Book recommendations

'Patient' by Ben Watt. stunning. out of print but available second hand on Amazon.

I would recommend:

Byron Katie - Loving What Is

Thought i haven't read it yet (but going to hear it soon: friend of mine gave me mp3 AudioBook last week) ; but i haved "amazoned" it and found 92 reviews; which most of them are very, very (rather extremelly) positive..

amazon.com_review

the curious incident of the dog in the night-time, by mark haddon

Kafka on the shore by Haruki Murakami

Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit , by Daniel Quinn

amazing reads

Blessings

This is a short book - easily done in an afternoon. One of the central characters is newly released convict, Skip Cuddy, who despite being a relatively good guy paid a price for being in the wrong place, with the wrong people, at the wrong time. He's done time and by sheer luck lands a job as an estate handyman. All goes well until he finds and decides to secretly keep a baby girl left on his doorstep, which happens to be the garage apartment of an old estate house owned by grumpy Lydia Blessings.

This is an Oprah type book but one that I think would appeal to many people. Guys whose lives were turned around and about by the arrival of their first baby can probably empathize with Skip's attempts at fatherhood, his desires to turn his life around, and his drive to be a good provider for the baby.

"All Gods Children Need Travelling Shoes" by Maya Angelou. It's about herself, an African American who went to live in Ghana, in a way, a retournee's life, how she was accepted/not accepted by the locals, the friends she made, the politics in those days (in the 80s) etc. It gives a rather interesting, good view about life in Ghana, in the 80s.

The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Really sweet love story; couldn't put it down and read it all in one day.

"Is It Just Me or Is Everything Shit?: The Encyclopedia of Modern Life" by Alan McArthur, Steve Lowe
This appears to be this year's Christmas hot book in the UK.

If you enjoyed this, you should try the other books by her, because it's the 4th (I think) in a series of 5 autobiographical books.
The first is I know why the caged bird sings
I've read all 5 of them a few times, I love them.

I just read Prep by Curtis Sittenfield. Which is basically about a lower middle class girls experience in a posh new england boarding school.

This book has gotten good reviews from the literary critics and is often referred to as the "new" Catcher in the Rye, which I loved when I read it as a kid. Prep was very well written and *perfectly* captured all that teenage angst and twatiness; however, given i'm long past my teens I just didn't have that much sympathy for that kind of character anymore. As a matter of fact, I'm probably going to add her to my list of characters I want to smack. Having read this, Im pretty sure that if I went back and read Catcher in the Rye now, I'd probably want to throttle that character too.

j-i'm getting old and grumpy-ml

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus
(great insight into understanding the sexes)

Who moved my Cheese
(don't get too comfy, continuously look for opportunities)

Rich Dad, Poor Dad
(basic economics and entrepreneurial thinking)

Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America. Basically its a historical accounting of the first US based world's fair circa 1890s in Chicago. Also good cast of real characters including some of America's famous: architects, wealthy elite, 1 serial killer, and 1 delusional paranoid for good measure. Also drop in appearances by inventors, Euro trash royalty, politicians and the like.

Memoirs of a Geisha. I'm almost done, and after hubby's read it, we can lend it out.

Joy Luck Club. Not just a chick book like I thought it was going to be. Already lent that one out to my parents though so no borrowing.

The Bear that Wasn't - Frank Tashlin
Not a children's book, although it's in a fairy tale style. About a hibernating bear: When it wakes up, a factory has been built over its den and it has to convince The Man that it is a bear.
Holes - Louis Sachar
A youth book about a kid who gets sent to Camp Green Lake for stealing sweaty sneakers from a charity bazar. IMHO the perfect book - it contains three parallel stories that end up meeting in a perfect circle. I almost cried when I finished it, I wanted more!
1984 - George Orwell in a double feature with 1985 - Anthony Burgess
A wicked satire. Wi-cked! Unfortunately no longer in print.
Behind the Scenes at the Museum - Katherine Atkinson
A tour de force about four generations of a York family told by Ruby, beginning with her conception. Charming, touching, funny, tragic. Same author as Case Histories mentioned earlier.
The Dress Lodger - Sheri Holman
I'm only halfway through, but I found myself dreaming of the figures in the book. Compelling but I don't know yet where it will lead me.
Update: Finished it now, definitely a read-again book. Now that I know the plot I can pay better attention to the language and different styles used.

If anyone wants to borrow 1984, I have a copy I can loan. Or trade.

1985 is out of print, you can get it used at amazon etc.

This one might be a good read for all the drunks in this forum:

A History Of The World In Six Glasses

I found it a very interesting read. As the title suggests, it presents the history of the world though the beverages that defined the ages: Beer, Wine, Spirits, Coffee, Tea, Coca Cola.

Easy and entertaining. And I learned that 120 Starbucks in central London is peanuts, because when coffee was new, there were between 2- and 6,000 coffee shops there!!!

Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov. Maybe not the easiest of novels, but about as beautiful, prosaically,
as you can get -

"Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta."

A Brief History of Time - Stephen Hawking
A really good read about space and the big bang theory. Stephen Hawking has a unique style of writing. He explains complex theories in a humorous and easy to understand fashion.

i've just finished "A Breath of Snow and Ashes" by Diana Gabaldon. man that book took me forever to read (it was 979 pages). I will lend it to someone, but am not willing to part with it.

it was a good read, but i'm not sure it's over. i hate that!

Synopsis:

This is the 6th book in the "Outlander" series about a 20th century British nurse who has travelled back in time & fallen in love with an 18th century Scottish Highlander, bore him 2 children (1 died), the 2nd whom she left as a young adult in the US in the 1960s to go back to her love. she travlled through the mysterious stones 3 times & stays.

Their journey starts in Scotland, takes them to France & back, to the British West Indies, then finally to pre-American Revolution North Carolina (book 5 "The Fiery Cross", published in 2001 has them starting a life there). Claire knows what happens in the years preluding the Declaration of Independence; this novel is set during the three years leading up to the American Revolution. It mixes historical fiction and romance.

I just finished "The Conquest of Gaul" by Julius Caesar. Short, detailed, and concise without being heavy or dry... a mind-blowing portrayal of life in Europe just before the birth of JC.
Of particular interest to TTers is Caesar's view of Germany and the 'germans' (whom he never conquered - you'll see why from his writing), and early encounters with the English. Absolutely fascinating, and with not a little relevance to today.

The graphic description of beseiged men abandoning women and children to the mercy of a resolute and hungry enemy will haunt me for a long time. Hard times indeed.

Off to read "I.Claudius" next.

Unless by Carol Sheilds
This book put put into words feelings I have never been able to.

Memoirs of a Geisha, (but was anyone else totally disappointed with the film?)
Fascinating

Small Island Andrea Levy

"Is it me or is Everything Shit?" by Steve Loew and Alan McArthur. If Don Riina wrote a book, this is the book he would write. Essentially an encyclopedia of modern life - very funny, and easy to read in short bursts (i.e. ideal reading for the train or your toilet).

Here's an example entry:


Well worth a read.

sorry for the late reply. actually "A Breath of Snow & Ashes" is book 6/6. unfortunately, yes, you need to read at least one book of hers to understand the story & some of the characters.

"Outlander "is the first one -- you have to read it to get the love story & time-travelling theme. Then yes, you "should" also read book 5 "The Fiery Cross" because it is basically a prelude to book 6 (although one of hte weaker books) -- the time when they land in the Americas & it introduces two main characters (her daughter & son-in-law).

Try novels by Ian Rankin.

@JumpmanPro -

Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus series is indeed fantastic and in the same vein, Henning Mankell's Inspector Wallander series. Also try Minette Walters. I love a good krimi me!

while i'm on here - "his dark materials" trilogy by philip pullmann (northern lights, the subtle knife, the amber spyglass). reckoned by many to be the equal of the lord of the rings trilogy. written as childrens' books, they deal with ideas which would push the brain capacity of many adults. beautifully written stories with wonderful character and plot development. i just re-read them for the second time and found them even better than the first read.

Knitting with Dog Hair - got this from a friend suggesting I patch up a couple of my socks with a golden retriever, to avoid those (not)embarrasing(to me) winter party take-your-shoes-off faux pas type scenarios. It's a cute book, but I suck at sewing.

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! - Re-reading the autobiography of the curious, diverse, horny and straight-forward Nobel Prize for Physics winner. Entertaining as always.

If you decide to give the Rebus series by Ian Rankin a go, try to read them in the order they've been published in. Some of the plot is chronological - not the particular crimes, but the background on re-appearing characters becomes clearer.

EDIT: Ian Rankin Website

"Jarhead" by Anthony Swofford

Sadly I missed the film, but I've just finished the book and it's a superb, if unnerving, account of what it was like to serve with the USMC in the first Gulf War. Worth a read as I seriously doubt the film will be as good...

The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut

And even though I havent finished these two yet I know I will recommend them:
Ulysses by James Joyce - can be a bit heavy going with the references etc but a very well written read, incredible attention to detail and scope.

Enders Game by Orson Scott Card - I will be getting the rest of the series for sure.

faye kellerman " straight into darkness" a book about the late 1920s in munich, with murder and the start of the nazi party. a police inspector with the murder squad trying to catch a serial killer.

Just finished this. In short, - superb!

"Cloudstreet"

I would advise "American gods" by Neil Gayman.
There is a bit of everything inside, but basically it is a journey into the heart of America.
Great book.

Yeah, I also liked that one.

I had to read "The Chosen" for a humanities class and I really liked it, so I checked out the sequel ("The Promise") and loved it even more than the first!

I'm now infatuated with Chaim Potok and will gladly devour any others he's written:)

Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llewelyn about an Irish King...really good book.
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley...the tale of King Arthur told thru the perspective of the women; specifically Morgan le fe.
Gates of Fire by Stephen Pressfield...historical novel about the Battle of Thermopylae
The Flames of Rome by Paul Maier...historical novel about Nero

Earth in the Balance : Ecology and the Human Spirit -Al Gore

It is currently selling for 1 (US) penny on Amazon.com. An absolute must read for environMENTAList-wackos.

Ursula Under

This is a bookworm's book. Lots of mini stories creating one grand story. Great also for those with short attention spans, short flights or just not a lot of time for sitting down to read. The book introduces the mini stories and individual characters so neatly that one could read anyone of the mini stories within and be satisfied until you had time to pick it up again. Its very interesting to think of your ancient ancestors, I make mine of course turn over in their graves on a regular basis

Booklist Review:
"Hill's enchanting debut novel spans more than 2,000 years and is brimming with an engaging cast of characters. Annie and Justin Wong, who live in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, are on a day trip exploring the area where Annie's Finnish great-grandfather died in a mine collapse in 1926. Suddenly their only child, Ursula, disappears down an abandoned shaft, setting off a monumental rescue attempt and accompanying media frenzy. The author leaves that predictable plot behind, focusing instead on the young girl's many ancestors--those with the most interest in her safe return. A second-century B.C.E. Chinese alchemist, a deaf Finnish peasant living in 700 C.E., the child born to a crippled Chinese girl in the 1600s, and more--"a crowd of all the people whose blood and lives went into this little girl," brought vividly to life. In an elaborate "six degrees of separation" game, the author reveals centuries-old ties between relatives of both Annie and Justin, creating a magically entertaining, poetic, and heartfelt look at the often overlooked significance of extended family."

if you want to know about bodies postmortem and all that jazz involving cadavers check out Stiff by Mary Roach

I am almost finished Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and its an excellent read, I know he usually writes formula thrillers but this is different, its his masterpiece.

(I am looking forward to getting into The Draka Series by S.M. Stirling once I can get hold of it cheaply without ordering it from the U.S.)

I love that book too Kza! I have purchased it three times in the last few years. My first copy I lent out and never got back so I replaced it in NZ. Then I bought another copy once I was in Germany.
Very good story, and interesting too.

I am reading The girl who loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King. If you like Stephen King then this is a good read.

I recommended one book today in the Blindness thread and would like to recommend another.
Oryx and Crake from Canadian author (been reading a lot from Canadians lately—good stuff) Margaret Atwood.

The book opens with a character called The Snowman who is living in a tree, mourning the loss of his two best friends, Oryx and Crake and slowly starving to death.
The book unfolds with narrative from Snowman’s perspective and taking place decades before. Mankind is gone and a new race called the Crakers are living off of plant life and developing their own theology.

Considering that most of the events in the story are possible and even already happening in our time (like the development of “meat bits� for human consumption and genetic engineering of just about everything) the book takes on an eerie “this is possible� tone. Excellent read!

Everything by Margaret Atwood is great. My favorite book of hers, however, is called Cat's Eye. Tremendous writing. She also has written a more recent book than Oryx & Crake called The Penelopiad. It's the story of Odysseus told from Penelope's perspective.

I am currently reading 'A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian' by Marina Lewycka. It is very engrossing, at times hilarious and others affectionate and pognant social commentary on the life of an immigrant. I can't put it down. Of course, it's not really as it's title suggests, but a telling of family drama anyone will recognise (and sometimes cringe at, when it gets close to the personal truth).

Margaret Atwood is indeed a prolific author. What I found especially impressive about her writing in Oryx and Crake was her ability to transport herself as an author into the head of sarcastic teenage boy. Her dark sense of humor is hilarious. In the book she speaks (or Snowman thinks) of futuristic gore that manages to turn your stomach and make you laugh at the same time. Like the assisted suicide website she invented called, nighty-night.com.

She also wrote the Handmaid’s tale. I haven’t read it in years but may re-read it after I check out the recommendation that KM made. Thanks for that.

The Shipping News -- By Annie Proulx

She is a genius.

Also, East of Eden -- John Steinbeck.

Oldie but a DAMN goodie.

There is a new book that has been published called:

Becoming Myself:
Reflections on Growing Up Female

It's a collection of original essays on the joys, trials, and unexpected outcomes of growing up female by dozens of celebrities, writers, and exceptional women

A collection of essays from a wide range of notable women, on the experience of being female. Sixty-seven original essays from celebrities and writers, including Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, J.K. Rowling, Julia Stiles, Maya Angelou, Kate Spade, Helen Hunt, Zane, Patti LaBelle, Joyce Carol Oates, Lily Tomlin, and many more. Subjects covered include everything from how it felt for Vanessa Williams to be stripped of her Miss America crown to Meryl Streep’s definition of real freedom. The essays are funny, poignant, indignant, nostalgic, and powerfully female.

The April 24th edition of People Magazine contains an excerpt of JK Rowling's essay:

"There are many things I liked, then and now, about being a girl. The friendships you make...I like women's perceptiveness and ability to empathize. I like their ability to juggle 19 jobs before breakfast, and I prefer women's shoes."

The Omnivore's Dilemma : A Natural History of Four Meals

After listening to an interview with the author Michael Pollan on NPR, I purchased his book, and it's a fascinating read. He traces agribusiness from large and small farms through the supply chain to the retail outlets, where organic markets like Whole Foods sell rural stories and themes (often not based in fact) as their main product, not just food. Delves into issues like free-range chicken farming, and the incredible importance of corn in the American diet. Each path he guides through the agribusiness leads to a single meal on his table. An interesting, insightful and persuasive set of essays.