Now Reading... - Page 25

OrbWeaver · June 8th, 2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yippee38

Calvin & Hobbes is great stuff, but I prefer The Far Side. Some of that stuff is so twistedly funny.

I used to get the Far Side desk callendars. I still have one page saved "The Insurance Salesman of the Opera."

Ruthven · June 8th, 2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrbWeaver

"The Insurance Salesman of the Opera."

I've never seen that one, but I love it anyway. The title alone tells the story. You have to think (slightly) to get it, but then it becomes hysterical.

OrbWeaver · June 8th, 2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruthven

I've never seen that one, but I love it anyway. The title alone tells the story. You have to think (slightly) to get it, but then it becomes hysterical.

Given that, at the time, I was a HUGE Phantom of the Opera fan, I found it side-splittingly hilarious.

I tried to see if I could find it online to share, but no luck. And I'm not sure what I did with that particular page, either.

Yippee38 · June 8th, 2008, 05:16 PM

As a flight instructor, this quickly became my favorite:

Yippee38 · June 8th, 2008, 05:17 PM

As a flight instructor, this quickly became my favorite:

ratanda · June 10th, 2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaimek

I'm working my way through "When Gravity Fails" by George Alec Effinger - cyberpunk sci-fi in an Arabic setting. It's a bit weird, but I find it interesting that he nails some Arabic/Muslim cultural characteristics, like how it's considered terribly rude just to say "no" to someone; instead you have to take the roundabout route, saying "I wish I could help you" and variations on that.

I love that book! Thumbs up.

Currently (re-)reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

OrbWeaver · June 10th, 2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratanda

Currently (re-)reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

That is a great book!

Now reading: Encyclopedia of Counseling, 3rd edition.

Gotta pass the NCE's and the COMPS.

Rakosh · June 15th, 2008, 03:35 PM

An Evil Guest - Gene Wolfe (Advance Readers Copy)

From the cover:

Lovecraft mets Blade Runner. This is a stand-alone supernatural horror novel with a 30s noir atmosphere. Gene Wolfe can write in whatever genre he wants--and always with superb style and profound depth. Now following his World Fantasy Award winner, Soldier of Sidon, and his stunning Pirate Freedom, Wolfe turns to the tradition of H.P. Lovecraft and the weird science tale of supernatural horror.

Set a hundred years in the future, An Evil Guest is a story of an actress who becomes the lover of both a mysterious sorcerer and private detective, and an even more mysterious and powerful rich man, who has been to the human colony on an alien planet and learned strange things there. Her loyalties are divided--perhaps she loves them both. The detective helps her to release her inner beauty and become a star overnight. And the rich man is the benefactor of a play she stars in. But something is very wrong. Money can be an evil guest, but there are other evils. As Lovecraft said, "That is not dead which can eternal lie."

Sounds promising...we'll see if it holds up to the hype.

Ruthven · June 15th, 2008, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rakosh

An Evil Guest - Gene Wolfe (Advance Readers Copy)

Lovecraft mets Blade Runner. This is a stand-alone supernatural horror novel with a 30s noir atmosphere.

There's another book that I can safely say that I'll want to read.

Magius · June 18th, 2008, 12:11 PM

Deadhouse Gates -Steven Erikson

Cheiron · June 21st, 2008, 12:35 PM

NR: R. Scott Bakker - The Darkness that Comes Before

LunaTEKKE · June 21st, 2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yippee38

Calvin & Hobbes is great stuff, but I prefer The Far Side. Some of that stuff is so twistedly funny.

Love them both! I also get a big kick out of Dilbert and “Get Fuzzy”.

Favorite “Far Side” (that I can remember right now):

Guy shows up to deliver a pizza to a group of people in hell. The box is labeled, “Jerry’s Pizza – We Deliver Anywhere”. The devil tells the group, “First of all, this is going straight back. And I’ll just have a little chat with whoever placed the order.”

Currently Reading:

Rick Steves – Europe Through the Back Door 2008

Janet Evanovich – Plum Lucky (a little brain candy…)

Yippee38 · June 24th, 2008, 08:42 PM

From Bear's recommendation, I'm rereading The Crystal Shard.

thedelicateflower · June 25th, 2008, 03:54 PM

...just started reading 'the historian' by elizabeth kostova...

Rakosh · June 25th, 2008, 04:58 PM

ok, had to take a break from the Gene Wolfe...too much '30s noir, not enough Lovecraft or Blade Runner as promised. It's reading more like an episode of the old radio show The Shadow. Not bad, but not what I was expecting or wanting at the moment.

Instead, I've picked up The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston & Mario Spezi and have blazed through half the book in 2 sittings. It's a non-fiction account of the hunt for a Jack the Ripper-like serial killer in Italy in the mid 1980s. Thomas Harris based much of Hannibal on the case, and Preston & Spezi even got caught up into the investigation at one point. Fascinating so far...

Pellaz · June 25th, 2008, 11:04 PM

I finished The Metatemporal Detective by Michael Moorcock. It was very-good-to-great, although, as often happens, MM's politics don't agree with me sometimes.

Now starting: Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis (of course). There is an amazing irony in that progression.

(I recently saw the movie and am re-reading the book....might just re-read the whole series since it's been many years.)

jaimek · June 26th, 2008, 07:45 AM

I'm very slowly working my way through the Bonehunters, and starting to wonder why I bother, because trying to keep track of everything that's going on in one large book, let alone keep it in perspective with any story arcs coming from previous books, is nigh impossible, at least with the hoppy skippy way that Erikson writes.

Cheiron · June 29th, 2008, 04:42 PM

I finished King's The Dark Half. Quite a good book, and I've changed my mind on Stephen King. Not only is he a good storyteller but he's also a good writer. He gets into characters and makes them believable on a level that eludes most writers, and he's one of the few writers who can write good dialog.

spag · June 29th, 2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheiron

He gets into characters and makes them believable on a level that eludes most writers, and he's one of the few writers who can write good dialog.

That's always been my favorite thing about him. Even if the story sucks, and there have been some serious turds over the years, his character development puts most to shame. It's one of those things that hits me sometimes when reading his books, smacks me upside the head and I realize that I'll never be the kind of writer I wish I could be.

spag · June 29th, 2008, 05:30 PM

Still trudging through Treason by Orson Scott Card. Thankfully it's almost over. I really think I'm done with him. Every now and then, someone will rave about one of his books I haven't read, and I'll give it a try. I et burned every time. This one isn't painful like some. I am going to finish it, but I don't know if I would recommend it unless you like his freaky shit.

DarkOne · June 30th, 2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spag

Still trudging through Treason by Orson Scott Card. Thankfully it's almost over. I really think I'm done with him. Every now and then, someone will rave about one of his books I haven't read, and I'll give it a try. I et burned every time. This one isn't painful like some. I am going to finish it, but I don't know if I would recommend it unless you like his freaky shit.

I got where you are a book or two ago. I used to really like Card (Ender, early Alvin Maker), but his books got worse and worse in terms of plot, dialogue, characterizations, and preachiness. I picked up Treason in the library, looked at it, and just said 'nah'.

Steve in Philly

Magius · June 30th, 2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yippee38

From Bear's recommendation, I'm rereading The Crystal Shard.

Not a bad book, but it pales in comparison with what comes later.

Yippee38 · June 30th, 2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magius

Not a bad book, but it pales in comparison with what comes later.

Well, the point is to read the whole Dark Elf series starting at the beginning. I've read the Icewind Dale trilogy a long time ago. I also read the prequel. So I'm going to reread all those and go on from there. I'm reading Streams of Silver right now. I have to pick up Halfling's Gem again as I cannot find it. Since I can't remember these books - it's been that long - I don't even know if I ever read it in the first place.

Pellaz · June 30th, 2008, 09:51 PM

"Dark Elf" = Drizzt, no?

I'll bite, since I hear a lot about these....where's a good place to start the series?

I'll need something dark and evil after finishing Narnia.

Yippee38 · July 1st, 2008, 12:02 AM

Well you could do what I'm doing, but I don't think it would help if you're looking for dark. It's pretty run of the mill D&D fiction IMO. Then again, I haven't read that later stuff, only the first two trilogies and then the next book (Legacy).

Have you read the two Instrumentalities of the Night books by Glen Cook? They're challenging, but great IMO.

June 8th, 2008, 05:16 PM	#604 (permalink)
Yippee38 Living the dream! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Somewhere at 37,000' Posts: 2,289	As a flight instructor, this quickly became my favorite: __________________ "Step out of line And I'll teach you how to fly Then away we'll go"

June 8th, 2008, 05:17 PM	#605 (permalink)
Yippee38 Living the dream! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Somewhere at 37,000' Posts: 2,289	As a flight instructor, this quickly became my favorite: __________________ "Step out of line And I'll teach you how to fly Then away we'll go"

June 15th, 2008, 03:35 PM	#608 (permalink)
Rakosh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 493	An Evil Guest - Gene Wolfe (Advance Readers Copy) From the cover: Lovecraft mets Blade Runner. This is a stand-alone supernatural horror novel with a 30s noir atmosphere. Gene Wolfe can write in whatever genre he wants--and always with superb style and profound depth. Now following his World Fantasy Award winner, Soldier of Sidon, and his stunning Pirate Freedom, Wolfe turns to the tradition of H.P. Lovecraft and the weird science tale of supernatural horror. Set a hundred years in the future, An Evil Guest is a story of an actress who becomes the lover of both a mysterious sorcerer and private detective, and an even more mysterious and powerful rich man, who has been to the human colony on an alien planet and learned strange things there. Her loyalties are divided--perhaps she loves them both. The detective helps her to release her inner beauty and become a star overnight. And the rich man is the benefactor of a play she stars in. But something is very wrong. Money can be an evil guest, but there are other evils. As Lovecraft said, "That is not dead which can eternal lie." Sounds promising...we'll see if it holds up to the hype. __________________ ----Proud Co-Sponsor of ASTRAL DOORS...ummm...I mean IRON SAVIOR for PPUSA IX---- -----Proud Co-Sponsor of PRIMAL FEAR for PPUSA VIII----- ----Proud Co-Sponsor of THUNDERSTONE for PPUSA VII---- ------Proud Co-Sponsor of STRIDE for PPUSA VI-------

June 18th, 2008, 12:11 PM	#610 (permalink)
Magius ................. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,936	Deadhouse Gates -Steven Erikson __________________ Life is a tragedy for those who feel and a comedy for those who think.

June 21st, 2008, 12:35 PM	#611 (permalink)
Cheiron Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 5,605	NR: R. Scott Bakker - The Darkness that Comes Before __________________ Cheiron

June 24th, 2008, 08:42 PM	#613 (permalink)
Yippee38 Living the dream! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Somewhere at 37,000' Posts: 2,289	From Bear's recommendation, I'm rereading The Crystal Shard. __________________ "Step out of line And I'll teach you how to fly Then away we'll go"

June 25th, 2008, 03:54 PM	#614 (permalink)
thedelicateflower ageless Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: P3C-117 Posts: 468	...just started reading 'the historian' by elizabeth kostova... __________________ http://bari-titen.artistwebsites.com/

June 25th, 2008, 04:58 PM	#615 (permalink)
Rakosh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 493	ok, had to take a break from the Gene Wolfe...too much '30s noir, not enough Lovecraft or Blade Runner as promised. It's reading more like an episode of the old radio show The Shadow. Not bad, but not what I was expecting or wanting at the moment. Instead, I've picked up The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston & Mario Spezi and have blazed through half the book in 2 sittings. It's a non-fiction account of the hunt for a Jack the Ripper-like serial killer in Italy in the mid 1980s. Thomas Harris based much of Hannibal on the case, and Preston & Spezi even got caught up into the investigation at one point. Fascinating so far... __________________ ----Proud Co-Sponsor of ASTRAL DOORS...ummm...I mean IRON SAVIOR for PPUSA IX---- -----Proud Co-Sponsor of PRIMAL FEAR for PPUSA VIII----- ----Proud Co-Sponsor of THUNDERSTONE for PPUSA VII---- ------Proud Co-Sponsor of STRIDE for PPUSA VI-------

June 25th, 2008, 11:04 PM	#616 (permalink)
Pellaz Tigron of Immanion Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,734	I finished The Metatemporal Detective by Michael Moorcock. It was very-good-to-great, although, as often happens, MM's politics don't agree with me sometimes. Now starting: Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis (of course). There is an amazing irony in that progression. (I recently saw the movie and am re-reading the book....might just re-read the whole series since it's been many years.) __________________ http://www.paulcashman.com pellaz1@comcast.net Proud sponsor of Solution .45 (and kinda Primordial), Therion (again!), Tyr, Orphaned Land, Amorphis, Sonata Arctica, Mercenary, Therion, PoS, Nightwish and Devin Townsend Band, PPUSA III-present WREKage, 11:59pm Fri nights http://www.wrekage.org 91.1 FM Atlanta -- Atlanta radio's home of metal for more than 20 years, also streamed live and archived for a week! WINNER: Best of Atl. non-commercial radio show, 2012

June 26th, 2008, 07:45 AM	#617 (permalink)
jaimek incorrigible Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 1,891	I'm very slowly working my way through the Bonehunters, and starting to wonder why I bother, because trying to keep track of everything that's going on in one large book, let alone keep it in perspective with any story arcs coming from previous books, is nigh impossible, at least with the hoppy skippy way that Erikson writes. __________________ "He'd be the sort to stand on a hilltop in a thunderstorm wearing wet copper armour and shouting 'All gods are bastards!'" - Terry Pratchett

June 29th, 2008, 04:42 PM	#618 (permalink)
Cheiron Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 5,605	I finished King's The Dark Half. Quite a good book, and I've changed my mind on Stephen King. Not only is he a good storyteller but he's also a good writer. He gets into characters and makes them believable on a level that eludes most writers, and he's one of the few writers who can write good dialog. __________________ Cheiron

June 29th, 2008, 05:30 PM	#620 (permalink)
spag I am a leaf on the wind Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Everywhere and nowhere Posts: 1,004	Still trudging through Treason by Orson Scott Card. Thankfully it's almost over. I really think I'm done with him. Every now and then, someone will rave about one of his books I haven't read, and I'll give it a try. I et burned every time. This one isn't painful like some. I am going to finish it, but I don't know if I would recommend it unless you like his freaky shit.

June 30th, 2008, 09:51 PM	#624 (permalink)
Pellaz Tigron of Immanion Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,734	"Dark Elf" = Drizzt, no? I'll bite, since I hear a lot about these....where's a good place to start the series? I'll need something dark and evil after finishing Narnia. __________________ http://www.paulcashman.com pellaz1@comcast.net Proud sponsor of Solution .45 (and kinda Primordial), Therion (again!), Tyr, Orphaned Land, Amorphis, Sonata Arctica, Mercenary, Therion, PoS, Nightwish and Devin Townsend Band, PPUSA III-present WREKage, 11:59pm Fri nights http://www.wrekage.org 91.1 FM Atlanta -- Atlanta radio's home of metal for more than 20 years, also streamed live and archived for a week! WINNER: Best of Atl. non-commercial radio show, 2012

July 1st, 2008, 12:02 AM	#625 (permalink)
Yippee38 Living the dream! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Somewhere at 37,000' Posts: 2,289	Well you could do what I'm doing, but I don't think it would help if you're looking for dark. It's pretty run of the mill D&D fiction IMO. Then again, I haven't read that later stuff, only the first two trilogies and then the next book (Legacy). Have you read the two Instrumentalities of the Night books by Glen Cook? They're challenging, but great IMO. __________________ "Step out of line And I'll teach you how to fly Then away we'll go"