What Book Are You Currently Reading ?

[Gandalf]

I'm reading a book about how to deal with social anxiety. I seem to have bounced back from my recent bouts of shyness but I got the fear while going for a walk yesterday. I think it is time to go back to the toolbox.

Also going to read a book about Castro and Cuba as I want to annoy Lyle and Walrus.

[El Kabong]

I'm reading a book about how to deal with social anxiety. I seem to have bounced back from my recent bouts of shyness but I got the fear while going for a walk yesterday. I think it is time to go back to the toolbox.

Also going to read a book about Castro and Cuba as I want to annoy Lyle and Walrus.

I think you really need to pay attention to what Jordan Peterson said in that video I posted in the other thread. Having dealt with Social Anxiety myself I believe he explains it rather well and understands how to teach folks to cope with it.


Sure read about Castro, I would read about Castro, I watched Benicio Del Toro's 2 part epic on Che Guevara, I've seen many a documentary on the Cuban Revolution, the Spanish Civil War, and Russia's Revolution....I'm not opposed to learning about Communists, Socialists, Radicals, Tyrants....if you didn't learn about them how would you know their ideas suck and that they were power hungry murderous bastards preaching brotherhood but only looking out for themselves?

[Gandalf]

I'm reading a book about how to deal with social anxiety. I seem to have bounced back from my recent bouts of shyness but I got the fear while going for a walk yesterday. I think it is time to go back to the toolbox.

Also going to read a book about Castro and Cuba as I want to annoy Lyle and Walrus.

I think you really need to pay attention to what Jordan Peterson said in that video I posted in the other thread. Having dealt with Social Anxiety myself I believe he explains it rather well and understands how to teach folks to cope with it.


Sure read about Castro, I would read about Castro, I watched Benicio Del Toro's 2 part epic on Che Guevara, I've seen many a documentary on the Cuban Revolution, the Spanish Civil War, and Russia's Revolution....I'm not opposed to learning about Communists, Socialists, Radicals, Tyrants....if you didn't learn about them how would you know their ideas suck and that they were power hungry murderous bastards preaching brotherhood but only looking out for themselves?

I think with the social anxiety it is something you learn to cope with, but then suddenly it hits you full on the face sometimes. It is quite dangerous for me as I am in front of people a lot, so as soon as something happens the tendency is to go back into fear mode. One thing can put you back several steps. I find just by starting the book I am already responding well and my teaching this week has been up there with some of my best. You have to accept the anxiety and ride it like a wave. Easier said than done for me, than someone sitting in an office, but that's what I have to do. Will watch the video you mentioned. It's something you should always stay on top of as when you stop it creeps back and before you know it it is controlling you again.

[El Kabong]

I'm reading a book about how to deal with social anxiety. I seem to have bounced back from my recent bouts of shyness but I got the fear while going for a walk yesterday. I think it is time to go back to the toolbox.

Also going to read a book about Castro and Cuba as I want to annoy Lyle and Walrus.

I think you really need to pay attention to what Jordan Peterson said in that video I posted in the other thread. Having dealt with Social Anxiety myself I believe he explains it rather well and understands how to teach folks to cope with it.


Sure read about Castro, I would read about Castro, I watched Benicio Del Toro's 2 part epic on Che Guevara, I've seen many a documentary on the Cuban Revolution, the Spanish Civil War, and Russia's Revolution....I'm not opposed to learning about Communists, Socialists, Radicals, Tyrants....if you didn't learn about them how would you know their ideas suck and that they were power hungry murderous bastards preaching brotherhood but only looking out for themselves?

I think with the social anxiety it is something you learn to cope with, but then suddenly it hits you full on the face sometimes. It is quite dangerous for me as I am in front of people a lot, so as soon as something happens the tendency is to go back into fear mode. One thing can put you back several steps. I find just by starting the book I am already responding well and my teaching this week has been up there with some of my best. You have to accept the anxiety and ride it like a wave. Easier said than done for me, than someone sitting in an office, but that's what I have to do. Will watch the video you mentioned. It's something you should always stay on top of as when you stop it creeps back and before you know it it is controlling you again.

Just for you @Gandalf in case you wished to view and listen to Dr. Peterson.



Social Anxiety is a bitch to overcome, but the fucker of it is that you decide how bad it is...you either challenge the feelings you have and they diminish or you accept them and cower in fear more and more. The longer you let it go and allow that fear to control you, the more difficult it is to overcome. When you diminish it's hold over you, that's just the first step, it is a constant battle, but once you've conquered the fear you should understand that you can conquer it again and again and again and the more you do it the easier it becomes.

[Batman]

Just finished this last night, blimey I don't expect books like this to be easy going but this was bloody rediculous, the whole thing from start to finish is wrote in some mad backwards English, it's like reading Yoda's autobiography.

the book bombards you with far too many names to keep up with as well, Enki, Marduk, Antu, Ansu, Ninmar, Neemar, Enlil etc, the characters don't exactly have any personality either so they all just blue into one.

It wasn't a complete waste though, I learned a hell of a lot from the book with regards to the Sumerian history and their story, I just think that if he approached it as an actual story rather than a mock biography it would have been a lot easier, also if he laid off the Yoda speak as well.


Anyway onto the next book

It was only when the bones of the first devoured victims were discovered that the true nature and power of these swarming black creatures with their razor sharp teeth and the taste for human blood began to be realised by a panic-stricken city. For millions of years man and rats had been natural enemies. But now for the first time - suddenly, shockingly, horribly - the balance of power had shifted . . . 'The effectiveness of the gruesome set pieces and brilliant finale are all its own' "Sunday Times"

This'll only take me a day or so, I first read it when I was 11, Christ knows why my dad thought this was a good book to give an 11 year old, luckily I've never been one to scare easy, this is my go to horror book alongside the Exorcist, I've read it at least 10 times over the last 20 years.

[Master]

I read Herbie Hide's book and he got into a lot of trouble with the police about kerb crawling, having a gun, and threatening people in clubs. Seems like a misunderstood guy.

[Batman]

Have you ever wanted to kill somebody?

Sorry, that’s a blunt question. It might make you uncomfortable. If it does—if your stomach knots or your skin prickles—then your answer is yes. You probably don’t want to admit it. I get that. But it doesn’t change the fact that deep down you’re a killer.

Like me.

My name is Mia Sanguine. I’m a 17-year- old girl, living in Australia. I go to school, play percussion in the orchestra, and study when I have to. I like horror movies, comic books, and punk music. Oh, and yeah, a group of teenagers has ruined my life.

So I’m going to kill them.

But don’t get me wrong—I’m not talking about some Columbine-styled rubbish. No offense, but this isn’t the United States. All I need is a mask, an outfit, and a pair of knives. You see, I’m going to become a slasher movie villain. Like Jason, Mike, or Ghostface. In real life. Not because it’s right. But because of what I am.

A YOUNG SLASHER.

Just finished this last night, I'm a massive horror buff so I was semi interested in this, it was a nice easy read, fast paced and pretty violent which sits well with me.

There was constant pop culture references which got a bit tiresome in the end, some were good (especially when she has a mini rant about I spit on your grave) and the book would have been a lot smaller without them, I suppose they were a necessary evil to paint the picture of 'the young slasher'

It was too fast paced though, there was a decent build up then boom it was all over in one night, if the book is going to try and create a protaganist to rival Freddy and Jason then there has to be a few more than 4 murders on one night.

Decent book but I don't think I'll revisit it any time soon (plus I always find that books that rely on pop culture references date really badly, will people still be talking about the Kardashians and Taylor Swift in 20 years time? I fucking hope not anyway)

I'm going to be starting this today

Sent to London to help catch a vicious serial killer, Inspector John Rebus teams up with a beautiful psychologist to piece together a portrait of a depraved psychopath bent on painting the town red—with blood...

part 3 of the Rebus series, the first 2 have been less than amazing and I'm expecting more of the same from this one, I'm only reading it because I was gifted the entire series, they are easy enough going though so I don't mind too much.

once I've finished this one I'm going to be looking for something a bit more taxing, I might delve back into the old gothic genre from the 1800's, they always seem to keep me going for a good while

[Batman]

Got me another 2 books today

continuing my little obsession of space, the universe and all that sort of shite

The ALIENS invasion is coming ...

It's the biggest question we've ever faced, one that has fascinated generations of humans: do aliens exist? If they did, what would they look like? How would they think? And what would it mean for us if we found them?

Here, Professor Jim Al-Khalili blasts off in search of answers. Featuring twenty pieces by top scientists and experts in the field including Martin Rees, Ian Stewart and Adam Rutherford, Aliens covers every aspect of the subject, from alien consciousness to the neuroscience behind alien abductions. And along the way he'll cover science fiction, the probability of us finding extra-terrestrial life, and whether recently-discovered exoplanets might support life.

Engaging, authoritative and filled with scientific insights fresh from the far edges of the galaxy, Aliens is the perfect book for anyone who has ever looked up into the starry sky and wondered: are we alone?

had this one recommended to me and its been a while since I read a good post apocalyptic book so thought I'd give it a go

Oryx and Crake is at once an unforgettable love story and a compelling vision of the future. Snowman, known as Jimmy before mankind was overwhelmed by a plague, is struggling to survive in a world where he may be the last human, and mourning the loss of his best friend, Crake, and the beautiful and elusive Oryx whom they both loved. In search of answers, Snowman embarks on a journey–with the help of the green-eyed Children of Crake–through the lush wilderness that was so recently a great city, until powerful corporations took mankind on an uncontrolled genetic engineering ride. Margaret Atwood projects us into a near future that is both all too familiar and beyond our imagining.

[brocktonblockbust]

"The Garden of Forking Paths" by Jorge Luis Borges

[Batman]

Meh, wasn't a bad book, as I thought it was more of the same but it was a nice brain dead read

Getting started on this one tomorrow, first released in 1824 so I'm not expecting this one to be as easy going as what I have been reading just lately

I've had it lying around for fucking ages but have never got around to picking it up

One of the supreme masterpieces of Romantic fiction and Scottish literature, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner is a terrifying tale of murder and amorality, and of one man's descent into madness and despair. James Hogg's sardonic novel follows a young man who, falling under the spell of a mysterious stranger who bears an uncanny likeness to himself, embarks on a career as a serial murderer. The memoirs are presented by a narrator whose attempts to explain the story only succeed in intensifying its more baffling and bizarre aspects. Is the young man the victim of a psychotic delusion, or has he been tempted by the devil to wage war against God's enemies? The authoritative and lively introduction by Ian Duncan covers the full range of historical and religious themes and contexts, offers a richer and more accurate consideration of the novel's relation to Romantic fiction than found elsewhere, and sheds new light on the novel's treatment of fanaticism. Copious notes identify the novel's historical, biblical, theological, and literary allusions.

[Batman]

I ordered a few books off Amazon today at 11am, one of them have just been delivered that's 8 fucking hours, can't complain at that can ya

[El Kabong]

The James Hogg book looks interesting, let us know about that once you've finished.


Are there any movies you have seen(I being more of a film buff) which you feel have really captured the books they were based on?

[Batman]

The James Hogg book looks interesting, let us know about that once you've finished.


Are there any movies you have seen(I being more of a film buff) which you feel have really captured the books they were based on?

I've not got much left of that one, I was going to try and finish it tonight but being when it was written you can imaging that them 70 odd pages are not easy to just fly through.

Movies that captured the books? that's a pretty fucking tough question, I'm guessing that the majority of ones that I would mention are pretty famous films already

True Grit, To Kill a Mockingbird, Clockwork Orange etc

Blindness wasn't a bad film adaptation although it still wasn't anything on the book (by Jose Saramago, check it out if you haven't ever read it)
Swedish version of Girl with a dragon tattoo
Swedish version of Let the right one in
Room was really good, film and book

A couple of horrors that did it well would be Amityville horror, Exorcist, The Entity

A film that came out recently was A Monster Calls, the film was horrible and the book is for kids but it was fucking fantastic and actually nearly made me shed a tear at the end, I think I purchased it when I was drunk (I have a bit of a habit of doing that)

one of the books I ordered today was The Postman by Charles Bukowski, I think it may have actually been you that recommended that to me ages ago.

[El Kabong]

I've not got much left of that one, I was going to try and finish it tonight but being when it was written you can imaging that them 70 odd pages are not easy to just fly through.

Movies that captured the books? that's a pretty fucking tough question, I'm guessing that the majority of ones that I would mention are pretty famous films already

True Grit, To Kill a Mockingbird, Clockwork Orange etc

Blindness wasn't a bad film adaptation although it still wasn't anything on the book (by Jose Saramago, check it out if you haven't ever read it)
Swedish version of Girl with a dragon tattoo
Swedish version of Let the right one in
Room was really good, film and book

A couple of horrors that did it well would be Amityville horror, Exorcist, The Entity

A film that came out recently was A Monster Calls, the film was horrible and the book is for kids but it was fucking fantastic and actually nearly made me shed a tear at the end, I think I purchased it when I was drunk (I have a bit of a habit of doing that)

one of the books I ordered today was The Postman by Charles Bukowski, I think it may have actually been you that recommended that to me ages ago.

Right, I can only imagine. I had to struggle through the last pages of the book on Maj. Frederick Russell Burnham as he was all out of adventures at that point.


Thank you for your list of movies that were true to/as good as the books. It's not so much that I am lazy it is that I am better at listening to things and soaking that up in my brain rather than reading them. I read quite a lot actually, but typically comments and articles rather than books, I do enjoy when I get ahold of a good one. My Uncle has just published a book, kind of an autobiography but that's really the next one on my list.

I might have to look into those books you listed.


I am not sure if I suggested that specifically, but Bukowski was an interesting guy and I have most certainly watched a documentary on him again and again. He was simple yet complex, he had the ability to do any number of things but the drive and ambition to really only accomplish 2 things successfully write and drink. He was a souse, a drunkard, a boozer, a vagabond, and just a worthless pock marked lush.....that said he was unapologetically himself and he had a certain charisma which drew people to him. He was very Jekyll & Hyde as drinking that much can make you....you go from the fun tipsy drunk to the angry bitter violent lout in the blink of an eye.

Buk wasn't a Beat and he hated the Beats actually, but they all loved him and took him in with open arms. He was almost a replacement for Kerouac who drank himself to death but before doing so alienated himself from Ginsberg and Burroughs.


The first books I read which I actually really got into or that I wasn't forced to read for school were: 'The Count of Monte Cristo' - Dumas, 'Tortilla Flat' - Steinbeck, 'Jurassic Park' - Crichton, 'Born In Blood' - Robinson, but typically it was a lot of Edgar Allen Poe and (I always relate these two as they lived in the same period) when I got into art it was Van Gogh...I feel like Poe wrote the way Van Gogh painted if that makes any sense at all. They could both be macabre but sometimes without even trying to be, the final painting of Van Gogh the 'Wheatfield with Crows' where he said in letters to his brother Theo "I made a point of trying to express sadness, extreme loneliness" and then you've got Poe's The Raven, Van Gogh had his crows which he said "They interest themselves in everything, and observe everything. The ancients, who lived far more completely than ourselves in and with nature, found it no small profit to follow, in a hundred obscure things where human experience as yet affords no light, the directions so prudent and sage a bird." which to me really brings the two together. Both were extremely depressed, had troubled lives, and died alone, in miserable conditions Poe maybe having had a bout with rabies and Van Gogh shooting himself.


But anywho, I was actually a pretty happy kid when I read those things and admired that artwork....it is hard to turn away from those things especially when you know so very little of what those guys were dealing with on an emotional level. It's like looking at a car crash.

[Batman]

I went to the opticians for an eye test today, I've been getting pretty bad headaches, I thought it was just my eyes disintegrating at the same rate as the rest of my body.

Apparently my eye sight ain't all that bad (surprising as I'm blind as a cunt with out my glasses) and even after 6 years I don't need to get a new pair or anything, my eye sight is just a good/bad as it was 6 years ago.

I told her about the headaches and she asked me what I do at work, I told her that I sit in front of a computer all day, she asked what I do when I get home and hobbies and shit, I told her that I read a lot and usually do a book or two a week and when I ain't reading I'm playing the piano, she asked me how much telly I watch, I told her I watch probably half an hour a night when I get in from work, she told me that maybe I should watch more TV because it isn't as stressful on the eyes...not happy with the outcome of that opticians appointment...