"Read Any Good Books Lately?"

[questio verum]

The idea for this thread was recently suggested by our own Thrillhouse. And I, for one, think it is a capital idea. Since this forum is populated with geeks, nerds, and other studious types, it's not a stretch to assume that there are a number of us who indulge in the written word for the pure pleasure of the pursuit.

So if you have recently read something that really floated your pleasure barge, please share it with the rest of us. Or if you have recently reread an old classic that you feel has fallen into undeserved obscurity and you think it truly rocks.... same, same. If it is an obscure text, please enlighten us with a brief blurb so we know what it's all about.

My main read at present is "Richard Dawkins: How a Scientist Changed the Way We Think: Reflections by Scientists, Writers, and Philosophers". Aside from being a great read (esp. if you're into Dawkins), the hardcover book is small and easily toted around. Next weeks read will be the classic: "Gődel, Escher, Bach" by Douglas Hofstadter.

So... what good books have you read lately?


qv

[elija]

I read and re-read anything by Piers Anthony. If you want to experience the full range of this author read the Xanth series and then the Bio of a Space Tyrant - I will warn the reader that Bio is a very adult series. I also like anything by Terry Pratchett.

If you haven't read them I recommend Where Wizards Stay Up Late and Accidental Empires

Currently I am reading "Agile Software Development" By Robert C. Martin

[cousinlucky]

I am currently reading: The Revolution - a manifesto by Texas Congressman Dr. Ron Paul.

[rokytnji]

Eragon authored by a teenager.

[Cabhan]

The book I'm reading right now is okay (Renegade's Magic by Robin Hobb), but I not too long ago did some interesting ones.

I read Tad Williams's War of the Flowers, which was pretty good. I like Tad Williams a lot: his Otherland and Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series were quite good, and this was a smaller story (fitting in just one book), but with a good amount of intrigue.

I also just read a few books by Alastair Reynolds. He's a Welsh author who used to work for the European Space Agency, and now writes "hard" science fiction (that is, he attempts to provide a justification for all of the technology that appears in the book, and believes that it will all be eventually actually possible). Some good stories in the Revelation Space series.

[jayd512]

Eragon authored by a teenager.

Great books, but I haven't read #3 yet.
By the way, I know (like all of you) that a book-to-movie is usually a let down, but on this one I have to say that you should avoid the film adaptation at all costs!


Enjoy the books though

[rokytnji]

Yeah, the movie is a let down compared to this kids story writing. I am still reading the first one Jay.

[rokytnji]

But then so was Conan.

[techieMoe]

My recent favorites have been books by Neil Gaiman:

Good Omens (co-authored by Terry Pratchett)
American Gods
Anansi Boys
Neverwhere
Smoke & Mirrors
Stardust

[Lakshmipathi]

Last week I read "Tuesdays With Morrie" by Mitch albom -- It's truly inspiring book about the life.

Currently reading R.K Narayan's "Malgudi School days -The Adventures of Swami and his friends" -- Reading it for the second time -- I really love this book - Really fun and enjoy ..brings my school days memories back

Another book which i'm reading " The One Minute Entrepreneur" by Kenneth H. Blanchard