Books
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- jainser
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Books
Just reading the films thread which help push my decision about reading the 'Girl with the...' books.
So not wanting to hijack that thread with books maybe we need another one?
So not wanting to hijack that thread with books maybe we need another one?
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- Stan
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Re: Books
umming and arring about the millenium trilogy myself Pete (good to hear from you again by the way). I treated myself to an amazon kindle for Christmas which allows you to download the first 2 or 3 chapters for free. If a book cant grab your attention in that time then its not worth reading. A colleague at work is also reading them at the moment so I will have to find out what he thought of them
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- Huw Thomas
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Re: Books
Stan wrote:umming and arring about the millenium trilogy myself Pete (good to hear from you again by the way). I treated myself to an amazon kindle for Christmas which allows you to download the first 2 or 3 chapters for free. If a book cant grab your attention in that time then its not worth reading. A colleague at work is also reading them at the moment so I will have to find out what he thought of them
milenium trilogy is great, 2nd film out on dvd this month, and third in the cinema
real shame there will be no more
The second and third books are even better than the first =D> =D> =D> =D>
Wife is reading the snoman - which is the "next" larsson apparently
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Snowman-Jo-Nesb ... =8-1-spell
Reading the Dreamers Void trilogy (SF) and the moment - great SF
Factual books - three cups of tea - a must read IMHO
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Cups-Tea- ... t_ep_dpi_1
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- zootMutant
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Re: Books
I read a lot of technical/programming manuals at work. So in the evening, I tend to go for lightweight reading that won't make me think too hard and will help me drop off to sleep. With that in mind, I often read whatever my teenage nieces are reading.
If you have young nieces (or daughters) who have a tom-boyish bent, I strongly recommend the books of Tamora Pierce. She writes fantasy, but her characters are usually well-developed and her stories have solid, non-predictable, plots. The main character is always a girl between the ages of 11 and 18, who wants to pursue a life path that is generally frowned upon - e.g., knight, warrior, spy, officer of the law. The stories are partly about pursuing her dream, but also about how she deals with the animosity, distrust, fear, or hatred of those who would stand in her way.
These are good enough that I have read most of them more than once.
My favorite series are:
The Song of the Lioness - quartet
The Protector of the Small - quartet
If you have young nieces (or daughters) who have a tom-boyish bent, I strongly recommend the books of Tamora Pierce. She writes fantasy, but her characters are usually well-developed and her stories have solid, non-predictable, plots. The main character is always a girl between the ages of 11 and 18, who wants to pursue a life path that is generally frowned upon - e.g., knight, warrior, spy, officer of the law. The stories are partly about pursuing her dream, but also about how she deals with the animosity, distrust, fear, or hatred of those who would stand in her way.
These are good enough that I have read most of them more than once.
My favorite series are:
The Song of the Lioness - quartet
The Protector of the Small - quartet
- jainser
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Re: Books
Hi Stan (thanks) The Kindle a, I've been thinking about that as well. It's my birthday towards the end of the month and Reet is looking for something to get me. What do you think?Stan wrote:umming and arring about the millenium trilogy myself Pete (good to hear from you again by the way). I treated myself to an amazon kindle for Christmas which allows you to download the first 2 or 3 chapters for free. If a book cant grab your attention in that time then its not worth reading. A colleague at work is also reading them at the moment so I will have to find out what he thought of them
For me plus points are space saving both on the book case and when I travel, speed of getting the book, I love gadgets!! Minus points looks a bit small, I think I would actually miss holding a book (as daft as that may sound)
I think my biggest concern is the size of the thing.
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- cweed
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Re: Books
Sounds like a typical guy concern.jainser wrote: I think my biggest concern is the size of the thing.
Santa brought my 13 year old a Kindle for Christmas. She LOVES it. I am very tempted to steal it....so is my husband. Santa also brought her a cover with a light so she can read in the car at night, etc, etc, so it had a hardback feel to it when you are holding it.
For me the joy of it is lack of paperback clutter. I have a bunch of novels I like to re-read, which means storage space somewhere in my house. I would rather have it all on a Kindle, instead of a paperback library taking up space. I don't think you will regret getting one.
Christine - 46, 5'8" lightweight...only when I really need to be.
- Stan
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Re: Books
Hi Pete. I really like the kindle. Its about the same size as a book. You can adjust the text size, and the technology makes it easy on the eye. Its very light to hold on its own. I did fork out for a leather cover for it to protect it and this makes it a bit on the heavy size, but its easy to detach again. I like being able to sample the first couple of chapters before deciding whether to buy a book. It downloads very quickly. I got the more expensive 3g version as I dont have a wifi network near me. The 3g connection is supposed to be slower than wifi but it works fast enough. It should be cheaper to buy books given there is no paper involved but that doesnt always seem to be the case. That does of course make it easier on the forests! If you are into the classics then its great because a lot of those books are free.
I am sure I will still buy ordinary books as well - particularly as I tend to be a bit of a hoarder, but at least the bookshelves wont fill quite so quickly!
As with almost all electronic gadgets the manufacturers lie about the battery life and I dont believe the claim it will last 28 days - maybe half that which is still pretty good.
I am sure I will still buy ordinary books as well - particularly as I tend to be a bit of a hoarder, but at least the bookshelves wont fill quite so quickly!
As with almost all electronic gadgets the manufacturers lie about the battery life and I dont believe the claim it will last 28 days - maybe half that which is still pretty good.
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- Paul Victory
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Re: Books
My reading tends to be fairly escapist novels. Over Christmas I read the following (all presents):
Worth Dying For by Lee Child - Usual high octane Jack Reacher story; probably a bit like marmite, you either love or hate these books.
Post Mortuary by Particia Cornwell - I'm still reading the Kay Scarpetta books, but I now skim over the technical descriptions of mortuary procedures.
Cross Fire by James Patterson - I still enjoy the Alex Cross books, but enough with the arch villians, already (The Mastermind re-surfaces in this one).
Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson + a. n. other - Interesting story about lynchings in the deep south in the 1900s.
I enjoyed the Stieg Larsson books and found them fairly addictive - I read them all in quick succession. A bit dark in parts and makes you wonder about the status and treatment of women in Scandinavian society. I think the original Swedish title for the first book - Men Who Hate Women - gives an insight into the author's thinking, but I wonder if it would have been as big a hit in English if they hadn't changed the title.
Paul V
Worth Dying For by Lee Child - Usual high octane Jack Reacher story; probably a bit like marmite, you either love or hate these books.
Post Mortuary by Particia Cornwell - I'm still reading the Kay Scarpetta books, but I now skim over the technical descriptions of mortuary procedures.
Cross Fire by James Patterson - I still enjoy the Alex Cross books, but enough with the arch villians, already (The Mastermind re-surfaces in this one).
Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson + a. n. other - Interesting story about lynchings in the deep south in the 1900s.
I enjoyed the Stieg Larsson books and found them fairly addictive - I read them all in quick succession. A bit dark in parts and makes you wonder about the status and treatment of women in Scandinavian society. I think the original Swedish title for the first book - Men Who Hate Women - gives an insight into the author's thinking, but I wonder if it would have been as big a hit in English if they hadn't changed the title.
Paul V
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Re: Books
I got a kindle too this Christmas and it is fab! Really easy to read on and weight is fine for me even with the cover. I am also reading the millenium trilogy, currently half way through the 2nd one. Really enjoying them so far and would recommend. I had bought all the books just before the kindle so that is my only frustration
- MartyJ
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Re: Books
Stan - If you haven't already, make sure you disable 3g/wifi in the settings menu when you're not actually using it to download stuff - this will increase your battery time significantly. I got my wife a Kindle in October (just wifi, not 3g) - she uses it constantly and has only charged it once (maybe twice) since then... you should be getting a lot more than two weeks out of the battery, 28 days sounds about right.Stan wrote:As with almost all electronic gadgets the manufacturers lie about the battery life and I dont believe the claim it will last 28 days - maybe half that which is still pretty good.
...and the Millennium Trilogy is fantastic - best series I've read, the amount of detail in the plot is amazing - anyone thinking about reading it won't be disappointed.
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- Stan
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Re: Books
Thanks Marty. I didnt know about that until about a week ago when my brother(who bought one for his girlfriend) told me. It still seems to be dropping faster than it should be though. Maybe I have a duff one?
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Re: Books
I can't recommend the Millenium Trilogy highly enough.
I'm just about to finish # 2, which has been even better than #1 and I thought that was one of the best I have ever read.
It does need a little perseverence at certain stages, but it's well worth it.
I'm just about to finish # 2, which has been even better than #1 and I thought that was one of the best I have ever read.
It does need a little perseverence at certain stages, but it's well worth it.
Wolfie
Age 59 Height 6'4" Weight 93k
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- andy walls
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Re: Books
The Jigsaw Man by Paul Britton is a good read, there is also a follow up novel but my memory has let me down. He is a real life 'Cracker' and the book is certainly written from the heart.
If anyone fancies a read Im happy to pop it in the post...............It could be the start of a FS book club!!
If anyone fancies a read Im happy to pop it in the post...............It could be the start of a FS book club!!
41 yrs, HWT, If you are going through hell, keep going - Winston Churchill
- jainser
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Re: Books
Just spent 3 very boring days 'babt sitting' some equipment at an exhibition so had plent of time to read (and play games!!) Read 'The Bielski Brothers' - The real story of which the film 'Defiance' was based - Amazing story - fantastic book, well written and researched
Also read 'Cannonball!' The real story behind the (funny) movie with the legend that is Burt Reynolds - Again very good. Could you imagine trying to arrange an illegal road race across america now - it was even {kind of] promoted by 'Car & Driver' magazine back then.
Have ordered the 'Girl with the......' books yet as still can't decide on a kindle yet or not but they are next up to read.
Also read 'Cannonball!' The real story behind the (funny) movie with the legend that is Burt Reynolds - Again very good. Could you imagine trying to arrange an illegal road race across america now - it was even {kind of] promoted by 'Car & Driver' magazine back then.
Have ordered the 'Girl with the......' books yet as still can't decide on a kindle yet or not but they are next up to read.
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- cweed
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Re: Books
Well it did not take long for my husband to cave and get a Kindle for all of his upcoming business travel. He discovered you can also download games...Sudoku is the one that will have me stealing his Kindle.
Christine - 46, 5'8" lightweight...only when I really need to be.
- Pepe
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Re: Books
I don't have a Kindle, Christine, but am addicted to Sudoku and can't shake it off.cweed wrote:Well it did not take long for my husband to cave and get a Kindle for all of his upcoming business travel. He discovered you can also download games...Sudoku is the one that will have me stealing his Kindle.
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- strider77
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Re: Books
I love the dark nature of many of the Swedish writers, have watched Wallander on TV with Krister Henriksson the best actor in my opinion but yet to read the Henning Mankell books, looking forward to it.
Also I have not read the Millennium-trilogy but will soon based on your recommendations.
Has anyone ever read A Winter's tale by Mark Helprin ?
I read it some years ago now but worth a re-read, I'd be interested in opinions
Also I have not read the Millennium-trilogy but will soon based on your recommendations.
Has anyone ever read A Winter's tale by Mark Helprin ?
I read it some years ago now but worth a re-read, I'd be interested in opinions
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- jainser
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Re: Books
Didn't bother with the Kindle in the end and just brough the books. First one down (excellent) and half way into the second one. Really enjoying them.jainser wrote:Just spent 3 very boring days 'babt sitting' some equipment at an exhibition so had plent of time to read (and play games!!) Read 'The Bielski Brothers' - The real story of which the film 'Defiance' was based - Amazing story - fantastic book, well written and researched
Also read 'Cannonball!' The real story behind the (funny) movie with the legend that is Burt Reynolds - Again very good. Could you imagine trying to arrange an illegal road race across america now - it was even {kind of] promoted by 'Car & Driver' magazine back then.
Have ordered the 'Girl with the......' books yet as still can't decide on a kindle yet or not but they are next up to read.
What are the films like?
Engineered for Eating, Designed for Drinking
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Re: Books
I know this is supposed to be a rowing free zone, but I've just finished reading 'Blood over water' by James and David Livingston. It is about two brothers who rowed in opposing boats in the 2003 boat race.
A pretty good read. Their description of Erg TT's are pretty graphic. Enough to put many off forever...
A pretty good read. Their description of Erg TT's are pretty graphic. Enough to put many off forever...
JonathanA | more pedalling than pulling at the moment
- Paul Victory
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Re: Books
I got a Kindle today for my birthday!
M 68 6'1" 124kg (May05), 92kg (Feb06), 122kg (Aug10), 95kg (Sep11), 117kg (Jun13), now 98kg
- teddythebeer
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Re: Books
Finished Generation Kill by Evan Wright today. I saw the miniseries from HBO and liked it, so when I stumbled upon the book I grabbed it right away.
The book is great. It's a story of a journalist who rode with Recon Marines during USA invasion to Iraq - I mean the real story of the real journalist about real people. What I like the best is that while the guy is against a war (that's my impression, of course), he praises people who do their duty, their bravery, their commitment. The book is filled with respect to marines - not all of them, some are described with less respect.
One thing which differs the book from the miniseries is some additional insight. If miniseries give impression, that all the missions of First Recon are based on stupidity and incompetence of higher command, the book explains that they are part of a brilliant plan and that First Recon played the key role in the success of entire invasion.
I have a copy with a new afterword, where the author provides update on his heroes situations. He forgets to mention though that one of them played himself in the miniseries - I find this fact amazing.
All in all - great book. But be advised - strong language, violence & gore, and so on.
The book is great. It's a story of a journalist who rode with Recon Marines during USA invasion to Iraq - I mean the real story of the real journalist about real people. What I like the best is that while the guy is against a war (that's my impression, of course), he praises people who do their duty, their bravery, their commitment. The book is filled with respect to marines - not all of them, some are described with less respect.
One thing which differs the book from the miniseries is some additional insight. If miniseries give impression, that all the missions of First Recon are based on stupidity and incompetence of higher command, the book explains that they are part of a brilliant plan and that First Recon played the key role in the success of entire invasion.
I have a copy with a new afterword, where the author provides update on his heroes situations. He forgets to mention though that one of them played himself in the miniseries - I find this fact amazing.
All in all - great book. But be advised - strong language, violence & gore, and so on.
Where's my sixpack?
- andy walls
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Re: Books
Invested £8 on e-bay in a book called Sretching for Dummies.
As someone who does very little stretching and gets lots of lower back problems it appears this may be a worthwhile investment.
Worried about the fact my favourite stretch to date is called an angry cow
As someone who does very little stretching and gets lots of lower back problems it appears this may be a worthwhile investment.
Worried about the fact my favourite stretch to date is called an angry cow
41 yrs, HWT, If you are going through hell, keep going - Winston Churchill
- Paul Victory
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Re: Books
Currently reading the 4th Matthew Shardlake book by CJ Sansom. Whodunits set in reign of Henry VIII. Really recommend them.
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- Huw Thomas
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Re: Books
Norwegian rather than Swedish - but I'm enjoying THe snowman - Jo Nesbo which is of the same Scandinavian Crime genrestrider77 wrote:I love the dark nature of many of the Swedish writers, have watched Wallander on TV with Krister Henriksson the best actor in my opinion but yet to read the Henning Mankell books, looking forward to it.
Also I have not read the Millennium-trilogy but will soon based on your recommendations.
Has anyone ever read A Winter's tale by Mark Helprin ?
I read it some years ago now but worth a re-read, I'd be interested in opinions
Aged 61, 182 cm 80 kg.
Ut2 130-137 (1:59+) ut1 138-151 (1:53+) AT 152-161 (1:48+) TR 162-171 (1:38+) AN 172+ (<1:38)
Ut2 130-137 (1:59+) ut1 138-151 (1:53+) AT 152-161 (1:48+) TR 162-171 (1:38+) AN 172+ (<1:38)
- strider77
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Re: Books
Cheers thanks Huw, will give it a goHuw Thomas wrote:-Norwegian rather than Swedish - but I'm enjoying THe snowman - Jo Nesbo which is of the same Scandinavian Crime genre
Some Crafty Old Hen went down well last night
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