Thread: Last book you've read....and why?

I've just finished reading the Stonehenge Gate by Jack Williamson. I don't know why I've read it. Usually, I would read classical books with popular or Nobel Prize winner authors. I don't know what went into my mind reading books whose author I hardly know. Maybe, I got tired of reading Dickens' novel which is full of adjectives/words I could hardly imagine.

I went to the bookstore two weeks ago and purchased six books which were sold for 50 pesos each (around $1). One of those books is that book by Williamson. I've read it for six hours and my eyes are dead tired now.

I'm starting to read another book from that set ( Relentless by Robbin Parish) and I'm quite enjoying it. Honest to goodness, I also enjoyed that book by Williamson.

I'm beginning to like novels which I consider craps before. Is there something wrong about me?

I'm reading Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson, because I did some searches on Sci Fi authors and his stories sounded interesting, because they happen in the past and focus on trade and commerce it is a work of fiction, but he's very descriptive and immersive. I guess I'm reading it because it's not a typical Science Fiction story. What makes it science fiction it the fact that there is fictional science in it (like alchemy). Found it used for $7.50 at my local used book store.

Originally Posted by killersheep

I'm reading Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson, because I did some searches on Sci Fi authors and his stories sounded interesting, because they happen in the past and focus on trade and commerce it is a work of fiction, but he's very descriptive and immersive. I guess I'm reading it because it's not a typical Science Fiction story. What makes it science fiction it the fact that there is fictional science in it (like alchemy). Found it used for $7.50 at my local used book store.

Nice to know you're interested in science fiction. Jack Williamson according to the back cover of the book is a nebula and hugo awardee ( hope I remember the awards right). The second person to be conferred the title of "grandmaster in science fiction writing".

Used books in my country are usually priced around $4-$5. I've currently bought Tom Clancy's hardbound book ( Sum of All Fear) for 105 pesos (around $2).

Can't remember the last time I read a book cover to cover. Usually I go back and reread specific chapters of books I've already read.

Lately it seems all I've been reading is technical documentation. java this, linux that. The occasional chess book. Gary Kasparov's 1982 book on the Sicilian Defense is quite good, it's sitting in front of me right now, he's great at explaining the general principles. Books? hmmm probably Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. I'm not sure why, I've read it a few times and it just depresses the hell out of me.

I'm just finishing Duel: A True Story of Death and Honour.

It's about the final duel that took place in Scotland in the 1800's and also a broader history of dueling in general. I read it because I like history and because I picked it up off the bargain table at Chapters for dirt cheap. It's an excellent book though.

I'm about to start reading the most recent edition of A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn.

Just recently finished Needful Things and Tommyknockers by Stephen King. These books been in my drawer for so long i kept on postponing reading it and finally...... probably one of the best by King.

I'm starting Deception Point by Dan Brown now.



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Originally Posted by spade

Just recently finished Needful Things and Tommyknockers by Stephen King. These books been in my drawer for so long i kept on postponing reading it and finally...... probably one of the best by King.

I'm starting Deception Point by Dan Brown now.



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Thats funnyI read Deception Point a few weeks ago. The last 6 pages or so had me holding my breath constantly lol. Great book and keeps you riveted, me anyways.

Reading Tokien's Children of Hurin...again...why you ask?....because I felt like it.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. Was pretty good. Just read it cause after school ends I don't want anything serious.

Am reading the sequel now. Red Seas under Red Skies.

A bit of a fantasy kick so am going to try to reread the Song of Ice and Fire trilogy by George Martin next to be ready for the next one coming out. Have meant to do this for a while. Its the greatest fantasy series ever by far IMO but its four 1000 page books so starting back in is a bit of a project.

Originally Posted by LEGION

Originally Posted by spade

Just recently finished Needful Things and Tommyknockers by Stephen King. These books been in my drawer for so long i kept on postponing reading it and finally...... probably one of the best by King.

I'm starting Deception Point by Dan Brown now.



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Thats funnyI read Deception Point a few weeks ago. The last 6 pages or so had me holding my breath constantly lol. Great book and keeps you riveted, me anyways.

Reading Tokien's Children of Hurin...again...why you ask?....because I felt like it.

Dan Brown has great imagination

Children of Hurin, never heard it before, i'll look for it one of these days.




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My last book is from Jean Levy and it explains all what we have to know about sparta back in the days, vERY VERY good and full of information.

"Street Without Joy" b/c I'm a Vietnam junkie

Originally Posted by VanChilds

"Street Without Joy" b/c I'm a Vietnam junkie

Have you read Chickenhawk?

no but its on my list...Next up is a biography of Giap. Hands down the best "Nam" books I've read are "Bright Shining Lie" by Sheehan for a total perspective and "Steal My Soldier's Hearts" by Hackworth for getting an all to real feel for light infantry fighting.

I've recently finished reading Gaius Marius: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Saviour.

Marius rose from humble beginnings to be elected consul and to become the most powerful man in Rome. It's an excellent biography of a man who was a brilliant general, but a ruthless politician, as was his rival and worst enemy Sulla. Marius was Julius Caesar's uncle by marriage, and his friend Cinna was the father of Caesar's first wife.