What are you reading now? Showing 2,101-2,150 of 5,286

[Dipanjan]

Can someone make a thread on the upcoming Dan Brown thriller "Inferno"? Would be interesting to know what the reactions are about the book. Specially with the top dollar marketing spends around it.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

No Dipanjan I knew better than to say something like that.

[Lisa P, My weekend is all booked up!]

Dipanjan wrote: "Can someone make a thread on the upcoming Dan Brown thriller "Inferno"? Would be interesting to know what the reactions are about the book. Specially with the top dollar marketing spends around it."

You could start a discussion about the author and his books in the authors thread.

[Dipanjan]

@ Mike - Its not about whether the book is good or bad. But its definitely interesting to see how the market is reacting to their marketing strat. I am sure you can't deny the fact that "The Lost Symbol" was an absolutely ordinary stuff that raked in the dollars, thanks to the hype. One thing is for sure, I would like to hire his Marketing Team for sure.

[Dipanjan]

@ Lisa - Thanks. I will.

[Dipanjan]

@ Lisa - An eye for an eye. Assassin has been called off. Recommendations have been sent instead. (Side Note: You may want to upgrade your credit card)

[Sharon]

Dipanjan wrote: " If not, I stick to following the dollar. "

And this is where we differ ... perhaps I have somewhat not mainstream preferences but I have found way too many 'top dollar' authors that are highly recommended and on top seller lists that I simply don't like and won't bother to finish. It doesn't take too many $14.95 and up that are DNFs to ruin my book budget.

I've also found that the sample doesn't always tell me everything I need to know about a book. There again, I've been 'caught' by a great sample, bought and had it go downhill fast.

If it is not an author I have read before, the first book needs to be free ... and the second of a series not over $5.00. After that, if the series continues to hold up, I'm fine with higher prices. With some of the handful of 'high dollar' authors I do routinely purchase, I complaint about paying almost as much for a Kindle download as I do a hardback book, but I do buy but those are authors that I've read for years and they have a long track record for me.

[Dipanjan]

@ Sharon - I agree with you here though. Example, James Patterson. Top dollar books but not worth the pennies most of the times. However, neither are all free books worth it. Now, let us consider something more precious we all spend on books, our time. Therefore, I would incline towards a perfect concoction of recommendations, an eye out for word of mouth and a liking towards the genre with the trend of the pricing for a time well spent in reading. (Most samples are unreliable too as you have correctly pointed out).

[Eileen]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I've said this before but the title of this thread always puts me in mind of a country song (get passed the advertisement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3umaLe..."

We like you just fine!

So how many books do you think you have in all? Have you ever counted them?

[Mike (the Paladin)]

I have north of 1000. The last time I really counted was about 4 years ago when I had to cut down the number as I moved into this place. (It's a lot smaller and I didn't have the room for the books I had.) I'm there again. I'm looking at selling or trading some again as storage is a problem. I've cleared some shelves by taking down some other things to put in the attic but I may have to let go a collection of books I have on folklore and of course trade some more paperbacks.

sniff

[Lisa P, My weekend is all booked up!]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I have north of 1000. The last time I really counted was about 4 years ago when I had to cut down the number as I moved into this place. (It's a lot smaller and I didn't have the room for the books..."

We finally had to downsize our extensive book collection because of one of our moves as well. We donated hundreds of books to our local used book store. It was a sad day then, but now I don't miss them. I am perfectly content with my Kindle. There are a few books that I still purchase from time to time (the ones that I really enjoy and know I will want to re-read at some point). But mostly I'm happy with all the free space I now have :)

[Mike (the Paladin)]

I keep waiting for an EMP or a solar flare or something to wipe out all books when we lose all print versions. :)

[Eileen]

WOW! Mike

Now I know where to go if I can't find a book. You could start your own store. Someone looking for a certain book...you set the price....they pay for shipping.

More money to buy more books...win...win!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

A thought....

[Larry]

Eileen wrote: "Finished D*E*D Dead which was excellent, a great ride!

Started this months book of the month, Patient Zero not at all what I expected it to be, it's peaked my interest. I'm also ready The Turtl..."

Eileen, I am so glad you enjoyed D*E*D, DEAD!! Thanks for the kind words. :D

[Janey]

I'm currently reading by Greig Beck. It's the 3rd book in the Alex Hunter series. He's now in the Paraguayan jungle and there is something evil killing off the locals and I'm wondering if Alex has met his match!! Enjoying this series alot.

[Melissa]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "A thought...."

I know what you're thinking, "Part with books? You must be mad..." I have the same feeling. I don't own a bookshelf, I just have stacks of hardbacks lining the walls. but that stopped about three years ago when i bought my first kindle. I still can't let the books go.

[Sharon]

All of the 'tree' books I own are shelved. All of them are books I do re-read on occasion and many of them would not be available in eBook format if I had to replace, which is something I've had to do after a fire.

In the event of an EMP event which wiped out my eBook files, I'd do the same as I did after the fire ... replace what I could in whatever format was available.

[Bev]

I have the same problem with books. I used to have them all triple stacked in the spare bedroom until baby 3 came along. Then I packed them in boxes and put them in the garage. No idea what state they are in now. I had 3000 plus and a kindle. Do I have an addiction do you think?

[Dipanjan]

@ Bev - Naah. You are not the addict. You don't read books anymore. The books read you. So, if anyone is an addict, it would be the books. Not you.

[Bev]

Dipanjan wrote: "@ Bev - Naah. You are not the addict. You don't read books anymore. The books read you. So, if anyone is an addict, it would be the books. Not you."

:)

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Bev wrote: "Dipanjan wrote: "@ Bev - Naah. You are not the addict. You don't read books anymore. The books read you. So, if anyone is an addict, it would be the books. Not you."

:)"

Oh... no... (sigh)... yes, I know.."Hugh, you shouldn't bring work home with you."

:)

Sorry, I'll put the old SARP counselor back in the dark bag for a while... Books are good...and, do not meet criteria for being an addictive substance so... read all that you want!

(we can talk about "avoidance" some other time)

SOrry.. sorry... the SARP guy got out... back.. back I say! (bag him and tag him...)

[Eileen]

Larry wrote: "Eileen wrote: "Finished D*E*D Dead which was excellent, a great ride!

Started this months book of the month, Patient Zero not at all what I expected it to be, it's peaked my interest. I'm also ..."

You're welcome, Larry! My pleasure, it truly was very entertaining book. Anyone who enjoys a good adventure, what true friendship really is and a few laughs along the way, this is the book for you.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

The problem with replacing Ebooks wiped out is that a disaster (man made or natural) is it would wipe out the source to.

[Dipanjan]

If you have a kindle, store it all on the Cloud. It's safe there. And there is another phenomenon called "Keeping Backup" which I heard is very effective too.

[Ctgt]

Finished up Walking the Perfect Square and Woe to Live on both of which were great. Starting Altered Carbon and Patient Zero.

[Eileen]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "The problem with replacing Ebooks wiped out is that a disaster (man made or natural) is it would wipe out the source to."

Good point. No power, eventually the ereaders won't work.

[Mark]

I think that with the 99c/free books you need to check out the reviews. I've picked up a couple (Jet and The Penal Colony) that were great reads, and both were free for a while, but had dozens or hundreds of reviews and averaged 4*s.

[Bev]

Just about to start Gone Girl mainly because I saw it v cheap in the supermarket today. Sigh - the book shelves are groaning already.

[Eileen]

Bev, I'll be interested to hear what you think of Gone Girl. I've read it and wasn't thrilled with the book. Many of the reviews say it was there favorite book last year.

[Ctgt]

Bev wrote: "Just about to start Gone Girl mainly because I saw it v cheap in the supermarket today. Sigh - the book shelves are groaning already."

It's just so hard to resist, isn't it?!

[Bev]

Ctgt wrote: "Bev wrote: "Just about to start Gone Girl mainly because I saw it v cheap in the supermarket today. Sigh - the book shelves are groaning already."

It's just so hard to resist, isn't it?!"

It is hard to resist. Once an addict.......

[Bev]

Eileen wrote: "Bev, I'll be interested to hear what you think of Gone Girl. I've read it and wasn't thrilled with the book. Many of the reviews say it was there favorite book last year."

I am enjoying it at the moment. I think the main aim at the moment of the author is to switch your feelings abut the characters around. Easy to read stuff but I will comment once finished.

[Michael]

I just finished Cuba Libre and am starting Defending Jacob.

[Ctgt]

I'm about 20% into Patient Zero and I have to say it's not what I expected.

Much more AA so far.....not so much brain eating.....yet.

[Jim]

I'm reading Death of a Citizen & listening to Steel: And Other Stories.

[Lisa P, My weekend is all booked up!]

Ctgt wrote: "I'm about 20% into Patient Zero and I have to say it's not what I expected.

Much more AA so far.....not so much brain eating.....yet."

Good to know...I didn't want to read it because I'm not a big zombie fan, but if it's more AA, then I might like it.

[Ctgt]

Lisa wrote: "Ctgt wrote: "I'm about 20% into Patient Zero and I have to say it's not what I expected.

Much more AA so far.....not so much brain eating.....yet."

Good to know...I didn't want to read it becaus..."

I can't say the whole thing will be like that, but so far the main character reminds me a little bit of Reacher. Ex-military, now Baltimore cop, tough guy, recruited by a secret government organization. I think you might like it Lisa.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

I just finished Thunder. It's definitely worth the time reading.

It's a dark read full of twists and surprises. Very Artistically done. It sucks you in with a dark backstory then fires you out of a cannon as a wonderful Ludlum-esque action Adventure tale of espionage.

Told in first person - present tense though the eyes of the main-character and shifts to third person omniscient for the rest of it. Well done. As dark as it is, it doesn't leave you feeling dark and deserted. By no means warm and cuddly and really tests the question "Does the end justify the means?"

I loved it. Well done Anthony.

[Anthony]

I, Curmudgeon wrote: "I just finished Thunder. It's definitely worth the time reading."

Thanks Hugh! Glad it entertained and I roared with delight when I saw I'd managed to scrape an extra star from you... Really appreciate all your kind support.

AB (wannabe Phelter-Carb and Phraq Prevention Group member... whatever that means?)

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Anthony wrote: "AB (wannabe Phelter-Carb and Phraq Prevention Group member... whatever that means?)
..."

It's a Battlestar Galactica reference. Phelter-carb was used (in the orginal show) as a substitute for SH-bleep... Phraq was.... did I mention Phelter-carb was a substitute for SH-Bleep?

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Anthony wrote: "I, Curmudgeon wrote: "I just finished Thunder. It's definitely worth the time reading."

Thanks Hugh! Glad it entertained and I roared with delight when I saw I'd managed to scrape an extra star ..."

Oh, and it may wind up 4.5 stars in some areas... average 4. It's a good read. You did a good job with this.

[Scott]

Lisa wrote: "Good to know...I didn't want to read it becaus..."

The first one is definitely AA. I have not gotten to the second one yet but I was thinking over the weekend that it is going to my next read.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Scott wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Good to know...I didn't want to read it becaus..."

The first one is definitely AA. I have not gotten to the second one yet but I was thinking over the weekend that it is going to my ..."

At least for now, it's definately more A/A than "Zombie Wars" and very enjoyable. I like the Main Character (even if he's a bit of a butthead now and then). To me it's a lot like MHI so far. Except, this time told from inside the "Monster Control Bureau." Eileen is right, it's a bit darker than MHI, and I'm not too deep in it. It's sort of MHI meets Sigma Force.

[Lisa P, My weekend is all booked up!]

I, Curmudgeon wrote: "It's sort of MHI meets Sigma Force..."

Two of my favorites...I guess I'll have to read it now :)

[Eileen]

Just finished and thought the book was great. It had a strong female lead alongside Joe, always a plus and interesting plot.

Joe Ledger has similar characteristics of Jack Reacher.

Lisa, IMO some scenes might be hard for you to read because your not a fan of zombies.

[Eileen]

Forgot to mention, I started The Psalter only a few pages in.

[Sharon]

It actually sounds good ... I love MHI and like most of the Sigma Force books. Unfortunately, I suspect I cannot handle the zombies.

[Jim]

I just finished The Wrecking Crew. 4 stars. Doesn't seem like they edited it at all. My review is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Bev]

Sharon wrote: "It actually sounds good ... I love MHI and like most of the Sigma Force books. Unfortunately, I suspect I cannot handle the zombies."

I am the same. It is a shame my hubby didnt realise this when he bought me The Walking Dead on DVD at xmas!