What Book Are You Currently Reading ?

[Gandalf]

Blimey I could have written this myself, Chinaski gets a job at a post office, throughout his time there he drinks a hell of a lot and hates his job, no real major events in his life and the events that do take place he seems to be nonplussed about, 17 years pass and nothing at all has changed in his life except he is 17 years older and still in the same job.

Pretty much mirrors my own life except I've been there for 13 years and I don't drink as much as I used to.

That really doesn't make a fantastic book though.

I think I fancy some science next so I'm gunna get started on this

Lyle, turned me onto Bukowski and I think it is really good writing. Sure, nothing happens, but it is a profound mundanity written in such an odd, funny way. The simplicity of the writing is an art form in itself. I respect someone like Dickens but he sure could waffle on, on the other hand Bukowski is clipped, sharp and concise. It's good writing. Easy book to read too, you can read it in a couple of evenings.

I am reading a book about Elvis called Memphis Mafia. Elvis was one of those icons like Marilyn. On the surface wholesome and very apple pie, but underneath some really fucked up shit going on. I find that very interesting and want to know more.

[Batman]

Blimey I could have written this myself, Chinaski gets a job at a post office, throughout his time there he drinks a hell of a lot and hates his job, no real major events in his life and the events that do take place he seems to be nonplussed about, 17 years pass and nothing at all has changed in his life except he is 17 years older and still in the same job.

Pretty much mirrors my own life except I've been there for 13 years and I don't drink as much as I used to.

That really doesn't make a fantastic book though.

I think I fancy some science next so I'm gunna get started on this

Lyle, turned me onto Bukowski and I think it is really good writing. Sure, nothing happens, but it is a profound mundanity written in such an odd, funny way. The simplicity of the writing is an art form in itself. I respect someone like Dickens but he sure could waffle on, on the other hand Bukowski is clipped, sharp and concise. It's good writing. Easy book to read too, you can read it in a couple of evenings.

Oh I appreciate the style and it was an extremely easy read, I was just expecting a bit more of an insight into the main characters thinking and feelings, especially as it was autobiographical.
To be honest the book had a great chance to show a real grimy depressing side of the main character it kind of just skimmed over it.

I might read some of his other books but I don't think I'll be rushing out to buy them and putting them to the top of my 'to read' list.

[Beanz]

Blimey I could have written this myself, Chinaski gets a job at a post office, throughout his time there he drinks a hell of a lot and hates his job, no real major events in his life and the events that do take place he seems to be nonplussed about, 17 years pass and nothing at all has changed in his life except he is 17 years older and still in the same job.

Pretty much mirrors my own life except I've been there for 13 years and I don't drink as much as I used to.

That really doesn't make a fantastic book though.

I think I fancy some science next so I'm gunna get started on this

Lyle, turned me onto Bukowski and I think it is really good writing. Sure, nothing happens, but it is a profound mundanity written in such an odd, funny way. The simplicity of the writing is an art form in itself. I respect someone like Dickens but he sure could waffle on, on the other hand Bukowski is clipped, sharp and concise. It's good writing. Easy book to read too, you can read it in a couple of evenings.

Oh I appreciate the style and it was an extremely easy read, I was just expecting a bit more of an insight into the main characters thinking and feelings, especially as it was autobiographical.
To be honest the book had a great chance to show a real grimy depressing side of the main character it kind of just skimmed over it.

I might read some of his other books but I don't think I'll be rushing out to buy them and putting them to the top of my 'to read' list.

If you want to give yourself a mental workout then Umberto Eco for me is always a bit of a challenge. I read "The Prague Cemetery" on Nameless or killersheeps recommendation and it was hard work but worth it.

Updike's "Rabbit" novels are sort of the other end of the spectrum, and much like a meditation. Never read anyone like him. Quite brilliant in how he makes something in which little happens so engrossing and powerful.

[Batman]

Cheers, I've added The Prague Cemetery to my list (My Goodreads 'To Read' list is at 170 books now)

I've got two books sitting down waiting for me to get started on (just mish mash brain dead thriller sort of books I think they are)
Then I've got my eye on a few gothic books from the 1800's I'm looking at Zoflya by Charlotte Dacre, Bruge La-Morte by Georges Rodenbach and Vathek by William Beckford

I will need to get them off Amazon though, Waterstones don't have them in stock at the minute.

I've got a few that have been sitting on my book case for a few years and I have just never managed to get around to them.

I'm up to page 60 of my Aliens book at the minute, it's pretty fascinating, the whole book is made up essays from different experts, it isn't just saying 'THEY ARE OUT THEIR AND THEY ARE COMING' it goes into the science that is being used to look for them, looking into the reason why it is unlikely that they would try and contact us (if they were more technologically advanced than us in the first place)

It's just had a really good chapter on the consciousness of the Octopus and how that is a kind of focal point of just how vastly difference physical and mental appearance can be