Chaos Reading discussion
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What are you reading right now?
I'm about halfway through Zazen, which is really unlike anything I've read before. Even just the way it begins:"I went to work and a guy I wait on said he was leaving. He said everyone he knew was pulling out.
'Canada is just not far enough. Mostly Mexico. A bunch to Thailand. Some to Bali.'
He always orders a Tofu Scramble and makes me write a fucking essay to the cook. No soy sauce in the oil mix, no garlic, extra tomatoes, no green pepper. Add feta. Potatoes crispy and when are we going to get spelt? He holds me personally responsible for his continued patronage. I hope he dies. I'd like to read about it."
Come on, how great is that for an opening paragraph?
The next book I'm gonna read is Wuthering Heights, marking the third occasion of me trying to read it, which by the way never stopped me from claiming it was my favourite book for years haha!
Riona wrote: "I'm about halfway through Zazen, which is really unlike anything I've read before. Even just the way it begins:"I went to work and a guy I wait on said he was leaving. He said everyone he knew was..."
Ooooh. I already added it to my to-read list but I think it needs to be bumped up to must-read-now.
Just finished Gabriela, Clavo y Canela by Jorge Amado, an amazing Brazilian Modernist novel. Highly recommended.
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Finished Shades of Milk and Honey and FINALLY finished War in Heaven. Started B.P.R.D.: King of Fear, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, and King Rat (my first China book).
I'm reading A Naked Singularity. So far I like it. It's about a very clever, witty public defender in the NY courts. And the book was actually self-published and then picked up by University of Chicago Press, even though they don't normally publish fiction. It's hard to describe the style, but just check it out.
I've finished Zazen. Definitely recommended for people who like unique contemporary lit. Review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...Now I really, really need to finish Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. I only have like 200 pages left!
I should avoid this thread, now I'll have to add even more books to my TR list! I finished slogging through Family Matters(oof); just started The City and the City(great so far) and am very lovingly lingering over American Falls: The Collected Short Stories. If I can find any online links I'll post them in the short stories thread.
I honestly tried reading King Rat but by page 35 I was already sick of Mieville's insufferably amateurish attempts at impressing the reader with his own perceived "cleverness". It reminded me of my Freshman year of University when my Major was still Creative Writing -- everyone else was trying SO DANG HARD to seem clever and jaded and to prove how vast their literary knowledge and vocabularies were. It was all a sick mixture of masturbation and exhibitionism, so I switched to Psychology (which wound up being pretty much more of the same) and then to Religious Studies (where I finally settled). I re-shelved "King Rat" and picked up the far less pretentious Throne of Jade, balancing that bit of pulp with One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich which a friend who used to live in Siberia recommended to me.
Regarding China Mieville, maybe I should've picked a later book by him? Sadly, this has been the only one I've ever really felt an inclination to read and it's been on my "to-read" list since the late 1990s when nobody knew or cared who Mieville was. I might try the audio version -- I find it easier to force my way through things when I'm biking and don't have the option of picking up something else.
EDIT: Turns out that there isn't an audio-version of "King Rat", but there is one of Perdido Street Station, Kraken, Railsea, Embassytown, and The City and the City. Any recommendations? If it helps, I've got nothing but amused contempt for Marxism so stories trying to push that agenda might not work well for me...
Andrea wrote: "I should avoid this thread, now I'll have to add even more books to my TR list!"I feel the same! We're all trapped in Zeno's book club. Which would be an excellent book club, if I weren't too lazy to start it.
Liam wrote: "Listening to The Republic on Audio book and reading Neuromancer."Neuromancer, I want to read that very badly! I'd like to read your review if you decide to write one, link it here please :D
Magda wrote: "Just finished Gabriela, Clavo y Canela by Jorge Amado, an amazing Brazilian Modernist novel. Highly recommended."
Thank you for highlighting this! I remember watching the brazilian soap opera based on that book when I was a kid, my mom was a big fan. I've only read
Capitães da Areia by Jorge Amado, I liked it alot.
I've finished Children of the Mind, which was not as enjoyable as the previous 3, but still provided a good ending to Enders story.
I'm now reading The Picture of Dorian Gray.
I'm only a few pages shy of finishing The City & The City and will more than likely start onOryx and Crake After that there are a couple of giveaway entries I put in for and didn't win but I put the authors books on my wish list.
Peter wrote: "I'm only a few pages shy of finishing The City & The City and will more than likely start onOryx and Crake After that there are a couple of giveaway entries I put in for and didn't win but I put th..."Ooooh I read a sample of Oryx and Crake recently and I loved it. I'm really excited to pick that one up sometime.
I started The Handmaid's Tale yesterday, the first of Atwoods book I ever picked up. I'm fascinated by her writing style, its like she's got me hypnotized! Seems I've been missing out on a great storyteller. Please give an opinion on Oryx and Crake when you finish Peter!
Frozenwaffle wrote: "I started The Handmaid's Tale yesterday, the first of Atwoods book I ever picked up. I'm fascinated by her writing style, its like she's got me hypnotized! Seems I've been missing out on a great st..."I read that Atwood newbies should start with The Handmaid's Tale, but I defied the "rules" and started with Bodily Harm! It's good so far. I agree with the hypnotizing-ish. Her style is quite unique!
Ruby wrote: "Tell us what you're reading right now & how you're liking it so far. If you like, post your book reviews too as you finish them.Don't forget the GR book links.."
Cunt: A Declaration of Independence
Loving this book... It truly explores the power of feminity...Also gives great historical data on mindest and perspective regarding women and sexuality...
Just finished The City and the City! I couldn't put it down...will say n o more until the group discussion! Just started The Big Rock Candy Mountain Peter wrote:I'm only a few pages shy of finishing The City & The City and will more than likely start onOryx and CrakeFrozenwaffle and Ashley wrote:Frozenwaffle wrote: "I started The Handmaid's Tale yesterday, the first of Atwoods book I ever picked up. I'm fascinated by her writing style, its like she's got me hypnotized! Seems I've been missing out on a great st..."
I read that Atwood newbies should start with The Handmaid's Tale, but I defied the "rules" and started with Bodily Harm! It's good so far. I agree with the hypnotizing-ish. Her style is quite unique!
I was on a M. Atwood run a couple of years ago and read 4 of her books one right after the other. I loved THT and O and C, but was really hypnotised by Alias Grace! Then I read The Blind Assassin, which was kinda disappointing in comparison, although I did learn a few things about Canadian history ;-]
Ashley wrote: "I read that Atwood newbies should start with The Handmaid's Tale, but I defied the "rules" and started with Bodily Harm! It's good so far. I agree with the hypnotizing-ish. Her style is quite unique!"You rebel! :P I've finished the Handmaids Tale and found it really good. I honestly couldnt put it down until I had read it all, I'm not ashamed to admit I even took longer WC breaks to sneak in a bit more reading during work - I'm not proud xD
How are you liking Bodily Harm?
Andrea wrote: "I was on a M. Atwood run a couple of years ago and read 4 of her books one right after the other. I loved THT and O and C, but was really hypnotised by Alias Grace! Then I read The Blind Assassin, which was kinda disappointing in comparison, although I did learn a few things about Canadian history ;-]"
I never heard of Alias Grace, I was going for the obvious choice of Blind Assassin next, now I don't know. Arrgh, choices, choices! ^^
Right now I'm reading The Painted Veil and reveling in Maughams prose :D
Ruby wrote: "Tell us what you're reading right now & how you're liking it so far. If you like, post your book reviews too as you finish them.Don't forget the GR book links.."
Cunt: A Declaration of Independence
What a book... alot of data on women... history...and sexuality...this is not just a feminisitc point of view but one that should speak to all women in how to love themselves...as a person...knowledgable about themselves... their bodies...likes dislikes...It's a great read...
Frozenwaffle wrote: "Ashley wrote: "I read that Atwood newbies should start with The Handmaid's Tale, but I defied the "rules" and started with Bodily Harm! It's good so far. I agree with the hypnotizing-ish. Her style..."I'm really liking it so far. I haven't had as much reading time as I'd like lately (stupid work! argh!) but from what I've read, Atwood certainly has a unique perspective. I'm going to borrow your description when I say she's got me hypnotized!
Started Cloud Atlas recently, only about a tenth of the way in. So far I have a brief feeling for the plot but given the sort of Canterbury Tales nature of the book it's hard to get an informed feeling about the rest of the book. Regardless though so far the writing is riveting, it is written beautifully. The story itself is also very good.The only downside is that I have such high expectations for the rest of the book but I've not seen a better start to a book in a very long time. This is looking like instant classic material to me.
Finished One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and Throne of Jade.Started B.P.R.D.: Being Human and Please Save My Earth, Volume 5.
Finished B.P.R.D.: Being Human (disappointing) and Please Save My Earth, Volume 5 (consistently good!).Started Larklight which I've heard is great!
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I've also made a fairly decent dent in a NetGalley ARC I started before I left Canberra: Blood Zero Sky. It is a YA dystopian story, and I'm finding that it suffers from one of the usual problems: The author is trying so hard to get the kids to relate to the fictional society by comparing it to their own, they've apparently forgotten that the characters wouldn't have that point of comparison themselves. It's got some good points though.
I've put House of Leaves on hold for a bit. Just until my partner goes back to Canberra to finish packing and I can read in an empty house. It would also be good if I could stop nodding off every time I sit down.....! Ah, exhaustion.
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I am in the middle of House of Leavesand will be interested in what you think once you get a chance to finish it."
So far, I'm intrigued. The format alone is breathtaking. I just got to a part that was seriously chilling, but it's not the same when there are other people (and noise) in the house. I think this one really needs to be read alone in the quiet dark :)
Ruby wrote: "I just got to a part that was seriously chilling, but it's not the same when there are other people (and noise) in the house. I think this one really needs to be read alone in the quiet dark :)"Ha, I was the total opposite. I was too creeped out so I read it in a cafe during the daytime.
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Me too. It's hard to keep track of the footnotes otherwise!
Just started In Search of Lost Time. Hope I have time to finish it this month, but I doubt it! The style is just lovely and I do think I can stick with it until the end, but we'll see.
Unfortunately I'm not enjoying Great Apes as much as I had hoped. I'm about 3/4 of the way through it, and while it's interesting... that's about the best I can say for it right now.
Ruby wrote: "Tell us what you're reading right now & how you're liking it so far. If you like, post your book reviews too as you finish them.Don't forget the GR book links.."
The Book for Dangerous Women: A Guide to Modern Life
Great little book for entertainment and thoughts on everything from life...sex...infidelity... and living....Great read....lol
The Obamians: How a Band of Newcomers Redefined American Power andAmerican Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle ObamaJust finished two other informative books... whether or not one is a fan or not.. these are great people... It's great to get to know as much as possible regarding this current administration... as for American Tapestry...it just goes to show us that we all are apart of the same bloodline.. we all have a black...caucasion...native american among others in the bloodline....
I finished Bodily Harm. I really liked it! Margaret Atwood can certainly tell a story in her own way and she really captivated me with Rennie's story. I can't wait to pick up more of her work. I think I'll go for Neverwhere next. My first Neil Gaiman!
Ashley wrote: "I think I'll go for Neverwhere next. My first Neil Gaiman!"Back at the beginning of the year, I read an assortment of Gaiman. I thoroughly enjoyed Neverwhere. A good one to start with!
Be sure to check out the BBC mini-series "Neverwhere" is based on! (I actually liked it better than the novelization, but that might be because the mini-series was co-written by Lenny Henry)
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I STILL haven't gotten to that one. sigh.
Ian wrote: "Be sure to check out the BBC mini-series "Neverwhere" is based on! (I actually liked it better than the novelization, but that might be because the mini-series was co-written by Lenny Henry)"Ooh! I will do so, thank you!
Theo wrote: "Ashley wrote: "I think I'll go for Neverwhere next. My first Neil Gaiman!"
Back at the beginning of the year, I read an assortment of Gaiman. I thoroughly enjoyed Neverwhere. A good one to start w..."
Good to know, thanks!
Ian wrote: "Be sure to check out the BBC mini-series "Neverwhere" is based on! (I actually liked it better than the novelization, but that might be because the mini-series was co-written by Lenny Henry)"I love Lenny Henry. His audiobook narration of Gaiman's Anansi Boys is amazing.
Ruby wrote: "Ian wrote: "Be sure to check out the BBC mini-series "Neverwhere" is based on! (I actually liked it better than the novelization, but that might be because the mini-series was co-written by Lenny H..."Me neither! I think Neverwhere may have been my first Gaiman (well, solo at least.... I read Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch quite a few years before.) It's a good one!
I just started reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. I'm only 145 pages in but the writing is delicious and I'm very interested to see where it's going to go. (I don't read the synopsis because I don't like any kind of spoiler.)Before that I read No Country For Old Men and finished it in 4 hours. I wish I had those 4 hours back. Especially since I read a very amazing speculative novel called Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, it's probably one of the best books I've read in a while. I went so far as to have my library order the second novel. After Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell I'm definitely going to pick up another Atwood novel. 8D But in all seriousness stay away from No Country For Old men unless you want something that's a quick read.
Mark wrote: "Riona wrote: "Ruby wrote: "I just got to a part that was seriously chilling, but it's not the same when there are other people (and noise) in the house. I think this one really needs to be read alo..."There is a beautiful copy of this book at my local bookstore. I chose this as my reward for completing my "library" in an extra bedroom. Tomorrow i am finishing the paint and buying the stain for my shelves. The trouble will be finding the alone time to read it. So excited reading these posts. I've been procrastinating for too long.
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I kinda did the same. I bought the gorgeous full-colour second edition hardcover as a reward for myself too :)
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(House of Leaves - Don't worry. It doesn't spoil the plotline)
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I know what you mean. I got turned around inside my own house today and wigged the fuck out. I mean, yes, I only moved in a few weeks ago, and the house is largely empty, and the two small bedrooms are kind of mirror images of each other..... but it wasn't a good feeling!
Meanwhile, I've just had to start using two bookmarks to track where I'm up to in the appendices! I can see how people become obsessed with this book. It's utterly amazing. I wonder if anyone else would be up for a running discussion thread on House of Leaves when I've finished it? It sounds like a fair few people have read it already...
Finished Larklight, which was sadly disappointing. Finished Old Man's War, which was a good, solid sci-fi story.
Finished Hellboy: The Bride of Hell and Others, which was one of the funniest and most absurd entries in the series to date (though with a somewhat lackluster middle story).
Finished The Wendigo. Classic!
Finished Please Save My Earth, Vol. 6, which started the action up again!
Just started reading I Don't Want to Kill You (which was so gripping I nearly finished it in one day, and would have if not for two bike rides and the fact that I have to go to bed now because of an early meeting tomorrow) and Hellboy: The Storm and the Fury (which is turning in to one heck of a pay-off).
I'm alternating between A Visit from the Goon Squad and Du côté de chez Swann Two different worlds (universes!)Ruby and Mark wrote: "Ruby wrote: "I wonder if anyone else would be up for a running discussion thread on House of Leaves when I've finished it? It sounds like a fair few people have read it already"
Not a bad idea. There is so much to discuss - personal impressions will be many and varied. "
I'm going to have to get this, I'm hearing so much about it and I'm up for some weirdness.
Finished I Don't Want to Kill You (absolutely gripping -- my only real issue is with the penultimate chapter) and Amulet, Vol. 5: Prince of the Elves (beautiful, but the dialogue remains weak).Started Chew: The Omnivore Edition, Vol. 1 at a friend's suggestion, and started re-reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Chaos Reading
Books mentioned in this topic
Egalia's Daughters: A Satire of the Sexes (other topics)Infinite Jest (other topics)
Infinite Jest (other topics)
All the Light We Cannot See (other topics)
The Handmaid’s Tale (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Felix Francis (other topics)Ali Smith (other topics)
Sebastian Junger (other topics)
Annie Proulx (other topics)
Elizabeth Gilbert (other topics)
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Just getting into Papillon, which is regarded as a bit of a classic, it seems. I'm told by the kind lady at the bookstore that it's very good.