So, read any good books lately?

[merh]

I just thought we could discuss something that is worth reading.

:shrug:

[XemaSab]

1. "Saturday" by Ian McEwan

It's about a day in the life of a neurosurgeon in London on the day of the big antiwar protests.

Well written and very thought provoking.

[merh]

5. Thank you, I so desperately need to find something

that will help me get my mind off of the things I have been dealing with lately.

I think I will have to do a big order at Barnes & Nobles on line.

thanks again! :hi:

[XemaSab]

8. You're welcome!

Hope 2006 is better for you!!! :hi:

[merh]

13. Thank you for the good wishes.

I have to say, I can't imagine things being worse, which I hate to say for fear of jinxing myself x(

I have confidence that things will be much better this year. I only have one direction to go and that is forward!

:D

[jonnyblitz]

23. i have this checked out from my library but haven't read it yet.

it's on the new york times's "best books of 2005" list...

[hopein08]

2. Two books...

"Gullible's Travels" by Cash Peters which is super duper funny.

"The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova which I couldn't put down.

Right now, I'm reading "Warriors of God" about Richard the Lionheart, Saladin, and the Crusades.

[merh]

10. I love books about the Crusades.

"Warriors of God" reads well? Sometimes books about the Crusades can drag on.

What are the other two books about?

And yes, funny is definitely needed.

Thanks so much for the suggestions. :hi:

[hopein08]

22. Your welcome!

"Warriors of God" seems to read very well. I have to admit that it's the first book about the Crusades that I've read. The "Kingdom of Heaven" movie got me interested. Can you suggest any others about the Crusades for me to get into? I really want to read more about them.

"The Historian" is a novel about a girl and her parents separately searching for Dracula in the 20th Century. It's reall engrossing and it was one of those books that I didn't want to put down but then I felt like I finished it WAY TOO FAST! You know what I mean?

"Gullible's Travels" is a travel story by Cash Peters. He works for public radio broadcasting and they send him to crazy, small, weird places and museums all over America. In the book he makes fun of a lot of the places and generally just puts a common, human funny spin on things. Coincidentally, he has a show on the Travel Channel (if you get it) called "Stranded with Cash Peters" which is also VERY funny. On the show, they dump him in out of the way or quirky places like Deadwood, South Dakota & Savannah, Georgia and Coober Pedy, Australia with no money and no place to stay and he tours the town and has to bum meals and a place to sleep. I recommend it if you get the chance!

But if you're looking for funny books of any sort, my last suggestion will be any book by Bill Bryson. Especially, "Notes from a Small Island" & "I'm A Stranger Here Myself". I laughed until I cried. They are also travel/humor (like "Gullible's Travels"). The first is about England and the second is about Bryson moving back to America after 2 decades in England.

Happy reading and let me know if you need more!

[merh]

76. I have a terrible memory for titles to books in the first place and my

memory/focus right now is a little screwy. Katrina Kloud, if you will. I would love to be able to give you some titles, but I cannot, sorry.

I am going to include the books you suggest on my list and I do thank you for the suggestions.

:hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. I guess I am in the minority in thinking that "A Million Little Pieces" an

"My Friend Leonard" were good books. :shrug:

[merh]

17. What are those books about?

I'd love to know -- I am so in need of good reading.

:hug: :loveya:

[ScreamingMeemie]

29. They are about addiction and recovery. The author is currently

under the gun for possibly embellishing his story...embellished or not, the books were good reads. I think more than a few people here are jealous of Mr. Frey's good fortune. And we can be a nasty bunch. :hi:

[merh]

44. Is that the one

that was to have "duped" Oprah?

God, I am so out of the loop in so many ways. I used to keep up with things, my little world shrunk, if you know what I mean.

I heard about the Oprah "duping" on GMA when I was getting ready for work.

I will include that on my list and yes, I do know what you mean by the nasties. x(

Personally, I am bored with that, maybe new reading materials will help me escape some of it.

Thanks again, MrsG! :hug:

[pitohui]

139. yes the famous hoax books

i'm not sure we should reward people for being hoaxers and poseurs by buying their books

[Shine]

4. Good question, merh

I've been in the market for some good reading, too.
:hi:

[merh]

18. Hi Shine!

:hi:

It just seems that I waste my time reading silly stuff. I need to do better about that. :hug:

[Shine]

20. I'm reading Deepak Chopra's newest lately. Definitely NOT silly.

Deep stuff. I recommend it. It's called The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life. It's a book of hints, stabs of insight and imagination, reminders...

:hug:

[merh]

25. So, do you suggest I include Chopra's books on my wish list?

I have no books (well, I do have some paperbacks that were sent to me by some kind DUers to help me pass the time just after the storm) and I WILL HAVE SHELVES and they will need books.

Please, tell me more.

:hug:

[Shine]

32. Well, I would definitely recommend it. I haven't "spoken" with you

much, but through your posts I have come to see that you are a very thoughtful person, so I would expect you'd be attracted to this book because it's very profound. Truthfully, this is the first Deepak Chopra book I've ever read. The guy's prolific, but wise.

Here's what it says from the inside cover:

"Every life is a book of secrets, ready to be opened. The secret of perfect love is found there, along with the secrets of healing, compassion, faith and the most elusive one of all: who we really are. We are still mysteries to ourselves, despite the proximity of these answers, and what we most long to know remains lodged deep inside."

Good stuff. :thumbsup:

[merh]

35. Yes, that is something I would definitely like to read.

I think I will begin with that book. I need something like that right now, I can use all of the emotional healing, encouragement I can get.

I do so appreciate you. :pals:

[Shine]

38. Bright blessings to you, my sister!

:pals:

I've heard of your trials with Katrina and I'm sorry for them. Please know I send you the very best wishes for Peace, Comfort, Healing and Trust.

Shine

[merh]

73. thank you so much.

:hug:

[terrya]

6. I'm reading "The Woman in White" by Willkie Collins.

The jury is still out as to whether it's a "good" book, though...

[azmouse]

19. I love reading Victorian era fiction

and The Woman in White is one of my favs.
Try The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins too. It's considered the first detective novel.

[merh]

27. The first detective novel!

Wow, that is something I would like to read.

Thanks for the title and welcome to DU :hi:

[merh]

21. What book did you read before "The Woman in White"

Seriously, I lost my library and I have to replace my books one day, eventually (though my first editions are history and some old books of poetry from the 1900's are gone for ever).

I might as well start a list of books to include in my library, to put on the shelves of my house I hope to one day build!

[terrya]

26. A book of O Henry's Short Stories.

Barnes and Noble offers some great classic books, in softcover, at pretty reasonable prices (less than $10). I've bought quite a few of their clasics books...a bargain and good reading. Some books that I've wanted to read I now can.

[merh]

28. I think that is what I might do,

just slowly start ordering books when the finances allow, so that I can rebuild my library.

Barnes & Nobles will definitely be where I will go. I want to keep things as blue as possible.

again, thank you :hi:

[terrya]

33. My pleasure!

I'm sorry for your losses...but it sounds like you do want to rebuild...and Barnes and Noble is s good, inexpensive place to go. And going blue is always a good way to go.

:hi:

[ThatsMyBarack]

7. "Confessions of a Fat Girl"

I read it on the plane to and from Vegas last September. It was about these two ladies who were best friends and FAT in high school. Now, one of them has had gastric-bypass surgery and shrunken down to a size 2, and is about to get married. The other one is still fat, and slated to be her maid of honor.

[merh]

30. Is it one that makes you cry?

Those type of dynamics in a friendship can be so heart breaking.

I'll add it to my list, but I am not sure I am up for heart break right now.

Thanks for the input and a belated welcome to DU! :hi:

[ThatsMyBarack]

136. Nah....

....I thought it was funny! :rofl:

[djeseru]

9. A Crack in the Edge of the World...

...by Simon Winchester (I'm on a Winchester streak here lately...) and Killing Yourself to Live by Chuck Klosterman was pretty fascinating...he travels the US to the sites where rock and roll musicians have died over the past 50 years but weaves it with his own personal relationships that have coincidentally needed re-thinking during his journey. I read it in two days straight...

[merh]

37. So it keeps you interested?

Sometimes I find myself with a good book, but day to day life calls me away from reading it.

I'm way to easily distracted these days. My focus is shot. Is this book one that can hold me?

I will definitely include it on my list. Thank you. :thumbsup:

[Guy Fawkes]

11. DEATH TO BOOKS!

EAT POISON FOOD!
BREATH POISON AIR!
KILL THE ENVIRONMENT!
THINK ONLY OF YOURSELF!
VOTE REPUBLICAN!

[merh]

39. Okay

Do you mind if I just not go that route right now?

I've had way too many negatives going on in my life in the last few months, I'd rather shoot for some positives.

But thanks for stopping by and taking the time. :hi:

[Guy Fawkes]

66. By the way...

I recently read Good Omens by Neil Gaiman. Great book.

[merh]

74. Thanks - it will be on my list

:hi:

[uppityperson]

80. Is that his new one with Anansasi? How about Neverwhere?

I like Neil Gaiman, odd books but very good.

[Guy Fawkes]

81. Anansi Boys is the newest one...

it was wonderful! If you liked American Gods, you must read Anansi Boys.

Neverwhere was both an amazing novel and a great miniseries on the BBC. An absolute joy!

[qnr]

41. self-delete - replied to wrong post. n/t

Robert M. Hazen and James Trefil
ISBN 0-385-24796-6

It's an older book (about 14 years). The goal is to make you scientifically literate. This doesn't mean it forces you to learn equations, just gives you real life examples so you can understand what people are talking about when you hear or read about Amperes, or Quantum Mechanics, the Uncertainty Principle or Leptons, etc. I highly recommend it.

[qnr]

43. *sigh* I'm such a friggin' idiot some times n/t

[merh]

45. No you are not.

:pals:

[qnr]

46. heheh thanks

:toast:

[merh]

48. any time!

:toast:

[TheProphetess]

12. The last book I read for fun was "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim"

by David Sedaris. It's a hoot! In fact, anything by David Sedaris is worthwhile. (My favorite is "Me Talk Pretty One Day") - he's so damn funny.

But that was quite awhile ago when I didn't have a stack of reading to do for work. So now I'm stuck reading textbooks and journal articles. Wow. :(

[merh]

40. So I should be sure to include Sedaris in my new library?

I am embarassed to say I have never heard of him, but I spent of period of time over the last 3 years reading only legal treatises and cases. My mind was numb from too much research.

I think it is time I wake it up to some entertaining reads.

Thanks for telling me about Sedaris. :hi:

[TheProphetess]

143. Oh, my, you really should give him a try

He's a scream! I personally prefer to hear him read his own stuff - he does books on tape - and he just adds so much humor to the story. My sides hurt just thinking it. :hi:

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

14. A Man without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut

Its a short read, but its really good. It gave me some interesting things to mull over for a bit. Hes a great writer, even though the book is short. The chapters read real nicely, as if he is there giving you a speech...

[merh]

47. I love Vonnegut.

I definitely will include his books on my list!

thank you :hi:

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

53. Its my pleasure to suggest!

:hi:

I hope you enjoy! :bounce:

[LSK]

15. Joe Conason - Big Lies

Just finished it.

Still reading Clintons "My Life" and Krugmans "The Great Unraveling"

I read several books at a time.

[merh]

49. I think I had just received those - before the storm.

:-(

I had a ton of political books I had ordered, I was just going to sit down and read until Mississippi was blue. (Yeah, right)

I am glad you posted them here, to remind me to include them on my list.

thank you :hi:

[Sugar Smack]

16. "Thirtynothing", baby. Did you like it? ; )

Also, I'm re-reading a book called "The Bone People" by Keri Hulme. She's from New Zealand; half European & half Maori. The main character reminds me a little of bridgit with her wit. I gleaned a lot of good phrases from this book: "bloody oath", "ratbag child", etc. Plus, this gal knows how to cook- there are a lot of dinner ideas in it. She knows how to think, drink, smoke, cuss, love, talk, and defend herself.

:hi: :loveya: :pals:

[merh]

50. The book was wonderful.

But more important than the book was the personal inscription from a dear friend.

And "The Bone People" sounds like my type of book!

thanks so much, Sugah! :hug: :loveya:

[Sugar Smack]

57. Oh! You made me smile so hard! ; )

Good on ya! I mean every word of my inscriptions, too. There's nothing like writing a message in a book to someone you value, just to make sure they know you care about them.

:loveya:

[merh]

61. I will cherish it, always.

(And the next hurricane, it is going into a leak proof box and loaded in my car as I drive miles AWAY from the storm ;-) )

thank you again -- your love and generosity have helped me more than you will every know.

:hug: :loveya:

[Maddy McCall]

24. Hey! I haven't read any books...I had back surgery.

And I have to have another one done next Wednesday. It's been either pain or pain pills for the past month.

How are you doing?

:hi: :pals:

[merh]

31. You had back surgery!!!!

Damn it woman, why didn't you call me --- why haven't you called me.

I would come visit and help you any way I can, you know that.

Do you need anything, how can I help?

Call me!!!

I am doing good, but now I am worried about you, in pain. x(

I love you and am here for you! :hug: :loveya:

[Maddy McCall]

51. I love you, too!

I'm fine. It was outpatient, believe it or not. And I am doing fine. I went back to work yesterday--back in front of the class where I love to be.

I had an MRI done in Jackson on Monday. I freaked out, and I do mean FREAKED out when I was placed in the tube. I couldn't breathe. I passed out.

Finally, the tech talked me into trying it again, and he had to put a wet towel across my face and hold my ankle the whole time I was in there. 30 minutes of pure hell.

I never realized that I was claustrophobic. And then, yesterday, I got on the elevator to go up to the history department at the university...well, I got on first, and then ten other people crammed in, and I had to bail out.

I've never been a scaredy cat. But I am now afraid of tight spaces. I've thought a lot about it since Monday...I think being pinned under the go-cart in the wreck in 2002 is what did it to me. Because I had had an MRI in 2001 and it was a piece of cake.

Anyway, sorry for the novella...yes, I have a great doctor (FINALLY!) who is helping me to be pain-free. He really cares and he's kind of a "rock star" in his field, so I know I'm in good hands.

Tonight, I'm going up to MMjr's room and helping him clean what looks like a fire hazard of a room. I had not seen his room in a month, and last night I went up to close the door to keep the heat in the downstairs area, and I can't even begin to describe to you what I saw up there.

But I'm going to watch American Idol first...then I'll do the cleaning.

So, yeah, I'm fine. :loveya: :pals:

[merh]

58. Yeah!!!!!

Back in front of the class -- I am so happy for you, I know that is what you love. :bounce: :bounce:

Claustraphobia is a bitch, I had it bad for awhile. The tight chest and inability to breath when crowded in, ick. Folks who have never had panic attacks just don't know how debilitating they can be.

Please take care of yourself, you mean the world to me. Don't strain your back cleaning MMjr's room, you just give directions and make him do it. :D

You and MMjr are in my prayers, always. :hug: :loveya:

[Ariana Celeste]

34. Last 3 books of Stephen King's Dark Tower series

:loveya:

It hurt to finish the series :cry:, but I had to at some point!

[merh]

54. I hate to admit it -- I've never been a fan of King.

Please don't hate me.

Is this series like the rest of his books, or does it have a different flavor?

I do so appreciate your posting, maybe my tastes will have altered given the dark experiences of these few months. Maybe it is time I revisit King.

I will include them on my list.

thank you :hi:

[Ariana Celeste]

60. No hate here!

I've had a love for King ever since my first King book, mainly because my very first adult novel (at 8) was one of his. Eyes of the Dragon, I believe it's called.

This series has similarities with his other books, but at the same time has a completely different flavor. It's kind of western-ish and explores parallel dimension kind of stuff. It's kind of hard to explain because there's a lot to it. But I'd definitely recommend a trial run at it. ;)

I admit the first book is kind of slow- in fact my mom tried to read it when it came out, and couldn't get past the first half, and so she never picked it up again until I got into the series- I talked her into giving it another try because despite how slow it is, the rest of the series doesn't make as much sense without it. And it really picks up in the second book. Thankfully, the first one is fairly short compared to the rest.

It's just awesome. Lol. And I can understand why a lot of people don't really like King's work. Most of my friends don't. ;)

:hi:

[RebelOne]

130. Stephen King fan here.

I've read every one of his books except for the Dark Tower series. As you said, the first book starts slow, so I couldn't get to far into it.

[tarkus]

36. Working on "The Portrait of a Lady" and "The Elegant Universe"

Can't beat Henry James and physics.

Edited to complete parenthesis on second title...

[merh]

59. Welcome to DU!

And thank you for the titles.

:hi:

[qnr]

42. Science Matters: Achieving Scientific Literacy

Robert M. Hazen and James Trefil
ISBN 0-385-24796-6

It's an older book (about 14 years). The goal is to make you scientifically literate. This doesn't mean it forces you to learn equations, just gives you real life examples so you can understand what people are talking about when you hear or read about Amperes, or Quantum Mechanics, the Uncertainty Principle or Leptons, etc. I highly recommend it.

[merh]

62. Now that is exactly the type of book I need.

I will admit, I am scientifically challenged.

Thank you qnr -- that is definitely on the list. :hi:

:hug:

[qnr]

71. My pleasure :) - it's well worth the read n/t

[Left Is Write]

52. Enjoyable, yes. Good? That's questionable.

:D

[merh]

63. Enjoyable, yes. Good?

I've never enjoyed a "bad" read.

Not that I have never enjoyed things that a part of society considers "bad", I just can't recall enjoying a "bad" read.

:shrug:

[Left Is Write]

65. What I meant was...

The books I have enjoyed reading recently would not necessarily be considered "good" by any literary standards. I call them "bathtub books" (meaning it doesn't matter if you drop one in the tub while reading)...formulaic mysteries and romances. :)

I enjoyed the light reads, but I wouldn't call them "good books."

[merh]

72. Now, the bath tub books can be some of the best reads.

I like to escape with those and I am not afraid to admit it.

Life is too short to be serious and intellectual and perfect all the time. A good romance novel can be just the thing to take one's minds off of the realities of life.

:hi:

[Left Is Write]

75. I completely agree!

Sometimes just what I need after a stressful day is to step into a nice hot bubble bath with a bathtub book and a glass of wine.

[Dinger]

55. The Man Called Cash, By Steve Turner

Published 2004. Begins with June being ill, and Johnny's life. It seems like "Walk The Lines" could be the screenplay of that book. As an out of control Johnny Cash fan, I can tell you, this one is more than worthwhile.

[merh]

64. I think I would like to read about Johnnie Cash.

I used to love his t.v. series, well, I loved watching it with my grandmother. She loved him.

Thank you, "Walk The Lines" is definitely on my list. :hi:

[anarch]

56. I just recently finished "Armageddon" by Max Hastings

An account of the end of World War II in Europe. If you're interested in history, it's a decent read...and also just, well, puts a lot of things in perspective. Although I guess a whole lot of things do that with respect to my own relatively painless existence...some people's storm experiences for instance.

Anyway, I thought it was a good book.

[merh]

68. I have enjoyed reading history.

Of course, the title of the book gives me the chills. I am not one who appreciates that interpretation of Revelations.

But, you know, I have to take the time to look outside my world, to get a better perspective, maybe WWII Europe is just the place to visit.

thank you, anarch. :hi:

[Withywindle]

154. If you have Apocalypse issues...

....then I definitely second Guy Fawkes's recommendation of "Good Omens" by Neil Gaiman (and Terry Pratchett; it's a collaboration). Without a doubt the funniest book about the Apocalypse ever. The main characters are a demon and an angel who've become good drinking buddies and decide they like Earth just the way it is, and an Antichrist who gets baby-switched and grows up an almost perfectly normal small-town English kid. (And oh, the modern incarnations of the Four Horsepersons...)

In a similar sort of vein I also loved "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Friend" by Christopher Moore, which is pretty much as the title says, with very imaginative interludes in the modern world and Buddhist and Hindu-flavored subplots.

I think both books are shriekingly funny and still very wise and affectionate about religion and humanity.

For a non-fictional pick-me-up, I recommend "The Grail Bird: Hot On the Trail of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker" by Tim Gallagher. Amazing story about obsession, dedication, science--professional and amateur--and hope.

[miss_american_pie]

67. I'm in the middle of "Never Let Me Go"

And so far it's good. But I have a thing for unreliable narrators, so if that bothers you skip this one.

Before that I finished a compilation by Garrison Keillor called "Good Poems," and they were.

[XemaSab]

117. I just finished that one (Never Let Me Go)

Majorly creepy.

[Hand]

69. "John Adams" by David McCulloch

Wonderful, detailed, vividly written biography of a true revolutionary patriot. Great book! :thumbsup:

[Sacajawea]

85. Agree! I really enjoyed his "1776" also.

[Hand]

89. That's on my list...

Soon as I finish Defoe's "Journal of the Plague Year". Nice light reading...

[BlueIris]

149. I LOVE that book!

I read it last May. It was a gooood book for a DUer to be reading last May.

[Orsino]

70. Margaret Cho's...

I Have Decided to Stay and Fight.

Powerful ranting from a stout heart.

[merh]

93. Now that one is one that I want to get.

It is definitely on my list.

I love a good rant.

thanks :hi:

[southlandshari]

77. "A Fist in the Hornet's Nest" by Richard Engel

Subtitle: "On the Ground in Baghdad Before, During & After the War"

Obviously the war isn't over, and Engel doesn't say it is. I'd be interested to know who subtitled the book and wrote the dust jacket copy, because it is a lot weaker than the book itself.

Engel was the only American tv correspondant in Baghdad through the inital assault on Iraq by the U.S. He reported for all of the big network and cable news channels throughout the fighting. He was not embedded with any troops, and offers a more independent view of events as a result.

I wouldn't call it Pulitzer-worthy, but it is a worthwhile read. Engel is no vacuous pretty face - he knows the region and has shown willingness to go the independent route in order to get the real facts on the ground - to the extent possible for a mainstream American reporter, anyway.

:hi:

[merh]

98. Yeah, I would think the subtitle is a bit premature.

Maybe the editors figured the book would see to conservatives if they added the "after the war" crap.
And maybe, if conservatives read it, they will get to know some of the truth about the war. :shrug:

Thanks for the title, my friend. I will add this book to my library wish list! :hi:

:hug: I :loveya: more

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

78. "Black Hole" by Charles Burns (which is a graphic novel)

is outstanding. Probably the best new book I read last year (although that wasn't many).

http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/blackhole.html

[merh]

100. Please, tell me more.

Your caveat "graphic novel" has intrigued me.

[RetroLounge]

79. I am reading a few.

Recently finished The Time Traveler's Wife
Currently reading The Power of Now
Currently reading A Million Little Pieces
Currently reading The Best American Short Stories 2005
Currently reading The Best American Short Stories 2001

RL

[merh]

103. Now how in the world do you currently read 4 books.

I would be so lost and confused, I wouldn't know what to do. :freak:

I have heard of The Time Traveler's Wife, but am not familiar with the others.
I love good short stories, but the only collection I ever owned was a collection of D.H. Lawrence's works (My favorite short story being "The Rocking Horse Winner" a story that everyone should read and take to heart.)

Thanks for the list and know that I am in awe of you. :hug:

[Sacajawea]

82. "Shalimar The Clown" by Salman Rushdie

I've never read anything else he's written so I don't know how this compares to his other works, but I was completely hooked after listening to about the first three minutes of the book-on-tape. It has, ultimately, to do with Kashmir and its people. But it's a novel with a very broad scope, starting with an event in the fairly recent past, and then the story is very slowly unveiled in flashback. I found the language to be quite gorgeous; it's not at all impenetrable, as I erroneously thought Rushdie's writing might be. The book tells a supremely human (love) story.

Also, I second the recommendation about "Saturday." Also an excellent book.

[Sacajawea]

83. "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion.

Listened to that last night. A very moving memoir of her husband's sudden death in late 2003 and the year that followed.

[merh]

104. Welcome to DU, Sacajawea.

:hi:

Each book you reference seem to be the types of books I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing their titles with me. I will gladly add them to my list.

:thumbsup:

[jakefrep]

84. "Day of The Jackal" by Frederic Forsyth

I saw the movie, then I decided to read the book.

[merh]

106. I read that book years ago and once had it in my library.

It is a good one to add to my list.

Thank you and welcome to DU! :hi:

[RevCheesehead]

86. I just finished reading "The Goblet of Fire"

And I think I might go see the movie this weekend (if it's still around).

Next on my list, if I ever get it returned, is John Dean's "Worse than Watergate." If not, then Garrison Keillor's "Homegrown Democrat."

[merh]

107. Hey ya, Popey!

What is "The Goblet of Fire" about? I'm really out of the loop in more respects than I realized. :blush:

I had "Worse than Watergate" and do need to buy another copy. And I have heard good things about "Homegrown Democrat."

:hug: thanks :loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

118. It's the 4th Harry Potter book

I took it with me when I got my car serviced. I was kinda hiding it, until I saw an older lady near my reading the exact same book. They really are well-written. Ask any little kid - they've probably got the whole set (of what's written so far).

[merh]

124. My sister gave me her Potter books to read.

I never got the chance, I think the whole collection will be on my wish list! :D

And I know a well respected lawyer that waits like a kid when the new books are released, if asked, he would confirm your position relative to the quality of the writing. :9

morning :hi:

[elshiva]

87. The Kite Runner by Hosseini

A great fictional book about Afghanistan.

[merh]

108. thank you elshiva.

I will add that to my wish list. :hi:

:hug:

[elshiva]

144. YOU ARE WELCOME!

It's great. :hug:

[Beware the Beast Man]

88. "Mastering AutoCAD 2006" by George Omura.

It's a real page-turner.

[Name removed]

92. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Beware the Beast Man]

94. What? You asked a question and I answered- sincerely, I might add.

There was no underlying agenda, no snark, no attempt to make your life miserable. That's all I am going to say in the matter. I apologize if I offended you.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

122. I didn't see anything snarky in it either

:shrug:

[Name removed]

95. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Beware the Beast Man]

97. I didn't realize who the OP was.

Had I known, I never would have responded.

I am tired of the BS as well. All of it. I gave a sincere response, and I am sticking to it.

Congratulations and pat yourselves on the back, for you may have successfully driven off one of your "adversaries."

For the record, one of the people in question was one of my favorite people around here, and I have never-repeat-NEVER- said a bad word about him/her/it. But because I am friends with some they may construe as enemies, I am now an enemy.

I'm sick of it. I'm done. Chalk up one for the winning team.

[southlandshari]

99. I could have written your post above

Word for word.

There is no patting on the back appropriate on my end. I am not in competition or racing to hurt anyone. There are NO winners in all of this as far as I'm concerned.

I promise you - and challenge anyone to find proof to the contrary - that I have NEVER posted anything that was nasty or hurtful to anyone on any side of the situation you and I both know well.

I didn't have an enemy on DU before all this started. As far as I'm concerned, I still don't. I would never do anything to try to run anyone off of DU. The post I just made to you was the most direct statement I've ever made to anyone in the forums on something like this. I made it because I want the shit to end. Just like you do.

Could we please try to find some way to make this an olive branch moment? Seriously. This has all gotten out of hand - I think we agree on that.

[Scout]

90. Hard Truth

by Nevada Barr

her latest Anna Pigeon mystery

[merh]

110. I'm not familiar with the Anna Pigeon mysteries.

Can you give me an idea what they are like?

[Scout]

131. oooh, I love them.

Anna Pigeon is a National Park Service Ranger, specializing in law enforcement. Each novel takes place in a different National Park, as Anna solves the crime.

Nevada Barr is very talented at describing the parks, the natural environment. If you love nature, you'll love these books. Her Anna Pigeon character is a strong, independent woman. Anna was widowed when young, and joined the park service to sort of get away from it all and make a new life. She has a sister who is a NY psychiatrist that Anna is very close to.

Anyway, Anna Pigeon never says die, and has gotten herself and others out of some pretty nasty scrapes ... not in a James Bond kind of way with tricks and gadgets, but by her wits and intestinal fortitude.

You can also see the development of Barr as a writer, if you start with the beginning of the series and work your way through. Also, she allows Anna to age naturally, and be a very human character.

FYI, here's the series

Track of the Cat-- (Guadalupe Mountains)
A Superior Death--1994 (Isle Royale NP)
Ill Wind--1995 (Mesa Verde NP)
Firestorm--1996 (Lassen Volcanic NP)
Endangered Species--1997 (Cumberland Island)
Blind Descent--1998 (Carlsbad Caverns)
Liberty Falling-- (Liberty Island)
Deep South--2000 (Natchez Trace)
Blood Lure--2001 (Glacier NP)
Hunting Season--2002 (Natchez Trace)
Flashback--2003 (Dry Tortugas NP)
High Country--2004 (Yosemite NP)
Hard Truth--2005 (Rocky Mountain NP)

Can you tell I'm a fan??

I hope you try them, and like them as much as I do!

[Withywindle]

151. Oooo, I need to read those!

Park Ranger's daughter here. I'll see if my dad would like them. He's not much into mysteries but he might read these. Thanks!

[jane_pippin]

91. I can't resist a book thread. Here are some I read and liked recently:

I've mentioned some of these before but they're still good so here they are again.

David Rakoff--Don't Get Too Comfortable
Collection of essays including David's stint as a hotel pool boy, meetings with and thoughts on Log Cabin Republicans, a trip to fashion week in paris (I think it was Paris anyway), and his experience becoming an American citizen. Very smart, funny and engaging.

Marjane Satrapi--Persepolis and Persepolis II
Graphic novels about a girlhood in Iran during the 70's and 80's, her time spent out of the country and her return as a young woman. I enjoyed them because they helped me understand what it was like--at least for one person--to live through the wars and politics of that time that I only have vague memories of. It helped me get my head around the events of that time period and made my understanding of it a bit more real. It's serious but it also has a lot of moments that made me laugh too.

Jonathan Safran Foer--Everything is Illuminated
Novel about an American traveling in Europe with his translator and his translator's grandfather in search of the woman who saved his family members during the holocaust. It unwinds beautifully and is told as correspondence between the American, (also named Jonathan Safran Foer), and the translator recounting the details of their journey. The American uses the letters to piece together his family tree, and write a book about his family's story. A wonderful novel with magical themes and an interesting structure that work together to draw you in to the world of the story and the stories within the story.

Galt Neiderhoffer--A Taxonomy of Barnacles
Quirky novel about six daughters of a wealthy Manhattan businessman who, along with his newly ex-wife, has made a hobby of studying the nature vs. nurture debate through research into human and animal behavior. To this end, he issues his daughters a challenge: ensure the family name will endure and become the sole heir to the family fortune. The daughters each respond in their own ways, from aggressively planning to win to willfully dismissing the whole prospect. It's a fun, light read but light reading for smart people. I almost hate to phrase it this way but it's the best way I can think of to describe it accurately--it's the thinking woman's chick lit. I'm only about half way through, so maybe it will take a turn for the worse but so far I'm enjoying it.

Ok. Time for Colbert. :hi:

[merh]

109. wow, thank you so much, jane_pippin

I will be sure to include all of these on my wish list.

Thank you for taking the time to give me such succinct, yet fascinating descriptions of each. You really did give me a lot to consider.

thank you :hi:

[jane_pippin]

127. No problem, merh.

Happy reading to you. :D

[mtnsnake]

96. "Deception Point" by Dan Brown

Great book. One of the best I've read lately.

[merh]

111. Can you give me an idea what the book is like?

I appreciate your sharing the title with me. :hi:

[mtnsnake]

129. Sure

It's an adventure mystery that moves along at a pace you won't believe. It concerns deception and corruption at the highest levels of government, and it draws some interesting parallels to the type of foolery that's going on today.

The story of this novel has to do with an amazing discovery NASA makes in the Arctic, a large meteorite that has been located deep under the ice. But this is not just any meteorite. It's a meteorite that has something about it that will change the scope of thinking forever on earth. I can't give anything else away about it, or I'll ruin the first surprise in the book. After the discovery, the story builds and builds from there. This is a book that is even more special if you're a Democrat.

Dan Brown also wrote The Da Vinci Code.

[merh]

132. That does sound like my type of book.

I definitely will add that to my list and thank you for the synopsis.

:hi:

[Zomby Woof]

101. Jimmy Carter's new one

"Our Endangered Values"

Nails the fundie nutjobs infesting the Republican party, and then some.

Although I am an atheist, I respect Christians like Carter, and the sincerity of his faith. The world is a better place with people of his compassion and intellect.

[merh]

112. I forgot Carter had released a new book.

Thank you ZombyWoof, I will gladly add this one to my list. And I think it speaks volumes that you recommend given it is involves Carter's faith.

:hug:

[terrya]

141. That's a great book. I agree with you.

Former President Carter is a national resource. His book is must reading for Democrats and anyone else concerned with the direction of this country.

[DanCa]

102. Bruce Springsteen songs and the Ties that bind.

[merh]

113. Thank you DanCa.

Is this about Bruce's inspirations and why he wrote the songs?

I do like his music, I never thought about buying a book about his music.

:hi:

[DanCa]

115. Songs is a collection of his lyrics up to tom joad.

TIes that bind is about him and what inspired to be the force that he is.

[merh]

116. Thank you.

I will include them on my list. :hi:

[LSK]

105. some books on my list include

Mark Crispin Miller - Fooled Again
Joe Wilson - Politics of Truth
Howard Zinn - Peoples History of the United States
Al Franken - The Truth with Jokes
Jeremy Rifkin - The European Dream
Orwell - 1984

If I get these done by the end of the year, that would be great.

[merh]

114. I had a couple of these.

And I have read about the others. I will include them all on my list. Heck, I'm bookmarking this thread and using it as my list.

Thank you LSK! :hi:

[NMMNG]

119. I just read "Son Rise"

It's 30 years old so it's definitely dated but still a good read. It is the true story of parents who developed an intensive home program for their autistic son that allowed him to become incredibly high functioning. The trend at the time among the "experts" was to consider children with autism lost causes, and to merely teach them to use the toilet, feed themselves and dress themselves--nothing more. It's amazing to look back now and see how far we've come in our treatment of children with autism, although we still have far to go.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446306452/102-8502776-8909738?v=glance&n=283155

[MissHoneychurch]

120. The newest mystery by Elizabeth George

"With no one as witness". A lot better than the one before, that one was horrible. Didn't even finish reading it. This one - she is at her best again.

[tjwmason]

121. The da Vinci Code

But it's not a good book, in fact it's a bloody pathetic book and I nearly threw it out of the window about three times every chapter (which given that Brown's chapters are about four paragraphs each is quite some achievement) due to the constant litany of stupid errors. But if you want to leave reality behind and have an escape into total un-reality it's not too bad.

Genuinely interesting, a book on the history of the Ottoman Empire, I think it's called "Lords of the Horizon" or something similar but I can't see it on Amazon...I'll look when I get home from work.

Also "The Tribes of Britain" by David Miles; it's a history of people in Britain. One of the author's points is that despite the obvious reality that the British are a mongrel nation, most of our genetic material has actually been here for millennia.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

123. The Tempest

On a classics kick. I'm gonna read the Grapes of Wrath next!

[underpants]

125. "The Truth (with jokes" Al Franken

Fall down hilarious for the first 2/3 of it then it gets serious (IRaq). Nothing really new there in terms of information but it is damned entertaining to read....starts off with Election night 2004.

[eyesroll]

126. "How To Win Friends and Influence People."

I'm doing an article on interpersonal communication (at work) and it's amazing how many successful adults (we're talking people who pulled themselves up from their bootstraps and now run multi-million-dollar companies) can't string together a sentence that doesn't confuse or offend someone.

This one's a "classic" and a bit of it's dated, but it's still a good read.

(edited because I hit "send" too soon.)

[Trigger Hippie]

128. Last night I finished "We Were the Mulvaneys"

by Joyce Carol Oates. I'm on an Oates kick right now. I loved the book, but it upset me a bit. I did cry. :cry: I don't want to say why in case someone on this thread hasn't read it...

Today I'll be starting a new one by Oates, "Mysteries of Winterthurn." :)

:hi:

[pitohui]

140. oh that is a wonderful book

she has some great books, but mulvaneys was something special

[SaveElmer]

133. Alexander Hamilton...

By Ron Chernow...also just starting Doris Kearns Goodwins new book on Lincoln and his cabinet.

[RandomKoolzip]

134. "Left For Dead" by Michael Tomaskey.

It ain't light reading. It was written in 96, before the current administration, and his warnings about pols not connecting with the people are still cogent. Kinda scary, actually...here was a guy, back in the Clinton administration, who sounded like a paranoid DUer. Very prescient.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

135. Being the geek I am,

I entertain myself with math, computing, and physics books. Yeah, I'm weird that way.

[kay1864]

137. The Plot Against America, by Philip Roth

It was the NYT Book Review's Book of the Year for 2004. In 1940, the GOP nominates aviator/Nazi sympathizer Charles Lindbergh to run against Roosevelt. He wins on a "keep America out of the war" platform. Fascinating read.

And somewhat factually-based. The GOP *did* go through several ballots at their convention, and none of the "major" candidates (Taft, Vandenberg, and Dewey) came out on top. Instead, the GOP chose Wendell Willkie--who went on to win 22 million votes to Roosevelt's 27 million! So the idea of a nomination of Lindbergh from the floor does not seem too far-fetched.

But that's just the first few chapters. The rest of the book is the resulting change in America, including (big surprise) surveillance of Jews, invitation of Nazis to the White house, etc.

A scary what-if novel. I'm about halfway through it.

[Patiod]

138. Chiming in late with some good murder mysteries

Hi Merh -- When I've been depressed in the past, I've found that murder mysteries are wonderful for getting my mind off my problems. I know that blood and guts sounds counter-intuitive, but in murder mysteries, everything gets wrapped up in the end, which can be comforting. And with a series, once you find an author you like, you'll have 7-8 books in line for you to read that you already know you're going to enjoy, which makes life easier.

Here are some three with an Italian kick:

Donna Leon's wonderful Venetian Commassario Brunetti:
"Death at La Fenice", "Acqua Alta", "A Noble Radiance" and others
Everyone I've given these too has enjoyed them.

Michael Dibdin's amazing Aurelio Zen
"Ratking", "Vendetta", Cabal" "Dead Lagoon" (my favorite), Cosi Fan Tutti" and others
I think Dibdin is astounding, but he's an acquired taste -- I know people who don't like him at all. There's a scene in one of his books where a bureaucrat is giving Zen the run-around. Eventually, Zen fills out all the request forms to her liking, and she puts down her knitting and goes and gets him the records he requested. He opens his penknife, leans over, and cuts through a stitch right in the middle of what she's knitting. He folds up the penknife and pockets it, waits for her to return, gets the records, and the story continues. That scene summed up how wonderful Dibdin is at showing you a character, rather than telling you about him.

Andrea Camilleri's Inspector Montalbano Mystery (Ok, I like Italians)
"The Shape of Water", "The Terra-Cotta Dog", "The Snack Thief" and others
Camilleri is the only real Italian of the three (the books are translations) and he has a uniquely Italian (or maybe Sicilian) way of looking at the world.

I'm also a huge fan of Ian Rankin's John Rebus (dark and complicated police procedurals featuring a deeply flawed Scottish DI, beautifully written) - Rankin sucks you right in, and the city of Edinburgh is a major character in all the books:
"Resurrection Men" "The Hanging Garden" "Knots and Crosses" "Tooth and Nail" and ALOT of others

Elizabeth George is very good, too. George is an American who writes extremely British mysteries -- this is a series where it's better to start at the beginning ("A Great Deliverance" "Payment in Blood" "Well-Schooled in Murder", "A Suitable Vengeance", "For the Sake of Elena"). The focus in the first books is on the dashing and almost-perfect Inspector Lynley and his family, but as the series progresses, the focus moves to his assistant, the tough cockney policewoman, Barbara Havers (who the readers adore).

Hope this will provide hours of peace-of-mind for you Merh!

[pitohui]

142. the sweetest dream by doris lessing

a bittersweet story, i think it may have a little more resonance for progressives than for mundane folk, a bit of resonance too for those of us who seem to have multiple people living with us now :-)

i see lessing has another out, the follow-up to mara and dann, but i have not been able to get my hands on that one yet

the rottweiler by ruth rendell, this lady has a very dark view of human nature, it's like a train wreck where you just can't look away

birds without wings, by louis de bernieres (warning, this is a very sad story however, read the reviews and be assured that the critics are not exaggerating one bit about what a good read this is)

the dream of skipio by ian pears, i hope i am spelling this right, this is the same guy who wrote an instance of the fingerpost

[mvd]

145. Yep, just finished Franken's The Truth: With Jokes

Now I'm reading Mark Crispin Miller's Fooled Again.

Night, all! :hi:

[Cathyclysmic]

146. Mental Hygiene...

It's the history of classroom films from 1945 to 1970. It's an interesting read. The au other really did some amazing research. BTW, I got my sig line for a classroom film made in the fifties that explained why consumerism is good for us. See below when the sig lines are back up.

Also, the last book in The First Ladies Detective Agency series. I'm sad I'm finished with the series and the local library has none of the author's books.:-(

[Reverend_Smitty]

147. Just finished Freakanomics

I was a good quick read (I finished it in about 3 days). I found the chapter on the crack dealers to be quite intriguing. Before that I read Lies My Teacher Told Me, that was a fantastic book. I would recommend it to anyone who wonders why people hate history so much.

Now I must get back into academic-school mode and I have some Shakespearian plays to tackle and a book for my cultural anthropology class, it won't leave me much time for leisurely reading

[yellowdogintexas]

148. Patricia Cornwell's books are excellent fun reads,

as are Jeffrey Deaver's. Tight, tense thriller/mysteries with the pathologist as the crime solver in Cornwell's books and the Crime Scene Investigators in Deaver's books.

and the Alex Cross character in James Patterson's novels: psychologist detective and these are thrillers too.


I just finished "Memoirs of a Geisha" and it was wonderful.

Also, the earlier post re: Phillip Roth's book...that was a wonderful book!

Oh year, for sheer silly fun:
The Midnight Louie detective series...begin with "Catnap", then "Pussyfoot"
You will love Louie!!!

[fortyfeetunder]

150. In the middle of Memoirs of a Geisha

After all this I don't want to see the movie and screw up the mental imagery I've got!

[sakabatou]

152. Brave New World by Huxley

[fishwax]

153. I recently started Isaac's Storm

about the 1900 Galveston Hurricane ... it's good so far, but I'm not sure when I'll get the chance to finish it :(