction so ......
Wonder could we do a top 10/20 poll of members' favourite sports books. Selfish here but might pick up something to shorten the winter nights.
Only read a few sports books, but generally been good ones:
Four Kings by George Kimball
Hands of Stone, Christian Guidice
Rough Ride, Paul Kimmage
Inverting the Pyramid: A History of Football Tactics by Jonathan Wilson is good, unless you're one of those folk who don't believe in coaching or tactics.
Quote from: The Iceman on September 04, 2012, 02:25:48 PM
The Mrs is reading a book by Alexandra Ardonetta, part of a trilogy - first book is called Halo. Kind of like a twilight but with angels and demons. Says it is excellent. Author was 18 when she wrote the first one. Might be worth a look as a possible Christmas present for your good ladies....
Just finished the Pack by Jason Starr. Kind of like a Werewolf version of Lost Boys - funny I didn't want to stop reading it but I don't know if i loved it that much by the time i was done....
Read that recently too, but to be honest I thought it was disappointing. I wont be rushing out to get the next book anyway.
Last week I listened to the Steve Jobs biography while building a garden shed. I doubt if the relentless perfectionism or product innovation rubbed off, but it's an excellent account of Apple in the beginning, his stunningly successful time at Pixar, then back to pure consumer evangelism with Apple and it being in a state of corporate death. I was familiar with the story up to when Jobs was kicked out of Apple but good to hear again the account of him, Wozniak and Gates in the early years. I was engrossed by the account of all stuff that happened behind the scenes to get the design/development going and (absolute control freakery) integration of Hardware/Mac OS/ iTunes app/ iTunes store/iPod/iPhone.
Quote from: moysider on October 22, 2012, 09:22:56 PM
Found myself today searching for a good read. I m going through a sports book phase at the moment - but find I m going back to old favourites, rather than new stuff. I seldom do fiction so ......
Wonder could we do a top 10/20 poll of members' favourite sports books. Selfish here but might pick up something to shorten the winter nights.
Friday Night Lights - H. G. Bissinger
Barca - Jimmy Burns
Open: An Autobiography - Andre Agassi
The Damned United - David Peace
Working On a Dream - Damien Lawlor
As as aside is there any decent books about rugby out there? Has anyone read any?
Calcio - John Foot is a very good history of Italian football.
A season with Verona - Tim Parks is an account of one season spent in the company of the ultras from Verona, good craic.
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 23, 2012, 11:08:16 AM
Calcio - John Foot is a very good history of Italian football.
A season with Verona - Tim Parks is an account of one season spent in the company of the ultras from Verona, good craic.
Good shout - serious book. Those bus trips were mental...
Boots, what was the name of that book I recommended before? It was also good, about an American lad's season with a club in the arse hole of nowhere. The Miracle of Castelle de Sangro or something? I remember the author was full of his own importance and you wanted to slap him at times, but it was a good read.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Miracle-Castel-Sangro-Passion/dp/0767905997/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1350997845&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=miracle+of+castel+di+sangro (http://www.amazon.com/The-Miracle-Castel-Sangro-Passion/dp/0767905997/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1350997845&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=miracle+of+castel+di+sangro)
Yes, The Miracle of Castel di Sangro - about an American person's year with a Serie C team. It was really interesting, two of the players died during the season, the manager was mental, the small town was surreal and the yank was a dose.
Recently finished David Millar's Riding through the Dark., Autobiography, including savagely honest accounts of his doping. Great sporting read.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 23, 2012, 11:03:18 AM
Quote from: moysider on October 22, 2012, 09:22:56 PM
Found myself today searching for a good read. I m going through a sports book phase at the moment - but find I m going back to old favourites, rather than new stuff. I seldom do fiction so ......
Wonder could we do a top 10/20 poll of members' favourite sports books. Selfish here but might pick up something to shorten the winter nights.
Friday Night Lights - H. G. Bissinger
Barca - Jimmy Burns
Open: An Autobiography - Andre Agassi
The Damned United - David Peace
Working On a Dream - Damien Lawlor
As as aside is there any decent books about rugby out there? Has anyone read any?
This Sporting Life - David Storey.
It s league of course. But one of the better sports books. Probably the rugby equivalent of Only a Game.
Union is mostly the biographies. Read the Willie Johns and Gerald Davies etc when I was a kid but dont bother with biographies any more but I hear Trevor Brenans is decent. There was the journalistic From There to Here (forget author) a few years ago, and a friend of mine lent me The Great Number 10s - again forget author - which I enjoyed.
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 20, 2011, 11:00:49 AM
Just finished 'Mercy' by Jussi Adler-Olsen - fantastic, about a grumpy, disillusioned, depressed, slight-psychotic cop. Right up your street Declan - far more believable than Dave Robicheaux (I love the books, but find him to be a fussy, immature person).
I finally got round to this one, the excellently delivered audio version called "Keeper of Lost Causes", same story - just another name.
He ticks all the boxes for stereotypical 'novel detective', except I don't think he has a substance addiction. The plot doesn't wildly meander like a Dave Robicheaux story, the knack of this storytelling is you are gripped solid all the way through, as it moves along.
So much so, that if I was the recipient of an alluring invitation to come to bed, I might say (depending) 'do you mind if I keep the headphones on?'
Like him or loath him...Gary Neville's book is worth a read.
Quote from: Main Street on October 27, 2012, 02:22:13 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 20, 2011, 11:00:49 AM
Just finished 'Mercy' by Jussi Adler-Olsen - fantastic, about a grumpy, disillusioned, depressed, slight-psychotic cop. Right up your street Declan - far more believable than Dave Robicheaux (I love the books, but find him to be a fussy, immature person).
I finally got round to this one, the excellently delivered audio version called "Keeper of Lost Causes", same story - just another name.
He ticks all the boxes for stereotypical 'novel detective', except I don't think he has a substance addiction. The plot doesn't wildly meander like a Dave Robicheaux story, the knack of this storytelling is you are gripped solid all the way through, as it moves along.
So much so, that if I was the recipient of an alluring invitation to come to bed, I might say (depending) 'do you mind if I keep the headphones on?'
The second novel by Jussi Adler-Olsen, "Disgrace" is disappointing - quite good, but not a patch on the first one. Same detective team, now joined by a secretary that no-one else in the station wants.
Recently started The Hunchback of Notre Dame having bought it years ago cheaply. Really enjoyable so far.
If you are so interested I would also recommend The Count of Monte Cristo as a novel to read........ none of the film versions do the book justice imo and very easy to read.
Still though the best novels I have ever read are The Godfather, Day of the Jackal and The Name of the Rose.
It's decades since I read the Day of the Jackal, great novel (and film as well). The attention to detail was meticulous, even the passport scam stood the test of time. One exception though - the ease with with he beautifully sprayed his Alfa another color (blue?), in the open air with a 12v sprayer hooked to the car battery, did require maximum suspension of belief.
Quote from: Main Street on November 02, 2012, 01:03:21 PM
It's decades since I read the Day of the Jackal, great novel (and film as well). The attention to detail was meticulous, even the passport scam stood the test of time. One exception though - the ease with with he beautifully sprayed his Alfa another color (blue?), in the open air with a 12v sprayer hooked to the car battery, did require maximum suspension of belief.
Fantastic book. Have read most of Forsyth's stuff and not sure he came close with the others.
Not in the same league as Day of the Jackal but Stephen King's 11/22/63 is a good entertaining read. It's about a bit of time traveling to have a first hand experience of the events and characters leading up to the assassination of JFK.
Shades of 'Back to the Future', 'Friday Night Lights' and the 'Day of the Jackal' mixed in with a generous amount of American early 60's nostalgia, when folks were folks and blacks were in their place.
It takes him about 400 pages to actually get close to the action.
It's my first SK book. It was a good entertaining well spun out story read (or listen in my case) but I doubt if I'll be looking for another one.
Quote from: Canalman on November 02, 2012, 09:33:57 AM
Recently started The Hunchback of Notre Dame having bought it years ago cheaply. Really enjoyable so far.
If you are so interested I would also recommend The Count of Monte Cristo as a novel to read........ none of the film versions do the book justice imo and very easy to read.
Still though the best novels I have ever read are The Godfather, Day of the Jackal and The Name of the Rose.
I read The Count of Monte Cristo about 6 months ago (I first read it about 40 years ago :o) still one of the best books I've ever read. I'd also agree with you on The Day of the Jackel and The Godfather. The Name of the Rose I have read but don't really recall, but seeing as the rest of your choices are very similar to my tastes I'll give it another go.
If you haven't already done so have a gawk at the Erast Fandorin series by Boris Akunin (as recommended by Billy's Boots and Harold Disgracey (I think), I think you'd really enjoy them.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 23, 2012, 11:03:18 AM
Quote from: moysider on October 22, 2012, 09:22:56 PM
Found myself today searching for a good read. I m going through a sports book phase at the moment - but find I m going back to old favourites, rather than new stuff. I seldom do fiction so ......
Wonder could we do a top 10/20 poll of members' favourite sports books. Selfish here but might pick up something to shorten the winter nights.
Friday Night Lights - H. G. Bissinger
Barca - Jimmy Burns
Open: An Autobiography - Andre Agassi
The Damned United - David Peace
Working On a Dream - Damien Lawlor
As as aside is there any decent books about rugby out there? Has anyone read any?
this is good... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Confessions-Rugby-Mercenary-John-Daniell/dp/0091930685
If your a fan of rugby or not I can't recommend Matt Hampsons booked Engage enough. Superb book and you will experience a whole range of emotions reading it.
Folks, have any of you got a Kindle or Nook?? Is it worth getting? I'd read a lot of books and one of those could be handy to read at lunchtime in the car
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 03, 2012, 12:46:45 AM
Folks, have any of you got a Kindle or Nook?? Is it worth getting? I'd read a lot of books and one of those could be handy to read at lunchtime in the car
As I have said before I thought I would hate not reading "a book". Got the Kindle and haven't looked back. Would recommend to anyone for novels etc.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 03, 2012, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 03, 2012, 12:46:45 AM
Folks, have any of you got a Kindle or Nook?? Is it worth getting? I'd read a lot of books and one of those could be handy to read at lunchtime in the car
As I have said before I thought I would hate not reading "a book". Got the Kindle and haven't looked back. Would recommend to anyone for novels etc.
Yea I would have been thinking along the same lines - I'm coming around though
Which one have you? And how much are the books to download?
For audio book aficionados who download an audio book from a 'friend' and like to listen to them on their iPod.
After the files have been imported to iTunes library, the id tags have to be updated.
As long as there are clear track numbers for each track, for the most part all you'll have to do is
<Select all>
<Get info>
<Options>
<Media Kind> - activate audio book
<Remember playback position> - activate
Once that is done your iPod will play the tracks in order and pick up where you left off, unless you play something else in the meantime, in that case you'll have to scroll down to the last audio book track/chapter played.
Quote from: ziggy90 on November 02, 2012, 07:48:03 PM
Quote from: Canalman on November 02, 2012, 09:33:57 AM
Recently started The Hunchback of Notre Dame having bought it years ago cheaply. Really enjoyable so far.
If you are so interested I would also recommend The Count of Monte Cristo as a novel to read........ none of the film versions do the book justice imo and very easy to read.
Still though the best novels I have ever read are The Godfather, Day of the Jackal and The Name of the Rose.
I read The Count of Monte Cristo about 6 months ago (I first read it about 40 years ago :o) still one of the best books I've ever read. I'd also agree with you on The Day of the Jackel and The Godfather. The Name of the Rose I have read but don't really recall, but seeing as the rest of your choices are very similar to my tastes I'll give it another go.
If you haven't already done so have a gawk at the Erast Fandorin series by Boris Akunin (as recommended by Billy's Boots and Harold Disgracey (I think), I think you'd really enjoy them.
Thanks Ziggy for that , will definitely give them a go.
Have to say that I have rarely been disappointed by following the pointers on this board on books and movies.
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 03, 2012, 12:46:45 AM
Folks, have any of you got a Kindle or Nook?? Is it worth getting? I'd read a lot of books and one of those could be handy to read at lunchtime in the car
Highly recommended. The only downside I can think of is the annoyance of the first question people ask when you mention you use a Kindle: "Do you not miss the feel of a book?" They seem to think you have to stop reading hardcopy books when you buy a Kindle. Why do they never ask you if you miss tea when you mention you had a cup of coffee?
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 03, 2012, 01:30:09 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 03, 2012, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 03, 2012, 12:46:45 AM
Folks, have any of you got a Kindle or Nook?? Is it worth getting? I'd read a lot of books and one of those could be handy to read at lunchtime in the car
As I have said before I thought I would hate not reading "a book". Got the Kindle and haven't looked back. Would recommend to anyone for novels etc.
Yea I would have been thinking along the same lines - I'm coming around though
Which one have you? And how much are the books to download?
I have the original big one with the keyboard. Bought my ma the smaller one minus keyboard last year and there is a touchscreen option now.
Books go from free to shop prices. Most if not all the classics are free whereas you would shell out 6 quid for a Penguin Classic in the shops. I have read loads of decent thrillers etc at a quid. Some of the new mainstream books are actually a quid or so dearer than the printed option - seems a scam but you can have th new book in front of you in seconds.
Have a look on the Kindle Store for the books which you can filter by star rating, price etc.
Quote from: Hardy on November 03, 2012, 01:25:22 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 03, 2012, 12:46:45 AM
Folks, have any of you got a Kindle or Nook?? Is it worth getting? I'd read a lot of books and one of those could be handy to read at lunchtime in the car
Highly recommended. The only downside I can think of is the annoyance of the first question people ask when you mention you use a Kindle: "Do you not miss the feel of a book?" They seem to think you have to stop reading hardcopy books when you buy a Kindle. Why do they never ask you if you miss tea when you mention you had a cup of coffee?
I got one about a month ago - best thing I ever did.
Quote from: Hardy on November 03, 2012, 01:25:22 PM
Highly recommended. The only downside I can think of is the annoyance of the first question people ask when you mention you use a Kindle: "Do you not miss the feel of a book?" They seem to think you have to stop reading hardcopy books when you buy a Kindle. Why do they never ask you if you miss tea when you mention you had a cup of coffee?
They annoy me.
It is even more like asking you if you miss fine china when you are drinking your tea from a mug. Some of these people seem to care more what they look like reading a book than enjoying what they are reading.
Kindle is class - the only annoying thing for me is having to turn it off during take off and landing on a flight.
Quote from: nifan on November 05, 2012, 10:28:50 AM
Quote from: Hardy on November 03, 2012, 01:25:22 PM
Highly recommended. The only downside I can think of is the annoyance of the first question people ask when you mention you use a Kindle: "Do you not miss the feel of a book?" They seem to think you have to stop reading hardcopy books when you buy a Kindle. Why do they never ask you if you miss tea when you mention you had a cup of coffee?
They annoy me.
It is even more like asking you if you miss fine china when you are drinking your tea from a mug. Some of these people seem to care more what they look like reading a book than enjoying what they are reading.
Kindle is class - the only annoying thing for me is having to turn it off during take off and landing on a flight.
Commonly referred to as "first-world problems". ;)
Read a decent book called 'The Villa Triste' by Lucretia Grindle there over the last week - set in Florence; with a dual narrative of a police detective investigating the murder of a former WW2 partisan, with the diary of a nurse going through the occupation of Florence by the Nazis just prior to the Allied relief of the city. Well written, but a bit long - worth a try if you like that kind of puzzle.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Villa-Triste-ebook/dp/B004QO994E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352278240&sr=1-1&keywords=villa+triste (http://www.amazon.com/The-Villa-Triste-ebook/dp/B004QO994E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352278240&sr=1-1&keywords=villa+triste)
Quote from: ziggy90 on November 02, 2012, 07:48:03 PM
Quote from: Canalman on November 02, 2012, 09:33:57 AM
Recently started The Hunchback of Notre Dame having bought it years ago cheaply. Really enjoyable so far.
If you are so interested I would also recommend The Count of Monte Cristo as a novel to read........ none of the film versions do the book justice imo and very easy to read.
Still though the best novels I have ever read are The Godfather, Day of the Jackal and The Name of the Rose.
I read The Count of Monte Cristo about 6 months ago (I first read it about 40 years ago :o) still one of the best books I've ever read. I'd also agree with you on The Day of the Jackel and The Godfather. The Name of the Rose I have read but don't really recall, but seeing as the rest of your choices are very similar to my tastes I'll give it another go.
If you haven't already done so have a gawk at the Erast Fandorin series by Boris Akunin (as recommended by Billy's Boots and Harold Disgracey (I think), I think you'd really enjoy them.
I saw the boys' recommendations of these and picked up the first two over the summer. A bit lighter and more tongue in cheek than I expected but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
I'm reading "How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered he World" by Francis Wheen at the moment. It's not, as I expected, so much a tilt at astrology, feng-shui and the like (though that sort of tosh does get dishonourable mention) as a placing of political fads like Reaganomics, Blairism and Fundamentalism in the context of the swing away from Enlightenment values in recent decades towards dogmatic nonsense based on suspension of reason. Wheen's socialism lurks beneath the surface to the extent that he excoriates right-wing foolishness while going relatively easy on equivalent follies perpetrated by the left, but its still an interesting read. I don't think I'd enjoy his company, though. The vitriol of his prose reveals a bitter and cynical man.
Anyway, this passage struck a chord. (The book was written in 2004, well before the economic collapse. Remember when it was called the "credit crunch"?)
Mark Weisbrot, director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington DC, ... writes, 'one of the few things Washington actually did accomplish [in the Asian crisis] was to get the governments of the region to guarantee the privately held debt of foreign lenders, rather than letting the banks be subjected to the discipline of the market.' The IMF and other Washington institutions are not so much evangelists seeking to convert the world as enforcers trying to prevent developing and transitional countries from threatening the financial interests of the West.
Hardy, have you read 'The Ascent of Money' - Niall Ferguson. I have it lined up to read shortly and am wondering if it's worth my while - I do like Ferguson's style, but I don't like being preached to??
Read that a long time ago Hardy, Wheen's biography of Karl Marx is actually quite good.
I'm almost finished The Bat by Jo Nesbø, it's the first Harry Hole book. Not bad but the character of Harry is better drawn out in the later books.
Just downloaded that book Billy's, will give it a read.
I am reading "Wars of Words" about the history of the Irish language
http://www.bookshop.kennys.ie/book/IE/KON0822757/Wars_of_Words_The_Politics_of_Language_in_Ireland_15372004
It goes into the history and covers the plantation, the famine etc. Some of the history is brutal and I think the book explains quite well how things came to be how they are
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 07, 2012, 10:40:51 AM
Hardy, have you read 'The Ascent of Money' - Niall Ferguson. I have it lined up to read shortly and am wondering if it's worth my while - I do like Ferguson's style, but I don't like being preached to??
I haven't, Billy. Looks like you'll get there first, so let us know.
Just downloaded that book Billy's, will give it a read. (http://just%20downloaded%20that%20book%20billy's,%20will%20give%20it%20a%20read.)
Tell us what you think Harold!
Hardy, I read 'Empire - Niall Ferguson' about a year ago - it was an extremely interesting read although Ferguson is a big Britishness enthusiast.
http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Britain-Modern-World-ebook/dp/B00936RSAW/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1352286324&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=empire+niall+ferguson (http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Britain-Modern-World-ebook/dp/B00936RSAW/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1352286324&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=empire+niall+ferguson)
Sorry about the amazon.com links, but the uk f*ckers won't sell kindle books to Paddies, for some reason.
Thanks for that, Billy. Yes - I don't understand why we're barred from Kindle on Amazon UK. There must be some sinister conspiracy theory that we haven't thought of.
If you're into that sort of thing (as I am) I can recommend "Young Stalin" and "Stalin: The Court of The Red Tsar" both by Simon Sebag Montefiore. The second particularly is partly a fascinating study of what Hannah Arendt would later term the "banality of evil".
Quote from: Hardy on November 07, 2012, 11:15:39 AM
Thanks for that, Billy. Yes - I don't understand why we're barred from Kindle on Amazon UK. There must be some sinister conspiracy theory that we haven't thought of.
Yes I'm using that obvious exclusion from britbooks to justify my downloading free copies of books from my rapidshare account - equal rights for Irish readers!!
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 07, 2012, 11:06:29 AM
Just downloaded that book Billy's, will give it a read. (http://just%20downloaded%20that%20book%20billy's,%20will%20give%20it%20a%20read.)
Tell us what you think Harold!
Hardy, I read 'Empire - Niall Ferguson' about a year ago - it was an extremely interesting read although Ferguson is a big Britishness enthusiast.
http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Britain-Modern-World-ebook/dp/B00936RSAW/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1352286324&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=empire+niall+ferguson (http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Britain-Modern-World-ebook/dp/B00936RSAW/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1352286324&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=empire+niall+ferguson)
Sorry about the amazon.com links, but the uk f*ckers won't sell kindle books to Paddies, for some reason.
Works perfectly for me... (awaits comment from Laoislad)
Being a little idle at lunchtime I launched a broadside at amazon.co.uk for their stupidity (sinister conspiracy) in not allowing Irish customers to buy ebooks from thier website. I got a customer response thanking me for my query and informing me that Ireland is not part of the UK. So there!
Jaysus I never thought of that explanation!
Quote from: Hardy on November 07, 2012, 03:08:49 PM
Jaysus I never thought of that explanation!
I have a feeling that this nugget of wisdom came all the way from Bangalore. ::)
Have fun in your exchange discussing why we can buy hardcopy books from amazon.co.uk but not Kindle books. And how it makes sense to restrict commerce on a nationality basis on the generally boundary-blind interweb, while ignoring it for commerce in hard goods.
I'll keep you posted; am looking forward to this now. :)
Can you purchase Kindle books from amazon.com?
Quote from: Main Street on November 07, 2012, 03:34:28 PM
Can you purchase Kindle books from amazon.com?
I think it depends on the domain on which you initially regitser the Kindle so should be possible. Someone will no doubt prove this wrong!
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 07, 2012, 03:38:41 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 07, 2012, 03:34:28 PM
Can you purchase Kindle books from amazon.com?
I think it depends on the domain on which you initially regitser the Kindle so should be possible. Someone will no doubt prove this wrong!
That's probably it, come to think of it. Though why it should be restricted, I don't know. Different pricing in US and UK, I suppose, which probably means I'm doing better to be with Amazon.com.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 07, 2012, 03:38:41 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 07, 2012, 03:34:28 PM
Can you purchase Kindle books from amazon.com?
I think it depends on the domain on which you initially regitser the Kindle so should be possible. Someone will no doubt prove this wrong!
I can, but it's awful. None of the European books are ever on offer, and some/most of the US stuff is unspeakable.
Before I had the kindle I had an amazon.co.uk account (which also works on the amazon.com site, but it was on the UK one first), and that's the account i use on the kindle now - so it's not that.
So you can't buy books off Amazon.co.uk, because Ireland is not in the UK. OK.
But you can buy books off Amazon.com, which is based in the USA. Hmmm.
Did anyone try Amazon.de?
Eh, they're in German ... :P
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 07, 2012, 03:45:51 PM
So you can't buy books off Amazon.co.uk, because Ireland is not in the UK. OK.
But you can buy books off Amazon.com, which is based in the USA. Hmmm.
Did anyone try Amazon.de?
Nein times.
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 07, 2012, 03:59:20 PM
Eh, they're in German ... :P
I know that, but maybe we're not in the UK, but we are in Germany :)
Ich bin nein deutchlander ;D
Just to keep you posted on my makey uppy row with Amazon.
My email to them ...
Hello,
I explained my issue through the link provided, but it seems to have been completely ignored, so as a concerned customer I'll try again.
As an Irishman living in Ireland I'm well aware that Ireland is not part of the UK. Neither is Ireland part of the USA, but I'm allowed buy ebooks on the amazon.com website. Neither is Ireland part of France, but I'm allowed to buy ebooks on the amazon.fr website.
Furthermore, while Ireland is not part of the UK, I have been allowed to buy books, cds, software and many other items on amazon.co.uk for several years.
So please don't expect to fob me off with a pathetic excuse like that. Culturally, Ireland is close to the UK than the US, so my choices of ebook will be more closely matched to the content on the amazon.co.uk site than that on amazon.com or amazon.fr - so why are you throwing that commercial opportunity away. Are we just insignificant in the greater scale of world domination?
Yours, ******
The reply .....
Hello,
On looking into your enquiry, I understand that you want to purchase Kindle books from Amazon.co.uk.
Please be informed that, Kindle content is available on Amazon.co.uk to UK residents only. In other words, the Amazon.co.uk Kindle Store is only available to customers physically located in the United Kingdom with a valid UK invoice address and payment method.
Since you are currently living in Ireland, you can purchase Kindle eBook only from Amazon.com.
You can shop our great selection of titles in the Amazon.com Kindle Store:
www.amazon.com/kindlestore
I am sorry for any inconvenience or misunderstanding this may have caused you.
However, if you move to UK, you can update your address as UK address at 'Manage Your Kindle' page, so that you will be able to purchase Kindle contents from Amazon.co.uk.
You will need to update your country and address settings at http://www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle and switch your account to Amazon.co.uk in order to shop in our Kindle Store.
Under the 'Your Country' section you'll see an option 'Learn how to transfer to Amazon.co.uk. Click on the link and follow the on screen instructions to switch back.
You can learn more about where you can purchase Kindle and Kindle content on our help pages:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200829280
If you experience any difficulties in accessing Amazon.com, you'll need to contact Amazon.com Customer Services who will be able to help.
You can visit their Help pages at the following URL:
www.amazon.com/contact-us/
Or you can contact Amazon.com Customer Services by phone:
001 206 266 2992
I hope you will find this information helpful.
Did I solve your problem?
Eh, no I think I'd rather become a Frenchman. :P
Excellent! They have a solution. Move to the UK!
I wonder are they telling me to pretend that I'm from the UK; i.e. change my registration details to a made up UK address?
And why are the French happy to share their ebooks with me? Questions, and more questions.
Even the Mighty Quinn couldn't pull off that stroke :)
http://www.amazon.com/forum/kindle?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx1D7SY3BVSESG&cdThread=Tx1DBFPT3LB2M29 (http://www.amazon.com/forum/kindle?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx1D7SY3BVSESG&cdThread=Tx1DBFPT3LB2M29)
Chew&DigestBooks says:
"You would be absolutely gobsmacked by how many of your Irish countrymen and women that come in here to ask questions don't realize that Ireland isn't apart of the UK or bemoan the fact that they aren't. So, no, it isn't an ignorant comment on TuxGirl's part.
We have no way of knowing if or when you will be able to use the Fire fully in Ireland. Amazon doesn't release their plans until they are getting ready to put them into practice. You can contact them and ask directly by clicking the help link on any page"
But why not register an account with Amazon.co.uk with a UK address?
It's not as if the content has to be posted to that address
You can have a few different addresses with each Amazon account.
Picked up a wee gem of a book by Tadhg de Brún called Tunnel Vision. Behind the scenes look at great Irish sporting moments from a man behind the camera. Great stuff.
Quote from: seafoid on November 07, 2012, 10:45:47 AM
I am reading "Wars of Words" about the history of the Irish language
http://www.bookshop.kennys.ie/book/IE/KON0822757/Wars_of_Words_The_Politics_of_Language_in_Ireland_15372004
It goes into the history and covers the plantation, the famine etc. Some of the history is brutal and I think the book explains quite well how things came to be how they are
Thanks for that seafoid, hint suitably dropped to the wife for my Christmas box.
QuoteBut why not register an account with Amazon.co.uk with a UK address?
I'm going to do that tomorrow, but was enjoying getting on their nerves. I might play that along too.
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 11, 2012, 02:46:44 PM
QuoteBut why not register an account with Amazon.co.uk with a UK address?
I'm going to do that tomorrow, but was enjoying getting on their nerves. I might play that along too.
Try using this address...
Amazon.co.uk Ltd Billys Boots
Patriot Court,
1-9 The Grove,
Slough,
Berkshire,
England SL1 1QP
That is a wonderful idea Tony, I'm on the case. Will keep you posted.
Jaysus, it f*cking worked. I told them I was living in their warehouse, gave my phone number as Slough Railway station; hey presto I've got a kindle account with amazon.co.uk. I guess this should be in the WTF thread. Success, I feel 10 years younger.
Brilliant :)
:D :D :D
Do you have a Twitter account, Billy? This deserves a wider audience.
Billy the Brit ;D
But you have yet to test the account?
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 12, 2012, 02:43:23 PM
Jaysus, it f*cking worked. I told them I was living in their warehouse, gave my phone number as Slough Railway station; hey presto I've got a kindle account with amazon.co.uk. I guess this should be in the WTF thread. Success, I feel 10 years younger.
Welcome to the UK Billy (good name for a Brit). You can now wear a poppy without featuring in the "Poppy Watch" thread.
Quote from: Main Street on November 12, 2012, 03:14:29 PM
Billy the Brit ;D
But you have yet to test the account?
Have (as a test) successfully bought a thriller set in Dublin - City of Shadows; Michael Russell for £0.99. :)
Quote from: Hardy on November 12, 2012, 03:02:57 PM
:D :D :D
Do you have a Twitter account, Billy? This deserves a wider audience.
God no; that would surely end in tears!
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 12, 2012, 02:43:23 PM
Jaysus, it f*cking worked. I told them I was living in their warehouse, gave my phone number as Slough Railway station; hey presto I've got a kindle account with amazon.co.uk. I guess this should be in the WTF thread. Success, I feel 10 years younger.
haha quality stuff
Billy, I'm running out of books in the thriller genre to listen to.
I've merrily gotten through the Fandorin sextet, Tom Rob Smith trio, James Lee Burke library, Jo Nesbo, Philip Kerr, Jussi Adler-Olsen (1st one)
I have tried about 4 Elmore Leonard's but imo he's a big yawn. Lee Child one (super)man heroic endeavors don't appeal.
Am already too familiar with the Wallander and the Montalbano stories.
Is there anything else?
Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar stories are entertaining. I haven't read his other stuff. Michael Connelly is worth a try too.
Quote from: Hardy on November 12, 2012, 07:12:36 PM
Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar stories are entertaining. I haven't read his other stuff. Michael Connelly is worth a try too.
Agree on both counts. I am 3 or 4 books into the Harry Bosch collection which I am finding enjoyable.
I've gone through the Harry Bosch collection over the years and enjoyed the stories, as well as the Michael Haller court room stuff.
Hardy, thanks for the tip re the Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar stories, the name alone rouses curiosity.
The Myron Bollitor stories are great aul' reads. Nothing too heavy. I also like Robert B. Parkers Spenser stories, they're similar to the Harry Bosch stories, although a bit lighter. He (Parker) modelled himself on Raymond Chandler (The Big Sleep etc).
Thanks AZ, I have watched the Jesse Stone tv dramas (Tom Sellick) based on some of his books and they were decent enough.
I'll check out the earliest of the Spenser series that I see available on audio.
Peter Temple's series set in Melbourne with a detective called Jack Irish is good too - first one's called Bad Debts, I think. Also try Fred Vargas' series set in France with Commissaire Adamsberg - I think the first one's called 'Have Mercy on us All' (it's not about Mayo).
Great stuff Billy - laughed when I read that one!
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 13, 2012, 08:43:09 AM
Peter Temple's series set in Melbourne with a detective called Jack Irish is good too - first one's called Bad Debts, I think. Also try Fred Vargas' series set in France with Commissaire Adamsberg - I think the first one's called 'Have Mercy on us All' (it's not about Mayo).
Thanks Billy, I managed to find the Jack Irish series, so that's on the way. No such luck though with the elusive Fred Varga.
Quote from: Hardy on November 12, 2012, 07:12:36 PM
Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar stories are entertaining. I haven't read his other stuff. Michael Connelly is worth a try too.
The Myron Bolitar stuff is an easy read. Some of Cobens other stuff (Tell No one or Gone for Good) can be a bit heavier, but still good stuff.
Quote from: Main Street on November 13, 2012, 09:36:50 AM
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 13, 2012, 08:43:09 AM
Peter Temple's series set in Melbourne with a detective called Jack Irish is good too - first one's called Bad Debts, I think. Also try Fred Vargas' series set in France with Commissaire Adamsberg - I think the first one's called 'Have Mercy on us All' (it's not about Mayo).
Thanks Billy, I managed to find the Jack Irish series, so that's on the way. No such luck though with the elusive Fred Varga.
It's Fred Vargas - see http://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Mercy-All-Commissaire-Adamsberg/dp/0099453649/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_in (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Mercy-All-Commissaire-Adamsberg/dp/0099453649/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_in).
Right, the plot thickens with amazon.co.uk (I'm really enjoying this). Late yesterday, following registering my address as their warehouse in Slough, I got an email from them, as follows:
Hello,
I see that you attempted to purchase "The City of Shadows" while in a different country than United Kingdom listed on your Amazon account. Certain Kindle titles are not available everywhere. We are reaching out to you to ensure the best possible service for your account.
If you have moved to a different country, you can easily update your country for your Amazon account at www.amazon.co.uk/manageyourkindle
If this is not the case, and you would like to share information that you live in United Kingdom, we can be reached by fax at +44 (0) 20 8636 9326 from outside the UK, or 020 8636 9326 from within the UK. Helpful information includes:
– Passport
– Military ID
– Driving Licence
We want to assure you that we handle this information in a secure manner: these are dedicated fax lines, staffed in an area with limited employee access. The fax is never printed, just converted to an electronic image that is used to check the country, then the image is deleted.
Best regards,
Account Specialist
Amazon.co.uk
Your feedback is helping us build Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/your-account
Anyhoo, I've completely ignored this; the book I bought arrived safely last night, and I've managed to buy another one (for free) a few minutes ago. I need now to source a Military ID that confirms I live in their warehouse - any ideas?
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 13, 2012, 03:10:03 PM
Right, the plot thickens with amazon.co.uk (I'm really enjoying this). Late yesterday, following registering my address as their warehouse in Slough, I got an email from them, as follows:
Hello,
I see that you attempted to purchase "The City of Shadows" while in a different country than United Kingdom listed on your Amazon account. Certain Kindle titles are not available everywhere. We are reaching out to you to ensure the best possible service for your account.
If you have moved to a different country, you can easily update your country for your Amazon account at www.amazon.co.uk/manageyourkindle
If this is not the case, and you would like to share information that you live in United Kingdom, we can be reached by fax at +44 (0) 20 8636 9326 from outside the UK, or 020 8636 9326 from within the UK. Helpful information includes:
– Passport
– Military ID
– Driving Licence
We want to assure you that we handle this information in a secure manner: these are dedicated fax lines, staffed in an area with limited employee access. The fax is never printed, just converted to an electronic image that is used to check the country, then the image is deleted.
Best regards,
Account Specialist
Amazon.co.uk
Your feedback is helping us build Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/your-account
Anyhoo, I've completely ignored this; the book I bought arrived safely last night, and I've managed to buy another one (for free) a few minutes ago. I need now to source a Military ID that confirms I live in their warehouse - any ideas?
I'd think in the current climate a poppy should do the trick!
Billy, they can actually remove books from your kindle when you sync up, so you could still find it gets removed at some stage.
Quote from: nifan on November 13, 2012, 04:02:57 PM
Billy, they can actually remove books from your kindle when you sync up, so you could still find it gets removed at some stage.
Thanks nifan, must copy books to my computer or dropbox tonight. I'll really have to get my military ID sorted soon, or else move to another ficticious address.
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 13, 2012, 03:02:24 PM
It's Fred Vargas - see http://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Mercy-All-Commissaire-Adamsberg/dp/0099453649/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_in (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Mercy-All-Commissaire-Adamsberg/dp/0099453649/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_in).
There's no Vargas audio stuff available either for download and I'll not be giving Amazon £19 for each audio file.
'I see that you attempted to purchase "The City of Shadows" while in a different country than United Kingdom listed on your Amazon account.'Did they suss you out because of your ip address? You bought the book but had you actually downloaded it to an Irish IP?
or getting a slap on the wrist for being so cheeky with your choice of address?
As long as UK exclusive stuff is posted to a UK address on an Amazon account, regardless of where you are domiciled , it will get sent out. At least that's what I do, same with being able to use USA addresses for USA restricted items.
Just finished 'Thick as thieves' by Peter Spiegelman. Excellent read about a group of conmen planning a last heist. Lot of sub-layers and gets very tense near the end. Recommended.
Just ordered an autobiography by Willie Nelson,The title is" Roll me up and smoke me when I die"
It sounds interesting. :)
Anyone know of any good programs which can sort your electronic book collection on your PC?
I was given a disk with a couple of thousand books but they are all in individual folders by Author (alphabetically by Christian name). I would like to be able to browse by title or by Author Surname or by genre a bit like the way iTunes will organise your music collection when you first install it.
Get and read boomerang for those who enjoy economic and social history in the making ie the current global recession
Quote from: LeoMc on November 20, 2012, 11:46:51 AM
Anyone know of any good programs which can sort your electronic book collection on your PC?
I was given a disk with a couple of thousand books but they are all in individual folders by Author (alphabetically by Christian name). I would like to be able to browse by title or by Author Surname or by genre a bit like the way iTunes will organise your music collection when you first install it.
Calibre is decent enough.
Quote from: RMDrive on November 20, 2012, 06:43:49 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on November 20, 2012, 11:46:51 AM
Anyone know of any good programs which can sort your electronic book collection on your PC?
I was given a disk with a couple of thousand books but they are all in individual folders by Author (alphabetically by Christian name). I would like to be able to browse by title or by Author Surname or by genre a bit like the way iTunes will organise your music collection when you first install it.
Calibre is decent enough.
Cheers, from their online demo it could be what I am after.
Right so I have a Kindle job and I'm already convinced - they're a great job!! Anyone know some good free titles I could get?
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 20, 2012, 07:33:14 PM
Right so I have a Kindle job and I'm already convinced - they're a great job!! Anyone know some good free titles I could get?
Sure if it is free stuff you're after there are plenty of places you could get online books ;)
Just bought 1,227 QI Facts to Blow your Socks off for 20p on Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Facts-Blow-Your-Socks-ebook/dp/B009FQSICM/ref=zg_bsms_digital-text_20
So far I have learned that Scotland has twice as many Pandas as Conservative MPs, the Dyslexic Research Centre is in Reading and Wild Bill Hickok's brother Lorenzo was nicknamed "Tame" Bill Hickok!
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet but Two Pints by Roddy Doyle is funny. Its a series of conversations between two oul lads sitting in the pub.
Recommended
I see Katie Taylor won best Irish sports book this week.
Anyone read it yet? I wasn't overly impressed by the two excerpts published in the Irish Times a week or so ago.
Dear all, the amazon.co.uk saga is ongoing - I've been evicted from their warehouse in Slough and have now got no UK address to avail of their offers etc. Would some kind nordie soul allow me to move in with them (figuratively) by sending me their address/phone no. to PM please? I'm house-trained.
Billy, just pick a random UK address. Put a random post code into Google Maps and it'll take you to a named street. Then pick a house number. AL4 0JN (that's zero, not "o") is a real postcode I know. The worst that can happen to the people who live at the address you choose is they'll get unsolicited post from Amazon, addressed to a Mr. Boots.
Yeah, you have to put a phone number as well - I suppose I'll search for a number in that particular post code area and put that in, it'll be harder to show it's fake hopefully.
I hear that Amazon have bought a premises in Dublin with a view to starting an amazon.ie site, apparently.
Billy got the boot.
Quote from: LeoMc on November 20, 2012, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: RMDrive on November 20, 2012, 06:43:49 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on November 20, 2012, 11:46:51 AM
Anyone know of any good programs which can sort your electronic book collection on your PC?
I was given a disk with a couple of thousand books but they are all in individual folders by Author (alphabetically by Christian name). I would like to be able to browse by title or by Author Surname or by genre a bit like the way iTunes will organise your music collection when you first install it.
Calibre is decent enough.
Cheers, from their online demo it could be what I am after.
Does the job. Exactly what I was after. I have my first 500 books in and can see the reviews and covers. Now to set my own tags.
Cheers RM.
Quote from: Billys Boots on November 07, 2012, 08:54:41 AM
Read a decent book called 'The Villa Triste' by Lucretia Grindle there over the last week - set in Florence; with a dual narrative of a police detective investigating the murder of a former WW2 partisan, with the diary of a nurse going through the occupation of Florence by the Nazis just prior to the Allied relief of the city. Well written, but a bit long - worth a try if you like that kind of puzzle.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Villa-Triste-ebook/dp/B004QO994E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352278240&sr=1-1&keywords=villa+triste (http://www.amazon.com/The-Villa-Triste-ebook/dp/B004QO994E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352278240&sr=1-1&keywords=villa+triste)
Just finished this Billy, I thought it was excellent.
what books are birds reading these days?
@thePhilipKerr: Bernie Gunther back in April in A Man Without Breath. The title is from a novel by a writer called Josef Goebbels
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on December 07, 2012, 09:26:16 AM
@thePhilipKerr: Bernie Gunther back in April in A Man Without Breath. The title is from a novel by a writer called Josef Goebbels
Cool, I have Prague Fatale lined up to read shortly. Back to the Italian theme; have you read any of Marco Vichi's Commissario Bordelli series - recommended, by me anyway.
I've just read "Eleni" by Nicholas Gage. It was written in the early eighties but I only came across it recently. It's effectively an account of the Greek civil war in 1946-49, built around the story of the execution of his mother and his own quest, years later, to track down those responsible, having moved back to Greece from New York and his job with the New York Times specifically for that purpose.
Like all accounts of civil wars, it's harrowing, this time in its detail of the atrocities committed on the civilians of their own remote rural communities by the Communists and it's another great insight into the evils perpetrated in the name of ideologies of whatever hue.
It was lent to me by somebody who insisted that his own children all read it, which is some sort of commentary on its powerful testimony.
Any recommendations about the best history of the GAA out there--something that's both anecdotal and encyclopedic? Thanks.
Get in touch with Donal McAnallen.
I'd like to get a hold of Donal McAnallen's book in hardback, but it's only available in paperback or downloadable version on Amazon. Thanks for the suggestion 5Sams.
Just finishing 'The State of Africa' by Martin Meredith: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-State-Africa-Continent-Independence/dp/0857203878 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-State-Africa-Continent-Independence/dp/0857203878)
Fcuk me, the same crap over and over again. Revolutions to achieve independence, then the revolutionaries take power and are worse than the Imperialists, then the inevitable Marxist counter-revolution, then the Marxists are worse than any of the previous. All the time the economies get worse and are exploited over and over by the various leadership, and all of this compounded by foreign interference.
Rwanda takes the biscuit though, which takes some doing. Mitterand, Boutros-Ghali, the UN and France come out of that particular one very, very badly. The Americans come out of Somalia pretty badly. E.G Bush Senior sent in the troops and they stormed a crowed beach to kick things off, a beach crowded with media that is, filming the boys dropping out of helicopters.
Most EU countries and the Cold War participants stuck their oars in without helping in any way but Belgium (!) was probably the worst.
A very good read.
Of all the people to be colonised by, the Belgians seem to have been the worst band of bastards of all. We could have done worse in our choice of colonisers here, though I'd have chosen the Italians myself.
(Slips away quietly, hoping the most belligerent barstool republicans are out enjoying Black Eye Friday.)
I'm re-reading Romeo Dallaire's book Shake Hands with the Devil at the moment, Dallaire was head of the UN force in Rwanda during the Massacre. Quite harrowing.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on December 21, 2012, 05:37:06 PM
I'm re-reading Romeo Dallaire's book Shake Hands with the Devil at the moment, Dallaire was head of the UN force in Rwanda during the Massacre. Quite harrowing.
Yes, he features in the other book. I'd say he speaks highly of Boutros Boutros-Ghali?
Quote from: muppet on December 21, 2012, 05:43:01 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on December 21, 2012, 05:37:06 PM
I'm re-reading Romeo Dallaire's book Shake Hands with the Devil at the moment, Dallaire was head of the UN force in Rwanda during the Massacre. Quite harrowing.
Yes, he features in the other book. I'd say he speaks highly of Boutros Boutros-Ghali?
He doesn't mention him much but he is very critical of the UN and their unwillingness do intervene directly, they wouldn't let him confiscate weapons sent to the Hutus. He did what he could and suffered badly over it.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on December 21, 2012, 10:54:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 21, 2012, 05:43:01 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on December 21, 2012, 05:37:06 PM
I'm re-reading Romeo Dallaire's book Shake Hands with the Devil at the moment, Dallaire was head of the UN force in Rwanda during the Massacre. Quite harrowing.
Yes, he features in the other book. I'd say he speaks highly of Boutros Boutros-Ghali?
He doesn't mention him much but he is very critical of the UN and their unwillingness do intervene directly, they wouldn't let him confiscate weapons sent to the Hutus. He did what he could and suffered badly over it.
It seems incredible now but when one tribe carrys a long planned mass slaughter of 800,000 people of another tribe, only for the UN to send military (France) and humanitarian assistance (mainly US) to the side conducting the massacre, surely one of the greatest screw-ups in history? My understanding was that those actions were based on unreliable info from people such as Mitterend's son and Boutros himself.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Men-Had-dream-narrow/dp/1478334843/ref=la_B008RDMYKQ_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357471028&sr=1-1
This book will blow your mind. The reviews are really helpful.
Quote from: ONeill on January 06, 2013, 11:22:02 AM
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Men-Had-dream-narrow/dp/1478334843/ref=la_B008RDMYKQ_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357471028&sr=1-1
This book will blow your mind. The reviews are really helpful.
I know Mr Angry ::).
Quote from: Billys Boots on December 07, 2012, 09:45:44 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on December 07, 2012, 09:26:16 AM
@thePhilipKerr: Bernie Gunther back in April in A Man Without Breath. The title is from a novel by a writer called Josef Goebbels
Cool, I have Prague Fatale lined up to read shortly. Back to the Italian theme; have you read any of Marco Vichi's Commissario Bordelli series - recommended, by me anyway.
Over the Christmas I read 'City of Shadows - Michael Russell' - very much reminiscent of Bernie Gunther's adventures but set in Dublin in the 1930s. The city features heavily; very good atmospherically. The main protagonist is a young (protestant) Garda sergeant with a German mother; he's recently widowed with a young son who now lives with his parents in Wicklow - he works/lives in Dublin during the week. Anyhoo, there's a murder and there's all sorts of stuff going on: nasty catholic church shenanigans, blueshirts vs. IRA-heads within the Gardai, and in the background the Nazis are making their presence felt in Ireland. A good read, made more interesting by the local context - will be interested to see where the author goes with this next. Recommended (for Bernie fans anyway).
Read Barry McElduffs book there. <shakes head>
He does admit to being a name dropper but it is just an endless stream of unrelated anecdotes in an attempt to mention as many different people as possible. He should have just printed the electoral register and have done with it, at least there would have been less repetition.
Just finished Tyler Hamiltons "the secret race", was expecting to dislike him intensely, just another doper but his main argument is this is what he had to do to compete, what would you do?
Excellent read, couldn't recommend it enough.
They're all at it, from reading this you'd have to have serious doubts over Wiggo, apparently when a team dominates like Sky did last year they've come across something new
I've managed to get my hands on e-book files for the James McClure 'Kramer and Zondi' series - writtent and set in the Apartheid era in South Africa. Highly recommended, good characterisation, gritty and well-plotted. I only mention it because you can't seem to buy these files anywhere - drop me a PM if you want the mobi-files.
Just read Richard Herleys "The Penal Colony". A good read. Has anyone read any of his other books and would you recommend them?
Half way through the Fall of Yugoslavia, by Mischa Glenny. Jesus, savage stuff.
I also have 'Cromwell' & the 'Angel of Grozny' waiting - fun week off work for me next week ???
After reading the fall of Yugoslavia i've went deeper, reading The Serbs by Tim Judah. They are a fascinating bunch.
Quote from: Billys Boots on December 21, 2011, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on December 21, 2011, 11:07:36 AM
Just finished the latest Erast Fandorin by Boris Akunin, The Diamond Chariot. A fantastic book, it's two novels in one, the first is set in 1905 during the Russo-Japanese war and the second recounts Fandorin's time in Japan in 1878. There is a shocking twist on the final page.
They're great alright Harold - next on my list is 'He Lover of Death' and then on to the Diamond Chariot. Looking forward to them immensely. ;D
Finally started 'The Diamond Chariot' Harold, and it's well worth the wait. ;D
Deadly wee bookshop on Merrion Row if anyone's interested. Bargain books. A lot of dross in it but if u hoke about there's a few gems. Got "Deadlock" about the Dubs V Meath in 91 for a fiver.
Reading 'Engage' by Paul Kimmage at the minute and it is brilliant. Heart-breaking but well written, very funny and uplifting too.
A Twisted Root by Patricia Craig is a very interesting read for people interested in Irish history.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 27, 2013, 11:35:59 PM
Reading 'Engage' by Paul Kimmage at the minute and it is brilliant. Heart-breaking but well written, very funny and uplifting too.
Actually reading that same book myself at the minute. A good read,but awful what matt hampson went through
I was desperate for a bit of distraction from an impending species wipeout at the Ulster Final. I managed to find an audio download of a Fred Vargas book, The Ghost Riders of Ordebec: Commissaire Adamsberg, Book 07, good stuff, funniest I've read (heard read) in ages.
I've just got as far as Mo being allowed to escape from custody, a classic comic scene.
I have much of the rest of the collection in ebook form, I'll probably keep on with it.
QuoteThe Ghost Riders of Ordebec: Commissaire Adamsberg, Book 07
I have it for my holidays - good series.
Best thing I've read recently is 'City of Bohane - Kevin Barry'. It's sort of 'The Sopranos' set in a futuristic rough town in the West of Ireland - maybe a 'Playboy of the Western World' for the 21st century. The language is great, well worth a read.
Dunno if it's been mentioned in here before but I just finished the Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt. Very good.
'The History of Gaelic Football' (Part 1) by Eoghan Corry free with today's (Saturday) Indo in SuperValu. Probably can pick up a copy with the Sindo if there's any left over tomorrow. Part 2 next Saturday.
Haven't had a look through it yet but mhmm, new book smell.
Quote from: Billys Boots on July 03, 2013, 09:06:40 AM
QuoteThe Ghost Riders of Ordebec: Commissaire Adamsberg, Book 07
I have it for my holidays - good series.
Best thing I've read recently is 'City of Bohane - Kevin Barry'. It's sort of 'The Sopranos' set in a futuristic rough town in the West of Ireland - maybe a 'Playboy of the Western World' for the 21st century. The language is great, well worth a read.
Another good holiday read is Colin Cotterill's Dr Siri series, each book will have you chuckling from beginning to end. Set in mid 70's Laos after the communists took over, the elderly Dr Siri is a reluctant state coroner as well as a confused mystic.
Quote from: Main Street on July 07, 2013, 05:03:03 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on July 03, 2013, 09:06:40 AM
QuoteThe Ghost Riders of Ordebec: Commissaire Adamsberg, Book 07
I have it for my holidays - good series.
Best thing I've read recently is 'City of Bohane - Kevin Barry'. It's sort of 'The Sopranos' set in a futuristic rough town in the West of Ireland - maybe a 'Playboy of the Western World' for the 21st century. The language is great, well worth a read.
Another good holiday read is Colin Cotterill's Dr Siri series, each book will have you chuckling from beginning to end. Set in mid 70's Laos after the communists took over, the elderly Dr Siri is a reluctant state coroner as well as a confused mystic.
Yep, I've read them all except the most recent - they're great craic alright.
Just finished that Berlin Noir trilogy on someone on the board's recommendation. Great stuff. I loved some of his metaphors and similes, but, can anyone tell me if Germans generally talk like that, or is Kerr trying to make a Yank out of Gunther?
Another book I've recently read is "Dreadnought" by Robert k. Massie. Fascinating read about the build up to WW1 between Britain and Germany. Those inbred Royal Family's of Europe have a lot to answer for.
Quote from: ziggy90 on July 20, 2013, 12:55:30 PM
Just finished that Berlin Noir trilogy on someone on the board's recommendation. Great stuff. I loved some of his metaphors and similes, but, can anyone tell me if Germans generally talk like that, or is Kerr trying to make a Yank out of Gunther?
Another book I've recently read is "Dreadnought" by Robert k. Massie. Fascinating read about the build up to WW! between Britain and Germany. Those inbred Royal Family's of Europe have a lot to answer for.
I shuddered there as I thought it was going to be about the Clogherhead football team of that name - a story of brutality, violence and cruelty that makes WWII look like an ICA tiddlywinks tournament.
Quote from: Hardy on July 20, 2013, 01:21:12 PM
Quote from: ziggy90 on July 20, 2013, 12:55:30 PM
Just finished that Berlin Noir trilogy on someone on the board's recommendation. Great stuff. I loved some of his metaphors and similes, but, can anyone tell me if Germans generally talk like that, or is Kerr trying to make a Yank out of Gunther?
Another book I've recently read is "Dreadnought" by Robert k. Massie. Fascinating read about the build up to WW! between Britain and Germany. Those inbred Royal Family's of Europe have a lot to answer for.
I shuddered there as I thought it was going to be about the Clogherhead football team of that name - a story of brutality, violence and cruelty that makes WWII look like an ICA tiddlywinks tournament.
Very good!!
Were the dreadnots named after one of the trawlers who's owner sponsored the team a wee bit back in the day?
They were Dreadnots long before sponsorship existed. At least I'm assuming there was no sponsorship in the 19th century. A snippet of the club's colorful history:
Extraordinary scenes at the football match in Castlebellingham (Co Louth ) were reported at the meeting of the Louth GAA Executive in Dundalk. On hearing the report one of the teams concerned – Clogherhead Dreadnoughts – were expelled from the GAA forever.
The referee (Mr Sean McMahon) reported that he ordered one of the Dreadnought players to extinguish a cigarette that he was smoking and the player told him to put on a Tallonstown jersey.
During the match the report continued the Clogherhead players did nothing but threaten and intimidate the Tallonstown players. Clogherhead had no intention of letting the game finish as a football game should end, and when the final whistle went they attacked the Tallonstown players in brutal fashion.
One of the Tallonstown players (McArdle) was brutally ill treated and when on the ground received a nasty kick on the left eye, and had to be medically attended. Free fights followed on all sides, with the Clogherhead men the aggressors in all cases
The referee stated that the Association was going through sufficiently trying times without having teams serve up such an exhibition.
The Clogherhead team was no asset to the Association, but rather a disgrace to it. He deplored the sickening scenes, which had taken place.
The Chairman (Ald Tom Burke, Drogheda) said the conduct of the Clogherhead players was such as could be met only by expelling them from the Association for life, and he ruled accordingly, adding that he hoped an affiliation would never be entertained from such a team again.
Gives cheery warmth and cuts down your coal bill. Prompt deliveries, Trial solicited.
(Drogheda Independent, 1928)
Very good. Bloody Louth thugs.
I just associated the name with the boat I was on a wild time ago during the blessing of the boats. What's the name of the festival called in Clogherhead? I remember sonnu Knowles having knickers thrown at him outside the big tree. (The prawn festival?)
That's it. It coincides with the annual influx from the North at this time of year of people timing their holidays to coincide with (an escape from) the marching season.
Been "reading" The Devil in the White City recently.
It's about Daniel Burnham, the chief architect of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago building the same and the twisted parody of the Fair Dr. H.H. Homles was building with his mansion of horrors just outside the site of the fair. Holmes is regarded as one of the first American serial killers, for what that's worth.
I had the book for a few years but had never got around to it and then I played Bioshock Infinite, a video game set in an alternate version of 1911 where a rogue faction of Americans fully convinced of American exceptionalism have developed a floating city called Columbia. Reading up on the game (in terms of setting and story it's one of the best productions, film or otherwise, of the year) I found the creator had been inspired by reading The Devil in the White City. It put the book back on my mind.
Being lazy I didn't fancy doing something as tough as reading so I got the audio-book version and have been working my way through it. Very enjoyable book, even if the author is prone to a few pointless flourishes. I've always enjoyed non-fiction books about the Gilded Age so I guess I'm a bit of a sucker for this one but it's such a fascinating moment in time with the development of the modern world of sky-scrappers and electricity mingling with horse-drawn carriages and industrial era technology.
Booker long list
Five Star Billionaire by Tash Aw
We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
Harvest by Jim Crace
The Marrying of Chani Kaufman by Eve Harris
The Kills by Richard House
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
Unexploded by Alison MacLeod
TransAtlantic by Colum McCann
Almost English by Charlotte Mendelson
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan
The Testament of Mary by Colm Tóibín
Anyone reading anything worthwhile? I've just finished The Earth by Emile Zola, fantastic read about country folk in 19th Century France (could be set anywhere). Anyone who liked Jean de Florette will get this.
Quote from: ziggy90 on October 12, 2013, 03:00:14 PM
Anyone reading anything worthwhile? I've just finished The Earth by Emile Zola, fantastic read about country folk in 19th Century France (could be set anywhere). Anyone who liked Jean de Florette will get this.
Thanks ziggy, will give it a look - haven't read any Zola in many years. Am currently struggling through 'The Stockholm Octavo' - a lesser 'Liaisons Dangereuses' set in Sweden in 1792 - it's alright, not brilliant. Last brilliant read was 'The Potter's Field (Andrea Camilleri)' - the thirteenth Inspector Montalbano outing, set in Sicily. Also enjoyed 'Our Lady of Sorrows (Anne Zouroudi)' - the fourth Greek Detective outing, set in the modern day Greek islands.
Read City of Lehane recently. Millers Crossing meets Playboy of the Western World. Quiet good but could have been excellent.
Finished two biographies of Steve McQueen and the baseball player Joe DiMaggio. 2 very complex individuals and downright nasty so an so's at times.
Now reading Count of Monte Cristo again for the umpteenth time.
Quote from: Canalman on October 14, 2013, 10:06:44 AM
Now reading Count of Monte Cristo again for the umpteenth time.
Ah! Read it for the first time this year. A treat.
I'm reading "The Memory Of Running" (which is not a sports book and has nothing to do with running) by Ron McCLarty. It's essentially an American "Road" novel, but a hundred times better than the much-hyped original of the species by Kerouac, which, even when I was a youngster and I was supposed to see it as an anthem for my generation, I thought was self-indulgent, know-nothing, poorly written crap.
This is a beautifully told story about a non-acheiving, overweight, alcoholic social misfit in his forties, a harmless poor craytur we'd call him, who slowly grows up and gradually starts to understand himself as he rides from Rhode Island to Los Angeles on a bike (push variety), not really knowing why he's doing it, but accumulating experiences and insights as he goes.
I was a bit put off by the reviews that seemed to suggest it was mainly liked by women and even after fifty pages I was going to give up on it, as the story wasn't engaging me, but as soon as he hit the road it became compelling. Lovely writing.
QuoteRead City of Lehane recently. Millers Crossing meets Playboy of the Western World. Quiet good but could have been excellent.
City of Bohane that is ... I feel the same about it.
Thanks for that recommendation Hardy - I suggest, if you haven't seen it already, that you look out for the movie 'The Straight Story'. Not going to describe or hype it - just give it a go.
Thanks - will do.
The Testament of Mary by Colm Tóibín is a weird one. Fast readers will finish it in a few hours.
It's a fictional account of the 'virgin' Mary's take on her son leading up to his crucixifion and aftermath.
Some don't like his style but it's worth the read I thought.
Quote from: ziggy90 on October 12, 2013, 03:00:14 PM
Anyone reading anything worthwhile? I've just finished The Earth by Emile Zola, fantastic read about country folk in 19th Century France (could be set anywhere). Anyone who liked Jean de Florette will get this.
Remember this on my uni reading list but never read it. Must track it down.
Books I've read so far this year:
The Family Corleone - Ed Falco
Fills in the gap between the 1920's in Godfather II and the 50's in the Godfather. Follows Sonny Corleones transition from teenage rebel to 'making his bones'. The other main character whose story is seperate is Luca Brasi. Great read if your a fan of the Godfather.
Boston Noir - Dennis Lehane
Each chapter was a different story by a different author based in different parts of Boston. Good read.
The Godfather - Mario Puzzo
Classic, measures up to one of my favourite films.
Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe
Very good book. The way its written can get a bit tiresome at times but a good story based in a world long since gone.
Hard Times - Charles Dickens
Great read. Based during the industrial revolution in the north of England.
The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
A good read but not the classic I was expecting.
Rockin the Bronx - Larry Kirwan
Most enjoyable read in a long time. Couldn't put it down. Follows Sean who was a young immigrant from Wexford in the Bainbridge section of the Bronx which had a large Irish community at the time, the early 80's. It must in a small way be based on Kirwans own experiences as he himself emigrated from Wexford to New York at the age of 19 and formed a band called Black 47. His characters band was called the Tinkers. Great story which has a bit of everything in it.
if you like the Godfather oakleaf, then read 'omerta' and ' the last don' also by Puzo . they are even better. fantastic books.
this year the best ive read is Tomy Iommi's 'Iron man' - absolutely fantastic book
currently reading Chris Suttons autobiog. excellent and interesting so far.
You should be reading authorised biography of Sean Fallon - Iron Man, just published!
Amazing facts about a man whose huge role in Celtic's successes of the 60s and 70s is not so much undervalued but totally unnoticed. Did you know that Big Jock wanted to transfer list Jinky immediately on his return to Celtic Park in 1965, and Sean talked him out of it, or that Big Jock took a long time to warm to Dalglish but again it was Sean who pleaded for him to be patient?
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 14, 2013, 10:59:10 AM
QuoteRead City of Lehane recently. Millers Crossing meets Playboy of the Western World. Quiet good but could have been excellent.
City of Bohane that is ... I feel the same about it.
Thanks for that recommendation Hardy - I suggest, if you haven't seen it already, that you look out for the movie 'The Straight Story'. Not going to describe or hype it - just give it a go.
Yeah, City of Bohane it was . My bad. The ending just fizzled out lamely imo which was a pity as the rest was actually very good.
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 14, 2013, 10:59:10 AM
QuoteRead City of Lehane recently. Millers Crossing meets Playboy of the Western World. Quiet good but could have been excellent.
City of Bohane that is ... I feel the same about it.
Thanks for that recommendation Hardy - I suggest, if you haven't seen it already, that you look out for the movie 'The Straight Story'. Not going to describe or hype it - just give it a go.
Lawnmower Man? a damn good story/film, with the old guy who was in The Grey Fox?
Quote from: Main Street on October 14, 2013, 08:08:31 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 14, 2013, 10:59:10 AM
QuoteRead City of Lehane recently. Millers Crossing meets Playboy of the Western World. Quiet good but could have been excellent.
City of Bohane that is ... I feel the same about it.
Thanks for that recommendation Hardy - I suggest, if you haven't seen it already, that you look out for the movie 'The Straight Story'. Not going to describe or hype it - just give it a go.
Lawnmower Man? a damn good story/film, with the old guy who was in The Grey Fox?
That's the one alright. :)
Quote from: Hardy on October 14, 2013, 10:38:48 AM
Quote from: Canalman on October 14, 2013, 10:06:44 AM
Now reading Count of Monte Cristo again for the umpteenth time.
Ah! Read it for the first time this year. A treat.
I'm reading "The Memory Of Running" (which is not a sports book and has nothing to do with running) by Ron McCLarty. It's essentially an American "Road" novel, but a hundred times better than the much-hyped original of the species by Kerouac, which, even when I was a youngster and I was supposed to see it as an anthem for my generation, I thought was self-indulgent, know-nothing, poorly written crap.
This is a beautifully told story about a non-acheiving, overweight, alcoholic social misfit in his forties, a harmless poor craytur we'd call him, who slowly grows up and gradually starts to understand himself as he rides from Rhode Island to Los Angeles on a bike (push variety), not really knowing why he's doing it, but accumulating experiences and insights as he goes.
I was a bit put off by the reviews that seemed to suggest it was mainly liked by women and even after fifty pages I was going to give up on it, as the story wasn't engaging me, but as soon as he hit the road it became compelling. Lovely writing.
Brilliant review of a great book Hardy.
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 14, 2013, 09:13:18 AM
Quote from: ziggy90 on October 12, 2013, 03:00:14 PM
Anyone reading anything worthwhile? I've just finished The Earth by Emile Zola, fantastic read about country folk in 19th Century France (could be set anywhere). Anyone who liked Jean de Florette will get this.
Thanks ziggy, will give it a look - haven't read any Zola in many years. Am currently struggling through 'The Stockholm Octavo' - a lesser 'Liaisons Dangereuses' set in Sweden in 1792 - it's alright, not brilliant. Last brilliant read was 'The Potter's Field (Andrea Camilleri)' - the thirteenth Inspector Montalbano outing, set in Sicily. Also enjoyed 'Our Lady of Sorrows (Anne Zouroudi)' - the fourth Greek Detective outing, set in the modern day Greek islands.
Got all of those Montalbano books downloaded Billy, looking forward to them (loved the tv adaptations). I'm thinking of heading for Sicily next year for the holidays (inspired by Montalbano).
There's a passage in that Zola book that centres on an incident with a donkey (I defy you not to laugh).
A little tip someone gave me, if you're buying any of these "classic books" always buy the Penguin editions ( their translations and editing are way ahead of their admittedly cheaper rivals).
Fate is the Hunter (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fate-Hunter-Ernest-K-Gann/dp/1908059028/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381866736&sr=1-1&keywords=fate+is+the+hunter+ernest+k.+gann)
Gann flew as a civilian pilot in the 1930s and 1940s. The book is a brilliantly written account of, not just his career, but of early commercial aviation.
(Re)Read The Hunt for Red October recently on the Kindle with a view to reading the whole series through but most of the rest of the Jack Ryan books aren't available on Kindle - especially the older ones
Deadly pain in the hole....
Celt Man, I have the first 12 Jack Ryan books as epub (and pdf) files - you can convert them to mobi files yourself if you are interested. PM me if you want the files.
Quote from: Celt_Man on October 16, 2013, 10:54:15 PM
(Re)Read The Hunt for Red October recently on the Kindle with a view to reading the whole series through but most of the rest of the Jack Ryan books aren't available on Kindle - especially the older ones
Deadly pain in the hole....
You should try Red Storm Rising. I reckon it's my favourite Clancy.
Quote from: mc_grens on October 18, 2013, 10:19:52 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on October 16, 2013, 10:54:15 PM
(Re)Read The Hunt for Red October recently on the Kindle with a view to reading the whole series through but most of the rest of the Jack Ryan books aren't available on Kindle - especially the older ones
Deadly pain in the hole....
You should try Red Storm Rising. I reckon it's my favourite Clancy.
The Bear and the Dragon or Without remorse would be mine.
On a separate note I have just read a couple of David Downing books, Zoo station and Silesian station set in Prewar Nazi Germany. Nice easy reads.
On the subject of Nazi Germany I'm reading a book all about WW2 by Anthony Beevor. Good stuff but MEGA long.
Quote from: mc_grens on October 18, 2013, 01:36:23 PM
On the subject of Nazi Germany I'm reading a book all about WW2 by Anthony Beevor. Good stuff but MEGA long.
His book on Stalingrad is fantastic. An historical account that reads as well as a novel.
Berlin: The Downfall is also excellent.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2013, 10:09:52 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on October 18, 2013, 01:36:23 PM
On the subject of Nazi Germany I'm reading a book all about WW2 by Anthony Beevor. Good stuff but MEGA long.
His book on Stalingrad is fantastic. An historical account that reads as well as a novel.
I'm at the Stalingrad bit of this book at the moment. His account of it is good enough that that book specifically about Stalingrad went on the list straightaway. Have the new Neil Gaiman lined up first as a change of pace though.
Quote from: mc_grens on October 18, 2013, 01:36:23 PM
On the subject of Nazi Germany I'm reading a book all about WW2 by Anthony Beevor. Good stuff but MEGA long.
It would appear that any book about WW2 has to take 1000 pages to describe any skirmish and 10 volumes to cover a siege.
It must be some criteria to establish credibility.
Any way I'm going to start on this one next
<500 pages but has a nice long title
The Hitler Book: The Secret Dossier Prepared for Stalin from the Interrogations of Otto Guensche and Heinze Linge, Hitler's Closest Personal Aides(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SoDX9dz6L._SY344_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Hitler-Book-Prepared-Interrogations/dp/B0085SLMYC (http://www.amazon.com/The-Hitler-Book-Prepared-Interrogations/dp/B0085SLMYC)
Quote from: mc_grens on October 20, 2013, 11:37:21 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2013, 10:09:52 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on October 18, 2013, 01:36:23 PM
On the subject of Nazi Germany I'm reading a book all about WW2 by Anthony Beevor. Good stuff but MEGA long.
His book on Stalingrad is fantastic. An historical account that reads as well as a novel.
I'm at the Stalingrad bit of this book at the moment. His account of it is good enough that that book specifically about Stalingrad went on the list straightaway. Have the new Neil Gaiman lined up first as a change of pace though.
I must try this one, I've read his book on The Spanish Civil War, also very good.
Quote from: Main Street on October 20, 2013, 01:59:16 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on October 18, 2013, 01:36:23 PM
On the subject of Nazi Germany I'm reading a book all about WW2 by Anthony Beevor. Good stuff but MEGA long.
It would appear that any book about WW2 has to take 1000 pages to describe any skirmish and 10 volumes to cover a siege.
It must be some criteria to establish credibility.
Any way I'm going to start on this one next
<500 pages but has a nice long title
The Hitler Book: The Secret Dossier Prepared for Stalin from the Interrogations of Otto Guensche and Heinze Linge, Hitler's Closest Personal Aides
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SoDX9dz6L._SY344_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Hitler-Book-Prepared-Interrogations/dp/B0085SLMYC (http://www.amazon.com/The-Hitler-Book-Prepared-Interrogations/dp/B0085SLMYC)
I saved many liver cells reading this tome: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitler-1889-1936-Hubris-Ian-Kershaw/dp/0140133631/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382297433&sr=1-2&keywords=hitler+nemesis+kershaw (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitler-1889-1936-Hubris-Ian-Kershaw/dp/0140133631/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382297433&sr=1-2&keywords=hitler+nemesis+kershaw)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412bg2NaD7L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX385_SY500_CR,0,0,385,500_SH20_OU02_.jpg)
I could never finish the second book though so I don't know how it ended.
Quote from: muppet on October 20, 2013, 08:32:27 PM
Quote from: Main Street on October 20, 2013, 01:59:16 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on October 18, 2013, 01:36:23 PM
On the subject of Nazi Germany I'm reading a book all about WW2 by Anthony Beevor. Good stuff but MEGA long.
It would appear that any book about WW2 has to take 1000 pages to describe any skirmish and 10 volumes to cover a siege.
It must be some criteria to establish credibility.
Any way I'm going to start on this one next
<500 pages but has a nice long title
The Hitler Book: The Secret Dossier Prepared for Stalin from the Interrogations of Otto Guensche and Heinze Linge, Hitler's Closest Personal Aides
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SoDX9dz6L._SY344_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Hitler-Book-Prepared-Interrogations/dp/B0085SLMYC (http://www.amazon.com/The-Hitler-Book-Prepared-Interrogations/dp/B0085SLMYC)
I saved many liver cells reading this tome: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitler-1889-1936-Hubris-Ian-Kershaw/dp/0140133631/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382297433&sr=1-2&keywords=hitler+nemesis+kershaw (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitler-1889-1936-Hubris-Ian-Kershaw/dp/0140133631/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382297433&sr=1-2&keywords=hitler+nemesis+kershaw)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412bg2NaD7L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX385_SY500_CR,0,0,385,500_SH20_OU02_.jpg)
I could never finish the second book though so I don't know how it ended.
Funnily enough I read Hubris too and not Nemesis. No spoliers from those who have read it!
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on January 07, 2013, 01:46:21 PM
Just finished Tyler Hamiltons "the secret race", was expecting to dislike him intensely, just another doper but his main argument is this is what he had to do to compete, what would you do?
Excellent read, couldn't recommend it enough.
They're all at it, from reading this you'd have to have serious doubts over Wiggo, apparently when a team dominates like Sky did last year they've come across something new
I am less than a year behind for once!
But I agree, what an eye opener. Look at the Lance thread and you will see I was not a believer, but I could never have imagined how blatant it was and how many people were involved and knew. This book has me questioning not just cycling though.
Tough sports dominated by one or a few hugely dominant personalities, have to be at risk of exploitation in the same way cycling was/is?
Muppet I've moved onto Friday Night Lights, am only a chapter or two into it but it has the makings of being the best sports book I've ever read. It reads like the grapes of wrath
This year I've read the Harry Potter series, excellent books, quiet scary for kids I would have thought. Really enjoyed them
Started working on a dream earlier in the year, ended up not finishing it which I would rarely do but it was an absolute pile of shite
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on December 20, 2013, 10:41:44 AM
Muppet I've moved onto Friday Night Lights, am only a chapter or two into it but it has the makings of being the best sports book I've ever read. It reads like the grapes of wrath
This year I've read the Harry Potter series, excellent books, quiet scary for kids I would have thought. Really enjoyed them
Started working on a dream earlier in the year, ended up not finishing it which I would rarely do but it was an absolute pile of shite
Done similar myself. Great books. Can't wait till read them to my wee girl.
Quote from: Hardy on October 14, 2013, 10:38:48 AM
Quote from: Canalman on October 14, 2013, 10:06:44 AM
Now reading Count of Monte Cristo again for the umpteenth time.
Ah! Read it for the first time this year. A treat.
I'm reading "The Memory Of Running" (which is not a sports book and has nothing to do with running) by Ron McCLarty. It's essentially an American "Road" novel, but a hundred times better than the much-hyped original of the species by Kerouac, which, even when I was a youngster and I was supposed to see it as an anthem for my generation, I thought was self-indulgent, know-nothing, poorly written crap.
This is a beautifully told story about a non-acheiving, overweight, alcoholic social misfit in his forties, a harmless poor craytur we'd call him, who slowly grows up and gradually starts to understand himself as he rides from Rhode Island to Los Angeles on a bike (push variety), not really knowing why he's doing it, but accumulating experiences and insights as he goes.
I was a bit put off by the reviews that seemed to suggest it was mainly liked by women and even after fifty pages I was going to give up on it, as the story wasn't engaging me, but as soon as he hit the road it became compelling. Lovely writing.
I thought I was the only one who felt like this, american classic my ar$e, terrible book
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on January 07, 2013, 01:46:21 PM
Just finished Tyler Hamiltons "the secret race", was expecting to dislike him intensely, just another doper but his main argument is this is what he had to do to compete, what would you do?
Excellent read, couldn't recommend it enough.
They're all at it, from reading this you'd have to have serious doubts over Wiggo, apparently when a team dominates like Sky did last year they've come across something new
I'd reserve judgement about Team Sky until reading David Walsh's book about the year he spent with them. I've only read the preview on i-books as of yet but plan to read it after finishing "Seven Deadly Sins". It would have been a very strange and foolhardy move by Sky to invite Walsh in and give him total access if they were up to anything. Also, they refuse to hire anyone who has ever been linked to previous doping scandals in any way. Team Sky seem different but Walsh's book should be a very enlightening read either way.
Quote from: Canalman on November 02, 2012, 09:33:57 AM
Recently started The Hunchback of Notre Dame having bought it years ago cheaply. Really enjoyable so far.
If you are so interested I would also recommend The Count of Monte Cristo as a novel to read........ none of the film versions do the book justice imo and very easy to read.
Still though the best novels I have ever read are The Godfather, Day of the Jackal and The Name of the Rose.
One of my first books, great might even buy it again as I've lost it 30 years ago!!
Anyone read tysons book yet? Good read?
Quote from: The Worker on December 29, 2013, 10:42:42 AM
Anyone read tysons book yet? Good read?
I have it but haven't started it yet. £8 on Amazon for the hardback if anyone is thinking of getting it.
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 14, 2013, 10:59:10 AM
QuoteRead City of Lehane recently. Millers Crossing meets Playboy of the Western World. Quiet good but could have been excellent.
City of Bohane that is ... I feel the same about it.
Thanks for that recommendation Hardy - I suggest, if you haven't seen it already, that you look out for the movie 'The Straight Story'. Not going to describe or hype it - just give it a go.
Just got around to watching this. A beautiful film. Thanks.
Finished Hamilton's Secret Race last nite (after setting it down ages ago), a good read, but i've read that many cycling/doping articles & books they all sort of merge somewhere & the impact it should have is lost.
Have Hitchen's God is not great waiting, need to let the christmas haze lift before attempting it i think.
Quote from: Main Street on October 20, 2013, 01:59:16 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on October 18, 2013, 01:36:23 PM
On the subject of Nazi Germany I'm reading a book all about WW2 by Anthony Beevor. Good stuff but MEGA long.
It would appear that any book about WW2 has to take 1000 pages to describe any skirmish and 10 volumes to cover a siege.
It must be some criteria to establish credibility.
Any way I'm going to start on this one next
<500 pages but has a nice long title
The Hitler Book: The Secret Dossier Prepared for Stalin from the Interrogations of Otto Guensche and Heinze Linge, Hitler's Closest Personal Aides
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SoDX9dz6L._SY344_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Hitler-Book-Prepared-Interrogations/dp/B0085SLMYC (http://www.amazon.com/The-Hitler-Book-Prepared-Interrogations/dp/B0085SLMYC)
Max Hastings "all he'll let loose" is a reasonable attempt to summarise the entire 2nd world war in under 800 pages. It was on offer for kindle download earlier this week for £0.99.
Got 'Legend' about Brian O'Driscoll as a present. (I am not allowed buy books as the is house of full of unread books I refuse to throw out.)
In a word: woeful. Press articles, post match chats, radio & TV interviews were all meticulously trawled and compiled to give a sterile account of his career. There is little on him or his life as, well, there isn't much information on that in post match interviews, is there?
Even widely known stuff, which could be good if written very well, was dross. Imagine describing this try: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DINPoJWOXw4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DINPoJWOXw4) as simply Horgan squeezed over in the corner near the end and this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFuVyB0R2hU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFuVyB0R2hU) as merely Hickie scoring after a clever exchange of passes with D'Arcy.
The only Paul O'Connell contribution, was from a radio interview after The Lions. You would think O'Connell might give a bigger insight if he was interviewed for an hour or two. But he may not have been asked. My guess is he wasn't, as no one seems to have been used as a source. Compare that with the Tyler Hamilton book I mentioned above. Every witness to an act described by Hamilton was given a chance to give their version and those versions were published, even if they didn't agree with Hamilton's account.
BOD will no doubt write an Autobiography, this book should serve as a warning to him that a chronology of his career would be very ordinary, and that territory has already been covered now. He should aim for Paul McGrath, Tony Adams or Cascarino.
Would mainly read Sports books. Got Zlatan Ibramhimovic autobiography as a present. Great read,He has some funny stories and also stories of his time at Barca Also got Dennis Bergkamp autobiography, good read too, more of a serious character.
Quote from: muppet on January 07, 2014, 09:48:24 PM
Got 'Legend' about Brian O'Driscoll as a present. (I am not allowed buy books as the is house of full of unread books I refuse to throw out.)
In a word: woeful. Press articles, post match chats, radio & TV interviews were all meticulously trawled and compiled to give a sterile account of his career. There is little on him or his life as, well, there isn't much information on that in post match interviews, is there?
Even widely known stuff, which could be good if written very well, was dross. Imagine describing this try: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DINPoJWOXw4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DINPoJWOXw4) as simply Horgan squeezed over in the corner near the end and this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFuVyB0R2hU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFuVyB0R2hU) as merely Hickie scoring after a clever exchange of passes with D'Arcy.
The only Paul O'Connell contribution, was from a radio interview after The Lions. You would think O'Connell might give a bigger insight if he was interviewed for an hour or two. But he may not have been asked. My guess is he wasn't, as no one seems to have been used as a source. Compare that with the Tyler Hamilton book I mentioned above. Every witness to an act described by Hamilton was given a chance to give their version and those versions were published, even if they didn't agree with Hamilton's account.
BOD will no doubt write an Autobiography, this book should serve as a warning to him that a chronology of his career would be very ordinary, and that territory has already been covered now. He should aim for Paul McGrath, Tony Adams or Cascarino.
He needs a drink and/or gambling problem to make his story more colourful first.
Is someone not writing O'Driscolls "autobio" at the minute
Quote from: Hardy on December 29, 2013, 05:34:03 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 14, 2013, 10:59:10 AM
QuoteRead City of Lehane recently. Millers Crossing meets Playboy of the Western World. Quiet good but could have been excellent.
City of Bohane that is ... I feel the same about it.
Thanks for that recommendation Hardy - I suggest, if you haven't seen it already, that you look out for the movie 'The Straight Story'. Not going to describe or hype it - just give it a go.
Just got around to watching this. A beautiful film. Thanks.
No problem - had a feeling it would be right up your street.
Quote from: Billys Boots on January 06, 2013, 12:56:44 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on December 07, 2012, 09:45:44 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on December 07, 2012, 09:26:16 AM
@thePhilipKerr: Bernie Gunther back in April in A Man Without Breath. The title is from a novel by a writer called Josef Goebbels
Cool, I have Prague Fatale lined up to read shortly. Back to the Italian theme; have you read any of Marco Vichi's Commissario Bordelli series - recommended, by me anyway.
Over the Christmas I read 'City of Shadows - Michael Russell' - very much reminiscent of Bernie Gunther's adventures but set in Dublin in the 1930s. The city features heavily; very good atmospherically. The main protagonist is a young (protestant) Garda sergeant with a German mother; he's recently widowed with a young son who now lives with his parents in Wicklow - he works/lives in Dublin during the week. Anyhoo, there's a murder and there's all sorts of stuff going on: nasty catholic church shenanigans, blueshirts vs. IRA-heads within the Gardai, and in the background the Nazis are making their presence felt in Ireland. A good read, made more interesting by the local context - will be interested to see where the author goes with this next. Recommended (for Bernie fans anyway).
Just finishing 'The City of Strangers' the follow-up to the previous novel by Russell - excellent progression. It's now summer, 1939 and the protagonist has pissed off the hierarchy and has been promoted to rural sergeant in Blessington. He's requested, following his 'sensitive' liaison with the Gate Theatre company (in the previous novel) to come to New York to escort a murder suspect back to Ireland. While in NY he becomes embroiled in the pro-IRA faction in the NYPD who are trying to come to a strategic agreement with the Abwehr in relation to their nascent bombing campaign in Britain. It's a very interesting sketch of the different sides in the early days of statehood - the motivations of the statebuilders versus the disappointed republicans, the views of the residents versus the aspirations of the emigrants etc. Well worth a browse - rescommended.
After a good sport bio for my holidays? any recommendations ?
I'm reading aggasi's, good read but he is a dislikeable f**ker
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on April 01, 2014, 12:49:47 PM
I'm reading aggasi's, good read but he is a dislikeable f**ker
loved that one myself, much more interesting that sampas book
Quote from: pullhard on April 01, 2014, 12:43:35 PM
After a good sport bio for my holidays? any recommendations ?
Hard to beat Paul McGrath's or the Liam Hayes bio.
Quote from: pullhard on April 01, 2014, 12:43:35 PM
After a good sport bio for my holidays? any recommendations ?
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/d1d75a48-513c-11e3-9651-00144feabdc0.html
Simon Kuper's favourites: 10 of the best
● Beyond A Boundary (1963) by CLR James
● Paper Lion: Confessions of a LastString Quarterback (1965) by George Plimpton
● A Fan's Notes (1968) by Frederick Exley
● Only A Game? by Eamon Dunphy with Peter Ball (1976)
● A Handful of Summers (1978) by Gordon Forbes
● All Played Out: The Full Story of Italia '90 (1990) by Pete Davies
● Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby (1992)
● Brilliant Orange (2000) by David Winner
● Moneyball (2003) by Michael Lewis
● Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation by John Carlin (2008)
The best sports books I've read were Paul McGrath's bio, Denis Walsh - "The Revolution Years", Tom Humphreys - "Laptop Dancing and the Nanny Goat Mamba" and "Engage" by Paul Kimmage.
It's a shame about Humphreys. Such an amazing writer.
Thanks boys, keepin' coming i'll get on the ebay :)
Quote from: pullhard on April 01, 2014, 04:55:40 PM
Thanks boys, keepin' coming i'll get on the ebay :)
Moss Keane's is a real good read. "Ghost" written by Billy Keane who from memory isn't the most popular scribe on here, but a good read and a good laugh all the same.
Also if you can get your hands on W J McBride's biog. Great commentary on the legendary tour of South Africa with the Lions and the "99" call.
Can't stand the man but hugely respect his achievements, so I was tempted to get fergies bio, any good? Zaltan's also looks great!
Been reading The Managers by Daire Whelan. Pretty interesting stuff about how management and coaching has developed over the years in the GAA.
Friday night lights is an excellent sports book, more a social commentary than anything else
Speaking gaa books, what was Cody's like?
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on April 02, 2014, 12:54:13 PM
Friday night lights is an excellent sports book, more a social commentary than anything else
After starting to watch the TV series, I've been trying find a copy of this from Birmingham's libraries to no avail. Is it out of print?
Still can't my hands on Mugsy's book. It must have sold out v quickly.
Quote from: Minder on April 02, 2014, 09:17:19 PM
Quote from: pullhard on April 02, 2014, 01:23:52 PM
Speaking gaa books, what was Cody's like?
Pure pish
Maybe he'll bring out another one when he retires and lets his guard down. Get Paul Kimmage on the job. It'd be fascinating.
Kimmage said he'd love to do a book with Roy. That's one I'd love to read. As Kimmage said, Dunphy's book didn't scratch the surface. To be fair to Dunphy, he said Roy just wouldn't tell him anything.
Quote from: ziggy90 on April 02, 2014, 06:59:54 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on April 02, 2014, 12:54:13 PM
Friday night lights is an excellent sports book, more a social commentary than anything else
After starting to watch the TV series, I've been trying find a copy of this from Birmingham's libraries to no avail. Is it out of print?
Nope, still in print
http://www.bookdepository.com/Friday-Night-Lights-H-G-Bissinger/9780224076746
Moving on from sports books and bio. I really fancy reading and learning more about WWII specifically Rommel, what books are a good place to start?
Quote from: pullhard on April 03, 2014, 09:21:28 PM
Moving on from sports books and bio. I really fancy reading and learning more about WWII specifically Rommel, what books are a good place to start?
Start with Anthony Beevor's The Second World War.
Anything else by Beevor like Stalingrd and The Fall of Berlin.
Auschwitz - Laurence Rees
Inside The Third Reich - Albert Speer.
There so much out there. Never read a book about Rommel though.
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Just finished The Devil's Star - very enjoyable series alright. There's an American crime writer called James Lee Burke who'd I'd strongly recommend. His central character, Dave Robicheaux would give Harry Hole a run for his money!
Quote from: CD on April 27, 2014, 07:43:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Just finished The Devil's Star - very enjoyable series alright. There's an American crime writer called James Lee Burke who'd I'd strongly recommend. His central character, Dave Robicheaux would give Harry Hole a run for his money!
Was just about to post this, have downloaded the whole Dave Robicheaux series and put them on the kindle, came highly recommended by Tony Baloney. Half way through the first one, The Neon Rain, and it is excellent.
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
Quote from: CD on April 27, 2014, 07:43:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Just finished The Devil's Star - very enjoyable series alright. There's an American crime writer called James Lee Burke who'd I'd strongly recommend. His central character, Dave Robicheaux would give Harry Hole a run for his money!
Was just about to post this, have downloaded the whole Dave Robicheaux series and put them on the kindle, came highly recommended by Tony Baloney. Half way through the first one, The Neon Rain, and it is excellent.
Do youse fckers ever buy anything?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:38:19 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
Quote from: CD on April 27, 2014, 07:43:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Just finished The Devil's Star - very enjoyable series alright. There's an American crime writer called James Lee Burke who'd I'd strongly recommend. His central character, Dave Robicheaux would give Harry Hole a run for his money!
Was just about to post this, have downloaded the whole Dave Robicheaux series and put them on the kindle, came highly recommended by Tony Baloney. Half way through the first one, The Neon Rain, and it is excellent.
Do youse fckers ever buy anything?
Why pay when it is free ?!
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:41:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:38:19 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
Quote from: CD on April 27, 2014, 07:43:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Just finished The Devil's Star - very enjoyable series alright. There's an American crime writer called James Lee Burke who'd I'd strongly recommend. His central character, Dave Robicheaux would give Harry Hole a run for his money!
Was just about to post this, have downloaded the whole Dave Robicheaux series and put them on the kindle, came highly recommended by Tony Baloney. Half way through the first one, The Neon Rain, and it is excellent.
Do youse fckers ever buy anything?
Why pay when it is free ?!
Legally free?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:45:09 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:41:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:38:19 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
Quote from: CD on April 27, 2014, 07:43:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Just finished The Devil's Star - very enjoyable series alright. There's an American crime writer called James Lee Burke who'd I'd strongly recommend. His central character, Dave Robicheaux would give Harry Hole a run for his money!
Was just about to post this, have downloaded the whole Dave Robicheaux series and put them on the kindle, came highly recommended by Tony Baloney. Half way through the first one, The Neon Rain, and it is excellent.
Do youse fckers ever buy anything?
Why pay when it is free ?!
Legally free?
Terrible abuse of copyright by these feckers putting stuff on the internet.
The Dave Robicheaux books are set around Iberia, La. which was the same area in True Detective.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 27, 2014, 11:17:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:45:09 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:41:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:38:19 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
Quote from: CD on April 27, 2014, 07:43:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Just finished The Devil's Star - very enjoyable series alright. There's an American crime writer called James Lee Burke who'd I'd strongly recommend. His central character, Dave Robicheaux would give Harry Hole a run for his money!
Was just about to post this, have downloaded the whole Dave Robicheaux series and put them on the kindle, came highly recommended by Tony Baloney. Half way through the first one, The Neon Rain, and it is excellent.
Do youse fckers ever buy anything?
Why pay when it is free ?!
Legally free?
Terrible abuse of copyright by these feckers putting stuff on the internet.
The Dave Robicheaux books are set around Iberia, La. which was the same area in True Detective.
Must check out James Lee Burke novels. Currently reading Jussi Adler-Olsen's Q Department books. On 2nd novel. Enjoyed first one. Danish crime series.
If per say a Cavan man wanted these novels on their Kindle would there be any website to check out or a way of doing it?
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 30, 2014, 04:58:52 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 27, 2014, 11:17:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:45:09 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:41:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:38:19 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
Quote from: CD on April 27, 2014, 07:43:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Just finished The Devil's Star - very enjoyable series alright. There's an American crime writer called James Lee Burke who'd I'd strongly recommend. His central character, Dave Robicheaux would give Harry Hole a run for his money!
Was just about to post this, have downloaded the whole Dave Robicheaux series and put them on the kindle, came highly recommended by Tony Baloney. Half way through the first one, The Neon Rain, and it is excellent.
Do youse fckers ever buy anything?
Why pay when it is free ?!
Legally free?
Terrible abuse of copyright by these feckers putting stuff on the internet.
The Dave Robicheaux books are set around Iberia, La. which was the same area in True Detective.
Must check out James Lee Burke novels. Currently reading Jussi Adler-Olsen's Q Department books. On 2nd novel. Enjoyed first one. Danish crime series.
If per say a Cavan man wanted these novels on their Kindle would there be any website to check out or a way of doing it?
Just finished the second Carl Mørck novel. Found them good enough but in comparison to others of the genre, I would say if a non -Scandi author penned these I would say there were average enough.
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 30, 2014, 04:58:52 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 27, 2014, 11:17:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:45:09 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:41:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 08:38:19 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 27, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
Quote from: CD on April 27, 2014, 07:43:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 12:45:45 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 10, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2014, 11:38:58 AM
Off on hols over Easter, would like a couple of books for the trip.
Looking for a thriller type same vain as Dragon tattoo books, decent dective type. or best bio book
The Harry Hole books by Jo Nesbo are excellent.
Order placed, thanks
Read the first two on holidays, great books, I've placed an order for the next 3. Like the character, fcuk he's had a hard life
Just finished The Devil's Star - very enjoyable series alright. There's an American crime writer called James Lee Burke who'd I'd strongly recommend. His central character, Dave Robicheaux would give Harry Hole a run for his money!
Was just about to post this, have downloaded the whole Dave Robicheaux series and put them on the kindle, came highly recommended by Tony Baloney. Half way through the first one, The Neon Rain, and it is excellent.
Do youse fckers ever buy anything?
Why pay when it is free ?!
Legally free?
Terrible abuse of copyright by these feckers putting stuff on the internet.
The Dave Robicheaux books are set around Iberia, La. which was the same area in True Detective.
Must check out James Lee Burke novels. Currently reading Jussi Adler-Olsen's Q Department books. On 2nd novel. Enjoyed first one. Danish crime series.
If per say a Cavan man wanted these novels on their Kindle would there be any website to check out or a way of doing it?
I might still have the torrent file, with all the books on it,on my laptop, I will check later
Bit of advice needed. I'v been learning Irish on and off for a while and was wondering if there would be any basic level story books around to help a bit. I have a teach yourself book but it gets a bit boring and want something new to try. Preferably on the Kindle but books are grand too. Cheers.
Also just finished reading Shantaram and thought it was really good.
Big talk of a new Harry Potter book in progress. JK Rowlings Pottermore website crashed the other day as she published a new short publishing.
Currently reading a biography on Frank Aiken, a very interesting character was Mr Aiken.
How he transitioned from IRA leader in the tan war, one time IRA chief of staff at the end of the civil war to hob nobbing around the UN with Conor Cruise O'Brien always fascinated me.
Himself and CJH were not the best of friends at all,Aiken left FF as a result of CJH getting a cabinet position in Jack Lynchs govt, never knew that.
Good book so far, heavy going though.
Just finished Eamon Dunphy's autobiography . Good enough read even though alot of it was covered in the first book he wrote about his Millwall days.
Puts the boot in to quiet a few people and one journalist in particular which surprised me.
Halfway through a biography of James Joyce (haven't read most of his stuff). For want of a better word an interesting/ odd character. Never knew before that he liked the drink alot.
Might give Ulysses a go now.
To Rise Again at a Decent Hour by Joshua Ferris
Funny. Dentist. Jews. Identity theft.
Quote from: Canalman on July 24, 2014, 01:14:03 PM
Just finished Eamon Dunphy's autobiography . Good enough read even though alot of it was covered in the first book he wrote about his Millwall days.
Puts the boot in to quiet a few people and one journalist in particular which surprised me.
Halfway through a biography of James Joyce (haven't read most of his stuff). For want of a better word an interesting/ odd character. Never knew before that he liked the drink alot.
Might give Ulysses a go now.
Which journalist was Eamo getting stuck into?
Give Ulysses a skip. Life's too short.
Quote from: andoireabu on June 07, 2014, 05:17:22 PM
Bit of advice needed. I'v been learning Irish on and off for a while and was wondering if there would be any basic level story books around to help a bit. I have a teach yourself book but it gets a bit boring and want something new to try. Preferably on the Kindle but books are grand too. Cheers.
Also just finished reading Shantaram and thought it was really good.
Sorry andoireabu, only looking at this now. The state of Irish language publishing is cat. We're as well to be honest about that now.
A lot depends on what you mean by basic level - it's kind of general. Like, if your Irish is very basic reading a book at all won't be easy. I have two suggestions though.
The first is Seán Óg de Paor's autobiography, Lá an Phaoraigh. The Irish isn't difficult, the construction is regular and it's all very standard Irish - there's no difficult colloquialisms in there.
The second suggestion is to read a translation of a kid's book. There are three I can think of off the top of my head, but I have to confess I haven't read any of them. The first is the first Harry Potter book, the second is the Hobbit, which came out last year, I think, and the third is a translation of of Treasure Island I saw in the shops recently. As I say, I haven't read any of these translations but being kids' books the vocabulary shouldn't be too difficult. That's the theory, anyway.
Go n-éirí leat leo agus leis an teanga.
Quote from: ONeill on August 25, 2014, 08:05:12 PM
To Rise Again at a Decent Hour by Joshua Ferris
Funny. Dentist. Jews. Identity theft.
Might give it a lash but I didn't like the style of Then We Came to the End.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 25, 2014, 10:27:24 PM
Quote from: ONeill on August 25, 2014, 08:05:12 PM
To Rise Again at a Decent Hour by Joshua Ferris
Funny. Dentist. Jews. Identity theft.
Might give it a lash but I didn't like the style of Then We Came to the End.
Well a sort of similar style but the humour might make up for it.
Quote from: IolarCoisCuain on August 25, 2014, 09:02:44 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on June 07, 2014, 05:17:22 PM
Bit of advice needed. I'v been learning Irish on and off for a while and was wondering if there would be any basic level story books around to help a bit. I have a teach yourself book but it gets a bit boring and want something new to try. Preferably on the Kindle but books are grand too. Cheers.
Also just finished reading Shantaram and thought it was really good.
Sorry andoireabu, only looking at this now. The state of Irish language publishing is cat. We're as well to be honest about that now.
A lot depends on what you mean by basic level - it's kind of general. Like, if your Irish is very basic reading a book at all won't be easy. I have two suggestions though.
The first is Seán Óg de Paor's autobiography, Lá an Phaoraigh. The Irish isn't difficult, the construction is regular and it's all very standard Irish - there's no difficult colloquialisms in there.
The second suggestion is to read a translation of a kid's book. There are three I can think of off the top of my head, but I have to confess I haven't read any of them. The first is the first Harry Potter book, the second is the Hobbit, which came out last year, I think, and the third is a translation of of Treasure Island I saw in the shops recently. As I say, I haven't read any of these translations but being kids' books the vocabulary shouldn't be too difficult. That's the theory, anyway. Go n-éirí leat leo agus leis an teanga.
Cheers for that. By basic I mean that I have the stock phrases that everybody gets when they go to the classes and a bit of knowlegde on some grammer rules and prepositions and stuff like that. With a book I was hoping it would expand the vocabulary a bit more and give an idea of sentence structure and stuff like that. I don't mind if I need a dictionary beside me when I'm reading it but I think it would be grand if the content isn't too hard. I'll give it go anyway and see.
Can any Terry Pratchett readers (stuff like Discworld series etc.) advise on age appropriateness. Have read conflicting views online - which I guess is to be expected based on the individual. The eldest boy is 10 and can't keep him in books.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 28, 2014, 09:43:02 PM
Can any Terry Pratchett readers (stuff like Discworld series etc.) advise on age appropriateness. Have read conflicting views online - which I guess is to be expected based on the individual. The eldest boy is 10 and can't keep him in books.
Get him into the writing Tony.
QuoteThe eldest boy is 10 and can't keep him in books.
Buy him a kindle and join bolt.cd!
Sworn to silence - Brendan Boland
The language is easy to read, while the really difficult subject matter doesn't last too long thankfully. This sort of book ironically can leave you feeling lucky that you or your family never had an issue like the author. But is also shows that you never know what is going on, sometimes in your own home, never mind on your street.
This is a very important book about a very dark period in our history. Like it or not, devout follower or not, for most of us on this island Catholicism is part of our historical and cultural identity. This book indirectly, but profoundly, examines the relationship between families and the protectors of that identity.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sworn-Silence-Brendan-Boland/dp/009195746X (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sworn-Silence-Brendan-Boland/dp/009195746X) Kindle edition £3.32
http://www.obrien.ie/brendan-boland (http://www.obrien.ie/brendan-boland) O'Brien €11.99
http://www.easons.com/p-2916240-sworn-to-silence.aspx (http://www.easons.com/p-2916240-sworn-to-silence.aspx) Easons €8.99 eBook, €10.00 paperback
Just finished Sycamore Row by Grisham, picks up on A Time to Kill about 10 years later in Ole Mississippi........finally a book by Grisham that holds up to his first.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 28, 2014, 09:43:02 PM
Can any Terry Pratchett readers (stuff like Discworld series etc.) advise on age appropriateness. Have read conflicting views online - which I guess is to be expected based on the individual. The eldest boy is 10 and can't keep him in books.
Discworld is mostly fine, especially the older ones. Topics like war and death are referenced, but they seem funny. 10 might be a bit young. Maybe 12.
After a recent stay in Gougane Barra I am rereading the Tailor and Ansty by Eric Cross, great stuff altogether.
Glac bog an saol agus glacfaidh an saol bog tú.
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 02, 2014, 03:19:58 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 28, 2014, 09:43:02 PM
Can any Terry Pratchett readers (stuff like Discworld series etc.) advise on age appropriateness. Have read conflicting views online - which I guess is to be expected based on the individual. The eldest boy is 10 and can't keep him in books.
Discworld is mostly fine, especially the older ones. Topics like war and death are referenced, but they seem funny. 10 might be a bit young. Maybe 12.
Cheers AZ. Will keep them for another while. He started Hunger Games but didn't like it but wouldn't say why - assume because of the girls and feelings and such like :-[
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 03, 2014, 01:38:13 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 02, 2014, 03:19:58 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 28, 2014, 09:43:02 PM
Can any Terry Pratchett readers (stuff like Discworld series etc.) advise on age appropriateness. Have read conflicting views online - which I guess is to be expected based on the individual. The eldest boy is 10 and can't keep him in books.
Discworld is mostly fine, especially the older ones. Topics like war and death are referenced, but they seem funny. 10 might be a bit young. Maybe 12.
Cheers AZ. Will keep them for another while. He started Hunger Games but didn't like it but wouldn't say why - assume because of the girls and feelings and such like :-[
I'd say he'd be a wee bit young for some of the humour in the Discworld books. The Bromeliad Trilogy by Pratchett along with the Carpet People and the Johnny Maxwell trilogy are a good introduction to the author and could keep him going for a few months.
There's never been a better time to be a ten year old in terms of the books available to them. The Skulduggery Pleasant (Derek Landy) series is currently really popular along with the Young Bond books by Charlie Higson or Alex Rider stories by Anthony Horowitz. These all have 5+ books at this stage so if he reads one of them you'll hook him on a series
Quote from: CD on September 04, 2014, 07:55:12 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 03, 2014, 01:38:13 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 02, 2014, 03:19:58 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 28, 2014, 09:43:02 PM
Can any Terry Pratchett readers (stuff like Discworld series etc.) advise on age appropriateness. Have read conflicting views online - which I guess is to be expected based on the individual. The eldest boy is 10 and can't keep him in books.
Discworld is mostly fine, especially the older ones. Topics like war and death are referenced, but they seem funny. 10 might be a bit young. Maybe 12.
Cheers AZ. Will keep them for another while. He started Hunger Games but didn't like it but wouldn't say why - assume because of the girls and feelings and such like :-[
I'd say he'd be a wee bit young for some of the humour in the Discworld books. The Bromeliad Trilogy by Pratchett along with the Carpet People and the Johnny Maxwell trilogy are a good introduction to the author and could keep him going for a few months.
There's never been a better time to be a ten year old in terms of the books available to them. The Skulduggery Pleasant (Derek Landy) series is currently really popular along with the Young Bond books by Charlie Higson or Alex Rider stories by Anthony Horowitz. These all have 5+ books at this stage so if he reads one of them you'll hook him on a series
Will check the Derek Landy as he has read all the Alex Rider and Young Bond books.
Big News!
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/03/harper-lee-new-novel-to-kill-a-mockingbird
Buying books left right & centre lately and dropping them all over the house, each with a few chapters read. Pissing myself off.
Did buy, read & finish Faster, by Michael Hutchinson (aka Dr Hutch), a specialist Time Trialist. One for the cycling crowd but a fantastic read & Hutch is a very amusing guy.
Have a few sporting books waiting to be read/finished: Paul McGrath's; AP McCoy's; a biog of Marco Pantani; inside Team Sky; the McRory Cup book & a Dean (r) Koontz novel.
Quote from: bennydorano on February 20, 2015, 08:26:32 PM
Buying books left right & centre lately and dropping them all over the house, each with a few chapters read. Pissing myself off.
Did buy, read & finish Faster, by Michael Hutchinson (aka Dr Hutch), a specialist Time Trialist. One for the cycling crowd but a fantastic read & Hutch is a very amusing guy.
Have a few sporting books waiting to be read/finished: Paul McGrath's; AP McCoy's; a biog of Marco Pantani; inside Team Sky; the McRory Cup book & a Dean (r) Koontz novel.
The wife banned me buying books and bought me a kindle a few years ago for this reason. I won't throw out good books I've read and definitely won't throw anything I haven't read, which is most of them.
McGrath's is a tough read, but your respect for the man only goes up after reading it.
Quote from: muppet on February 20, 2015, 08:32:42 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 20, 2015, 08:26:32 PM
Buying books left right & centre lately and dropping them all over the house, each with a few chapters read. Pissing myself off.
Did buy, read & finish Faster, by Michael Hutchinson (aka Dr Hutch), a specialist Time Trialist. One for the cycling crowd but a fantastic read & Hutch is a very amusing guy.
Have a few sporting books waiting to be read/finished: Paul McGrath's; AP McCoy's; a biog of Marco Pantani; inside Team Sky; the McRory Cup book & a Dean (r) Koontz novel.
The wife banned me buying books and bought me a kindle a few years ago for this reason. I won't throw out good books I've read and definitely won't throw anything I haven't read, which is most of them.
McGrath's is a tough read, but your respect for the man only goes up after reading it.
Definitely. McGrath has been down a long hard road since he was a wain.
Reading 'Dispatches' about the Vietnam War. Very good so far and I noticed some of the lines in it were from Apocalypse Now, but when I googled it appears the book was a source for the film!
Another one for my collection arrived today - Eric Bristow's Autobiography, unsurprisingly called the Crafty Cockney. This one will definitely get red, love our Eric, very amusing & interesting man.
I have just avoided by the skin of my teeth resorting to listening to a book that I have been saving for the last resort, the Count of Monte Cristo.
After having started about 5 books recently and losing interest after the first chapter, I came across an audio book about the life of a real life WW2 espionage character, Eddie Chapman
Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal
http://www.amazon.com/Agent-Zigzag-Story-Espionage-Betrayal/dp/0307353419
The narrator is John Lee, he's no Richard Burton and taps his "r"s with a block hammer. The welsh english accent irritates my sensitivities when I have to listen to one narrating a book. I had to listen to John narrating Ken Follet's The Century Trilogy for about 100 (feckin') hours, but here in this book I hardly notice him, the fascinating story is just much greater than the sum of the defects.
Strange enough, my audible version of the Count of Monte Cristo is also narrated by John Lee, 44 hours long, hmmm.
Quote from: Main Street on March 04, 2015, 05:50:49 PM
I have just avoided by the skin of my teeth resorting to listening to a book that I have been saving for the last resort, the Count of Monte Cristo.
After having started about 5 books recently and losing interest after the first chapter, I came across an audio book about the life of a real life WW2 espionage character, Eddie Chapman
Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal
http://www.amazon.com/Agent-Zigzag-Story-Espionage-Betrayal/dp/0307353419
The narrator is John Lee, he's no Richard Burton and taps his "r"s with a block hammer. The welsh english accent irritates my sensitivities when I have to listen to one narrating a book. I had to listen to John narrating Ken Follet's The Century Trilogy for about 100 (feckin') hours, but here in this book I hardly notice him, the fascinating story is just much greater than the sum of the defects.
Strange enough, my audible version of the Count of Monte Cristo is also narrated by John Lee, 44 hours long, hmmm.
Absolutely loved the Count of Monte Cristo! Takes 20 pages or so to get into the mid 19th century style of writing but it's such an exceptional tale! Betrayal, treasure maps, prison breaks and vengeance. A fine cocktail! Hope you enjoy it! I read two of those Follet books too - are they about the Welsh miners who are involved in the labour movement and the war? I didn't know the third one was published.
Same here. The Count of Monte Cristo is a great read and I've also recently read the first two of Follet's trilogy - absorbing tales with great detail of mediaeval life and fascinating insights on the church architecture of the time.
Quote from: Hardy on March 04, 2015, 08:25:34 PM
Same here. The Count of Monte Cristo is a great read and I've also recently read the first two of Follet's trilogy - absorbing tales with great detail of mediaeval life and fascinating insights on the church architecture of the time.
Thats why I'm saving the Count for a special time. I'm actually itching to listen to it but keep putting it off.
The Follett century trilogy is an exceptional series but I think you have that work confused with another of Follett's efforts. There are just 2 books in that church architecture series. Probably like me you would think it incredible that one writer can conceive of so much, to put down in book form, with so much detail, that it's hard to credit that there is another series about another time, with just as much painstaking detail outlined in an absorbing drama.
try Capain Scott by Ranulph Feinnes. Then try The Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford. Then consider who you believe
Both very good reads on a gripping subject matter but with such opposing views on a matter of literaly life and death you have to take a side.
Quote from: Main Street on March 04, 2015, 10:13:58 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 04, 2015, 08:25:34 PM
Same here. The Count of Monte Cristo is a great read and I've also recently read the first two of Follet's trilogy - absorbing tales with great detail of mediaeval life and fascinating insights on the church architecture of the time.
Thats why I'm saving the Count for a special time. I'm actually itching to listen to it but keep putting it off.
The Follett century trilogy is an exceptional series but I think you have that work confused with another of Follett's efforts. There are just 2 books in that church architecture series. Probably like me you would think it incredible that one writer can conceive of so much, to put down in book form, with so much detail, that it's hard to credit that there is another series about another time, with just as much painstaking detail outlined in an absorbing drama.
I recently had The Pillars of the Earth recommended to me. Worth it?
Quote from: Main Street on March 04, 2015, 10:13:58 PM
The Follett century trilogy is an exceptional series but I think you have that work confused with another of Follett's efforts. There are just 2 books in that church architecture series.
You're dead right - I thought the Kingsbridge story was a trilogy and I was looking forward to part three. The consolation is I have the century trilogy to look forward to.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 04, 2015, 10:48:36 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 04, 2015, 10:13:58 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 04, 2015, 08:25:34 PM
Same here. The Count of Monte Cristo is a great read and I've also recently read the first two of Follet's trilogy - absorbing tales with great detail of mediaeval life and fascinating insights on the church architecture of the time.
Thats why I'm saving the Count for a special time. I'm actually itching to listen to it but keep putting it off.
The Follett century trilogy is an exceptional series but I think you have that work confused with another of Follett's efforts. There are just 2 books in that church architecture series. Probably like me you would think it incredible that one writer can conceive of so much, to put down in book form, with so much detail, that it's hard to credit that there is another series about another time, with just as much painstaking detail outlined in an absorbing drama.
I recently had The Pillars of the Earth recommended to me. Worth it?
Definitely.
Mark Beaumont - The man who cycled the Americas. Similar to what big Dara and Ed Byrne are doing for their tv show at the minute. Great read
Reading the first Game of Thrones book and have to say it is excellent .
Quote from: Canalman on March 05, 2015, 09:40:53 AM
Reading the first Game of Thrones book and have to say it is excellent .
Read it also and onto the second one, albeit on my phone in PDF format, thanks to a fellow GAA boarder.
Decided to buy the next few books off amazon as the screen got cracked on the phone. Can't wait to get at them!
Lads, slight twist on the topic. I do a good bit of up and down to Dublin in the car, so I've been listening to eBooks from Audible. I've really enjoyed the Robert B Parker books, the Spenser series, read by Joe Montegna. I then went on to listen to 4 Ace Atkins books, as he's the guy who has authored some of the more recent Spenser books since Parker has died. They were also very good. I enjoyed the NYPD Red and the Michael Bennett books by James Patterson. I've also enjoyed James Lee Burke's books.
Anything else in that line that I should listen to? The narrator is very important, so no annoying nasally readers please. Crime and Thriller appears to be my genre of choice, although I have listened to things like The Second World War by Anthony Beever, Churchill's the Second World War and various sports books like Ball 4, The Oldest Rookie, Bums etc.
All suggestions welcome :)
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 09, 2015, 02:17:52 PM
Lads, slight twist on the topic. I do a good bit of up and down to Dublin in the car, so I've been listening to eBooks from Audible. I've really enjoyed the Robert B Parker books, the Spenser series, read by Joe Montegna. I then went on to listen to 4 Ace Atkins books, as he's the guy who has authored some of the more recent Spenser books since Parker has died. They were also very good. I enjoyed the NYPD Red and the Michael Bennett books by James Patterson. I've also enjoyed James Lee Burke's books.
Anything else in that line that I should listen to? The narrator is very important, so no annoying nasally readers please. Crime and Thriller appears to be my genre of choice, although I have listened to things like The Second World War by Anthony Beever, Churchill's the Second World War and various sports books like Ball 4, The Oldest Rookie, Bums etc.
All suggestions welcome :)
i do the same but don't really like fiction.
Bill Bryson's books are worth a read/listen.
One Summer is very good as is a
Brief History of Nearly Everything (I read it before but have it on again at the moment).
I also enjoyed Lewis & Clarke by Ken Burns & Dayton Duncan, and Stephen Fry's & Hugh Laurie's various autobiographies (Fry reads his own books).
Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch or Ian Rankin's Rebus (if you can stick the Scottish accent).
Can you play excerpts anywhere before you buy?
Yeah I've read all the Bosch ones, or heard more accurately. You can preview in Audible, which is what I use.
Have you tried the Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben - don't know who's the narrator, but it's a series about a former basketballer turned private detective (good craic and good stories). No idea how they'd transfer from the page to 'de wireless' though.
I read those books on paper, but I wouldn't mind listening to them again. Actually I never thought of Coben in general. Cheers.
The discussion reminds me - if I was spending long hours on the road again, I'd use the opportunity to learn a language. I commuted daily between Limerick and Cork for about six months one time. Three hours a day on the road, five days a week. That's nearly 400 hours when I could have been listening to language CDs (as the technology was then). I'd have been fluent in Spanish, French, Tyronian or whatever.
Narration is almost everything with an audio book. Most audio renditions of the Graham Greene collection are marred by an awful narration.
Generally anything read by gorgeous George Guidall http://georgeguidall.com (http://georgeguidall.com)is worth consideration. He would make Snow White sound like a classic tale of intrigue and mystery. Amongst the large collection of books he has completed, he narrated the Alex Berenson series of books, about an ex cia agent doing freelance assignments and he turned a run of the mill cliche into gold.
This was the first audio book, Master and Margarita, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XBhZ-KknEQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XBhZ-KknEQ) I listened to that was narrated by George, after that we became best friends.
Gain, don't know what the audio is like, but I'd recommend the David Downing WW2 spy-thrillers as a good series to possibly listen to - a good deal more 'accessible' and less stiff-upper-lip than the Le Carré's.
Quote from: Billys Boots on March 10, 2015, 11:40:39 AM
Gain, don't know what the audio is like, but I'd recommend the David Downing WW2 spy-thrillers as a good series to possibly listen to - a good deal more 'accessible' and less stiff-upper-lip than the Le Carré's.
I have read a few of the "Station books", a nice read alright. He seems ot capture the atmosphere of the time (or at least how I imagined it).
Another easy read is the Peter James "Dead" books, set in and around Brighton.
Though you only need to read/listen to one of the Peter James brighton books, there's a striking sameness about them and plots that you have come across before.
Here's a few of my experiences with audio books, not a book review per se.
Ian Rankin's book get a good rendition on audio.
The Fandoran series are just a superb listen
one or two of John Grisham's are made for audio
Martin Cruz Smith - imo a disappointment, a very mundane listen
Philip Kerr's books about that Berlin sleuth, ex policeman, whatshis name, Bernie? great on audio
Robert Harris - Rome historical dramas Cicero all good on audio plus he has others.
Scott Turow - a bore
Jo Nesbo - would be an acquired taste, a very slow paced and deliberate rendition of the narrative.
Harry Bosch books - all very good. Afair the series actually gets better as the main character ages.
Haruki Murakami - a difficult listen
As mentioned before, Ken Follet's mammoths will keep you entertained for a year.
Robert Littell - 3 books about spies were very good, I find them easier to listen to than crusty le Carre.
Alan Furst - the Spies of Warsaw etc, a whole WW2 series all are a very good listen.
John Banville - I just couldn't listen to, though I loved that Quirke tv drama
Definitely some books are for reading not listening, anything by Arthur Koestler, Solzhenitsyn.
Stephen King on audio is not for me, though the one on JFK assassination was entertainingly narrated.
The Coben books narrative, for me was too whimsical, I listened to 2 and lost interest in the third, just the same stuff but in a different sport.
QuoteThe Fandoran series are just a superb listen
By Boris Akunin - the stories will shorten any journey. Fabulous series - good call, MS.
Quote from: Billys Boots on March 10, 2015, 01:39:58 PM
QuoteThe Fandoran series are just a superb listen
By Boris Akunin - the stories will shorten any journey. Fabulous series - good call, MS.
As recommended by you Boots? Just a great read.
Quote from: ziggy90 on March 11, 2015, 07:56:25 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on March 10, 2015, 01:39:58 PM
QuoteThe Fandoran series are just a superb listen
By Boris Akunin - the stories will shorten any journey. Fabulous series - good call, MS.
As recommended by you Boots? Just a great read.
When it comes to books, Boots is the man, or woman.
Thanks for saying nice things about me - you're in a significant minority.
Have come across a neglected series of books recently, that was probably ahead of its time - written and set in early 1980s Northern Italy (by an Englishman, Timothy Williams). Have read the first one 'Converging Parallels' in the Commissario Trotti series - in an unnamed Italian town while the Aldo Moro kidnapping by the Red Brigades was happening. Very reminiscent (if it can be, having happened prior to the event) of Dibdin's Inspector Zen series.
For anyone interested, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Williams_%28author%29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Williams_%28author%29). Available on amazon.com for kindle - I have a copy of the first one if anyone wants to give it a go.
John Sandford anyone; Virgil Flowers or Lucas Davenport?
On a slight tangent, does anybody else do this? When I'm reading, or listening to one of those Bosch, Bennett, Spenser, Bolitor etc, books I like to go into Google Earth and pick out the locations they are talking about. Then I go into street view and have a look around. Sad I know, but I enjoy it :)
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2015, 09:06:52 AM
On a slight tangent, does anybody else do this? When I'm reading, or listening to one of those Bosch, Bennett, Spenser, Bolitor etc, books I like to go into Google Earth and pick out the locations they are talking about. Then I go into street view and have a look around. Sad I know, but I enjoy it :)
Yep.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2015, 09:06:52 AM
On a slight tangent, does anybody else do this? When I'm reading, or listening to one of those Bosch, Bennett, Spenser, Bolitor etc, books I like to go into Google Earth and pick out the locations they are talking about. Then I go into street view and have a look around. Sad I know, but I enjoy it :)
What you mean is there anyone who doesn't do this?! ;D I remember checking out some sort of funicular/cable car system in one of the Bosch books. Handy for a wee tour of Edinburgh if you need to track Rebus around Morningside or Longniddrie.
Anyone read The Twelve by Stuart Neville (2009)? Only reading it now....
On the issue of audio books - a real no-no from me. Tried it once but really missed seeing the beauty of words on a page.
Quote from: ONeill on March 12, 2015, 10:05:42 PM
Anyone read The Twelve by Stuart Neville (2009)? Only reading it now....
On the issue of audio books - a real no-no from me. Tried it once but really missed seeing the beauty of words on a page.
Aye. I have liked all his stuff I have read to date.
Glad to hear it. Took me a while to get used to his style as he leaves nothing implicit but I suppose that's because I'm from here and he maybe needs to spell out what the troubles were like to non-norn-ironers. Tiny bit cliched, especially the dissidents, but you buy into it eventually.
The character Paddy Hopkirk is based on a fella from up home. I tweeted Neville at the time and he said he couldn't possibly comment!
Ratlines is an interesting read too. All his stuff is decent but you'll not have your socks blown off. Adrian McKinty's Sean Duffy trilogy might be worth checking out too. I enjoyed them but maybe it's easier to have lower expectations for local stuff.
Quote from: ONeill on March 12, 2015, 10:05:42 PM
Anyone read The Twelve by Stuart Neville (2009)? Only reading it now....
On the issue of audio books - a real no-no from me. Tried it once but really missed seeing the beauty of words on a page.
Trying it once is not really trying is it? it's called giving up and probably just using that 'mini' experience to confirm a prejudice.
Words and expressions also have a beauty when spoken, beauty is in the perception.
First choice may well be to read the book yourself and weave your own world from the book. Having a book read to you is a different experience altogether and much depends on the quality of the narrator (as I already expressed) .
A good book can be belittled by a poor narration but an average book can be enhanced.
For many people, they listen better than they can read. For me, my imagination works very good when I listen, maybe one reason why some students do better when they listen to a lecture in class than if they just had to read the text of the lecture quietly.
If I have to write something, then I'll turn on the system voice (Daniel or Bruce) in text to speech and hear how it sounds.
The second great advantage is the ability to listen to an audio book during all those times when it's impossible to read text. But one has to listen or acquire/develop the art of good listening, sometimes words go in and out, then once can just replay the chapter,
The book 'Alone in Berlin' by Hans Fallada http://www.spiked-online.com/review_of_books/article/10472 (http://www.spiked-online.com/review_of_books/article/10472) has already been lauded here It's a masterpiece which tells of ordinary folk, Anna and Otto and their journey from loyal followers of Hitler (at least Otto) to a dogged spirited revolt against the Nazi state.
There's another side to the underground revolt and that's the story told in the book The Red Orchestra by Anne Nelson,
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/books/review/Herzog-t.html?_r=0 (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/books/review/Herzog-t.html?_r=0) a historical account of various resistance groups in Berlin. The name the Red Orchestra implies that were part of the red (communist) resistance throughout nazi occupied europe, but this group had hardly any communists. They were mostly middle class and upper class German who pretty much managed to acquire nearly every worthwhile nazi war plan and pass it on to the allies, some were high ranking members of the nazi war ministry, like Anna and Otto) distributed anti nazi literature and helped jews escape.
The chapters after nazi Germany was defeated are also very revealing, as the surviving members of the red orchestra were derided as traitors and communists by nazi elements who had easily managed to re-embed themselves in West German society.
Did you know that widows of executed german officers executed for resistance to the nazi war machine, were refused a war widows pension until 1967 (I think), they were regarded as traitors, whereas families of certified nazi criminals were 'cleansed' in 1949 and 1954. Here's one very good article about how one such group, the families of the July 20 "plotters", were treated.
http://www.newsweek.com/2014/08/15/look-behind-plot-kill-hitler-263200.html (http://www.newsweek.com/2014/08/15/look-behind-plot-kill-hitler-263200.html)
Dieter Bonhoeffer, the famous anti nazi pastor executed in 1945 did not receive a pardon for his "crime" until 1996.
http://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/16/world/after-50-years-german-court-exonerates-anti-hitler-pastor.html (http://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/16/world/after-50-years-german-court-exonerates-anti-hitler-pastor.html)
Quote from: ONeill on March 12, 2015, 10:05:42 PM
Anyone read The Twelve by Stuart Neville (2009)? Only reading it now....
On the issue of audio books - a real no-no from me. Tried it once but really missed seeing the beauty of words on a page.
Audio is not as good as the written word, but the latter is tricky while driving.
I have started with audiobooks recently myself, as i have quite a lengthy comute to work, so they are great for that.
I have only listened to a couple of non fiction type ones so far,Outliers by malcom galdwell & the undercover economist by tim harford, (both of which were interesting listens)
im not sure i would like a novel read by someone else, but gonna give it a go.
The next one i have lined up is Cormac Mccarthys 'Border trilogy' read by Brad Pit, so hoping that will be good.
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on March 19, 2015, 09:48:10 AM
I have started with audiobooks recently myself, as i have quite a lengthy comute to work, so they are great for that.
I have only listened to a couple of non fiction type ones so far,Outliers by malcom galdwell & the undercover economist by tim harford, (both of which were interesting listens)
im not sure i would like a novel read by someone else, but gonna give it a go.
The next one i have lined up is Cormac Mccarthys 'Border trilogy' read by Brad Pit, so hoping that will be good.
I read the trilogy a couple of years back and would certainly rank them among the modern American classics. Three absolutely beautiful books - the kind of books that had me rereading whole passages just because they were so good! If you like these I'd recommend Lonesome Dove, Riders of the Purple Sage and the Virginian!
Quote from: Main Street on March 18, 2015, 11:57:33 AM
Quote from: ONeill on March 12, 2015, 10:05:42 PM
Anyone read The Twelve by Stuart Neville (2009)? Only reading it now....
On the issue of audio books - a real no-no from me. Tried it once but really missed seeing the beauty of words on a page.
Trying it once is not really trying is it? it's called giving up and probably just using that 'mini' experience to confirm a prejudice.
Words and expressions also have a beauty when spoken, beauty is in the perception.
First choice may well be to read the book yourself and weave your own world from the book. Having a book read to you is a different experience altogether and much depends on the quality of the narrator (as I already expressed) .
A good book can be belittled by a poor narration but an average book can be enhanced.
For many people, they listen better than they can read. For me, my imagination works very good when I listen, maybe one reason why some students do better when they listen to a lecture in class than if they just had to read the text of the lecture quietly.
If I have to write something, then I'll turn on the system voice (Daniel or Bruce) in text to speech and hear how it sounds.
The second great advantage is the ability to listen to an audio book during all those times when it's impossible to read text. But one has to listen or acquire/develop the art of good listening, sometimes words go in and out, then once can just replay the chapter,
No harm in admitting you're stupid. Well played.
Santi claus got me 4 irish sporting books which I've just finished.
Brian O'Driscoll - not bad although you get the feeling he could have said alot more.
Jim Stynes - good read but focuses more on his cancer suffering than aussie rules career. What did I expect I suppose
Roy Keane - interesting reading about his Sunderland and Ipswich days.
Paul Galvin - excellent but would have liked some detail on the big games v Tyrone
Quote from: Sandy Hill on March 11, 2015, 11:05:56 PM
John Sandford anyone; Virgil Flowers or Lucas Davenport?
Great read, it only gets better with each book. Virgil is a tough SOB not only physically but with his deduction capabilities.
The three series I have been reading the past month- The Remaining by DJ Molles- great series, on the 5th book. A disease takes hold of the US and puts infected in a zombie state(infected). Great series and can't wait for the sixth book. Supposedly DJ is putting out 8-9 books in the series.
http://www.goodreads.com/series/85391-the-remaining
Bernard Cornwell , The Warrior Chronicles/Saxon Stories- on the third book and it gets better with each book. Seven books in total maybe another 1-2 afterwards but a great read. Also look at his other series http://www.bernardcornwell.net/books-by-bernard-cornwell/.
Edward Rutherfurd....Princes of Ireland. There is suppose to be three more in the series and the first one was fantastic.
http://edwardrutherfurd.com/princes-of-ireland
Quote from: Main Street on March 18, 2015, 01:23:37 PM
The book 'Alone in Berlin' by Hans Fallada http://www.spiked-online.com/review_of_books/article/10472 (http://www.spiked-online.com/review_of_books/article/10472) has already been lauded here It's a masterpiece which tells of ordinary folk, Anna and Otto and their journey from loyal followers of Hitler (at least Otto) to a dogged spirited revolt against the Nazi state.
Enjoyed that one myself.
Quote from: CD on March 19, 2015, 06:26:55 PM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on March 19, 2015, 09:48:10 AM
I have started with audiobooks recently myself, as i have quite a lengthy comute to work, so they are great for that.
I have only listened to a couple of non fiction type ones so far,Outliers by malcom galdwell & the undercover economist by tim harford, (both of which were interesting listens)
im not sure i would like a novel read by someone else, but gonna give it a go.
The next one i have lined up is Cormac Mccarthys 'Border trilogy' read by Brad Pit, so hoping that will be good.
I read the trilogy a couple of years back and would certainly rank them among the modern American classics. Three absolutely beautiful books - the kind of books that had me rereading whole passages just because they were so good! If you like these I'd recommend Lonesome Dove, Riders of the Purple Sage and the Virginian!
As a big fan of Cormac McCarthy, I'd agree and throw in another recent one - 'The Son' by Philipp Meyer. This was my first book of 2015, 13 books later and, although some have been close, it's still my book of the year so far...
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2015, 09:06:52 AM
On a slight tangent, does anybody else do this? When I'm reading, or listening to one of those Bosch, Bennett, Spenser, Bolitor etc, books I like to go into Google Earth and pick out the locations they are talking about. Then I go into street view and have a look around. Sad I know, but I enjoy it :)
You don't be long learning about the LA freeway system layout with those Connolly books.
Quote from: DrinkingHarp on March 21, 2015, 07:58:56 AM
The three series I have been reading the past month- The Remaining by DJ Molles- great series, on the 5th book. A disease takes hold of the US and puts infected in a zombie state(infected). Great series and can't wait for the sixth book. Supposedly DJ is putting out 8-9 books in the series.
http://www.goodreads.com/series/85391-the-remaining
Bernard Cornwell , The Warrior Chronicles/Saxon Stories- on the third book and it gets better with each book. Seven books in total maybe another 1-2 afterwards but a great read. Also look at his other series http://www.bernardcornwell.net/books-by-bernard-cornwell/.
Edward Rutherfurd....Princes of Ireland. There is suppose to be three more in the series and the first one was fantastic.
http://edwardrutherfurd.com/princes-of-ireland
The Cornwell books are very good. The Rutherford books sound ideal for me, will get stuck into those when time allows.
Quote from: LeoMc on March 23, 2015, 10:33:31 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2015, 09:06:52 AM
On a slight tangent, does anybody else do this? When I'm reading, or listening to one of those Bosch, Bennett, Spenser, Bolitor etc, books I like to go into Google Earth and pick out the locations they are talking about. Then I go into street view and have a look around. Sad I know, but I enjoy it :)
You don't be long learning about the LA freeway system layout with those Connolly books.
And John Patterson's Michael Bennett's are great for Manhattan and New York generally. He is so precise with his locations, you can trace car chases, or foot chases exactly.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 23, 2015, 03:29:39 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on March 23, 2015, 10:33:31 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2015, 09:06:52 AM
On a slight tangent, does anybody else do this? When I'm reading, or listening to one of those Bosch, Bennett, Spenser, Bolitor etc, books I like to go into Google Earth and pick out the locations they are talking about. Then I go into street view and have a look around. Sad I know, but I enjoy it :)
You don't be long learning about the LA freeway system layout with those Connolly books.
And John Patterson's Michael Bennett's are great for Manhattan and New York generally. He is so precise with his locations, you can trace car chases, or foot chases exactly.
Bennett novels good? I have read one or two but gave up on the James Patterson fiction factory a few years ago after reading a few that were real writing by numbers jobs.
They're ok. Bosch is better. And Spenser, by Robert B Parker, is the benchmark for all of them as far as I am concerned.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 11:57:40 AM
They're ok. Bosch is better. And Spenser, by Robert B Parker, is the benchmark for all of them as far as I am concerned.
Cheers, will check these out.
Reading a Reacher at the minute and they are getting a bit tired imo.
I envy you if you're just starting out on Spenser.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 24, 2015, 01:57:31 PM
Reading a Reacher at the minute and they are getting a bit tired imo.
I'm on book 18...
Quote from: Rois on March 24, 2015, 02:09:47 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 24, 2015, 01:57:31 PM
Reading a Reacher at the minute and they are getting a bit tired imo.
I'm on book 18...
What's it about? In the one I am reading he is chasing down a sniper(s) in Paris and London. It's actually okay but there have been a few duds along the way (I think I have read them all in some sense of order to date).
Yeah I am reading in order so I must be nearing the end soon.
I'm just starting this one, Reacher has just beat up two army guys. He's going to meet up with the MP girl that he spoke to on the phone in one of the previous novels.
I've just finished reading 'Look who's Back' by Timur Vermes, a book, translated from German, about Hitler suddenly waking up in modern day Berlin. It's a biting satire on political/media/celebrity culture, an interesting concept and read.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 24, 2015, 03:59:27 PM
I've just finished reading 'Look who's Back' by Timur Vermes, a book, translated from German, about Hitler suddenly waking up in modern day Berlin. It's a biting satire on political/media/celebrity culture, an interesting concept and read.
Thanks Harold, will certainly give that a go.
Quote from: Rois on March 24, 2015, 02:31:38 PM
Yeah I am reading in order so I must be nearing the end soon.
I'm just starting this one, Reacher has just beat up two army guys. He's going to meet up with the MP girl that he spoke to on the phone in one of the previous novels.
Never Go Back. I'm on Personal the one ahead of that and I think the latest.
Quote from: Billys Boots on March 24, 2015, 07:22:13 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 24, 2015, 03:59:27 PM
I've just finished reading 'Look who's Back' by Timur Vermes, a book, translated from German, about Hitler suddenly waking up in modern day Berlin. It's a biting satire on political/media/celebrity culture, an interesting concept and read.
Thanks Harold, will certainly give that a go.
The cover is very clever.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mTGTAIaxL.jpg)
[http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mTGTAIaxL.jpg][/img]
Voices from the back of the Bus. Stewart McKinney. V good.
I finally got round to listening to Night by Elie Wiesel, narrated to perfection by George Guidall. It's a compact account with not a superfluos word, about a father and son's journey into the night of the holocaust, joined together in an unbreakable bond of love but the night did finally break the bond of that most fundamental of human relationships.
I was reminded of The Road by Cormac McCarthy, even though the journey on the Road was a playground adventure compared to the Night. I suppose it was just the father son thing.
Rivera of Time by John Swain.
Memoir of a war reporter in 70's Indochina. Beautifully written, it evokes all the horrors and brutality of Vietnam and the Khmer Rouge but also makes you understand how he fell in love with the region in spite of this.
Quote from: OnTheLine on March 22, 2015, 09:55:04 AM
Quote from: CD on March 19, 2015, 06:26:55 PM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on March 19, 2015, 09:48:10 AM
I have started with audiobooks recently myself, as i have quite a lengthy comute to work, so they are great for that.
I have only listened to a couple of non fiction type ones so far,Outliers by malcom galdwell & the undercover economist by tim harford, (both of which were interesting listens)
im not sure i would like a novel read by someone else, but gonna give it a go.
The next one i have lined up is Cormac Mccarthys 'Border trilogy' read by Brad Pit, so hoping that will be good.
I read the trilogy a couple of years back and would certainly rank them among the modern American classics. Three absolutely beautiful books - the kind of books that had me rereading whole passages just because they were so good! If you like these I'd recommend Lonesome Dove, Riders of the Purple Sage and the Virginian!
As a big fan of Cormac McCarthy, I'd agree and throw in another recent one - 'The Son' by Philipp Meyer. This was my first book of 2015, 13 books later and, although some have been close, it's still my book of the year so far...
Thanks for the Philipp Meyer recommendation- started on American Rust. Half way through and loving it so far. I have The Son sitting ready to go next. Very much in the line of Cormac McCarthy with a hint of John Irving.
Quote from: CD on April 18, 2015, 08:28:43 PM
Quote from: OnTheLine on March 22, 2015, 09:55:04 AM
Quote from: CD on March 19, 2015, 06:26:55 PM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on March 19, 2015, 09:48:10 AM
I have started with audiobooks recently myself, as i have quite a lengthy comute to work, so they are great for that.
I have only listened to a couple of non fiction type ones so far,Outliers by malcom galdwell & the undercover economist by tim harford, (both of which were interesting listens)
im not sure i would like a novel read by someone else, but gonna give it a go.
The next one i have lined up is Cormac Mccarthys 'Border trilogy' read by Brad Pit, so hoping that will be good.
I read the trilogy a couple of years back and would certainly rank them among the modern American classics. Three absolutely beautiful books - the kind of books that had me rereading whole passages just because they were so good! If you like these I'd recommend Lonesome Dove, Riders of the Purple Sage and the Virginian!
As a big fan of Cormac McCarthy, I'd agree and throw in another recent one - 'The Son' by Philipp Meyer. This was my first book of 2015, 13 books later and, although some have been close, it's still my book of the year so far...
Thanks for the Philipp Meyer recommendation- started on American Rust. Half way through and loving it so far. I have The Son sitting ready to go next. Very much in the line of Cormac McCarthy with a hint of John Irving.
No problem - he was a great find for me so glad others are liking his stuff too. I have American Rust lined up for next.. and Larry McMurtry's latest, The Last Kind Words Saloon (about Wyatt Earp & Doc Holliday) for after that. It's been a few years since I went through my Cormac McCarthy phase, so I'm looking forward to these a lot..
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 11:57:40 AM
They're ok. Bosch is better. And Spenser, by Robert B Parker, is the benchmark for all of them as far as I am concerned.
Have you tried Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp series)?
Similar vein, and very good I thought.
I haven't. By coincidence I have an Audible Credit to spend so I might get one now.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 24, 2015, 03:59:27 PM
I've just finished reading 'Look who's Back' by Timur Vermes, a book, translated from German, about Hitler suddenly waking up in modern day Berlin. It's a biting satire on political/media/celebrity culture, an interesting concept and read.
Finished it over the weekend, Harold - thanks for the tip. Really enjoyed it - very funny satire on modern life. I particularly enjoyed the rant about how crap political parties were nowadays, apart from the Greens.
Reading: Toll the Hounds (Book 8 of the Malazan Books of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson).
Listening: The Way of Kings (Book 1 of the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson).
Watching: Game of Thrones.
Very much in a Fantasy zone at the moment. ;D
All are excellent.
Quote from: Hound on April 20, 2015, 09:07:49 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 11:57:40 AM
They're ok. Bosch is better. And Spenser, by Robert B Parker, is the benchmark for all of them as far as I am concerned.
Have you tried Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp series)?
Similar vein, and very good I thought.
They're a decent series alright and easy to read - very formulaic though.
Also the whole theme of 'I don't care how muslims I kill if it potentially saves one American life' graits a bit
Almost finished the Mitch Rapp first book now. It's not at all like Spenser I have to say. Spenser is way more wise cracking and a real pulp fiction kind of PI. Of course the Rapp series may develop more in the next books, but at the moment he seems more like a Jack Reacher character than a Spenser character.
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 28, 2015, 09:33:09 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 24, 2015, 03:59:27 PM
I've just finished reading 'Look who's Back' by Timur Vermes, a book, translated from German, about Hitler suddenly waking up in modern day Berlin. It's a biting satire on political/media/celebrity culture, an interesting concept and read.
Finished it over the weekend, Harold - thanks for the tip. Really enjoyed it - very funny satire on modern life. I particularly enjoyed the rant about how crap political parties were nowadays, apart from the Greens.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Recently read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, not bad but the ending is a tad disappointing, I haven't seen the film, maybe it's better?
Currently reading Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada, outstanding so far. Next up are The Lady from Zagreb, the latest Bernie Gunther from Philip Kerr and Dead Girl Walking by Chris Brookmyre.
I'm reading 'The Caveman' by Jorn Lier Horst - he has a very well written series of nordic crime novels featuring William Wisting a Norwegian detective. This is the 4th translated into English - if you like readin in order, start with 'Dregs'. Highly recommended.
Bernie Gunther's next. :)
I'll check him out, thanks for the recommendations.
Just finished The Border Trilogy by cormac Mccarthy on audiobook and have to say it is fantastic, the reading of it by Brad Pit really makes it. Perfectly suited to reading that type of thing.
You can get all 3 books together on audible.
Just finished a biography about Kim Philby the spy. Cracking read and very hard sometimes to believe it was all true. Think it was called Kim Philby and his friends or something like that. Seems the guy could charm the birds from the trees.
Racing through the secong Game of Thrones book. Very good like the first one. I would have sneered at anyone in the past that said such fantasy (for want of a better term) books were worth a read.
Quote from: Canalman on April 29, 2015, 11:10:09 AM
Just finished a biography about Kim Philby the spy. Cracking read and very hard sometimes to believe it was all true. Think it was called Kim Philby and his friends or something like that. Seems the guy could charm the birds from the trees.
Racing through the secong Game of Thrones book. Very good like the first one. I would have sneered at anyone in the past that said such fantasy (for want of a better term) books were worth a read.
I'm having the same experience with the Hunger Games series. Wouldn't have believed I'd read anything like it, but I'm on the third one. It's harmless but compelling stuff. After reading the Stig Larsson series, here I am again enjoying a trilogy with a seventeen-year-old girl as protagonist. Should I seek help? (Suzanne Collins is no Stig Larsson, though.)
I had almost resorted to going to my standby classic The Count of MC when I got diverted by David Benioff - City of Thieves.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1971304.City_of_Thieves (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1971304.City_of_Thieves)
I have to admit, I have been ground into the dirt by the grim, clichéd, NKVD, hard crusted black bread depictions by non- russian writers on the russian disposition, during Stalin and post-Stalin eras. Therefore I approached this book with trepidation aplenty, especialy considering it's about 2 Russian souls inside a Leningrad under siege during WW2, and it's wintertime with a vengeance. But life throws up some pleasant surprises, just when we think we have a few things figured out, this book is pure joy so far, I'm about half way through.
Has anyone read AP McCoy's book? I recently read Tim S. Grover's "Relentless", he was the famous coach of Dwayne Wade among other high profile basketball stars. Brilliant insight into the dedication and determination of those guys.
Quote from: 50fiftyball on May 06, 2015, 12:37:55 PM
Has anyone read AP McCoy's book? I recently read Tim S. Grover's "Relentless", he was the famous coach of Dwayne Wade among other high profile basketball stars. Brilliant insight into the dedication and determination of those guys.
Yep. Excellent read. £3.66 if you have a Kindle
Just finished "the Passage" by Jason Cronin. New twist on vampires. Very very good 7/10 It is part 1 of a trilogy so looking forward to finishing the series.
You don't give marks easily Iceman. Very Very good only gets a 7/10.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 28, 2015, 02:59:28 PM
Almost finished the Mitch Rapp first book now. It's not at all like Spenser I have to say. Spenser is way more wise cracking and a real pulp fiction kind of PI. Of course the Rapp series may develop more in the next books, but at the moment he seems more like a Jack Reacher character than a Spenser character.
Just tried one of the Mitch Rapp books, as you says he is a bit Jack Reacher but not as likeable though I have borrowed another one to see if he will grow on me.
Must look out for the Spenser ones if they compare favourably with Bosch. Am almost our of Lee Child & Michael Connolly books so looking for something new.
Am also working through David Dowlings "Station" series and they are a nice wee read also.
Spenser is the man if you like the wisecracking PI type. He goes a bit too heavy at times, especially with his love interest and his feelings about her, but all in all they are a great read.
Quote from: LeoMc on June 02, 2015, 10:57:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 28, 2015, 02:59:28 PM
Almost finished the Mitch Rapp first book now. It's not at all like Spenser I have to say. Spenser is way more wise cracking and a real pulp fiction kind of PI. Of course the Rapp series may develop more in the next books, but at the moment he seems more like a Jack Reacher character than a Spenser character.
Just tried one of the Mitch Rapp books, as you says he is a bit Jack Reacher but not as likeable though I have borrowed another one to see if he will grow on me.
Must look out for the Spenser ones if they compare favourably with Bosch. Am almost our of Lee Child & Michael Connolly books so looking for something new.
Am also working through David Dowlings "Station" series and they are a nice wee read also.
I recently read a David Baldacci book with a character John Puller. If I was Lee Child I'd be consulting my lawyers!
I dug back into my collection of Elvis Cole books by Robert Crais. Similar to Bosch etc., in fact they are neighbours in the books and Bosch gets referenced in one of them.
"The Popes - A History" by JJ Norwich - a fine read.
I've been hearing Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series (Master and Commander, etc.) proclaimed for years as being among the best historical fiction there is. Most recently, I heard a re-broadcast interview with Derek Davis about his favourite books and he put these at the top of his list. So I decided to treat myself.
I'm nearly half way through Master and Commander and I'm beginning to wonder. So far, there's no plot, hardly any character development, no sympathetic characters at all (the hero you're invited to identify with is a pirate in British navy uniform, motivated solely by greed) and nothing has happened except the ship sailing up and down, over and across the Mediterranean. It would be fascinating on the minutiae of sailing ships and their rigging, get-up and oddly-named bits and pieces if that wasn't more or less all there is.
Has anybody here read these and am I missing something? Or is it just taking a long time to warm up?
Quote from: Hardy on June 04, 2015, 12:02:05 PM
I've been hearing Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series (Master and Commander, etc.) proclaimed for years as being among the best historical fiction there is. Most recently, I heard a re-broadcast interview with Derek Davis about his favourite books and he put these at the top of his list. So I decided to treat myself.
I'm nearly half way through Master and Commander and I'm beginning to wonder. So far, there's no plot, hardly any character development, no sympathetic characters at all (the hero you're invited to identify with is a pirate in British navy uniform, motivated solely by greed) and nothing has happened except the ship sailing up and down, over and across the Mediterranean. It would be fascinating on the minutiae of sailing ships and their rigging, get-up and oddly-named bits and pieces if that wasn't more or less all there is.
Has anybody here read these and am I missing something? Or is it just taking a long time to warm up?
I started the first book in the series a few months ago on a flight and gave up after two chapters.
Finished Book 2 of Justin Cronin's series. 1st was the Passage, this booked called the twelve. Just as good as the first one 7/10 read it!!
Quote from: Hardy on June 04, 2015, 12:02:05 PM
I've been hearing Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series (Master and Commander, etc.) proclaimed for years as being among the best historical fiction there is. Most recently, I heard a re-broadcast interview with Derek Davis about his favourite books and he put these at the top of his list. So I decided to treat myself.
I'm nearly half way through Master and Commander and I'm beginning to wonder. So far, there's no plot, hardly any character development, no sympathetic characters at all (the hero you're invited to identify with is a pirate in British navy uniform, motivated solely by greed) and nothing has happened except the ship sailing up and down, over and across the Mediterranean. It would be fascinating on the minutiae of sailing ships and their rigging, get-up and oddly-named bits and pieces if that wasn't more or less all there is.
Has anybody here read these and am I missing something? Or is it just taking a long time to warm up?
Jaysus they are a cracking series... I couldn't put them down - read the whole series and I guess I'm looking forward to re-reading them in the next few years
What am I missing?
Quote from: Hardy on June 05, 2015, 12:31:47 AM
What am I missing?
That would fill more than a series. ;D
No need for that kind of language.
Anyone know where I can download some "free" ebooks for kids? Heading away and looking for a few to keep them occupied in the car...
Quote from: tbrick18 on July 01, 2015, 09:38:58 PM
Anyone know where I can download some "free" ebooks for kids? Heading away and looking for a few to keep them occupied in the car...
I have a load of Terry Pratchett, C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, Katherine Paterson and probably some others if I could check right now. Let me know if there's anything in particular you want. Alternatively, I can upload a selection to Dropbox when I'm back at my computer.
Quote from: tbrick18 on July 01, 2015, 09:38:58 PM
Anyone know where I can download some "free" ebooks for kids? Heading away and looking for a few to keep them occupied in the car...
Like Hardy drop me a PM and I can send you some. What age of kids?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 01, 2015, 09:49:48 PM
Quote from: tbrick18 on July 01, 2015, 09:38:58 PM
Anyone know where I can download some "free" ebooks for kids? Heading away and looking for a few to keep them occupied in the car...
Like Hardy drop me a PM and I can send you some. What age of kids?
Ditto, tell me what you're looking for and I'll see what's in the files.
Thanks lads....PMs sent!
i knew I could rely on the trusty GAABoard!
American Pastoral by Philip Roth. A real slog to get into but absolutely enthralling.
Need a few ideas for summer reading. Real dark depressing shite. Like a modern Jude the Obscure or Poe.
Quote from: LeoMc on June 02, 2015, 10:57:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 28, 2015, 02:59:28 PM
Almost finished the Mitch Rapp first book now. It's not at all like Spenser I have to say. Spenser is way more wise cracking and a real pulp fiction kind of PI. Of course the Rapp series may develop more in the next books, but at the moment he seems more like a Jack Reacher character than a Spenser character.
Just tried one of the Mitch Rapp books, as you says he is a bit Jack Reacher but not as likeable though I have borrowed another one to see if he will grow on me.
Must look out for the Spenser ones if they compare favourably with Bosch. Am almost our of Lee Child & Michael Connolly books so looking for something new.
Am also working through David Dowlings "Station" series and they are a nice wee read also.
Have tried 2 x Mitch Rapp now. Still not a likeable character, written for the readers in the Tea party with an extremely right wing bias and cartoon baddies. Don't think I will try any more.
On a more positive review, I managed the first 3 Spenser books and they are a decent read alright, only 34 to go. My one quibble was the dodgy Kindle copy of one of them. The chapters were shuffled. I went from chapter 5 to 16 and it took me a couple of pages to work out what was wrong.
Quote from: ONeill on July 01, 2015, 11:31:41 PM
Need a few ideas for summer reading. Real dark depressing shite. Like a modern Jude the Obscure or Poe.
Early John McGahern (e.g. The Barracks, The Dark) will do you - and he was a teacher then, as well.
Quote from: ONeill on July 01, 2015, 11:31:41 PM
Need a few ideas for summer reading. Real dark depressing shite. Like a modern Jude the Obscure or Poe.
Dracula, Frankenstein, Fahrenheit 451, Anything by Joseph Conrad, Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks.
Or, if they're all a bit too frivolous:
(http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu206/Hardyarse/Peig_zpsm8s50rmy.png) (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/Hardyarse/media/Peig_zpsm8s50rmy.png.html)
Edit:
Sorry. Joseph Conrad never wrote anything called "Anything". I meant anything by Joseph Conrad.
Quote from: ONeill on July 01, 2015, 11:31:41 PM
Need a few ideas for summer reading. Real dark depressing shite. Like a modern Jude the Obscure or Poe.
2666 by Roberto Bolano should keep you going for a while, very dark and very long, just the 900 odd pages.
Quote from: Hardy on July 02, 2015, 12:45:54 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 01, 2015, 11:31:41 PM
Need a few ideas for summer reading. Real dark depressing shite. Like a modern Jude the Obscure or Poe.
Dracula, Frankenstein, Fahrenheit 451, Anything by Joseph Conrad, Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks.
Or, if they're all a bit too frivolous:
(http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu206/Hardyarse/Peig_zpsm8s50rmy.png) (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/Hardyarse/media/Peig_zpsm8s50rmy.png.html)
Edit: Sorry. Joseph Conrad never wrote anything called "Anything". I meant anything by Joseph Conrad.
I actually got a shiver down my spine when I saw that picture... The memories!
Finished Armagh man; Stuart Neville's "Stolen Souls"
Its book 3 in a series that started with The Twelve/Ghosts of Belfast, Collusion and now this offering.
Set in an around Belfast this one is as gripping as the others. Great work.
Quote from: ONeill on July 01, 2015, 11:31:41 PM
Need a few ideas for summer reading. Real dark depressing shite. Like a modern Jude the Obscure or Poe.
Name of the Rose is an excellent novel (and film). Macabre and moody .
Quote from: Canalman on July 22, 2015, 05:25:17 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 01, 2015, 11:31:41 PM
Need a few ideas for summer reading. Real dark depressing shite. Like a modern Jude the Obscure or Poe.
Name of the Rose is an excellent novel (and film). Macabre and moody .
The Terror by Dan Simmons - brilliant fictional account of the ill fated Franklin Expedition. Great read. Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake is very dark and depressing! Fantastic writing though. Just finished The Son by Philipp Meyer - not a bundle of laughs but an excellent piece of work.
Just finished a biography of Joseph Kennedy Snr (JFK's dad) by a guy called Schwarz.
Much more ahem! interesting and complex character than his sons. Some operator in making money.
http://www.obrien.ie/the-bloodied-field
Superb.
Finished Red Or Dead about Bill Shankly. It'll either drive you nuts or enthral you.
Quote from: ONeill on November 05, 2015, 10:45:54 PM
Finished Red Or Dead about Bill Shankly. It'll either drive you nuts or enthral you.
Congrats on finishing a book. A review is about your opinion of the book, not a cowardly, non-committal sit on the fence revue, prophesying how other people might react to it.
Keyboard warrior syndrome ::)
Good man.
Personal wordy reviews bore the feck out of me. What do I care if you like choc-mint ice-cream.
Do your own research.
I liked it. I liked it a lot. Many words. No pics.
That's more like it. How'd you like the mise-en-scene and cinematography of it, like?
I ran out of light weight audio books and turned to the mammoth The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksander Solzhenitsyn, about 74 audio hours. I thought I had read all Solzhenitsyn's books when I was a teenager but somehow this one remained totally offside in my consciousness.
This is not a novel as such like a Day in the life of Ivan D or Cancer Ward but a comprehensive, evidenced based account of the scourge of communism in Russia until the mid 1960's with most of it about life in the gulags. Apart from the historical and social value, the book achieved the impossible by being an astonishing enthralling read as well.
Just finished Satin Island by Tam McCarthy. Mad like. Burn After Reading Mark 2.
Any good audio books to suggest? Does a good book necessarily mean a good audio book?
And after all that; where is best place to download?
Cheers
Quote from: Keyboard Warrior on November 18, 2015, 12:54:21 PM
Any good audio books to suggest? Does a good book necessarily mean a good audio book?
And after all that; where is best place to download?
Cheers
The one above I actually listen too as an audiobook.
Legacy by james kerr is also good as an audiobook.
There is also a trilogy of Cormac McCarthy books read by brad Pitt which are excellent
Have revisited the Fantasy series Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan after 12 years.
Fairly epic series but really enjoying and looking forward to how it all finishes up. Jordan had died before he completed the series but left notes for his wife and a novelist Brandon Sanderson to complete.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2015, 02:37:59 PM
Have revisited the Fantasy series Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan after 12 years.
Fairly epic series but really enjoying and looking forward to how it all finishes up. Jordan had died before he completed the series but left notes for his wife and a novelist Brandon Sanderson to complete.
Hmmm. Let us know what you think when you're done.
Beatlebone by Kevin Barry getting good reviews. Anyone read The City of Bohan?
Big fan of Kevin Barry's work. His short stories are majestic. Would recommend Dark Lies The Island to anyone who hasn't read it.
Quote from: ONeill on November 18, 2015, 11:48:53 PM
Big fan of Kevin Barry's work. His short stories are majestic. Would recommend Dark Lies The Island to anyone who hasn't read it.
Cheers, will drop some large hints in the run up Christmas. Always look forward to a rake of books from Santa.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 18, 2015, 11:28:26 PM
Beatlebone by Kevin Barry getting good reviews. Anyone read The City of Bohan?
Thought City of Bohane was vastly overrated. I think his short stories are great .
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 18, 2015, 11:51:28 PM
Quote from: ONeill on November 18, 2015, 11:48:53 PM
Big fan of Kevin Barry's work. His short stories are majestic. Would recommend Dark Lies The Island to anyone who hasn't read it.
Cheers, will drop some large hints in the run up Christmas. Always look forward to a rake of books from Santa.
Look forward to hearing what you think. You'll laugh, hopefully, but you'll also think WTF. Good, dark humour.
I just bought "Men and Arms - the Ulster settlers c1630" by RJ Hunter.
It is basically a list of all the planters by county and type of weapon (sword, musket, snaphance, pike or none).
For a small fee I can look up a surname for ye. The good news is that my surname is not on the list.
Aye look up Fearon.
Quote from: Keyboard Warrior on November 18, 2015, 12:54:21 PM
Any good audio books to suggest? Does a good book necessarily mean a good audio book?
And after all that; where is best place to download?
Cheers
One Summer - Bryson
Brilliant but I don't like fiction so my recommendations will be limited.
Didnt know Jamie bryson had recorded an audio book as well.
Quote from: StephenC on November 18, 2015, 06:23:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2015, 02:37:59 PM
Have revisited the Fantasy series Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan after 12 years.
Fairly epic series but really enjoying and looking forward to how it all finishes up. Jordan had died before he completed the series but left notes for his wife and a novelist Brandon Sanderson to complete.
Hmmm. Let us know what you think when you're done.
It will be after Christmas I suspect only starting Book 8 today, the 'Hmmm' has me worried but I am committed to finishing it.
Quote from: ONeill on November 19, 2015, 12:46:38 AM
Aye look up Fearon.
Nope. No Fearon. And no O'Neills.
There are about nineteen surnames starting with O' and appear unusual e.g. O Duff, O Gordon, O Kat and O Mory
Quote from: Orior on November 20, 2015, 12:07:08 AM
Quote from: ONeill on November 19, 2015, 12:46:38 AM
Aye look up Fearon.
Nope. No Fearon. And no O'Neills.
There are about nineteen surnames starting with O' and appear unusual e.g. O Duff, O Gordon, O Kat and O Mory
Them boys must not have had great weapons with them
Harry rides again, Harry Bosch that is. In retirement the itch strikes and he teams up with his half brother, Matthew McConaughey, to investigate a case, in The Crossing nr 22 in the series.
After 30 minutes and it's as comfortable as a pair of old shoes.
Maybe he'll finally crack a joke in this book.
Quote from: Main Street on November 25, 2015, 08:50:33 PM
Harry rides again, Harry Bosch that is. In retirement the itch strikes and he teams up with his half brother, Matthew McConaughey, to investigate a case, in The Crossing nr 22 in the series.
After 30 minutes and it's as comfortable as a pair of old shoes.
Maybe he'll finally crack a joke in this book.
I think it's my favourite series. Have held off buying it to let the missus do the right thing at Christmas. Like Rebus, retirement doesn't stop these lads.
Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman
A Russian view of WW2
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 25, 2015, 10:44:54 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 25, 2015, 08:50:33 PM
Harry rides again, Harry Bosch that is. In retirement the itch strikes and he teams up with his half brother, Matthew McConaughey, to investigate a case, in The Crossing nr 22 in the series.
After 30 minutes and it's as comfortable as a pair of old shoes.
Maybe he'll finally crack a joke in this book.
I think it's my favourite series. Have held off buying it to let the missus do the right thing at Christmas. Like Rebus, retirement doesn't stop these lads.
In that genre, the Harry Bosch series is my favourite, though it took me some time to warm to the obsessive.
Everyone matters or no one does.
I would highly recommend the John Connolly "Charlie Parker" Novels , they are a cross between detective & supernatural genres
Any recommendations from any books received at Christmas?
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on November 28, 2015, 09:32:28 AM
I would highly recommend the John Connolly "Charlie Parker" Novels , they are a cross between detective & supernatural genres
Yeah I had those recommended to me the other day
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2015, 10:29:20 PM
Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman
A Russian view of WW2
Read that a while ago. Pretty mundane I thought?
Currently reading through the Saxon Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell
good stuff
I like historical fiction
Just out of interest what are people using these days? are most people reading from kindles etc.. or normal books. I tried the kindle myself but soon could bored with it and went back to the normal book as just felt it was better for some unknown reason.
Both.
Marshall McLuhan was wrong.
I rarely use the Kindle device - use the phone app.
Just finished Gary Neville's book... decent insight into that team he played on and the England set up... no shocks or any other made up stuff to create an interest in sales ... dedicated professional who, by his owns words was blessed to be given a chance to play at the top
Books 100% at the minute as they were Christmas presents. Will revert back to Kindle when these are read. Hard to beat having almost instant access to any book plus the Kindle editions are usually cheaper. I still have the first version of the Kindle though and would like the backlit unit.
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2015, 10:29:20 PM
Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman
A Russian view of WW2
If you enjoyed that one you might enjoy is The Fleet That Had To Die by Richard Hough. It is the the story of the Russian Baltic fleet traveling from St Petersburg to support the Pacific fleet during the Russo-Japanese war in 1905. A nice easy read.
Quote from: LeoMc on January 18, 2016, 12:40:47 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2015, 10:29:20 PM
Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman
A Russian view of WW2
If you enjoyed that one you might enjoy is The Fleet That Had To Die by Richard Hough. It is the the story of the Russian Baltic fleet traveling from St Petersburg to support the Pacific fleet during the Russo-Japanese war in 1905. A nice easy read.
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor is the daddy of these books for me. Really gets across how a hell on Earth it was.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 18, 2016, 01:11:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on January 18, 2016, 12:40:47 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2015, 10:29:20 PM
Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman
A Russian view of WW2
If you enjoyed that one you might enjoy is The Fleet That Had To Die by Richard Hough. It is the the story of the Russian Baltic fleet traveling from St Petersburg to support the Pacific fleet during the Russo-Japanese war in 1905. A nice easy read.
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor is the daddy of these books for me. Really gets across how a hell on Earth it was.
Bloodlands for me. Goes into what Ukraine suffered 33 to 45. Famine. Great terror.genocide. ,life under Stalin and that was just for civilians.
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2016, 01:16:01 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 18, 2016, 01:11:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on January 18, 2016, 12:40:47 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2015, 10:29:20 PM
Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman
A Russian view of WW2
If you enjoyed that one you might enjoy is The Fleet That Had To Die by Richard Hough. It is the the story of the Russian Baltic fleet traveling from St Petersburg to support the Pacific fleet during the Russo-Japanese war in 1905. A nice easy read.
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor is the daddy of these books for me. Really gets across how a hell on Earth it was.
Bloodlands for me. Goes into what Ukraine suffered 33 to 45. Famine. Great terror.genocide. ,life under Stalin and that was just for civilians.
Cheers. Will see if the missus has it in her collection.
Quote from: Longshanks on January 18, 2016, 10:37:04 AM
Just out of interest what are people using these days? are most people reading from kindles etc.. or normal books. I tried the kindle myself but soon could bored with it and went back to the normal book as just felt it was better for some unknown reason.
I would be the same, I have tried the kindle app for the Ipad, but much prefer an actual book, I couldn't really say why.
Although lately I have been listening to a good few audiobooks for the commute to work
A man called Ove is a good read
I still read physical books , but am coming to prefer the kindle/phone app. It's very handy to find something you want to refer back to from earlier in the book (like a character that was introduced 100 pages ago that you'd forgotten about, who's suddenly reintroduced, or a twist that sends you back to reevaluate an earlier passage). It's also really handy for looking up words you don't know. No getting off your backside to get the dictionary off the shelf, just touch the word, and there's your definition. There are 6 full bookcases in my house (and more at the office), so I'm also enjoying the fact that storage is handier.
Footnotes can be a bit of a pain though. They're not always properly linked, and even if they are, it can be fussy to touch the right part of the screen to bring you back to the part of the text you were reading.
You cant really compare reading via the Kindle app on a tablet to reading on the e-ink Kindle. Screen brightness and glare on the average tablet is not conducive to a heavy reading session.
McCarthy's Bar by Pete McCarthy.
Fantastic read.
Hopscotch by Hilary Fannin. Super book
Women by Charles bukowski. Hilarious.
In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development by Carol Gilligan.
Fascinating
Robert B. Baer
The Perfect Kill: 21 Laws for Assassins
very good read so far.
Fancy reading a book about Grifters/Con man, in the same vein as The Hustle / Oceans 11.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 18, 2016, 04:54:59 PM
You cant really compare reading via the Kindle app on a tablet to reading on the e-ink Kindle. Screen brightness and glare on the average tablet is not conducive to a heavy reading session.
Just adjust the brightness on the tablet, or change the background page colour to black or grey.
Quote from: pullhard on January 19, 2016, 09:15:49 AM
Fancy reading a book about Grifters/Con man, in the same vein as The Hustle / Oceans 11.
Did you ever read the old Simon Templar books?
Quote from: BennyCake on January 18, 2016, 07:05:12 PM
McCarthy's Bar by Pete McCarthy.
Fantastic read.
Read both of them... First one is a fantastic read
Quote from: LeoMc on January 19, 2016, 10:16:19 PM
Quote from: pullhard on January 19, 2016, 09:15:49 AM
Fancy reading a book about Grifters/Con man, in the same vein as The Hustle / Oceans 11.
Did you ever read the old Simon Templar books?
No, any decent?
Quote from: pullhard on January 20, 2016, 08:22:21 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on January 19, 2016, 10:16:19 PM
Quote from: pullhard on January 19, 2016, 09:15:49 AM
Fancy reading a book about Grifters/Con man, in the same vein as The Hustle / Oceans 11.
Did you ever read the old Simon Templar books?
No, any decent?
They are a bit dated but an easy read of the good guy cons bad guy type.
I'm at nr 6 in the Serge A Storm series by Tim Dorsey.
Mad stuff altogether, biting social satire and funny as hell, though it took me until the 3rd book before I got my head around Serge.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/41742-serge-a-storms (https://www.goodreads.com/series/41742-serge-a-storms)
Quote from: pullhard on January 19, 2016, 09:15:49 AM
Fancy reading a book about Grifters/Con man, in the same vein as The Hustle / Oceans 11.
There's one out there called Yellow Kid Weil. About a real life character who's supposed to be the inspiration behind the film "The Sting". Sorry, can't remember the author's name.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 19, 2015, 10:29:12 AM
Quote from: StephenC on November 18, 2015, 06:23:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2015, 02:37:59 PM
Have revisited the Fantasy series Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan after 12 years.
Fairly epic series but really enjoying and looking forward to how it all finishes up. Jordan had died before he completed the series but left notes for his wife and a novelist Brandon Sanderson to complete.
Hmmm. Let us know what you think when you're done.
It will be after Christmas I suspect only starting Book 8 today, the 'Hmmm' has me worried but I am committed to finishing it.
Well that was a commitment and a half 11,916 pages containing 4,410,036 words. I will miss it. Brilliant, tedious, annoying and epic. That Dragon Reborn eh!
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2016, 06:15:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 19, 2015, 10:29:12 AM
Quote from: StephenC on November 18, 2015, 06:23:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2015, 02:37:59 PM
Have revisited the Fantasy series Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan after 12 years.
Fairly epic series but really enjoying and looking forward to how it all finishes up. Jordan had died before he completed the series but left notes for his wife and a novelist Brandon Sanderson to complete.
Hmmm. Let us know what you think when you're done.
It will be after Christmas I suspect only starting Book 8 today, the 'Hmmm' has me worried but I am committed to finishing it.
Well that was a commitment and a half 11,916 pages containing 4,410,036 words. I will miss it. Brilliant, tedious, annoying and epic. That Dragon Reborn eh!
Good man Dinny. Glad you got through it. I was a bit disappointed with how it ended but it was always going to be hard to close all of the stories that were opened.
I've read a bit of Sanderson's stuff since. The Stormlight Archive is as good as I've read in a long time.
Quote from: StephenC on February 02, 2016, 08:15:13 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2016, 06:15:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 19, 2015, 10:29:12 AM
Quote from: StephenC on November 18, 2015, 06:23:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2015, 02:37:59 PM
Have revisited the Fantasy series Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan after 12 years.
Fairly epic series but really enjoying and looking forward to how it all finishes up. Jordan had died before he completed the series but left notes for his wife and a novelist Brandon Sanderson to complete.
Hmmm. Let us know what you think when you're done.
It will be after Christmas I suspect only starting Book 8 today, the 'Hmmm' has me worried but I am committed to finishing it.
Well that was a commitment and a half 11,916 pages containing 4,410,036 words. I will miss it. Brilliant, tedious, annoying and epic. That Dragon Reborn eh!
Good man Dinny. Glad you got through it. I was a bit disappointed with how it ended but it was always going to be hard to close all of the stories that were opened.
I've read a bit of Sanderson's stuff since. The Stormlight Archive is as good as I've read in a long time.
The ending was somewhat romantic but enough death to keep me happy :)
Yea I will check out that book, I thought Sanderson brought a sense of humour that was missing in the previous books and his style was very quick if perhaps a bit rushed.
I've been ready quite a lot of historical fiction of late and most of them have been pretty decent. I started with a few of the Sharpe books (liked the TV series years ago) but continued with "Two Brothers" by Ben Elton (set in Nazi Germany). I also just finished two John Boyne books, The Boy at the Top of the Mountain, and The House of Special Purpose.
The boy at the top of the mountain is a little like the Boy in the Striped Pyjama's in that it is WW2 seen from the eyes of a child. Excellent book.
The House of Special purpose is set during the Russian revolution. The love story aspect can be annoying but as an insight into Russia at that time I enjoyed it.
Anyone any recommended books in this genre?
Philip Kerr's series of novels in relation to Bernie Winters are set before and after WW2 - noir in outlook, Bernie is a police detective in Berlin who falls foul of the Nazi regime, loses his job and sets about becoming a private detective (sort of ...) in Nazi Germany. Brutal and funny - I loved them.
Amazon links, might be more descriptive.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_4?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=philip+kerr&sprefix=phil%2Cdigital-text%2C185 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_4?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=philip+kerr&sprefix=phil%2Cdigital-text%2C185)
Amusing ourselves to death by Neil Postman.
Written 30 years ago and prophetic
Will echo BB's recommendation and also suggest the Erast Fandorin series by Boris Akunin, set in the 19th century imperial court.
Give the Sherlock Holmes books a go. A while since I read them, a bit dated in its writing but excellent books/ stories all the same.
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 04, 2016, 10:44:20 AM
Philip Kerr's series of novels in relation to Bernie Winters are set before and after WW2 - noir in outlook, Bernie is a police detective in Berlin who falls foul of the Nazi regime, loses his job and sets about becoming a private detective (sort of ...) in Nazi Germany. Brutal and funny - I loved them.
Amazon links, might be more descriptive.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_4?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=philip+kerr&sprefix=phil%2Cdigital-text%2C185 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_4?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=philip+kerr&sprefix=phil%2Cdigital-text%2C185)
Does Schnorbitz feature heavily?
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 04, 2016, 12:48:10 PM
Will echo BB's recommendation and also suggest the Erast Fandorin series by Boris Akunin, set in the 19th century imperial court.
Yes, indeed - brilliant craic.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 04, 2016, 01:19:31 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 04, 2016, 10:44:20 AM
Philip Kerr's series of novels in relation to Bernie Winters are set before and after WW2 - noir in outlook, Bernie is a police detective in Berlin who falls foul of the Nazi regime, loses his job and sets about becoming a private detective (sort of ...) in Nazi Germany. Brutal and funny - I loved them.
Amazon links, might be more descriptive.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_4?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=philip+kerr&sprefix=phil%2Cdigital-text%2C185 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_4?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=philip+kerr&sprefix=phil%2Cdigital-text%2C185)
Does Schnorbitz feature heavily?
Absolutely.
Will do. Cheers :)
Mao's great famine by Frank Dikotter, about the Great Leap Forward than caused 60 million deaths in China.
I see big Donaghy is releasing his autobiography in October,entitled "What do you think of that?"
Quote from: T Fearon on August 09, 2016, 09:45:12 PM
I see big Donaghy is releasing his autobiography in October,entitled "What do you think of that?"
Brendan or Plunkett?
FFs Kieran! ;D Plunkett is long forgotten ;D
Quote from: T Fearon on August 09, 2016, 10:50:29 PM
FFs Kieran! ;D Plunkett is long forgotten ;D
How could anyone forget big Plunkett?
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
Harry Hole
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
I'll see your Joe Pike and raise with Clete Purcel from the Dave Robicheaux series.
The North Water by Ian McGuire. A dark book. You'll never go killing whales again.
Quote from: mrdeeds on August 21, 2016, 10:51:03 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
Harry Hole
Harry never struck me as the same sort of kick ass character though I have only read a few of Nesbos books. I thought he was more of a Harry Bosch, Rebus style maverick.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 21, 2016, 11:49:47 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
I'll see your Joe Pike and raise with Clete Purcel from the Dave Robicheaux series.
Not familiar with tjem ,are tjebooks themselves any good?
Reading 'War of the Roses' trilogy by Conn Iggulden
Quote from: LeoMc on August 22, 2016, 09:25:46 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on August 21, 2016, 10:51:03 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
Harry Hole
Harry never struck me as the same sort of kick ass character though I have only read a few of Nesbos books. I thought he was more of a Harry Bosch, Rebus style maverick.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 21, 2016, 11:49:47 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
I'll see your Joe Pike and raise with Clete Purcel from the Dave Robicheaux series.
Not familiar with tjem ,are tjebooks themselves any good?
Yes they are very good if you are into Harry Bosch, Elvis Cole etc. James Lee Burke.
Read a fantastic book on my holidays: 'The Debt to Pleasure' by John Lanchester (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M4403SE?_encoding=UTF8&isInIframe=1&n=341677031&ref_=dp_proddesc_0&s=digital-text&showDetailProductDesc=1#iframe-wrapper (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M4403SE?_encoding=UTF8&isInIframe=1&n=341677031&ref_=dp_proddesc_0&s=digital-text&showDetailProductDesc=1#iframe-wrapper)).
I really pissed off my family I laughed so much - it's the story of Tarquin Winot in his own words, interspersed with a seasonal cookbook (of actual recipes). Tarquin is a food-obsessed snob, and as we progress, we find out also that he is a psychopathic murderer, among other things. As I read back, it isn't much of a review, but I haven't read anything as funny in many, many years. Highly recommended - 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' meets Delia Smith.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 22, 2016, 10:13:46 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 22, 2016, 09:25:46 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on August 21, 2016, 10:51:03 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
Harry Hole
Harry never struck me as the same sort of kick ass character though I have only read a few of Nesbos books. I thought he was more of a Harry Bosch, Rebus style maverick.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 21, 2016, 11:49:47 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
I'll see your Joe Pike and raise with Clete Purcel from the Dave Robicheaux series.
Not familiar with tjem ,are tjebooks themselves any good?
Yes they are very good if you are into Harry Bosch, Elvis Cole etc. James Lee Burke.
Very atmospheric books. I love books that give a sense of the place, and you can nearly smell the Cajun cooking when you read a Jame Lee Burke book. Makes me want to go to Louisiana.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 21, 2016, 11:49:47 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
I'll see your Joe Pike and raise with Clete Purcel from the Dave Robicheaux series.
Pete Bondurant would kick all their asses.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on August 22, 2016, 02:34:22 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 21, 2016, 11:49:47 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 21, 2016, 10:47:44 PM
Who would you want covering your back, Joe Pike, Hawk, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III or jack Reacher?
I'll see your Joe Pike and raise with Clete Purcel from the Dave Robicheaux series.
Pete Bondurant would kick all their asses.
I started reading American Trilogy a couple of years ago but quit it early. Will have to go back to it.
Red Dirt by E.M Reapy published earlier this year.
I have to divulge a vested in that I know the author, but I think anyone that has been to Australia as a backpacker will definitely recognise a lot from this book. Rather than post a biased review, the below website gives it 4.1/5 stars from 41 reviews
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27912711-red-dirt
Started watching Narcos which is excellent. Just wondering if anyone knows a good book about Pablo Escobar?
I recently stumbled across "Scar Tissue" the autobiography by Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Pepper fame. The book was published in 2006 i believe so hardly new but if you have missed it i would definitely recommend it. Such a life of highs and lows. Amazing that he is still alive today.
Also in terms of rock stardom i was shocked at his insecurities when it came to his vocals etc.
Anyway, worth a read.
Quote from: mrdeeds on August 26, 2016, 12:22:14 PM
Started watching Narcos which is excellent. Just wondering if anyone knows a good book about Pablo Escobar?
Killing Pablo by Mark Bowden wasn't bad.
Read Catch 22 on holiday there. Fantastic book - laugh out loud in parts and utterly tragic in others
Quote from: haranguerer on September 14, 2016, 04:03:36 PM
Read Catch 22 on holiday there. Fantastic book - laugh out loud in parts and utterly tragic in others
Really? I thought it dull so put it down.
Will I get past that or is it just not one for me?
Reading Dune : Frank Herbert.
Really brilliant story though he setting is starting to wear on me as it does the characters.
Quote from: vallankumous on September 14, 2016, 09:22:57 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on September 14, 2016, 04:03:36 PM
Read Catch 22 on holiday there. Fantastic book - laugh out loud in parts and utterly tragic in others
Really? I thought it dull so put it down.
Will I get past that or is it just not one for me?
Reading Dune : Frank Herbert.
Really brilliant story though he setting is starting to wear on me as it does the characters.
I found catch 22 static, hard to read and couldn't understand stand the hype about it at all. Is it worth sticks Ng with? I gave up after 100 odd pages
Perhaps it just isn't for yous - having read a bit about it after I finished it has always split people. I would say to give it the chance though. I wasn't aware of the hype until I saw the back cover after I'd started it (found it lying in the house), so maybe wasn't expecting as much initially, but having read it, feel all the hype is completely justified - def up there as one of best books I've read.
The way its written isn't chronological, there are bits later on that tie back in with earlier events, so perhaps moreso than with other books an accurate impression can't be formed til well through it.
Might put it with the stack of "go back and try again" books.
A book I'm looking forward to having just ordered on Amazon is the book about the Jadotville Siege , movie due out on Netflix soon and wanted to read the book before seeing it no doubt desacrated on screen, anyone read it??
Quote from: haranguerer on September 14, 2016, 04:03:36 PM
Read Catch 22 on holiday there. Fantastic book - laugh out loud in parts and utterly tragic in others
Have started it a number of times and given up early on . On all the "must read" lists but just never did it for me.
Quote from: The Subbie on September 15, 2016, 10:41:18 AM
Might put it with the stack of "go back and try again" books.
A book I'm looking forward to having just ordered on Amazon is the book about the Jadotville Siege , movie due out on Netflix soon and wanted to read the book before seeing it no doubt desacrated on screen, anyone read it??
only heard of the netflix film being released last week as it was point out to me by the oul fella while he was reading irelands own. i think i'll just wait on the film for this one.
Quote from: haranguerer on September 15, 2016, 08:54:34 AM
Perhaps it just isn't for yous - having read a bit about it after I finished it has always split people. I would say to give it the chance though. I wasn't aware of the hype until I saw the back cover after I'd started it (found it lying in the house), so maybe wasn't expecting as much initially, but having read it, feel all the hype is completely justified - def up there as one of best books I've read.
The way its written isn't chronological, there are bits later on that tie back in with earlier events, so perhaps moreso than with other books an accurate impression can't be formed til well through it.
Loved it, but it's definitely an acquired taste - know as many people who hate it as love it.
Quote from: Billys Boots on September 15, 2016, 04:39:44 PM
Loved it, but it's definitely an acquired taste - know as many people who hate it as love it.
Then I won't try it again. Pretty sure i'm in the former category.
Donal Ryan. All We Shall Know...vvv good
Forever Young, the story of Adrian Doherty, the Strabane lad who went to Man Utd. Great read. A total polar opposite you'd expect a footballer to be.
New Springsteen autobiography getting good reviews in the papers. One for Christmas.
Quote from: BennyCake on October 02, 2016, 11:31:58 PM
Forever Young, the story of Adrian Doherty, the Strabane lad who went to Man Utd. Great read. A total polar opposite you'd expect a footballer to be.
I thought I'd be biased and like the book as there are a number of people I know in it. However I think it stands on it's own two feet as a great book in itself. A real tragic story, but deep down a lot of positivity in it too.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 02, 2016, 11:46:03 PM
New Springsteen autobiography getting good reviews in the papers. One for Christmas.
Probably 10% into in (Kindles huh?) but I'm not that impressed so far; would want to pick up smartly or I'll be putting it away.
Just finished reading Middlemarch, five weeks of just wanting to finish it. How it gets so many votes as one of the "must reads" is beyond me?
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on October 03, 2016, 05:35:30 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on October 02, 2016, 11:31:58 PM
Forever Young, the story of Adrian Doherty, the Strabane lad who went to Man Utd. Great read. A total polar opposite you'd expect a footballer to be.
I thought I'd be biased and like the book as there are a number of people I know in it. However I think it stands on it's own two feet as a great book in itself. A real tragic story, but deep down a lot of positivity in it too.
Did you know Adrian?
Shame what happened injury wise (and of course, with his untimely passing) that finished his time at United. But you wonder even if he had have broke through like the 92 team, would he have just walked away from it all?
I've often thought football is a strange profession. I love my football but I don't think I'd have what it took mentality-wise (or talent-wise) to be a professional as I'm not totally obsessed with it. You'd need to be like that, to play professionally. Or even for your county.
A few weeks ago i finished "the road" by cormac mccarthy. Surely this is a real marmite book. Very strangely written and not a single chapter in the book. Not a lot happens in the book but it paints a great picture of a post apocalyptic world. I can even empathise with the characters but i still cant bring myself to like the book.
Wouldnt recommend it and have now no interest at all in watching the film.
Quote from: lurganblue on October 06, 2016, 10:14:40 AM
A few weeks ago i finished "the road" by cormac mccarthy. Surely this is a real marmite book. Very strangely written and not a single chapter in the book. Not a lot happens in the book but it paints a great picture of a post apocalyptic world. I can even empathise with the characters but i still cant bring myself to like the book.
Wouldnt recommend it and have now no interest at all in watching the film.
Started that a few months back and gave up after 30 odd pages. Load of crap I thought.
Quote from: BennyCake on October 06, 2016, 11:22:08 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on October 06, 2016, 10:14:40 AM
A few weeks ago i finished "the road" by cormac mccarthy. Surely this is a real marmite book. Very strangely written and not a single chapter in the book. Not a lot happens in the book but it paints a great picture of a post apocalyptic world. I can even empathise with the characters but i still cant bring myself to like the book.
Wouldnt recommend it and have now no interest at all in watching the film.
Started that a few months back and gave up after 30 odd pages. Load of crap I thought.
As lurganblue says, marmite. I think it's a harrowing but brilliant book, capturing the desolation and confusion of its setting perfectly. I found it a difficult read, yes, but it is superb and I will reread it - just not yet.
You're entitled to your opinion of course, but you're wrong. :-)
I'm in the liked it but disturbed by it camp with OnTheLine
I agree with OTL, a harrowing but brilliant book.
I've just finished Kill Your Friends by John Niven, a sort of American Psycho set in the music industry in 90s London.
Quote from: lurganblue on October 06, 2016, 10:14:40 AM
A few weeks ago i finished "the road" by cormac mccarthy. Surely this is a real marmite book. Very strangely written and not a single chapter in the book. Not a lot happens in the book but it paints a great picture of a post apocalyptic world. I can even empathise with the characters but i still cant bring myself to like the book.
Wouldnt recommend it and have now no interest at all in watching the film.
Read it in one sitting. One of the best books I have ever read. McCarthy is a genius. No interest in the movie..couldnt be as good as the book.
Just read 'The Power of the Dog' by Don Winslow - worth every page it is written on.
Winslow researched this book for six years and interviewed families caught up in the Mexican Cartels.
I have seen Narcos and read a bit on the Colombian cartels; these guys were a different level if that is possible.
The Colombians were working for them apparently.
Due to be out as a two part movie called 'The Cartel', I can see why critics want a major TV series as there are so many stories in it, but would strongly recommend reading the book before watching any movie on it.
Very graphic at times, again, based on research.
(The storyline also has an Irish mercenary named Callan, a segment is based in Hell's Kitchen and quotes The Pogues in one of its chapters).
IMO, an exceptional read.
Just finished the original "Planet of the Apes" by Pierre Boulle, and written in 1963.
Brilliant - I just couldn't put the book down.
City of Thieves by David Benioff (writes game of thrones tv scripts i believe). Really really enjoyed this book. Set in the besieged city of Leningrad during WW2. Easy read and quite funny in parts. Read it in no time because of this.
Quote from: 5 Sams on October 06, 2016, 10:37:14 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on October 06, 2016, 10:14:40 AM
A few weeks ago i finished "the road" by cormac mccarthy. Surely this is a real marmite book. Very strangely written and not a single chapter in the book. Not a lot happens in the book but it paints a great picture of a post apocalyptic world. I can even empathise with the characters but i still cant bring myself to like the book.
Wouldnt recommend it and have now no interest at all in watching the film.
Read it in one sitting. One of the best books I have ever read. McCarthy is a genius. No interest in the movie..couldnt be as good as the book.
I agree 5 sams, one of the best books i have read. Got me started on the cormac mccarthy stuff
I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt is a good read. Mob story about the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Rumours of it being made into a film with a big line up of stars
Quote from: andoireabu on October 28, 2016, 05:55:37 PM
I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt is a good read. Mob story about the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Rumours of it being made into a film with a big line up of stars
andoireabu, Is this about Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran?
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on October 28, 2016, 06:15:39 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on October 28, 2016, 05:55:37 PM
I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt is a good read. Mob story about the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Rumours of it being made into a film with a big line up of stars
andoireabu, Is this about Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran?
That's the one. The film is to be called 'The Irishman' I think
Quote from: andoireabu on October 28, 2016, 07:54:12 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on October 28, 2016, 06:15:39 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on October 28, 2016, 05:55:37 PM
I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt is a good read. Mob story about the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Rumours of it being made into a film with a big line up of stars
andoireabu, Is this about Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran?
That's the one. The film is to be called 'The Irishman' I think
Good book
Quote from: andoireabu on October 28, 2016, 07:54:12 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on October 28, 2016, 06:15:39 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on October 28, 2016, 05:55:37 PM
I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt is a good read. Mob story about the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Rumours of it being made into a film with a big line up of stars
andoireabu, Is this about Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran?
That's the one. The film is to be called 'The Irishman' I think
Have you seen the cast?! :o De Niro, Pacino and Pesci, directed by Scorcese.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 29, 2016, 09:00:38 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on October 28, 2016, 07:54:12 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on October 28, 2016, 06:15:39 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on October 28, 2016, 05:55:37 PM
I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt is a good read. Mob story about the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Rumours of it being made into a film with a big line up of stars
andoireabu, Is this about Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran?
That's the one. The film is to be called 'The Irishman' I think
Have you seen the cast?! :o De Niro, Pacino and Pesci, directed by Scorcese.
Not an Irishman among them, they should call it the Italian.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGIONNAIRE-MACKENZIE-Harmony-Modern-Warfare-ebook/dp/B008KHLBE4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Very interesting read this about a young lad from Rostrevor, County Down who heads off and joins the French Foreign Legion. Well worth a read.
I've just finished a WW2 historical called The Liberation Trilogy by Rick Atkinson, about 90 hours audio excellent stuff altogether, a nice blend of an account of what happened from the invasion of Nth Africa to victory in europe day and how the people involved felt about it.
It got me watching Patton- lust for glory with George Scott for the first time since it came out
https://www.amazon.com/Guns-Last-Light-1944-1945-Liberation/dp/1250037816/ref=la_B000APAHIA_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1480428227&sr=1-1 (https://www.amazon.com/Guns-Last-Light-1944-1945-Liberation/dp/1250037816/ref=la_B000APAHIA_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1480428227&sr=1-1)
Another year, another Harry Bosch book by Michael Connelly - The Wrong Side of Goodbye.
It's just another can't put down book, read from cover to cover in no time, though by his standards I felt the last 1/4 was weak.
Whenever Mickey Haller makes an entrance into a Bosch book I get the image of Mathew McConaughey , I wonder has the actor's profile of MH subsumed the character in all respects, even to the author?
Imagine if you liked the Jack Reacher books.......
Quote from: Denn Forever on December 07, 2016, 06:11:57 PM
Imagine if you liked the Jack Reacher books.......
Love the Jack Reacher books. Have read all except current although have it bought. Still can never picture Tom Cruise as Reacher when reading novels. Finished the Wallander series too. Excellent.
Quote from: Denn Forever on December 07, 2016, 06:11:57 PM
Imagine if you liked the Jack Reacher books.......
Jack is beyond me.
The Brothers' Lot by Kevin Holohan
A farce/satire set in the Brothers of Godly Coercion School for Young Boys of Meager Means.
Basically it is dark humour about the abuse scandals in the church run schools and institutions. I liked it a lot though for full disclosure I do know the author.
For today it is available as a free ebook download
http://www.akashicbooks.com/free-e-book-advent-calendar-download-the-brothers-lot-for-free-until-midnight-december-12-2016/
Quote from: Main Street on December 07, 2016, 05:22:38 PM
Another year, another Harry Bosch book by Michael Connelly - The Wrong Side of Goodbye.
It's just another can't put down book, read from cover to cover in no time, though by his standards I felt the last 1/4 was weak.
Whenever Mickey Haller makes an entrance into a Bosch book I get the image of Mathew McConaughey , I wonder has the actor's profile of MH subsumed the character in all respects, even to the author?
Hoping to have it in the Christmas pile. I think Mickey Haller weakens the books. The Bosch books are sublime, they don't need a recurring side character.
I'm just about to finish the 3rd book of the First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. I havent enjoyed a series of books like it in such a long time. I'm a bit behind the times on this obviously since it has been out for a while but i thought i'd come on here and recommend it anyway.
If you liked Game of Thrones then it is an absolute must.
Strong Father, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker. Maybe I should put this in the parenting thread but any of you lads out there with daughters please read this - it will literally wake you up. I've done a complete 180 on how I interact with my eldest daughter as a result and it has worked wonders. Definitely worth getting.
Anyone know where I can get a pdf copy of Stephen King's IT?
Quote from: The Gs Man on September 08, 2017, 10:47:05 AM
Anyone know where I can get a pdf copy of Stephen King's IT?
i downloaded a few books recently from piratebay and kickasstorrents
Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther is back in Prussian Blue, the 12th book in the series.
It's as good as his best, a great read.
Quote from: Denn Forever on December 07, 2016, 06:11:57 PM
Imagine if you liked the Jack Reacher books.......
I read my second and last a week ago.
Never Going Back (i think)
I just wanted to slap his face in throughout.
Quote from: Main Street on September 30, 2017, 12:56:45 PM
Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther is back in Prussian Blue, the 12th book in the series.
It's as good as his best, a great read.
Read it recently and it is very good.
Anyone on here have any recommendations for books on the ancient Greek classics? I've a bit more time on my hands these days and have a bit of a hankering to study them.
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes is a great read. Would make for a good film as well
Quote from: andoireabu on February 25, 2018, 02:47:45 PM
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes is a great read. Would make for a good film as well
Yeah i enjoyed it, if not a little drawn out. Is "The year of the Locust" as good?
Quote from: andoireabu on February 25, 2018, 02:47:45 PM
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes is a great read. Would make for a good film as well
A great read. Read it a few years ago and have watched for a follow-up from him but havent seen anything.
Quote from: lurganblue on February 26, 2018, 09:39:35 AM
Quote from: andoireabu on February 25, 2018, 02:47:45 PM
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes is a great read. Would make for a good film as well
Yeah i enjoyed it, if not a little drawn out. Is "The year of the Locust" as good?
Quote from: mrhardyannual on February 26, 2018, 05:36:17 PM
A great read. Read it a few years ago and have watched for a follow-up from him but havent seen anything.
Hadn't heard of "Year of the Locust". Went looking for it on Kindle but there is only a preview. Book seems to have been out since 2005. Will have to keep an eye out
Year of the Locust should have been released by now but it isn't on general release until Oct 2019 despite Amazon carrying a sampler since 2015! Very strange.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 27, 2018, 12:34:53 AM
Year of the Locust should have been released by now but it isn't on general release until Oct 2019 despite Amazon carrying a sampler since 2015! Very strange.
Ah! I had noticed it on Amazon one day a while ago with reviews etc but i see now that it was only the preview.
Anyone interested in WW2 should definately give "Breakout at Stalingrad" a read. It is a novel written by a German survivor based on the shit show that was Stalingrad. A very eye opening and no hold barred account of what went on during the siege. It's a long read but i'd certainly recommend it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breakout-at-Stalingrad-Heinrich-Gerlach/dp/1786690632/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551780603&sr=8-1&keywords=breakout+at+stalingrad+by+heinrich+gerlach (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breakout-at-Stalingrad-Heinrich-Gerlach/dp/1786690632/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551780603&sr=8-1&keywords=breakout+at+stalingrad+by+heinrich+gerlach)
Quote from: Denn Forever on December 07, 2016, 06:11:57 PM
Imagine if you liked the Jack Reacher books.......
Or Alex Cross or Kay Scarpetta!
Anyone else read Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari?
Thought it started off very strongly but as he moved toward modern times and capitalism it began to drag.
Great read overall though.
Quote from: LeoMc on March 05, 2019, 11:01:21 AM
Anyone else read Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari?
Thought it started off very strongly but as he moved toward modern times and capitalism it began to drag.
Great read overall though.
Read it. Some great food for thought and information, but there is a fair bit of waffle in there as well. Like yourself I still enjoyed it.
Quote from: LeoMc on March 05, 2019, 11:01:21 AM
Anyone else read Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari?
Thought it started off very strongly but as he moved toward modern times and capitalism it began to drag.
Great read overall though.
Gave up on it as I thought it turned out not to be the book I thought it was. I thought it would be more scientifically robust, but lots of it are his opinions and conjecture, so I knocked it on the head. I suppose it is only meant to be a brief history and you need to go elsewhere to get into the detail, so I might go back to it and give it another lash at some stage. After I finish the latest Reacher outing.
Quote from: ziggy90 on February 25, 2018, 01:52:36 PM
Anyone on here have any recommendations for books on the ancient Greek classics? I've a bit more time on my hands these days and have a bit of a hankering to study them.
You get sorted Ziggy? Had the need to read a few of these books for A Level (that wasn't today or yesterday). Herodotus Histories always a good place to start.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Histories-Penguin-Classics-Herodotus/dp/0140449086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551795784&sr=8-1&keywords=herodotus+histories (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Histories-Penguin-Classics-Herodotus/dp/0140449086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551795784&sr=8-1&keywords=herodotus+histories)
The Iliad and Odyssey are good stories too.
I've recently finished the Stephen Fry books Mythos and Heroes and they are very good if you have an interest in the Mythology side of things.
Quote from: lurganblue on March 05, 2019, 02:27:36 PM
Quote from: ziggy90 on February 25, 2018, 01:52:36 PM
Anyone on here have any recommendations for books on the ancient Greek classics? I've a bit more time on my hands these days and have a bit of a hankering to study them.
You get sorted Ziggy? Had the need to read a few of these books for A Level (that wasn't today or yesterday). Herodotus Histories always a good place to start.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Histories-Penguin-Classics-Herodotus/dp/0140449086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551795784&sr=8-1&keywords=herodotus+histories (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Histories-Penguin-Classics-Herodotus/dp/0140449086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551795784&sr=8-1&keywords=herodotus+histories)
The Iliad and Odyssey are good stories too.
I've recently finished the Stephen Fry books Mythos and Heroes and they are very good if you have an interest in the Mythology side of things.
No LB I didn't bother as I went back to work but I've just finished up as job and I'm going to have a few weeks off and will get stuck into these.
Thanks for the head's up.
Looking forward to Sunday and a good old tear-up with our neighbours!! ;)
QuoteThe Iliad and Odyssey are good stories too.
Not so good when you had to translate them. Can't remember what they were, but remember that's when I was a Callow ut.
Quote from: ziggy90 on March 05, 2019, 05:19:32 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on March 05, 2019, 02:27:36 PM
Quote from: ziggy90 on February 25, 2018, 01:52:36 PM
Anyone on here have any recommendations for books on the ancient Greek classics? I've a bit more time on my hands these days and have a bit of a hankering to study them.
You get sorted Ziggy? Had the need to read a few of these books for A Level (that wasn't today or yesterday). Herodotus Histories always a good place to start.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Histories-Penguin-Classics-Herodotus/dp/0140449086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551795784&sr=8-1&keywords=herodotus+histories (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Histories-Penguin-Classics-Herodotus/dp/0140449086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551795784&sr=8-1&keywords=herodotus+histories)
The Iliad and Odyssey are good stories too.
I've recently finished the Stephen Fry books Mythos and Heroes and they are very good if you have an interest in the Mythology side of things.
No LB I didn't bother as I went back to work but I've just finished up as job and I'm going to have a few weeks off and will get stuck into these.
Thanks for the head's up.
Looking forward to Sunday and a good old tear-up with our neighbours!! ;)
Thankfully with Jack back I can look forward to it too. Shocking without him.
Jack the Rat looks good but hopefully Rentokill will lend us an exterminator. ;)
It was well talked about a while ago on this thread but I finally got round to reading "I heard you paint houses" by Charles Brandt. Thanks very much for the recommendation as I have to say it's probably the best true crime book I have ever read. I hope the upcoming Scorsese film does it justice.
Quote from: lurganblue on March 05, 2019, 02:27:36 PM
Quote from: ziggy90 on February 25, 2018, 01:52:36 PM
Anyone on here have any recommendations for books on the ancient Greek classics? I've a bit more time on my hands these days and have a bit of a hankering to study them.
You get sorted Ziggy? Had the need to read a few of these books for A Level (that wasn't today or yesterday). Herodotus Histories always a good place to start.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Histories-Penguin-Classics-Herodotus/dp/0140449086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551795784&sr=8-1&keywords=herodotus+histories (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Histories-Penguin-Classics-Herodotus/dp/0140449086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551795784&sr=8-1&keywords=herodotus+histories)
The Iliad and Odyssey are good stories too.
I've recently finished the Stephen Fry books Mythos and Heroes and they are very good if you have an interest in the Mythology side of things.
Just finished these LB. A very enjoyable and informative read but I think you'd need a PhD in genealogy to follow the family tree's of this lot. Fry has a very easy way of explaining the oracles etc but I do think he thinks we're all "plebs".
All in all a great recommendation for a starter, thanks for the head's up.
Now for a bit of the in-depth stuff. :o
What's the best book on irish history?
Quote from: WT4E on September 03, 2019, 10:55:16 PM
What's the best book on irish history?
Too wide a field. I would go for something from a certain era or specific event. Although I think Fergal Keane wrote a book or two on the story of Ireland. Not sure how much it covers though.
The Spy and The Traitor by Ben McIntyre is very good. Cold War true story.
Quote from: WT4E on September 03, 2019, 10:55:16 PM
What's the best book on irish history?
For a general overview i'd recommend https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Ireland-250-Episodes-Fascinating-ebook/dp/B00BQG7W4Y/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3JQN1VY6U8EPI&keywords=irish+history+books&qid=1567587925&s=gateway&sprefix=irish+hist%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-5 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Ireland-250-Episodes-Fascinating-ebook/dp/B00BQG7W4Y/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3JQN1VY6U8EPI&keywords=irish+history+books&qid=1567587925&s=gateway&sprefix=irish+hist%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-5)
It hasnt got the depth you may require on certain aspects but very good to dip in and out of.
Quote from: lurganblue on September 04, 2019, 10:07:12 AM
Quote from: WT4E on September 03, 2019, 10:55:16 PM
What's the best book on irish history?
For a general overview i'd recommend https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Ireland-250-Episodes-Fascinating-ebook/dp/B00BQG7W4Y/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3JQN1VY6U8EPI&keywords=irish+history+books&qid=1567587925&s=gateway&sprefix=irish+hist%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-5 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Ireland-250-Episodes-Fascinating-ebook/dp/B00BQG7W4Y/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3JQN1VY6U8EPI&keywords=irish+history+books&qid=1567587925&s=gateway&sprefix=irish+hist%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-5)
It hasnt got the depth you may require on certain aspects but very good to dip in and out of.
I read this too, and it's brilliant - points you to go to do further research on snippets that take your interest. Recommended.
Quote from: Billys Boots on September 04, 2019, 01:25:41 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on September 04, 2019, 10:07:12 AM
Quote from: WT4E on September 03, 2019, 10:55:16 PM
What's the best book on irish history?
For a general overview i'd recommend https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Ireland-250-Episodes-Fascinating-ebook/dp/B00BQG7W4Y/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3JQN1VY6U8EPI&keywords=irish+history+books&qid=1567587925&s=gateway&sprefix=irish+hist%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-5 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Ireland-250-Episodes-Fascinating-ebook/dp/B00BQG7W4Y/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3JQN1VY6U8EPI&keywords=irish+history+books&qid=1567587925&s=gateway&sprefix=irish+hist%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-5)
It hasnt got the depth you may require on certain aspects but very good to dip in and out of.
I read this too, and it's brilliant - points you to go to do further research on snippets that take your interest. Recommended.
This is also very good.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1856357554/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile
Just finished reading The Catcher In The Rye.
Jesus, what a load of shite.
Remember reading it myself and thinking 'that it?' Read the World according to Garp around the same time and loved it.
Berlin Noir series worth a read? I think some lads on here talked about them before.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 14, 2020, 12:08:17 AM
Berlin Noir series worth a read? I think some lads on here talked about them before.
Absolutely, you will not be disappointed.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on August 14, 2020, 02:18:48 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 14, 2020, 12:08:17 AM
Berlin Noir series worth a read? I think some lads on here talked about them before.
Absolutely, you will not be disappointed.
+1, but start at the start, even though they do jump around a bit in time.
Quote from: andoireabu on September 04, 2019, 07:10:40 AM
The Spy and The Traitor by Ben McIntyre is very good. Cold War true story.
Good one
I have read a few others by that author , very well researched and enjoyable , Operation Mincemeat was a good read
Just finished Richie Sadlier's book "Recovering". Have to say it is excellent. Probably the best sports book I've read in a long time
Quote from: An Watcher on August 20, 2020, 10:20:18 PM
Just finished Richie Sadlier's book "Recovering". Have to say it is excellent. Probably the best sports book I've read in a long time
Ever read Forever Young?
It's the story of young Strabane lad Adrian Doherty's aborted career with Man United. Probably the best football book I've read. However as he was in my school I might be slightly biased.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on August 21, 2020, 12:37:45 AM
Quote from: An Watcher on August 20, 2020, 10:20:18 PM
Just finished Richie Sadlier's book "Recovering". Have to say it is excellent. Probably the best sports book I've read in a long time
Ever read Forever Young?
It's the story of young Strabane lad Adrian Doherty's aborted career with Man United. Probably the best football book I've read. However as he was in my school I might be slightly biased.
Yeah I've read that. Great book. Tragic ending.
Obviously this has been out a few years now but just finished "Sapiens. A brief history of humankind".
It's a tough read at times but my goodness is it worthwhile. Fascinating stuff pops up all throughout it. I found I could only read it in short bursts in order to take in what was being discussed but maybe that is just me. The author has put some amount of work into this.
I listened to audio version of Woody Allen's "Apropos of Nothing" read by Woody himself, who reads it as if it was a script meant to be read by him.
I didn't have any definite opinions about the man himself, the book presents his perspective and the actual evidence, which was educational from my perspective.
Ironic that he could do a Purple Rose of Cairo with The Front (1976), a film where the actor (Woody) playing one of the blacklisted screenwriters now could emerge from the script and walk off screen to where he is being blacklisted in real life.
I am nearly through Reprisal by F Paul Wilson (its the 5th in a series of 6 books called the Adversary Cycle ) its an excellent read but is deeply deeply disturbing in places and one section of it was probably the most difficult thing i have ever read , ( John Connolly's new Charlie Parker novel " The Dirty South " is next on my list. )
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on August 21, 2020, 12:37:45 AM
Quote from: An Watcher on August 20, 2020, 10:20:18 PM
Just finished Richie Sadlier's book "Recovering". Have to say it is excellent. Probably the best sports book I've read in a long time
Ever read Forever Young?
It's the story of young Strabane lad Adrian Doherty's aborted career with Man United. Probably the best football book I've read. However as he was in my school I might be slightly biased.
Really enjoyed it , so sad what happened Adrian .
Looking forward to the next Joe Abercrombie book due to be released on the 15th. The Trouble with Peace is a continuation of the series.
If you are a fan of Game of Thrones and haven't delved into this series then you are missing out big time!
Quote from: lurganblue on September 07, 2020, 03:56:24 PM
Looking forward to the next Joe Abercrombie book due to be released on the 15th. The Trouble with Peace is a continuation of the series.
If you are a fan of Game of Thrones and haven't delved into this series then you are missing out big time!
Great series of books. Some very memorable characters.
In that same vein, Peter V Brett has a series that starts with The Painted Man. Fantasy isn't everyone's cup of tea and I'll only dip in and out of it myself, but I found these very enjoyable.
The Hill.
:-X
Quote from: Taylor on September 16, 2020, 02:23:27 PM
The Hill.
:-X
This has been widely circulated on WhatsApp so good luck to the lad making any money from the sales.
I just completed the new John Boyne book - A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom. This is an exceptional book with a very strange concept. Once you get used to it though, it's hard to put down. The story even intertwines with some of the characters from his previous works.
Read The Chain over few months back, the writer is from these shores but lives in New York, think its going to be made into a film also.
Decent easy page turning book
Took a bit of a notion again on the reading and bought a few books recently.
4 kings - George Kimball. A wonderful book about the Boxing era of Hearns, Hagler, Leonard & Duran. Have a Biography of Roberto Duran and a Hugh Mcilvanney book on Boxing waiting for me too.
My current read is Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall, a take on modern Geopolitics (with historical background content), a truly fascinating read, some chapters more interesting than others. The India / Pakistan chapter opened my eyes a bit.
Also read Tighe's book on John Delaney recently, Champagne Football.
Great book called Picnic Time. It's about these three friends called Biff, Chip and Kipper and they get into escapades that would leave you gasping. There's a dog called Floppy but he just tags along. Highly recommended and wouldn't be surprised if a film on it comes out.
Haha, I second that, Biff and Kipper are two wild ones alright
Good book but the plot twists were easily predicted. Silly races a much better read. Kept me gripped throughout and did not expect that finish!!
Quote from: bennydorano on December 13, 2020, 08:08:30 PM
Took a bit of a notion again on the reading and bought a few books recently.
4 kings - George Kimball. A wonderful book about the Boxing era of Hearns, Hagler, Leonard & Duran. Have a Biography of Roberto Duran and a Hugh Mcilvanney book on Boxing waiting for me too.
My current read is Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall, a take on modern Geopolitics (with historical background content), a truly fascinating read, some chapters more interesting than others. The India / Pakistan chapter opened my eyes a bit.
Also read Tighe's book on John Delaney recently, Champagne Football.
Marshall's other books worth a read too. Especially Shadowplay which is about his time as a reporter during the Kosovo war. There is a scene where he bumps in to Boris Johnson over there, who was sent by whatever newspaper he was with at the time. Unsurprisingly Johnson comes across utterly clueless.
Got Obama's Autobiography. 'A Promised Land' for Christmas, long looking oul book. Only started it but an easy entertaining read so far. Only part 1 of the memoirs.
Got Bernard Brogans book as a Christmas present. Wasn't sure about it when I got it and still not sure about it a few chapters in.
Also got Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' as a present from the wife. Think my exact words were - do you know me at all??
Quote from: bennydorano on December 29, 2020, 02:52:20 PM
Also got Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' as a present from the wife. Think my exact words were - do you know me at all??
You mean the story of a group of pensioners solving the murder in a fancy old people's home doesn't float your boat? ;D
Champagne football is a great read. I'm sure lots of you have read it.
Started when the world stops watching, so far so good.
Read a piece the other day about how sports autobiographies aren't selling as well. Rob Kearney sold just over 3k copies of his. Reader fatigue, same stories about the same matches etc. I definitely get that. I love a sports book but had fallen out of love with them. They're were just too sanitised. So I'm looking for that different angle now as it were.
Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on December 29, 2020, 03:03:16 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 29, 2020, 02:52:20 PM
Also got Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' as a present from the wife. Think my exact words were - do you know me at all??
You mean the story of a group of pensioners solving the murder in a fancy old people's home doesn't float your boat? ;D
Came up in conversation before xmas where i then told the wife not to be getting it, (more because ive a pile of unread books already) cue bitta laughin where it transpired it had already been purchased......
But now ive read what its about........im in!!!!
Quote from: bennydorano on December 29, 2020, 02:52:20 PM
Also got Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' as a present from the wife. Think my exact words were - do you know me at all??
Outsold Obama's book. I know which I'd prefer to read, and it ain't f**kin' Obama.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on December 29, 2020, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on December 29, 2020, 03:03:16 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 29, 2020, 02:52:20 PM
Also got Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' as a present from the wife. Think my exact words were - do you know me at all??
You mean the story of a group of pensioners solving the murder in a fancy old people's home doesn't float your boat? ;D
Came up in conversation before xmas where i then told the wife not to be getting it, (more because ive a pile of unread books already) cue bitta laughin where it transpired it had already been purchased......
But now ive read what its about........im in!!!!
Got it too! Must have been some marketing blitz to get everyone to pick it up as a stocking filler.
I follow him on twitter and we both watch Pointless usually while makin the old supper. Likeable sort.
Hes just passed 1m followers on twitter today so id say thatd be a good start for any boyo sellin a book
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on December 29, 2020, 06:34:27 PM
I follow him on twitter and we both watch Pointless usually while makin the old supper. Likeable sort.
Hes just passed 1m followers on twitter today so id say thatd be a good start for any boyo sellin a book
Aye me too. House of Games is class.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on December 29, 2020, 08:58:54 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on December 29, 2020, 06:34:27 PM
I follow him on twitter and we both watch Pointless usually while makin the old supper. Likeable sort.
Hes just passed 1m followers on twitter today so id say thatd be a good start for any boyo sellin a book
Aye me too. House of Games is class.
Cant get into it for some reason. I like Pointless tbh. Didnt wana go overboard earlier, street cred and all that 😃😉
https://www.rte.ie/culture/2020/1104/1175925-that-place-we-call-home-by-john-creedon-read-an-extract/
This looks good, i could listen and watch John Creedon all day on TV and radio, be interesting to see how this book reads
Quote from: BennyCake on December 29, 2020, 03:28:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 29, 2020, 02:52:20 PM
Also got Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' as a present from the wife. Think my exact words were - do you know me at all??
Outsold Obama's book. I know which I'd prefer to read, and it ain't f**kin' Obama.
Finished The Thursday Murder Club and loved it!
Have read about 20 pages of Obama.
Quote from: bennydorano on January 19, 2021, 10:05:09 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on December 29, 2020, 03:28:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 29, 2020, 02:52:20 PM
Also got Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' as a present from the wife. Think my exact words were - do you know me at all??
Outsold Obama's book. I know which I'd prefer to read, and it ain't f**kin' Obama.
Finished The Thursday Murder Club and loved it!
Have read about 20 pages of Obama.
So the wife
does know ye then! :D
Use that other one to light the fire.
received two vintage books on Ireland for Christmas from mrs rather than the usual crap
I a 2 century history of Ireland written in 1888 which is fascinating as written when Ireland still in empire
2 the rising 1916 written in 1918 which again shows me how it was perceived then rather than the glorification now.
always good to look at history from different timelines because the interpretation is so different
Quote from: naka on January 20, 2021, 12:45:21 PM
received two vintage books on Ireland for Christmas from mrs rather than the usual crap
I a 2 century history of Ireland written in 1888 which is fascinating as written when Ireland still in empire
2 the rising 1916 written in 1918 which again shows me how it was perceived then rather than the glorification now.
always good to look at history from different timelines because the interpretation is so different
With most big history events it's wise to read different accounts
But if someone asks me to recommend one book about 1916 then it's Rebels - Peter de Rosa
Tried to read Jack Kerouac's On The Road. Just couldn't get into it, and gave up after a few dozen pages.
Have I missed anything?
I have a few pages left to read on A Belfast Child by John Chambers. I haven't been able to put it down. So easily read and yet gripping. I'm sure many from up North would empathise with his story or at least aspects of it anyway.
Quote from: BennyCake on April 21, 2021, 10:09:09 AM
Tried to read Jack Kerouac's On The Road. Just couldn't get into it, and gave up after a few dozen pages.
Have I missed anything?
No.
Quote from: charlieTully on April 21, 2021, 12:54:12 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 21, 2021, 10:09:09 AM
Tried to read Jack Kerouac's On The Road. Just couldn't get into it, and gave up after a few dozen pages.
Have I missed anything?
No.
I liked it, though it was definitely of its time.
It's now officially my reading season, have bought 2 books recently, the Sally Rooney one and Richard Osman's follow up book :D Not that hi brow these days.
Obama's book is never getting finished.
Quote from: bennydorano on October 19, 2021, 07:06:27 PM
It's now officially my reading season, have bought 2 books recently, the Sally Rooney one and Richard Osman's follow up book :D Not that hi brow these days.
Obama's book is never getting finished.
;D You're getting like me! I'm too tired to read anything taxing nowadays. My Obama book is still vacuum packed!
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2021, 07:11:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 19, 2021, 07:06:27 PM
It's now officially my reading season, have bought 2 books recently, the Sally Rooney one and Richard Osman's follow up book :D Not that hi brow these days.
Obama's book is never getting finished.
;D You're getting like me! I'm too tired to read anything taxing nowadays. My Obama book is still vacuum packed!
Speaking of taxing books, I just finished War and Peace. What a slog! Interesting at many points during the story but awfully drawn out. Wouldnt recommend anyone put themselves through that. I'm glad I read it, but also wonder why I stuck with it.
Now reading The Wisdom of Crowds, the latest in the series by Joe Abercrombie. Thoroughly enjoying it.
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 22, 2021, 09:43:12 AM
Quote from: charlieTully on April 21, 2021, 12:54:12 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 21, 2021, 10:09:09 AM
Tried to read Jack Kerouac's On The Road. Just couldn't get into it, and gave up after a few dozen pages.
Have I missed anything?
No.
I liked it, though it was definitely of its time.
Brother in law gave me that book years ago, always promised to get round to reading it. Watched the Movie version on Film 4 there a couple of weeks ago, not great and won't ever be reading it now.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2021, 07:11:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 19, 2021, 07:06:27 PM
It's now officially my reading season, have bought 2 books recently, the Sally Rooney one and Richard Osman's follow up book :D Not that hi brow these days.
Obama's book is never getting finished.
;D You're getting like me! I'm too tired to read anything taxing nowadays. My Obama book is still vacuum packed!
get the audiobook, obama is the narrator as well, def worth it
great book though it's only vol 1 :)
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.
Semi autobiographical novel set in Glasgow in the 80s.
What a brilliantly crafted book.
Quote from: Silver hill on October 19, 2021, 10:10:07 PM
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.
Semi autobiographical novel set in Glasgow in the 80s.
What a brilliantly crafted book.
I have avoided it as I have read reviews that talk about the grimness of it. Cant be doing with misery lit - is the grimness unrelenting or only a background to the story?
It's gritty alright, he doesn't sugar coat the conditions and the mood in thatcher era Glasgow. There is hope though. The book is a triumph of the human spirit.
Couldn't recommend it enough
Quote from: Silver hill on October 19, 2021, 10:52:07 PM
It's gritty alright, he doesn't sugar coat the conditions and the mood in thatcher era Glasgow. There is hope though. The book is a triumph of the human spirit.
Couldn't recommend it enough
Might add it to the reading list then.
Quote from: lurganblue on October 19, 2021, 07:42:41 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2021, 07:11:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 19, 2021, 07:06:27 PM
It's now officially my reading season, have bought 2 books recently, the Sally Rooney one and Richard Osman's follow up book :D Not that hi brow these days.
Obama's book is never getting finished.
;D You're getting like me! I'm too tired to read anything taxing nowadays. My Obama book is still vacuum packed!
Speaking of taxing books, I just finished War and Peace. What a slog! Interesting at many points during the story but awfully drawn out. Wouldnt recommend anyone put themselves through that. I'm glad I read it, but also wonder why I stuck with it.
Now reading The Wisdom of Crowds, the latest in the series by Joe Abercrombie. Thoroughly enjoying it.
I eventually got through war and peace in the original lockdown with everything shut and the 2 km limit on leaving the house. That was after starting it and leaving it for many years on 2 different occasions. A hard slog it was but an interesting read as well.
Quote from: Silver hill on October 19, 2021, 10:52:07 PM
It's gritty alright, he doesn't sugar coat the conditions and the mood in thatcher era Glasgow. There is hope though. The book is a triumph of the human spirit.
Couldn't recommend it enough
Stuck it on hold at the library when it was mentioned here and it has turned up already. Looking forward to it.
Quote from: dec on October 22, 2021, 07:48:03 PM
Quote from: Silver hill on October 19, 2021, 10:52:07 PM
It's gritty alright, he doesn't sugar coat the conditions and the mood in thatcher era Glasgow. There is hope though. The book is a triumph of the human spirit.
Couldn't recommend it enough
Stuck it on hold at the library when it was mentioned here and it has turned up already. Looking forward to it.
Hope you enjoy it.
Tried my first audio book. It's the future for lazy and busy people I reckon
Quote from: Never Give Up on October 24, 2021, 08:40:53 PM
Tried my first audio book. It's the future for lazy and busy people I reckon
very time efficient, can read while gardening, walking, driving, cleaning, working etc etc
amazing ;D
https://mobile.twitter.com/VertebratePub/status/1451891305391575045
Quote from: Never Give Up on October 24, 2021, 08:40:53 PM
Tried my first audio book. It's the future for lazy and busy people I reckon
Always wanted to get into audibooks but find myself zoning out sometimes during podcasts and then i have to relisten to it again
Quote from: bennydorano on October 19, 2021, 07:06:27 PM
It's now officially my reading season, have bought 2 books recently, the Sally Rooney one and Richard Osman's follow up book :D Not that hi brow these days.
Obama's book is never getting finished.
More than half way through Sally Rooney's 'Beautiful world where are you', it's very meh, I'm on the verge of declaring it shite. It's almost as if middle aged men aren't her target demographic :P
Quote from: Silver hill on October 19, 2021, 10:10:07 PM
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.
Semi autobiographical novel set in Glasgow in the 80s.
What a brilliantly crafted book.
Thanks for the recommendation. Brilliant book.
Read Bob Mortimer's Autobiography 'And Away". As you'd expect some serious LOLs. Very interesting to read about pretty much everything, his upbringing, the path to comedy, the dynamics with Vic. Watched the full series of Catterick again on YouTube between chapters.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 01, 2022, 03:19:58 PM
Read Bob Mortimer's Autobiography 'And Away". As you'd expect some serious LOLs. Very interesting to read about pretty much everything, his upbringing, the path to comedy, the dynamics with Vic. Watched the full series of Catterick again on YouTube between chapters.
I hadn't heard of Bob Mortimer previously, is he BBC English?
Quote from: Main Street on June 01, 2022, 10:49:05 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 01, 2022, 03:19:58 PM
Read Bob Mortimer's Autobiography 'And Away". As you'd expect some serious LOLs. Very interesting to read about pretty much everything, his upbringing, the path to comedy, the dynamics with Vic. Watched the full series of Catterick again on YouTube between chapters.
I hadn't heard of Bob Mortimer previously, is he BBC English?
It's Bob, as in Vic and Bob, Reeves and Mortimer, Shooting Stars and all that.
Read it recently myself. Good read. He had a tough time as a kid growing up and with uni life. His TV show Gone Fishing with Paul Whitehouse is a brilliant watch.
A very uninteresting fact, but Bob's nephew is married to an old school friend of mine. They got married down in what is now the Lodge at Ashford Castle and Bob was there. No one from the Strabane contingent was torturing him at all, too busy having craic with the half-cut parish priest.
Watched Narcos again, watched the Sky Documentary series about Escobar and now looking for a good book to buy about Pablo, there's an awful lot about, anybody got a recommendation ? Something entertaining and flowing. Noticed a 3 part series by Shaun Atwood that looks the business but not sure I can be arsed with that sort of time investment.
Read Jews dont count hy David Baddiel. An interesting (short) read.
Finished Richard Osman's the Thursday murder club.
It was nothing to write home about to be honest . Wouldn't be in a hurry to read the follow up book
Quote from: bennydorano on July 16, 2022, 03:14:37 PM
Watched Narcos again, watched the Sky Documentary series about Escobar and now looking for a good book to buy about Pablo, there's an awful lot about, anybody got a recommendation ? Something entertaining and flowing. Noticed a 3 part series by Shaun Atwood that looks the business but not sure I can be arsed with that sort of time investment.
Killing Pablo is good.
Quote from: AustinPowers on November 09, 2022, 02:32:08 PM
Finished Richard Osman's the Thursday murder club.
It was nothing to write home about to be honest . Wouldn't be in a hurry to read the follow up book
Same as that. Boring and mundane.
Ive been on an Irving Welsh buzz recently, what a talented writer.
Anyone know of any other writers in the same vein?
Quote from: ardchieftain on November 09, 2022, 07:37:03 PM
Ive been on an Irving Welsh buzz recently, what a talented writer.
Anyone know of any other writers in the same vein?
He's the best. Ive never been able to find anyone remotely close.
Quote from: charlieTully on November 10, 2022, 01:47:26 PM
Quote from: ardchieftain on November 09, 2022, 07:37:03 PM
Ive been on an Irving Welsh buzz recently, what a talented writer.
Anyone know of any other writers in the same vein?
He's the best. Ive never been able to find anyone remotely close.
Irvine lads, Irvine.
Quote from: Main Street on November 11, 2022, 12:08:16 AM
Quote from: charlieTully on November 10, 2022, 01:47:26 PM
Quote from: ardchieftain on November 09, 2022, 07:37:03 PM
Ive been on an Irving Welsh buzz recently, what a talented writer.
Anyone know of any other writers in the same vein?
He's the best. Ive never been able to find anyone remotely close.
Irvine lads, Irvine.
Lol. Never even noticed.
Never read this thread, so this may have been mentioned already, but archive.org is a fantastic online library, just search by title or author. All the books have been scanned, so it feels like you are reading a book moreso than just digital text.
Back reading Steinbeck's Tortilla Flat, such a little gem of a novel. And if you like the films The Shawshank Redemption or The Green Mile, the original books are so many times better.
Welsh usually annoys me. Only one I unreservedly loved was Maribou Stork Nightmares.
For me, the writer whom I like who is closest to Welsh--in one of his novels only--is Robert McLiam Wilson. The book is Ripley Bogle. It is terrific. Homeless Northern Irish bloke in London telling his story. He is just a superb writer.
If you like books, and you like history, then I thoroughly recommend "A Short History of Europe" by Simon Jenkins. From Pericles to Putin.
Just finished
Stuart: A life backwards
Deeply, deeply moving
Any suggestions for the best book I've never read?
My Father's House by Joseph O'connor is a good read and based on real events.
https://books.google.ie/books/about/My_Father_s_House.html?id=8PRsEAAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y (https://books.google.ie/books/about/My_Father_s_House.html?id=8PRsEAAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y)
Just finishing 'Close to Home' by Michael Magee and it is as good as I have read for years.
So, about 10 years ago , I bought Dubliners and Ulysses by James Joyce
I was sick looking at them on the shelf a few weeks ago I started Dubliners. A dozen or two pages in, I thought what the hell is this shite ? , But I thought no, By Christ I'm gonna fecking read you ya bollix, if it's the last thing I do.
It's finished thank feck , but still of the same opinion. What was that shite about?
It might be another 10 years before I tackle Ulysses . Or maybe never
Anyway... was Joyce overrated? Any thoughts?
Just finished The Coward by Jared McGinnis. A well written autobiography?
Quote from: AustinPowers on June 01, 2023, 10:49:36 PM
So, about 10 years ago , I bought Dubliners and Ulysses by James Joyce
I was sick looking at them on the shelf a few weeks ago I started Dubliners. A dozen or two pages in, I thought what the hell is this shite ? , But I thought no, By Christ I'm gonna fecking read you ya bollix, if it's the last thing I do.
It's finished thank feck , but still of the same opinion. What was that shite about?
It might be another 10 years before I tackle Ulysses . Or maybe never
Anyway... was Joyce overrated? Any thoughts?
That's the general feedback on Joyce's work. I've had a stab at Ulysses a couple of times but it's too much like hard work. Having to re-read sections and google sh1t is not my definition of enjoyment.
Any recommendations for good audio books for chilling out too holiday wise?
Quote from: StephenC on June 02, 2023, 09:27:07 AM
Quote from: AustinPowers on June 01, 2023, 10:49:36 PM
So, about 10 years ago , I bought Dubliners and Ulysses by James Joyce
I was sick looking at them on the shelf a few weeks ago I started Dubliners. A dozen or two pages in, I thought what the hell is this shite ? , But I thought no, By Christ I'm gonna fecking read you ya bollix, if it's the last thing I do.
It's finished thank feck , but still of the same opinion. What was that shite about?
It might be another 10 years before I tackle Ulysses . Or maybe never
Anyway... was Joyce overrated? Any thoughts?
That's the general feedback on Joyce's work. I've had a stab at Ulysses a couple of times but it's too much like hard work. Having to re-read sections and google sh1t is not my definition of enjoyment.
I've had several attempts at Ulysses over the years and I've come to the conclusion is for intellectual snobs who suffer from pretentious condescension. The old adage of "it's doesn't conquer you but you have to conquer it" is applicable here. TBH even beckets plays fall under the same umbrella, has anyone ever figured out "Waiting for Godot" either.
Did Waiting for Godot for Alevel and actually enjoyed it 😃 esp compared to some the other stuff we had to do, Chaucer, Shakespeare...
Must give it a read sometime but basically everything is sh1t and theres no hope for any of us seemed to be the jist of things 😊
Ta for the steer on Joyce tho chaps, sounds grim
I'm usually quite good at sticking with books that would be considered difficult reads. In the end I really enjoyed the likes of War and Peace, Crime and Punishment, The Odyssey etc.
I agree on Joyce though. I've tried and just stopped very early on.
Quote from: lurganblue on June 02, 2023, 12:17:53 PM
I'm usually quite good at sticking with books that would be considered difficult reads. In the end I really enjoyed the likes of War and Peace, Crime and Punishment, The Odyssey etc.
I agree on Joyce though. I've tried and just stopped very early on.
Agree, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky and writers like that are manageable. You can have one sentence that is a full paragraph, but it's still somewhat digestable. And at least they use punctuation.
Read Bob Mortimer's first novel - The Satsuma Complex, easy going & very enjoyable, can see it being a Sunday evening ITV comedy drama before too long.
Enjoyed that, Benny. Thanks for the rec.
If you like the thriller/comedy written by former stand-up comedian genre, you should check out Hugh Laurie's The Gun Seller.
Good man, it's been in my head to take a look about for something similar but hadn't gotten around to it yet.
Just started Billy Connolly's autobiography- Windswept & interesting. It and Bob's book were 2 Christmas presents I hadn't bothered with yet.
Just started a new book yesterday 'Dirty Linen' by Martin Doyle. It's a history of the Troubles in the parish of Tullylish, Co Down. A small rural area between Banbridge and Lurgan. Very interesting so far.
Half way through Fairytale by Stephen King. Disappointed so far. It started well but has went down hill and is losing my attention. Hopefully it improves but I am already thinking about what I should read next.
Making a slight move from podcasts to audiobooks recently. Recently finished the Matthew Perry autobiography. Long suffering addict and strange to listen to knowing how his life ends. As a book though, I found it jumped back and forth too much and became repetitive (but I suppose his life was really on a repetitive loop).
I've now started Unruly by David Mitchell. So far it's a funny breath of fresh air look at the British Kings and Queens.
Quote from: lurganblue on January 24, 2024, 06:11:49 PMMaking a slight move from podcasts to audiobooks recently. Recently finished the Matthew Perry autobiography. Long suffering addict and strange to listen to knowing how his life ends. As a book though, I found it jumped back and forth too much and became repetitive (but I suppose his life was really on a repetitive loop).
I've now started Unruly by David Mitchell. So far it's a funny breath of fresh air look at the British Kings and Queens.
Listened to this several months ago and found it a hard slog also. Thought his haggard sounding voice didn't help it either.
Listening to Micah Richards, pretty good.
The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes is a good read. Same author wrote I Am Pilgrim which is one of the few books I've ever read more than once.
Quote from: andoireabu on January 25, 2024, 06:02:57 PMThe Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes is a good read. Same author wrote I Am Pilgrim which is one of the few books I've ever read more than once.
Am I right in saying there is a sci-fi element to it? I like sci-fi and like I Am Pilgrim a lot but I have my reservations about this one.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2024, 06:28:00 PMQuote from: andoireabu on January 25, 2024, 06:02:57 PMThe Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes is a good read. Same author wrote I Am Pilgrim which is one of the few books I've ever read more than once.
Am I right in saying there is a sci-fi element to it? I like sci-fi and like I Am Pilgrim a lot but I have my reservations about this one.
Yeah but so badly done. Was a normal run of mill book then last section went of on a massive tangent. I'm still not sure if I like the book. Just felt the sci fi bit was like an add on at end and not consistent with rest of story.
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 25, 2024, 07:33:36 PMQuote from: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2024, 06:28:00 PMQuote from: andoireabu on January 25, 2024, 06:02:57 PMThe Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes is a good read. Same author wrote I Am Pilgrim which is one of the few books I've ever read more than once.
Am I right in saying there is a sci-fi element to it? I like sci-fi and like I Am Pilgrim a lot but I have my reservations about this one.
Yeah but so badly done. Was a normal run of mill book then last section went of on a massive tangent. I'm still not sure if I like the book. Just felt the sci fi bit was like an add on at end and not consistent with rest of story.
Aye that's in line with a review I read. Will pass.
Revelation Space series by Alastair Reynolds. Good space opera stuff with a decent hard science content. Has been on my to-read list for a long time and (having just finished the 2nd book) am really enjoying it.
The Black Company series by Glen Cook. Actually my 3rd time reading the series. It's dark fantasy that isn't that dark but love Cook's writing and the characters he created.
Gridlinked by Neal Asher. James Bond meets hand sci-fi. Found it hard to get into on the kindle, but switched to Audible and found it much better (I find that with a few books - some work better as audiobooks, others as text).
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2024, 07:41:36 PMQuote from: mrdeeds on January 25, 2024, 07:33:36 PMQuote from: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2024, 06:28:00 PMQuote from: andoireabu on January 25, 2024, 06:02:57 PMThe Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes is a good read. Same author wrote I Am Pilgrim which is one of the few books I've ever read more than once.
Am I right in saying there is a sci-fi element to it? I like sci-fi and like I Am Pilgrim a lot but I have my reservations about this one.
Yeah but so badly done. Was a normal run of mill book then last section went of on a massive tangent. I'm still not sure if I like the book. Just felt the sci fi bit was like an add on at end and not consistent with rest of story.
Aye that's in line with a review I read. Will pass.
It was a bit of a random turn right enough that I wasn't expecting but I still enjoyed it. Not as much as Pilgrim though