I need books!

[MissLadyLoki]

As you all probably know by now, I'm a major-league reading nerd, but as of right now, I basically have nothing to read. I stopped reading chick-lit cause I got tired of the same stories of the perfect girl and the perfect guy getting together in the end (hell, it's the same reason why I stopped watching romantic comedies) and I basically stopped reading Chuck Palahniuk, a favorite author of mine (he's always been strange, but his last 3 or 4 books, he went off the deep end, and his last on to come out in paperback, Pygmy, was written in such an unreadable broken English that I had to stop in the middle).

Anyways, I'm looking for any books at all. Realize that I do love classics, I'm not one for Stephen King or James Patterson, and right now, I'm looking for something along the lines of a suspense or thriller-type book, but any good modern fiction will do.

[Kayli]

I could not finish "Pygmy" either! I'm glad to find another reader that had trouble with it. The English was too broken, and even though it makes perfect sense for the premise, it did not work for me and I had to stop like you.

I recommend Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's thriller, "Relic". John Grisham's "The Client". Bentley Little's "The Resort". Well that's what I've got at the top of my head ;)

[Peestie]

Have you ever read 'Blindness' by Jose Saramago? It's a really good one. It's a bit bleak but thoroughly enjoyable.

[Silver Springs]

I'd recommend a book but I have a certain fondness for the classics. I'm attempting to tackle the entire works of Shakespeare (bought in one super-book) so I must be a glutton for punishment. Have you ever read Primo Levi's "If This Is A Man". It's an account of his time at a Nazi concentration camp. It's an incredibly touching, "real" book that I simply adore.

[MissLadyLoki]

Have you ever read 'Blindness' by Jose Saramago? It's a really good one. It's a bit bleak but thoroughly enjoyable.

Never heard of it, but I'll do a little research.

I could not finish "Pygmy" either! I'm glad to find another reader that had trouble with it. The English was too broken, and even though it makes perfect sense for the premise, it did not work for me and I had to stop like you.

I recommend Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's thriller, "Relic". John Grisham's "The Client". Bentley Little's "The Resort". Well that's what I've got at the top of my head ;)

My mom used to read John Grisham, but she found him too boring after a while. The Preston/Child book sounds like it might be good.

As for Chuck Palahniuk, I still love Fight Cub and Choke, but is Tell-All any good?

I'd recommend a book but I have a certain fondness for the classics. I'm attempting to tackle the entire works of Shakespeare (bought in one super-book) so I must be a glutton for punishment. Have you ever read Primo Levi's "If This Is A Man". It's an account of his time at a Nazi concentration camp. It's an incredibly touching, "real" book that I simply adore.

I have read Elie Weisel's Night (fantastic book BTW), but I'll give that one a spin. Yeah, I dig the classics too, but got anything good for me to check out? I refuse to read Jane Austen since she is essentially old-school chick lit.

[CreepingDeath]

Tess Gerritsen.

I'm not sure if you like medical thrillers, but if so her's are by far the best I've read. Way better than Michael Palmer or Robin Cook. If you want a series start with The Surgeon. If not go with Harvest.

[LikeAWillow]

I'd recommend a book but I have a certain fondness for the classics. I'm attempting to tackle the entire works of Shakespeare (bought in one super-book) so I must be a glutton for punishment. Have you ever read Primo Levi's "If This Is A Man". It's an account of his time at a Nazi concentration camp. It's an incredibly touching, "real" book that I simply adore.

I SECOND THIS. Favorite Holocaust memoir.

As far as new literature goes, I really recommend Old School by Tobias Wolff. If you're familiar with classics, you'll appreciate the names and characters that he drops throughout.

[LukeA]

Non-Fiction need not apply?

[Silver Springs]

Non-Fiction need not apply?

If Non Fiction can have a fighting chance I would suggest Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks. It's basically about Musical Therapy and the link between music and memories. It's a fascinating read.

[MissLadyLoki]

Non-Fiction need not apply?

I enjoy non-fiction, mainly memoirs. I enjoy Augusten Burroughs, Jen Lancaster, and David Sedaris, but are there anyone else along those lines?

[Silver Springs]

I enjoy non-fiction, mainly memoirs. I enjoy Augusten Burroughs, Jen Lancaster, and David Sedaris, but are there anyone else along those lines?

I suppose there's Jean Paul Sartre if you're into that kind of thing, or even Simone De Beauvoir if you don't mind industrial strength feminism lol.

[MissLadyLoki]

I suppose there's Jean Paul Sartre if you're into that kind of thing, or even Simone De Beauvoir if you don't mind industrial strength feminism lol.

The ones I mentioned write funny memoirs, which i was looking for, but existentialism kinda depresses me.

[Silver Springs]

The ones I mentioned write funny memoirs, which i was looking for, but existentialism kinda depresses me.

Oh I love that kind of thing. Anything that tries to answer the deeper questions without all the padding and guff others seem to add, as though expecting to be writing for a docile audience. I love to be challenged.

I don't know if it counts as memoirs, more like small anecdotes really. But how about The Book Of Shadows by Don Paterson. It's basically a book of small and witty anecdotes that poke fun at life's little "foibles" as well as providing long known personal truths. For some reason I always find it in the Poetry section of the local bookstore which is odd.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Have you ever read 'Blindness' by Jose Saramago? It's a really good one. It's a bit bleak but thoroughly enjoyable.

I totally agree; he won the Nobel Prize for this. I haven't quite gotten around to reading it yet but from what I've seen it looks really good. I saw most of the movie
and also thought it was really worthwhile checking it out. :)


The two that came to my mind when I saw the question were "Jane Eyre" - I HIGHLY recommend that one - and Bleak House by Charles Dickens, although that's kind of long. If you want something that's kind of "racy" but unique, and still considered "quality literature," then I'd suggest "The World About Us" by Claude Simon - another Nobel Prize-winner.

For non-fiction, I'd suggest "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin."

[Peestie]

I totally agree; he won the Nobel Prize for this. I haven't quite gotten around to reading it yet but from what I've seen it looks really good. I saw most of the movie
and also thought it was really worthwhile checking it out. :)

The movie follows the plot fairly well but doesn't manage to convey the emotions and themes of the book that effectively. If you liked the movie you'll be bound to like the book. That is, as long as you can get into the strange writing style where mostly the only punctuation is commas and the occasional full stop/period. Some paragraphs go on for page after page!

[MissLadyLoki]

The movie follows the plot fairly well but doesn't manage to convey the emotions and themes of the book that effectively. If you liked the movie you'll be bound to like the book. That is, as long as you can get into the strange writing style where mostly the only punctuation is commas and the occasional full stop/period. Some paragraphs go on for page after page!

I never saw the movie, but lack of proper punctuation is giving me Cormac McCarthy vibes (while his lack of proper punctuation annoyed me, it was his style of barely explaining anything that went on and using atrocious diologue made me stop reading The Road), but he isn't for everyone.

[Zombie]

I never saw the movie, but lack of proper punctuation is giving me Cormac McCarthy vibes (while his lack of proper punctuation annoyed me, it was his style of barely explaining anything that went on and using atrocious diologue made me stop reading The Road), but he isn't for everyone.

ACK OMG BLASPHEMY. :laugh:

I agree McCarthy's style can take some getting used to, but barely explaining and atrocious dialogue? This hurts my heart more than if you had run over my puppy. :distress:

Why do you feel that he barely explains things and has atrocious dialogue?

[Kena]

The Chelsea Handler books are really funny if you dig her type of humor. They are short stories so they are a pretty quick read and good bathroom material.

If you read a lot of chick lit, you have probably read or heard of a few books that I enjoyed which are "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb and "Love Invents Us" by Amy Bloom. I also enjoyed Elizabeth Wurtzel's "Prozac Nation." I'm thinking those are pretty standard chic lit.

I also really enjoyed Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" and his follow up books that I can't remember the names of right now. His brother Malacay McCourt also wrote an autobiography which is very interesting because although he and Frank grew up together their tales of the same events vary. Also, Frank grows up to have more of a shame based personality due to adversities of his childhood, Malacay basically said my childhood sucks and being poor sucks and not being anyone that matters sucks and I'm going to make more of myself. Franks book are better than Malacay's though.

I love biographys because...welll, I guess cause I'm nosey.

[MissLadyLoki]

ACK OMG BLASPHEMY. :laugh:

I agree McCarthy's style can take some getting used to, but barely explaining and atrocious dialogue? This hurts my heart more than if you had run over my puppy. :distress:

Why do you feel that he barely explains things and has atrocious dialogue?

When I read The Road, I had barely any clue what was going on (I knew some war thing happened, but what caused it and what were they doing at certain parts?) and the diologue got on my nerves with how they seemed to say the same few words over and over again, and after a while, I just wnated to hear them say something else. In many ways, it reminded me of Book of Eli, with it's post-apocalyptic story and lack of explanation for anything, but that's just me.

[MissLadyLoki]

The Chelsea Handler books are really funny if you dig her type of humor. They are short stories so they are a pretty quick read and good bathroom material.

If you read a lot of chick lit, you have probably read or heard of a few books that I enjoyed which are "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb and "Love Invents Us" by Amy Bloom. I also enjoyed Elizabeth Wurtzel's "Prozac Nation." I'm thinking those are pretty standard chic lit.

I also really enjoyed Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" and his follow up books that I can't remember the names of right now. His brother Malacay McCourt also wrote an autobiography which is very interesting because although he and Frank grew up together their tales of the same events vary. Also, Frank grows up to have more of a shame based personality due to adversities of his childhood, Malacay basically said my childhood sucks and being poor sucks and not being anyone that matters sucks and I'm going to make more of myself. Franks book are better than Malacay's though.

I love biographys because...welll, I guess cause I'm nosey.

I have read Anegla's Ashes and the sequel, Tis, and I love both. Fantastic books IMO and I still think that part where he threw up in his grandma's backyard on the day of his communion and what followed was hilarious.

I basically have stopped reading chick lit (it felt like the same story over and over again with unrealistic people, which got on my nerves after a while), but I'll definitely check out Chelsea Handler.

[Kena]

I have read Anegla's Ashes and the sequel, Tis, and I love both. Fantastic books IMO and I still think that part where he threw up in his grandma's backyard on the day of his communion and what followed was hilarious.

I basically have stopped reading chick lit (it felt like the same story over and over again with unrealistic people, which got on my nerves after a while), but I'll definitely check out Chelsea Handler.


Frank McCourt also wrote Teacher Man

Oh, I just recently I read Rue Mcclanahan My First Five Husbands...And The One's Who Got Away. Blanche is just precious I tell you, just precious!

Obviously autobiographics interest me. Got a secret confession (shuuu don't tell anybody) I read McKenzie Phillips autobio and also Melissa Gilberts. Nothing I really cared about in either, well except in McKenzie's. The dynamics of ABBA and the stuff about Mick Jagger was interesting. I liked the insight into what it was like to be the kid of famous rock stars. As for Melissa Gilbert, she's rather boring.

I can't pass up an autobiography at the thrift store!

[MissLadyLoki]

Frank McCourt also wrote Teacher Man

Oh, I just recently I read Rue Mcclanahan My First Five Husbands...And The One's Who Got Away. Blanche is just precious I tell you, just precious!

Obviously autobiographics interest me. Got a secret confession (shuuu don't tell anybody) I read McKenzie Phillips autobio and also Melissa Gilberts. Nothing I really cared about in either, well except in McKenzie's. The dynamics of ABBA and the stuff about Mick Jagger was interesting. I liked the insight into what it was like to be the kid of famous rock stars. As for Melissa Gilbert, she's rather boring.

I can't pass up an autobiography at the thrift store!

What'd Melissa Gilbets do? Speaking of autobios, is Eric Clapton's one any good?

[carrie721]

When I read The Road, I had barely any clue what was going on (I knew some war thing happened, but what caused it and what were they doing at certain parts?) and the diologue got on my nerves with how they seemed to say the same few words over and over again, and after a while, I just wnated to hear them say something else. In many ways, it reminded me of Book of Eli, with it's post-apocalyptic story and lack of explanation for anything, but that's just me.

it seemed to me that the lack of backstory was kind of the point. it doesn't matter what the exact mechanism was - there are many ways we could end up there. i thought it made the story more personal because each reader has to fill in his/her own blank. furthermore, it put the reader in the same mentality as the characters. it doesn't matter what happened because the only thing that matters is moving forward and surviving.

[David]

it seemed to me that the lack of backstory was kind of the point. it doesn't matter what the exact mechanism was - there are many ways we could end up there. i thought it made the story more personal because each reader has to fill in his/her own blank. furthermore, it put the reader in the same mentality as the characters. it doesn't matter what happened because the only thing that matters is moving forward and surviving.
YOU CONFUSE ME!!!!!!!!

[MissLadyLoki]

it seemed to me that the lack of backstory was kind of the point. it doesn't matter what the exact mechanism was - there are many ways we could end up there. i thought it made the story more personal because each reader has to fill in his/her own blank. furthermore, it put the reader in the same mentality as the characters. it doesn't matter what happened because the only thing that matters is moving forward and surviving.

Still, he really wasn't for me. Anyways, I'll keep looking, and put everyone's recs into consideration.

[Zombie]

it seemed to me that the lack of backstory was kind of the point. it doesn't matter what the exact mechanism was - there are many ways we could end up there. i thought it made the story more personal because each reader has to fill in his/her own blank. furthermore, it put the reader in the same mentality as the characters. it doesn't matter what happened because the only thing that matters is moving forward and surviving.

Yar, 'zactly. He doesn't explain how the apocalypse thing happened, because it doesn't really matter - it happened and the man and the boy have to deal with it. Were something similar to happen to us, I don't think we'd have all the details at our disposal immediately, if at all, especially if it happened to the same degree as it does in the book. Hard to get reliable info when the world is mostly dead. No radio, no TV, no newspaper.

Also, the re: the dialogue - we have to remember that the boy is just that - a boy. He's very young, and he's in an impossible situation. Not much room for learning how to be a sparkling conversationalist or how to be more articulate. I think the man and the boy's dialogue is pretty spot-on - they communicate in basics, because basics are what they need to survive.

McCarthy has a gift for apt dialogue - check out exchanges in No Country for Old Men, Blood Meridian, Child of God, any of the Border books, etc. All the dialogue styles fit the situations the characters are in, whether they're uneducated, degenerate hill folk in Appalachia or sly Texas lawmen.

McCarthy is definitely not for everyone, but hearing his writing put down like that makes me sad panda. :distress:

[MissLadyLoki]

Yar, 'zactly. He doesn't explain how the apocalypse thing happened, because it doesn't really matter - it happened and the man and the boy have to deal with it. Were something similar to happen to us, I don't think we'd have all the details at our disposal immediately, if at all, especially if it happened to the same degree as it does in the book. Hard to get reliable info when the world is mostly dead. No radio, no TV, no newspaper.

Also, the re: the dialogue - we have to remember that the boy is just that - a boy. He's very young, and he's in an impossible situation. Not much room for learning how to be a sparkling conversationalist or how to be more articulate. I think the man and the boy's dialogue is pretty spot-on - they communicate in basics, because basics are what they need to survive.

McCarthy has a gift for apt dialogue - check out exchanges in No Country for Old Men, Blood Meridian, Child of God, any of the Border books, etc. All the dialogue styles fit the situations the characters are in, whether they're uneducated, degenerate hill folk in Appalachia or sly Texas lawmen.

McCarthy is definitely not for everyone, but hearing his writing put down like that makes me sad panda. :distress:

I'm sorry, but that was my thoughts when I tried to read The Road. it was just something I'd never seen before and it struck me as being very odd.

[Zombie]

I'm sorry, but that was my thoughts when I tried to read The Road. it was just something I'd never seen before and it struck me as being very odd.

I understand - his style does take some getting used to, particularly the lack of punctuation we're usually used to seeing. He definitely needs to be approached a little differently than you would approach the average paperback. :nod:

[MissLadyLoki]

I understand - his style does take some getting used to, particularly the lack of punctuation we're usually used to seeing. He definitely needs to be approached a little differently than you would approach the average paperback. :nod:

Anyways, moving on, have you ever read Angela's Ashes?

[Silver Springs]

Anyways, moving on, have you ever read Angela's Ashes?

I'm a Heathen because I watched the Movie before I read the Book. *bows head in shame* I know. Kill me now. I don't deserve life hehe. But it was a good read.

[Musicman408]

Tess Gerritsen.

I'm not sure if you like medical thrillers, but if so her's are by far the best I've read. Way better than Michael Palmer or Robin Cook. If you want a series start with The Surgeon. If not go with Harvest.

I'm thinking this lady has been mentioned before- I have GOTTT to check out her books!

[CreepingDeath]

I'm thinking this lady has been mentioned before- I have GOTTT to check out her books!

Yes, you must check her out. You won't regret it.

[Zombie]

Anyways, moving on, have you ever read Angela's Ashes?

I have, yeah - I quite liked it. It's got a black humor about it that I find really endearing, particularly when it comes to Frank's grandmother and how he describes her behavior, as well as how it's juxtaposed against the absolute desolation that is his childhood.

I read, like, a lot. A LOT. I'm the literary equivalent of the crazy cat lady. Other excellent books I would highly recommend:

The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver
The Outlander series - Diana Gabaldon
These Is My Words - Nancy Turner
White Oleander - Janet Fitch
Life of Pi - Yann Martel
Smoke and Mirrors - Neil Gaiman
The Death of Bunny Munro - Nick Cave
Bastard Out of Carolina - Dorothy Allison
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
Memories of My Melancholy Whores by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Doomsday Book - Connie Willis
Nefertiti - Michelle Moran

If you like biographies/memoirs/autobiographies:

Twenty Thousand Roads: The Ballad of Gram Parsons and His Cosmic American Music - David Meyer
An Unseemly Man: My Life as a Pornographer, Pundit and Social Outcast by Larry Flynt & Kenneth Ross

And if you like poetry (or even if you don't), Without by Donald Hall. Donald Hall is my all-time favorite poet, and this book literally changed my life. It's about the death of his wife, the poet Jane Kenyon, written as a series of "letters" to her after she died from leukemia and interspersed with poems he wrote during her illness itself. It is stunning.

[GypsySorcerer]

Some random recommendations:

Possession - A.S. Byatt
Like Water for Chocolate - Laura Esquivel
A Thousand Splendid Suns and the aforementioned The Kite Runner- Khaled Hosseini
We Need to Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver

Nonfiction
God Grew Tired of Us- John Dau
A Piece of Cake - Cupcake Brown
Columbine - Dave Cullen (A really chilling, gripping read, with the pacing of a novel. Highly recommended.)

[MissLadyLoki]

Some random recommendations:

Possession - A.S. Byatt
Like Water for Chocolate - Laura Esquivel
A Thousand Splendid Suns and the aforementioned The Kite Runner- Khaled Hosseini
We Need to Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver

Nonfiction
God Grew Tired of Us- John Dau
A Piece of Cake - Cupcake Brown
Columbine - Dave Cullen (A really chilling, gripping read, with the pacing of a novel. Highly recommended.)

Believe it or not, I read that one for the freshman book-thing when I first started going into college. I loved it and I have a signed copy too.