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What are U reading these days? (PART SIX) (2010)
message 601:
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Jackie
(new)
Jun 01, 2010 06:37PM
OK, now I know what you mean. I have a Maxtor, but I never use it.
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Jim wrote: " At the end of this year, I won't be able to buy new XP PC's."
I didn't think they were available even at this point. My latest desktop [2008 I think:] was my first home-built. I took lots of advice from on-line forums, hooked it together and it worked! I picked an Abit motherboard and they went out of business in a year. New Egg is still selling free-standing XP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product...
and probably, motherboards it'll run on. Of course I paid a PREMIUM!!! for building it to suit myself! Regards Dell, their service is crap, but worse, they build with custom-built motherboards with dumbed-down BIOSs so their customers won't mess around in there and make their phone tech jobs tougher. That's what finally cured me of Dell. If I was a business I think I'd try to have PCs built to spec and pay a slight premium to get what I wanted. Building one myself was kind of an ego-exercise. I have a knowledgeable friend who would order me up a good machine to suit my tastes cheaper than what I built myself.
I went back to the Chronicles of Amber and am currently reading #9 Knight of Shadows, which in many ways is my favorite one.
Jackie wrote: "I went back to the Chronicles of Amber and am currently reading #9 Knight of Shadows, which in many ways is my favorite one."Ah, Zelazny! The GR description says:
"Deftly woven of suspense, intrigue, and imagery, Knight of Shadows is another colorful piece of the Amber puzzle, as well as a work of sophisticated fantasy by one of our leading word magicians."
Jackie: Regarding your earlier comment regarding Goblet of Fire--it is DEFINITELY going faster than I thought it would--I am now on page 530!
Earl, I've had exactly the same experience when I talked to Dell's Home Support. Their business support is excellent, though. It's in the US & the techs are very helpful.As for getting XP, it isn't listed as an option on the web any more. I pick out the computer that I want & then tell my salesman to put XP on it. I'm not sure how anyone without a business account can get it. Microsoft is still selling XP, but they will stop the end of this year.
As for cost, I haven't seen hardware this low - ever. I just got a bunch of Optiplex 380's for under $450 delivered, with XP pre-installed & a 3 year warranty. Unless you need a high-end gaming machine, I think something like these are perfect for most users.
I used to build my own machines, but gave it up years ago when hardware outstripped software so badly. It's just not worth it to me & I've never understood paying the premium for the latest generation hardware. It changes too fast. In 6 months, it's half the price & I usually keep a PC for about 5 years.
The standard CPU's, busses & all are fast & big enough that most programs don't take full advantage of them, much less anything better. Even the latest & greatest CADD, visual inspection & audio programs we have choke at other points, not on standard hardware. Games are about the only thing I know that's really optimized for the latest & greatest, even they often run into other limitations, usually in the OS or drivers.
In business, I have to go for stability & usability. I certainly don't want custom built PC's around here. One of the nice things about Dell is that I can get parts for it easily without having to figure out exactly what they are or where they came from. Dell knows & has them in stock. I have some PC's that are 5 years or older that are still worth getting parts for & haven't had a problem. I've been here 3 years. The last guy left the place in a shambles. If I had to figure out where he or his predecessor got each part, I'd never have time for anything else.
Mary JL, Yes, J.K. Rowling sure has a way of drawing you in and moving lightning fast to the end. I loved all the Harry Potter books. Each one went fast for me too.
My recent reading of Certain Prey didn't leave me with any burning desire to read every volume of the Prey series. However, Sandford ended that installment with a BIG dangling loose end; and it turns out that he continues that particular thread in the 13th book of the series, Mortal Prey. I was invested enough in that storyline to be really curious as to how it would play out in the end; so when I found a used copy for sale recently, I grabbed it up. At that time, I hadn't expected I'd be able to read it until next year. But some of the reading commitments I had lined up for the next few months have fallen through, opening a door for alternatives. So, I started Mortal Prey today!
Werner, I hope you'll enjoy Mortal Prey. I wish I enjoyed crime and mystery books more than I do. It would open up more reading opportunities for me.
I am switched to non fiction. I am reading "Dream Makers, Dream Breakers:The World of Justice Thurgood Mashall. It is by Carl T Rowan, and contains a lot of information on the legal battles of the Civil Rights Movement.So far, I have learned a lot, and am finding it interesting.
Mary JL wrote: "I am switched to non fiction. I am reading "Dream Makers, Dream Breakers:The World of Justice Thurgood Mashall. It is by Carl T Rowan, and contains a lot of information on the legal battles of th..."Mary, the book, Dream Makers, Dream Breakers: The World of Justice Thurgood Marshall, sounds like worthy pursuit. One of the Goodreads reviewers, Malcolm, wrote: "This is what got me motivated to attend law school."
Whether you agree with the legal opinions or not, I totally agree that anyone curious about legal matters should read this book.It contains much information about legal matters; the early Civil Rights movement; background biographical information on Justice Thurgood Marshall.
I find the writing style entertaining and well done. It is not an easy "light" read--but the patient reader will learn a great deal.
Here is a quote for you Joy:"Gather a shell..And listen at its lips..they sigh...The echo of the whole sea's speech"
Dante Gabriel Rossetti
I read "Homeland" by John Jakes earlier this year. I am now just starting the sequel, American Dreams. So far, a worthy sequel to "Homeland".
Finished Prince of Chaos, which I really enjoyed. Just started Sword of the Rightful King: A Novel of King Arthur by Jane Yolen. I read her Pit Dragon trilogy and found it unique and enjoyable. Hoping for more of the same.
Jackie: I like Jane Yolen as well; and read the Pit Dragon Trilogy.She is usually a very dependable writer. I have seldom been disapponted with her.
I've begun reading Bridge of Sighs (2007) by Richard Russo. Russo has gradually drawn me into his story. He has a way of presenting his characters so that you find yourself invested in the story of their lives. I remember that this same type of thing happened when I read Russo's Nobody's Fool (1993). Russo is a great storyteller! His writing has such depth.It feels so good to be drawn into a good book!
I'm sorry to report that I'm not enjoying Sword of the Rightful King: A Novel of King Arthur. Primarily because it states on the back cover that someone other than Arthur will pull the Sword from the Stone. Well, I'm on page 260 and it still hasn't happened. When they give away something like that, I expect it to be dealt with rather early on. If that's the big climax, then they blew it. Frankly, I don't care what the climax is anymore, I just want it over and done with so I can move on to something else.It really disturbs me to be disappointed with a book. And I'm surprised in this disappointment because I've enjoyed Yolen's other work.
Ouch! A spoiler that takes that long to develop? Next!
Jackie wrote: "I'm sorry to report that I'm not enjoying Sword of the Rightful King: A Novel of King Arthur. Primarily because it states on the back cover that someone other than Arthur will pull t..."Jackie, sorry to hear that the book was a disappointment. Lately I've had a few of those myself. I just close them and go onto the next.
Joy and Jackie: It would surely also be nice if we could persuade the publishers not to put spoilers on the covers!
Mary JL, Yes! It wouldn't have been a disappointment if I didn't know about someone else pulling the Sword. In fact, I would have thought, How original!, when I got up to it.
Mary JL wrote: "Joy and Jackie: It would surely also be nice if we could persuade the publishers not to put spoilers on the covers!"You'd think that publishers would know better.
The spoiler in Rightful Sword didn't come to pass til the very end. Basically, that one sentence on the back cover completely ruined the book. Why give away the ending? I am so annoyed. But even without the ruined ending, the book wasn't good at all. Non-existent plot, lifeless characters. A total bust.Now I'm onto a scifi supernatural thriller: The Last Universe by William Sleator. I've never read him before, I hope it's good.
Jackie, I hope you'll enjoy _The Last Universe_. I'm still slogging through Russo's _The Bridge of Sighs_. I'm not really enjoying it, but I'm determined to finish it, especially after having read over 400 pages of it so far. It's a bit too downbeat. I enjoyed Russo's _Nobody's Fool_ much more. There seemed to be a lightness to it that is lacking in TBOS.
Joy, when I enjoy a book by an author I believe other books by that same author will be just as good. It's not always the case, but I keep on believing it.I am enjoying The Last Universe immensely. It's written in the first person from the POV of a 14 yr old girl. Not a frivilous girl, but a girl with weight on her thin shoulders, caring for a sick, and possibly dying, older brother who becomes obsessed with the enormous garden on their property. Together, we're discovering the impossibilities of that garden. It's interesting and holding my attention. I'm almost done, surely by the end of the day it'll be finished.
Jackie, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the book.
Joy, I love that feeling! I wish I could feel that way about every book I read.
I finished The Last Universe yesterday and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I rarely give out 5, that's reserved the very best reading experiences.The idea of parallel universe is intriguing to me. Sleaton made it a fast and easy read, all the more impressive because of the mind-bendy-ness of the physics involved.
On to The Edge on the Sword by Rebecca Tingle. And as luck would have it, I have the next book also.
Speaking of finishing books, I finally finished reading Russo's _The Bridge of Sighs_. It was OK, but too downbeat for me.Now on to Beach Music (1995) by Pat Conroy, which I've been meaning to read for years. I enjoyed Conroy's The Prince of Tides (1986), a great story.
Was that the one they made a movie out of, with Barbara Steisand?
Jackie wrote: "Was that the one they made a movie out of, with Barbara Steisand?"Yes, Jackie, that's the one:
"The Prince of Tides" (1991)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Prin...
And guess what... I just realized that I've already read _Beach Music_! LOL But I don't remember much about it and I'm enjoying it now. So I'll keep reading it.
I do that too all the time, Joy. I forget the titles and wind up buying the same book, after a chapter or so I realize I read it already. At least you're enjoying it!
I'm reading a romance The Brother's Kincaid, I haven't read romance in a long time so for it's very sweet and I reading it quickly. I will let you guys know what I think about it later.
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "Speaking of finishing books, I finally finished reading Russo's _The Bridge of Sighs_. It was OK, but too downbeat for me.Now on to Beach Music (1995) by Pat Conroy, wh..."
I just discovered that Richard Russo was born in Johnstown, NY and Raised in Gloversville. Another area author who has done well.
Thanks, Katherine. I guess that's why so many of Russo's stories are set in northern NY.
I have just started reading Desiree by Annemarie Selinko. This is a historical novel about Napoleon. I saw the movie back in the 50's and read the book shortly after.The movie was one of the great ones. It starred Marlon Brando as Napoleon and Jean Simmons as Desiree.
Anyone remember it?
Katherine wrote: "I have just started reading Desiree by Annemarie Selinko. This is a historical novel about Napoleon. I saw the movie back in the 50's and read the book shortly after.The movie was one of the great..."
Katherine, what was the name of the movie? I can't find it among Brando's filmography.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000008/
PS-WHOOPS! I found it!
Desirée (1954):
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046903/
Based on: Desiree by Annemarie Selinko.
(GR says it's about Napoleon's fiancée who "rose to become queen of Sweden." Interesting!)
I just finished The Good Old Days; They Were Terrible!. I was generous & gave it 3 stars. I really hate it when an author stretches the facts to make a point. It makes me think of a sleazy lawyer. Still, it wasn't all bad. It sure makes me count my blessings. Things may look bad now, but then! Sheesh!!!
Jim wrote: "I just finished The Good Old Days; They Were Terrible!. I was generous & gave it 3 stars. I really hate it when an author stretches the facts to make a point. It makes me think of ..."Jim, I read your review at:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
As you said, we should count our blessings!
We certainly should, Joy. There are so many things we take for granted that are tough to live without; regular trash pickup, medicine, refrigeration & fast, clean transportation are 4 biggies, off the top of my head. His stories of NYC were just horrible; the El when it ran on coal rained ash & cinders down on the streets below, not to mention the noise. In another spot he mentions that the 15000 horses in Rochester, NY made an amazing amount of manure that had to be hauled away. If I remember correctly, it was enough to cover 1 acre, 175' deep each week! Pigs ran free in the streets & trash just piled up.
There were quite a few places where he touched on the quality of food. It was awful. Yuck.
After a nearly week-long hiatus (which was hard!), I got back to Mortal Prey this past Sunday, and finished it yesterday. Giving it a star rating wasn't easy; I can imagine reviewers running the gamut between one and five, depending on their tastes (though one rating I can't imagine would be two :-)). Finally, I settled on four. My review is at http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... , if anyone is interested.Now, I've started Sue Dent's Forever Richard, the sequel to her vampire/werewolf novel Never Ceese, which I greatly liked. (The BC library finally got it cataloged and processed yesterday --perfect timing!) Sue's a Goodreads friend of mine, and I've been promising her a review of this book for ages. :-)
Werner wrote: "After a nearly week-long hiatus (which was hard!), I got back to Mortal Prey this past Sunday, and finished it yesterday. Giving it a star rating wasn't easy; I can imagine reviewers running the g..."Werner, I admire all the thought you put into your review. I imagine you'd be an interesting person to talk to in person. You bring up so many tangential issues to think about and discuss. For example, you wrote:
==========================================================
"Much more than in Certain Prey, the author raises profound ethical questions here, which are compounded of black and white that do represent absolute polarities, but which in the real world intermix in all sorts of challenging shades of gray. They're not posed explicitly; they just arise naturally out of the situations, and they don't come across as set up to cynically discredit the idea of absolutes (as they would be in the noir tradition), but rather as serious questions that seek to apply absolutes in a fallen world."
FROM Werner's review at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
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"Ethical questions", about absolute truth and relative truth, are always an intriguing subject... and discussing them in the context of a specific storyline would definitely make for a stimulating conversation. I've always felt that the book, The Cider House Rules by John Irving would be perfect for this kind of conversation. The author doesn't try to convince the reader of what's right and what's wrong. He simply shows both sides of the issue and leaves the reader to make his/her own decisions about it. Most of the time it boils down to choosing the lesser of two evils.
Thanks, Joy! I think that whole area is one of the most fascinating aspects of fiction.I've never read any of John Irving's work (though of course, being a librarian, I've heard of it). So I only know about The Cider House Rules from reviews (and most of those were of the movie, which isn't the same thing as the book). Those reviewers felt that the author had a very definite position, and wrote the book in order to convince readers that it was the right position and that all of the awful people who perversely disagreed were wrong. But then, reviewers don't always perceive nuance, even if it's there --and can fall into the trap of thinking that to just depict a behavior is tantamount to advocating it.
That's interesting, Werner. All I know is that the book didn't convince me of anything. Instead, it opened my eyes to the many different points of view, whereas before reading it, I had only one point of view.
Yes, Joy, it's always constructive to come to an understanding of why other people, who disagree with us, hold the kinds of positions they do --and to realize that (surprise, surprise!) it isn't necessarily because they're perverse idiots who couldn't possibly have any plausible reasons for thinking that they're correct. If fiction written about controversial issues is done well, that's a kind of eye opening it's uniquely poised to do, because it puts a human face on the arguments and on the people who hold them.
Werner wrote: "... If fiction written about controversial issues is done well, that's a kind of eye opening it's uniquely poised to do, because it puts a human face on the arguments and on the people who hold them."Exactly! It enables us to empathize and therefore deepens our understanding.
Didn't any of you read John Irving's, "The World According to Garp," or see the movie? I think that was his first book and the one that got him established as an author. It was an excellent book. I forgot the title of his next book after that but I think the main character was a bear. nina
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