Books - What are you reading?
Discussion
I'm reading the Arisen Omnibus by James Glynn and Michael Fuchs - a recommendation from this thread and a couple of quid on Kindle.
Enjoying and hating it at the same time. As a special ops books, it works well. As a zombie apocalypse book, it works well. However, I can't get over the fact that the whole concept of a zombie apocalypse doesn't work for me - I'm too logical. The author occassionaly tries to make the book scientific when explaining the zombies but, sorry, he fails every time - even if you could get your mind around the animated dead (I can't), dead people would rot or be eaten by predators/maggots (other reasons here: http://www.cracked.com/article_18683_7-scientific-...
Enjoying and hating it at the same time. As a special ops books, it works well. As a zombie apocalypse book, it works well. However, I can't get over the fact that the whole concept of a zombie apocalypse doesn't work for me - I'm too logical. The author occassionaly tries to make the book scientific when explaining the zombies but, sorry, he fails every time - even if you could get your mind around the animated dead (I can't), dead people would rot or be eaten by predators/maggots (other reasons here: http://www.cracked.com/article_18683_7-scientific-...
About half way through Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood. First book by her I've read and really enjoying the read so far, the writing style is great and humorous in places, although the subject matter isn't funny. It's a bit dystopian future/end of the world and some observations are quite believable.
I'm currently persevering with The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. As much as I hate leaving a book half way through, I really don't care what happens next, and I might just abandon it.
AstonZagato said:
I'm reading the Arisen Omnibus by James Glynn and Michael Fuchs - a recommendation from this thread and a couple of quid on Kindle.
Enjoying and hating it at the same time. As a special ops books, it works well. As a zombie apocalypse book, it works well. However, I can't get over the fact that the whole concept of a zombie apocalypse doesn't work for me - I'm too logical. The author occassionaly tries to make the book scientific when explaining the zombies but, sorry, he fails every time - even if you could get your mind around the animated dead (I can't), dead people would rot or be eaten by predators/maggots (other reasons here: http://www.cracked.com/article_18683_7-scientific-...
If you're interested in a zombie apocalypse with more plausible science, give The Girl With All The Gifts a go. Enjoying and hating it at the same time. As a special ops books, it works well. As a zombie apocalypse book, it works well. However, I can't get over the fact that the whole concept of a zombie apocalypse doesn't work for me - I'm too logical. The author occassionaly tries to make the book scientific when explaining the zombies but, sorry, he fails every time - even if you could get your mind around the animated dead (I can't), dead people would rot or be eaten by predators/maggots (other reasons here: http://www.cracked.com/article_18683_7-scientific-...
Edited by cherie171 on Tuesday 22 July 22:42
Going Home A Novel
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Home-Novel-Survivali...
"If society collapsed, could you survive?
When Morgan Carter’s car breaks down 250 miles from his home, he figures his weekend plans are ruined. But things are about to get much, much worse: the country’s power grid has collapsed. There is no electricity, no running water, no Internet, and no way to know when normalcy will be restored—if it ever will be. An avid survivalist, Morgan takes to the road with his prepper pack on his back.
During the grueling trek from Tallahassee to his home in Lake County, chaos threatens his every step but Morgan is hell-bent on getting home to his wife and daughters—and he’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen".
Before you read it, it is helpful to know what a prepper pack/bug out bag/72 hour bag is. As well as some of the equipment that would be in one, to understand what he is holding or talking about.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Home-Novel-Survivali...
"If society collapsed, could you survive?
When Morgan Carter’s car breaks down 250 miles from his home, he figures his weekend plans are ruined. But things are about to get much, much worse: the country’s power grid has collapsed. There is no electricity, no running water, no Internet, and no way to know when normalcy will be restored—if it ever will be. An avid survivalist, Morgan takes to the road with his prepper pack on his back.
During the grueling trek from Tallahassee to his home in Lake County, chaos threatens his every step but Morgan is hell-bent on getting home to his wife and daughters—and he’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen".
Before you read it, it is helpful to know what a prepper pack/bug out bag/72 hour bag is. As well as some of the equipment that would be in one, to understand what he is holding or talking about.
AstonZagato said:
However, I can't get over the fact that the whole concept of a zombie apocalypse doesn't work for me - I'm too logical.
I would argue that the end of that sentence completely belies the fact that you have bought and tried to read a book about a zombie apocaplyse already knowing that you don't like or believe zombie apocalypse things.
For example, if someone said "BSR-Have a read of this zombie apocalypse special ops book" I would reply "Don't be ridiculous, that sounds utterly stupid and I am not thirteen any more".
I would NOT say "Hmmm that sounds interesting I shall read that" before suddenly realising halfway through it that I am not a baby any more.
lepetitoeuf said:
I sometimes wonder if I'm on the wrong forum as I don't like military, special ops, zombie, fantasy or sci-fi books and films. For instance, Star Wars (yes, I know, it's not a book) bores the socks off me.
You're not. This thread isn't about any single genre, much less purely sci-fi.blindswelledrat said:
AstonZagato said:
However, I can't get over the fact that the whole concept of a zombie apocalypse doesn't work for me - I'm too logical.
I would argue that the end of that sentence completely belies the fact that you have bought and tried to read a book about a zombie apocaplyse already knowing that you don't like or believe zombie apocalypse things.
For example, if someone said "BSR-Have a read of this zombie apocalypse special ops book" I would reply "Don't be ridiculous, that sounds utterly stupid and I am not thirteen any more".
I would NOT say "Hmmm that sounds interesting I shall read that" before suddenly realising halfway through it that I am not a baby any more.
Many book premises are illogical - Time's Arrow by Amis for example. Didn't stop it being brilliant (and winning a Booker prize).
I knew it was unlikely to be a great literary experience and I knew I might struggle with the logic. However, I also knew that the concept of a 6'5" 200lb man who:
- drifts into town
- doesn't own anything
- beats up the bad guys
- never loses a fight
- has a photographic memory
- has an internal clock accurate to the minute
- always shags the attractive female lawyer/policewoman/executive
- solves the case without fail
- leaves town
Furthermore, I have also enjoyed some zombie films - Dawn of the Dead (the '78 version) was interesting, Shaun of the Dead was fun, World War Z was ok. What hadn't really occurred to me is that the suspension of disbelief is easier in a film where the action can lead you away from the logic. In a book, there are too many times when the author needs to explain what is going on. The author here also sort of ties himself in knots trying to talk about the science that he should perhaps have just skipped and focused on the action.
If it had worked, I'd have opened a new genre of trashy beach books. If not, it would cost me £1.50 or whatever. Anyway, lesson learnt and I'll skip in the future.
My mockery aside I get that completely.
THe more they try to sound believable the less credible the book is. Writing a book about zombies and then trying to convince you it's possible is ridiculous.
And you're right that if any genre is done well you can enjoy it regardless of actual synopsis.
THe more they try to sound believable the less credible the book is. Writing a book about zombies and then trying to convince you it's possible is ridiculous.
And you're right that if any genre is done well you can enjoy it regardless of actual synopsis.
Not really had much opportunity to read for pleasure of late however, just finished this:
Worth reading if the Pacific 'theatre of war' interests you. Very well written, good balance between events and emotions. Sledge doesn't get bogged down in technical jargon and gives a good account regarding the day to day life of a mortar man.
I preferred Dick Winters' memoirs but that's simply because the European part of the war interests me more. (I'll also admit I was somewhat disappointed by The Pacific after Band of Brothers)
Very much recommended.
Might try 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' again.
Worth reading if the Pacific 'theatre of war' interests you. Very well written, good balance between events and emotions. Sledge doesn't get bogged down in technical jargon and gives a good account regarding the day to day life of a mortar man.
I preferred Dick Winters' memoirs but that's simply because the European part of the war interests me more. (I'll also admit I was somewhat disappointed by The Pacific after Band of Brothers)
Very much recommended.
Might try 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' again.
TheJimi said:
lepetitoeuf said:
I sometimes wonder if I'm on the wrong forum as I don't like military, special ops, zombie, fantasy or sci-fi books and films. For instance, Star Wars (yes, I know, it's not a book) bores the socks off me.
You're not. This thread isn't about any single genre, much less purely sci-fi.
Lefty said:
Just started I Am Legend, never read it before and I had no idea it was so old!
Picked this up on the off-chance a few years ago, became a favourite. Totally different plot/setting/realism/Will Smith to the film and the title actually makes sense! You really can't tell it was written that long ago either. Gassing Station | Books and Literature | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff