What are you reading?

[gainesvillegreen]

Yeah, they never really answered those questions.  Like I said, that wasn't really the point from my standpoint.

I think he just wanted you to fill in those sorts of "details" on your own.  Or just to give you something to think about.

I haven't read the book in question, and I haven't read Stephen King in 15 years or more, but this does sound like him - he brackets the writing in such a way that you do have to bring something to his work. Does phuzzy have a point? I think she does - by such bracketing, he can come off as lazy (in the psychological sense, obviously his output is incredible and he must spend 8 hours a day everyday slumped over a typewriter, or something like it).

That being said, if the answers were provided to phuzzy's questions, would there be anything less to think about?

[fauxpaxfauxreal]

It's a novella tho, he only had so much room to work with.

Answering those questions would have added nothing but tedium to the work, imo.

[Mr Minor]

Finished reading "I am Charlotte Simmons" by Tom Wolfe a couple of weeks back and I was a little underwhelmed by it. I think the story could have been told in less pages and I didn't like the lead character but overall I would say its a pretty good read.

Now I'm reading:

"The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (book club read)



The novel, set in post–Spanish Civil War Barcelona, concerns a young boy, Daniel Sempere. Just after the war, Daniel's father takes him to the secret Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a huge library of old, forgotten titles lovingly preserved by a select few initiates. According to tradition, everyone initiated to this secret place is allowed to take one book from it, and must protect it for life. Daniel selects a book called The Shadow of the Wind by Julián Carax. That night he takes the book home and reads it, completely engrossed. Daniel then attempts to look for other books by this unknown author, but can find none. All he comes across are stories of a strange man – calling himself Laín Coubert, after a character in the book who happens to be the Devil – who has been seeking out Carax's books for decades, buying them all and burning them.

Sorry Charlotte didn't live up to the hype.   :|  I liked it b/c I liked the basketball aspect of JoJo and the trainwreck of Charlotte's college experience.  Tom Wolfe is a stickler for detail, hence the many pages.  It's something you either love or can pass up.  I went on to read A Man In Full and loved it.  But again, lots of pages.  Of course, some say his best books are Bonfire of the Vanities and The Right Stuff.  Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test is alright, but you have to be in the mood for it.  Not light reading by any means...

The Shadow of the Wind sounds interesting.  You will have to let me know how it is.

Finished "The Shadow of the Wind" this afternoon and I HIGHLY recommend it. The first half of the book was a little hard to get into but I had to find out where the book was going and couldn't walk away from the book without finishing it. The second half made it all worth it. There are a lot of twists and turns and just when you think you've figured stuff out it all changes on you. I would definitely pick the book up if you get a chance.

Finished The Shadow of the Wind this morning.

Such a great story.  Turning point/falling action was amazing!

Thanks for the recommendation!
Ironically, my dad dropped off Art of Racing the other day.  Phuzzy, you and I are definitely on the same page with some great books lately.  I will  have some recommendations for you soon.

[phuzzyfish12]

^^^ Glad you enjoyed it Mr. Minor. Can't wait for some recommendations.

[cactusfan]

The Crossing, Cormac McCarthy.

one of the better ones i've read of his. i always love the writing. but for me nothing has come even close to Blood Meridian, which i thought was just completely brilliant.

[Hicks]

Yeah, they never really answered those questions.  Like I said, that wasn't really the point from my standpoint.

I think he just wanted you to fill in those sorts of "details" on your own.  Or just to give you something to think about.

I haven't read the book in question, and I haven't read Stephen King in 15 years or more, but this does sound like him - he brackets the writing in such a way that you do have to bring something to his work. Does phuzzy have a point? I think she does - by such bracketing, he can come off as lazy (in the psychological sense, obviously his output is incredible and he must spend 8 hours a day everyday slumped over a typewriter, or something like it).

That being said, if the answers were provided to phuzzy's questions, would there be anything less to think about?

Would The Road have been as powerful if we knew what brought about the apocalypse?

I think not.

Reading is about using your imagination and the best authors force you to fill the blanks with your own interpretation.

Hell the best art in general does that.

[Multibeast12]

Now that classes will be done soon. More reading!!!!!!  :banana:

[phil]

Now that classes will be done soon. More reading!!!!!!  :banana:

Looking forward to this, I still have almost three weeks until graduation though

[DoW]

intelligent reading came in the mail today

[phuzzyfish12]

I'm responsible for my book clubs book selection this month and I'm looking for some ideas.

The last 3 books we read:

The Shadow of the Wind
The Hunger Games
The Art of Racing in the Rain

The only requirement is that the book is that it is less then 500 pages.

Greatly appreciate any suggestions.

[mistercharlie]

I'm responsible for my book clubs book selection this month and I'm looking for some ideas.

The last 3 books we read:

The Shadow of the Wind
The Hunger Games
The Art of Racing in the Rain

The only requirement is that the book is that it is less then 500 pages.

Greatly appreciate any suggestions.

If you just read The Hunger Games, you should pick Mockingjay it's the next book in the series.

[Multibeast12]

Always thought The Hunger Game was for kids......but I keep seeing it coming up everywhere. Would you guys recommend it?

Also just read The Wind and the Willows. I love that book. It's always been one a favorite of mine.

[phuzzyfish12]

I'm responsible for my book clubs book selection this month and I'm looking for some ideas.

The last 3 books we read:

The Shadow of the Wind
The Hunger Games
The Art of Racing in the Rain

The only requirement is that the book is that it is less then 500 pages.

Greatly appreciate any suggestions.

If you just read The Hunger Games, you should pick Mockingjay it's the next book in the series.

Thanks! My fault I should have said the group blew through all 3 books in the series.

Multibeast: The book is for young adults. I would recommend the whole series though.

[whatthecello42]

[cactusfan]

I'm responsible for my book clubs book selection this month and I'm looking for some ideas.

The last 3 books we read:

The Shadow of the Wind
The Hunger Games
The Art of Racing in the Rain

The only requirement is that the book is that it is less then 500 pages.

Greatly appreciate any suggestions.

here's four great books good for plenty of discussion that come to mind:

Kurt Vonnegut - The Sirens of Titan
Paul Bowles - The Sheltering Sky
Raymond Chandler - The Long Goodbye
John Wyndham - The Day of The Triffids