JechtShotMK9
The Sublimely Magnificent One
- AKA
- Kamiccolo9
I'm currently working on a project involving the elections in the DRC, so I'm reading up on a ton of literature on the Congo. Fascinating stuff, really.
What are you reading?
- Thread starter Ⓐaron
- Start date
leadmyskeptic
Pro Adventurer
"Oryx and Crake" (for a Lit class--apparently, this novel has been quite popular, but I hadn't heard about it at all until I was assigned it. Loving it)
"The Virgin Suicides" (multiple re-read, for me this is one of those 'pantheon novels' where time to time I wanna slip back into that world again and there's only one way to do it)
"Touching From a Distance", which is a biography of Ian Curtis and Joy Division co-written by Ian's wife, Deborah. Because of its journalisty/non-fiction/music story nature, I find I can read chunks of it alongside the others.
"The Virgin Suicides" (multiple re-read, for me this is one of those 'pantheon novels' where time to time I wanna slip back into that world again and there's only one way to do it)
"Touching From a Distance", which is a biography of Ian Curtis and Joy Division co-written by Ian's wife, Deborah. Because of its journalisty/non-fiction/music story nature, I find I can read chunks of it alongside the others.
leadmyskeptic
Pro Adventurer
Fancy - Translation of novels, whether old, new, or anywhere in-between, is a crazy thing. There's been examples where the translation was considered heroic in its carrying over of hard to convert ideas/phrases, times where the translation actually ends up preferred, amounting to something more like a re-write of material that was originally very dry, and then of course many examples of botch jobs. I get your frustration at not being able to experience the work as 'originally' intended, though. If at all possible, I'd try to find out who was responsible for the translation, and look into what kind of rep they have (assuming he/she has one).
Addy - Yes, I've also read "Heavier Than Heaven"! Didn't really think about it beforehand, somehow, but they're both similar in that they are accounts of these brilliant but doomed artists, and from the moment you start the first page, you know the clock is ticking. The main issue I have with it is that Charles Cross rarely talks about the music or the artistry, giving more of a clinical, almost forensic-style narrative, and sometimes he'll put in his own opinion as 'canon' even when there's countless interpretations to the contrary. BUT, his book is more comprehensive and far-reaching than any other available, so if you want the full scope of the story, he's your only option. Because I'm a huge Nirvana nerd, I'm intending to read a little more personal/art-inspired account by Everett True, who was the English music journalist who pushed Kurt onstage in the wheelchair for Reading 1992.
Addy - Yes, I've also read "Heavier Than Heaven"! Didn't really think about it beforehand, somehow, but they're both similar in that they are accounts of these brilliant but doomed artists, and from the moment you start the first page, you know the clock is ticking. The main issue I have with it is that Charles Cross rarely talks about the music or the artistry, giving more of a clinical, almost forensic-style narrative, and sometimes he'll put in his own opinion as 'canon' even when there's countless interpretations to the contrary. BUT, his book is more comprehensive and far-reaching than any other available, so if you want the full scope of the story, he's your only option. Because I'm a huge Nirvana nerd, I'm intending to read a little more personal/art-inspired account by Everett True, who was the English music journalist who pushed Kurt onstage in the wheelchair for Reading 1992.
Mage
She/They
- AKA
- Mage
I'll bear your reads in mind for when I come up for air. 
One of my former work mates was a music die-hard so I've got a few more books along those lines to check out eventually.
So I finished Tipping the Velvet and I don't understand the acclaim TBH. The protagonist is a selfish bag up until the end but apparently there's a redemption that's gradual but poorly executed. I mean it's well-written in that she's a very unlikeable character but the fisting scene seemed a bit tacked on for shock value and her eventual choice of relationship doesn't sit with her values throughout the story, I just feel like the defining chapters for that were edited out. 4/10, I've read much better.
Also nitpicking here but the author kept using 'er' on the end of words instead of 'more -----' and it annoyed the fuck out of me. Cleverer is an example, I can't think of any specifics from the book off-hand.
Anyway, now I'm going to finish A Street Cat Named Bob before I start Fried Green Tomatoes because the boy and I are reading The Hobbit together and I can see some fucking weird dreams coming if I don't go more linear in my reading.
One of my former work mates was a music die-hard so I've got a few more books along those lines to check out eventually.So I finished Tipping the Velvet and I don't understand the acclaim TBH. The protagonist is a selfish bag up until the end but apparently there's a redemption that's gradual but poorly executed. I mean it's well-written in that she's a very unlikeable character but the fisting scene seemed a bit tacked on for shock value and her eventual choice of relationship doesn't sit with her values throughout the story, I just feel like the defining chapters for that were edited out. 4/10, I've read much better.
Also nitpicking here but the author kept using 'er' on the end of words instead of 'more -----' and it annoyed the fuck out of me. Cleverer is an example, I can't think of any specifics from the book off-hand.
Anyway, now I'm going to finish A Street Cat Named Bob before I start Fried Green Tomatoes because the boy and I are reading The Hobbit together and I can see some fucking weird dreams coming if I don't go more linear in my reading.
Clement Rage
Pro Adventurer
Pride and Prejudice. Great read. I understand so many references now
Keveh Kins
Pun Enthusiast
THere's a new Witcher book!? Duuuuuude!
TyrekeChance
Rookie Adventurer
I went back to reading my old Dan Brown books. The Da Vinci Code will always be one of my favorites. 
Clement Rage
Pro Adventurer
Assassin's Apprentice, Robin Hobb. I last read this when I was like 12, it's like putting on a warm coat.
Even still had some shocks, as I had completely forgotten about Rurisk
Keveh Kins
Pun Enthusiast
I read The Last Wish, Sword of Destiny, Make Me (Jack Reacher) and Dark Tower: The Wasteland on holiday.
Currently reading Mr. Mercedes, and really, really enjoying it. Refreshing change of pace for Stephen King
Currently reading Mr. Mercedes, and really, really enjoying it. Refreshing change of pace for Stephen King
Keveh Kins
Pun Enthusiast
Finishes Mr. Mercedes, thoroughly enjoyed it. Characters are a bit clichéd, but they're very likable and that outshines the trope-ishness. Hodges in my head looked like a heavier version of the dad from Frasier
On to The Lady of the Lake naow
On to The Lady of the Lake naow
Clement Rage
Pro Adventurer
Shake Hands With the Devil, the book by the head of the peacekeeping force in Rwanda. Painful but valuable reading.
LicoriceAllsorts
Donator
Drive Your Plough Over the Bones of the Dead.