What are you reading?

[blueschica]

I'm only half way through but it's really good! There's a lot to his background that I didn't know. Edited January 27, 2019 by blueschica

[Fordgalaxy]

[pjbear05]

Did You Just Eat That? Two Food Scientists Explore Double Dipping, The Five Second Rule, and Other Food Myths in the Lab, by Paul Dawson and Brian Sheldon.

[pjbear05]

Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd, by Nick Mason.

[vaportrailer]

I'm only half way through but it's really good! There's a lot to his background that I didn't know.

 

Cool! I'll have to pick this one up for my wife, who is a huge Bruce Lee fan. :ebert:

Is there any truth to the rumour about BL being an aficionado of hashish? Inquiring minds want to know!

[vaportrailer]

Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd, by Nick Mason.

 

That would be an interesting read. I'm curious about his take on Syd Barrett, as well as his version of Barrett showing up at the Wish You Were Here sessions.

 

http://music-lp-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/syd-1.jpg

"Hi guys, remember me?"

[vaportrailer]

Almost halfway through:

 

 

The mind boggles at the idea of a white supremacist. A truly embarrassing and retarded specimen. Pitiable, really.

[Babycat]

Im about halfway through The Diary Of Anne Frank.

[blueschica]

I'm only half way through but it's really good! There's a lot to his background that I didn't know.

 

Cool! I'll have to pick this one up for my wife, who is a huge Bruce Lee fan. :ebert:

Is there any truth to the rumour about BL being an aficionado of hashish? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

Not so far, but he is still pretty young in the part I am reading now. It is where he just got hired for The Green Hornet. I did peek ahead to the end, wondering what they said about his death, and they did say there were always rumors of cannabis being involved but I didn't see anything about hash. I just peeked at like 2 pages of that part, though.

[vaportrailer]

I'm only half way through but it's really good! There's a lot to his background that I didn't know.

 

Cool! I'll have to pick this one up for my wife, who is a huge Bruce Lee fan. :ebert:

Is there any truth to the rumour about BL being an aficionado of hashish? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

Not so far, but he is still pretty young in the part I am reading now. It is where he just got hired for The Green Hornet. I did peek ahead to the end, wondering what they said about his death, and they did say there were always rumors of cannabis being involved but I didn't see anything about hash. I just peeked at like 2 pages of that part, though.

 

:o

Sorry! Spoiler alert! :P

[Union 5-3992]

[pjbear05]

Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd, by Nick Mason.

 

That would be an interesting read. I'm curious about his take on Syd Barrett, as well as his version of Barrett showing up at the Wish You Were Here sessions.

 

http://music-lp-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/syd-1.jpg

"Hi guys, remember me?"

Nick sure didn't. Per the book (2005) he thought he was a friend of one of the engineers.

 

"David asked me if I knew who he was. Even then I couldn't place him, and had to be told. More than 20 years later (6/5/1975) I can still remember the rush of confusion. I was horrified by the physical change."

Edited February 3, 2019 by pjbear05

[Derek19]

The book I'm reading is "Young Leafs - the Making of A New Hockey History" by "Gare Joyce".

[pjbear05]

Picking this up from the library this weekend. Author Jim Defede is a political and investigative reporter for local CBS affiliate WFOR.

[blueschica]

Picking this up from the library this weekend. Author Jim Defede is a political and investigative reporter for local CBS affiliate WFOR.

It looks good! I'm on the hold list for it.

[pjbear05]

Put a hold on something interesting. From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars, by Virginia Hanlon Grohl. An expose on what it's like to be a rock and roll mom, based on interviews done by the mother of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl.

 

Interviewees include Sandi Clark (Gary Clark Jr.), Hester Diamond (Beastie Boy Mike D), and Verna Griffin (Andre Young, bka Dr. Dre), amongst others.

 

Including some lady named Mary Weinrib.

[invisible airwave]

[vaportrailer]

Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd, by Nick Mason.

 

That would be an interesting read. I'm curious about his take on Syd Barrett, as well as his version of Barrett showing up at the Wish You Were Here sessions.

 

http://music-lp-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/syd-1.jpg

"Hi guys, remember me?"

Nick sure didn't. Per the book (2005) he thought he was a friend of one of the engineers.

 

"David asked me if I knew who he was. Even then I couldn't place him, and had to be told. More than 20 years later (6/5/1975) I can still remember the rush of confusion. I was horrified by the physical change."

 

I like Syd's quote (true or not) when asked what he thought of the Wish You Were Here sessions:

"It sounds a bit old."

 

"Syd Barrett: A Very Irregular Head" is a good bio and a damn sad story. The author (Rob Chapman) tries to clear up a few apocryphal Syd stories (the mandrax/brylcreem incident for one) and paints a very thorough picture of a man adrift.

 

http://www.neptunepinkfloyd.co.uk/photos/var/albums/Syd-Barrett-Photos/Five-Man-Pink-Floyd/Five%20Man%20Pink%20Floyd%20%285%29.jpg?m=1391960331

The short-lived 5 man line-up, which apparently lasted 4 gigs!

[barney_rebel]

[New_World_Man]

^I hope Neil at least wrote the forward or was involved in some way with the book otherwise I would probably have to give it a pass.

[Union 5-3992]

[Entre_Perpetuo]

A little embarrassing, but I've been nibbling my way through lotr for the better part of the past few years. Anyway I've been on Return Of The King for months, and finally over the past few days I've sat myself down and started plowing through it. At last earlier this afternoon I reached Mt. Doom, and now I've stopped again with four chapters left in the whole trilogy, most of the action seemingly abided. I can say without a doubt lotr has been the greatest story I've ever read, especially including The Hobbit and The Simarillion, but I will be glad to turn my attention to other great works in this genre, and other great works in general. It's been years since I finished the first book of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice (or is it Ice and Fire), A Game of Thrones. I should be happy to pick up with A Clash of Kings once I'm finished with Tolkien's trilogy. Or perhaps I shall turn to C.S. Lewis' works. Or perhaps even borrow the Harry Potter books from my sisters. It seems to me I'm on the brink of being able to read freely and frequently for the first time since early high school. How enchanting.

 

Does it show I've been reading Tolkien? lol

 

Please listen to me. Skip all those and go straight to Robin Hobb. I will link you to an article later to whet your appetite. Then you can thank me later!

 

Robin Hobb? Never heard of it, but you seem so enthusiastic I’m intrigued. I’ve still got a day or two more before I finish off Return Of The King, so be my guest with the link!

 

https://writerscuppa...-is-robin-hobb/

 

Pirates and assassins I’m on board with. Character development awesome as well. The many points about equal representation I of course am more than glad to see, but don’t really tell me enough about the quality of the storytelling or plot to entice me. I will look for one of her books next time I’m at the library or bookstore, but forgive me if I happen to start something else first. Thank you for the recommendation though, I’ve not read much in the way of seafaring literature and would love to read something of the sort.

 

Its five series that unite to create one gigantic tale.

 

In order:

1. The Farseer Trilogy

 

Not a seafaring story, but the tale of the main hero Fitz, as he discovers he is a royal bastard with the task of learning to become a royal assassin. Can talk to animals, which is a feared skill. Amazing...AMAZING trilogy.

 

2. The Liveship Traders Trilogy

 

Set in the same world, for the most part it can be read as a completely seperate entity. Really amazing character development. It starts slow but once it all starts to come together it is phenomenal. Greatest fantasy trilogy I have ever read. It may appear to be seperate from the first trilogy, but both are essential for what comes next. Pirates galore. Seafaring adventures of the highest order, but it has plenty going on on land as well.

 

3. The Tawny Man Trilogy

 

The direct sequel to the first, but much of what happens in this trilogy is directly influenced by the astonishing events and climax of the Liveship Traders. Terrific, you fall absolutely in love with everything about this world for sure by this point (but if you reach this far, you are already well and truly hooked).

 

4. The Rain Wild Chronicles Quartet

 

In some ways a direct sequel to all that came before, but this time with a mostly whole new set of characters. World building galore, plus you learn a lot more about what happened directly after certain events of The Liveship Traders that was merely hinted at in Tawny Man. Slower going, but rich and diverse and indulgent. Currently on book two and it's great. Not as gripping as what came before, but I have been told it adds a lot of important details in preparation for the grand finale which is:

 

5. Fitz And The Fool Trilogy

 

Have yet to start this but my heart is yearning for a return to the characters of The Farseer Trilogy and The Tawny Man Trilogy. Have been told this final trilogy ends the series (entitled in its entirety as "The Realm Of The Elderlings") by drawing together EVERYTHING that came before, travelling the full scope of the series and the world. Will be terrific to see how and what characters interact with each other from across the series (every subsequent series has cameos or full character arcs from other series, but I imagine this might be taken to the next level).

 

All in all, one of the greatest works of fiction I have ever read. Best aspects: the characters, the complex and intricately woven threads of plot and IT IS FINISHED!

 

Royal intrigue, wretched betrayals, tests of loyalty, a sprinkling of magic, pirates, dragons (oh the dragons), talking ships, three dimensional characters (even those that may only be minor, perhaps just a page or two), castles, sea battles, intrigue, mysterious sea serpents, a battle against flesh and blood (but one side having lost all humanity), love, patience, beauty, brutality, nature...both of the world at large and a deeper exploration of the inner person...

 

This series changed my life, and it is exceptional. And probably unfilmable. Which is why A Song Of Ice And Fire is so well known whilst series like this, whilst still massive sellers, fall beneath the radar somewhat.

 

Oh, and best of all? It is very different to Tolkien. Refreshing and intense literary fantasy.

 

Alright lol I’ll give it a shot. You recommend starting with book 1 trilogy 1?

 

Oh yes! The first trilogy is amazing. The second...you feel as if you are starting a whole new other series and then the third brings elements of both together and IT WORKS!!!

 

Book one is called The Assassin's Apprentice. Go to any bookstore, you will find that Robin Hobb tends to have a huge shelf almost all to herself!

 

Wouldn’t you know, I happened to be at Half Price Books earlier and found they only had two of her books, but one of them was book 1 of the first trilogy. I picked it up for one dollar! I’ll let you know once I start it.

 

YASSSSSSSSS

 

Some find it a slowburner but I loved it from the start. I have no idea how one person could right that entire sequence of books the way she did. It blows my mind!

 

Oh btw I started Assassin's Apprentice a month or so ago (which of course means I'm like 4 chapters in). Really good so far! Ty for the rec! :)

[vaportrailer]

I borrowed "Far and Wide" (by Neil "Bubba" Peart) from the library. I can't figure it out.

 

5 questions:

 

a) Who is the intended audience? Rush fans? Then why the constant whine about "work" as well as the unhealthy attitude towards fans? Motorcycle enthusiasts probably won't be interested in "Bubble Guppies" and the like. Travel readers won't care about most of this. I play drums, travel, read, and enjoy Rush, and this is one f*ckin' shitty book. Are these blog entries cobbled into a "book"? I wouldn't be surprised.

b) Who taught this guy how to write? This stuff is so wooden I could fix a fence with it. The "wood whisperer" indeed!

c) Who told NP that quoting yourself is cool? I find it comes off as pretentious and douchey. "Well, in the words of myself..."

d) What's with the ""? Every f*cking page, some word in quotes that is nothing more than a knowing wink at the dinks who are reading this stink.

e) Will I finish reading it? Oh hell damn sweet-li'l-baby-jesus crap titties f*cking no.

 

bonus question:

And what's with NP being so emotionally fragile/childish about a drum solo not being properly appreciated? Gawd man!

 

As a book, this is a fail. As a thing with glossy pages and lotsa pictures, it succeeds. Your kilometerage may vary. :P

 

http://www.neilpeart.net/news/december_2012/Desert%20Rat-CR.jpg

"Aw geez vt, I'm sorry I didn't bring that horizon to you."

[The Cat 3]

http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387742843l/91846.jpg

[blueschica]

I borrowed "Far and Wide" (by Neil "Bubba" Peart) from the library. I can't figure it out.

 

5 questions:

 

a) Who is the intended audience? Rush fans? Then why the constant whine about "work" as well as the unhealthy attitude towards fans? Motorcycle enthusiasts probably won't be interested in "Bubble Guppies" and the like. Travel readers won't care about most of this. I play drums, travel, read, and enjoy Rush, and this is one f*ckin' shitty book. Are these blog entries cobbled into a "book"? I wouldn't be surprised.

b) Who taught this guy how to write? This stuff is so wooden I could fix a fence with it. The "wood whisperer" indeed!

c) Who told NP that quoting yourself is cool? I find it comes off as pretentious and douchey. "Well, in the words of myself..."

d) What's with the ""? Every f*cking page, some word in quotes that is nothing more than a knowing wink at the dinks who are reading this stink.

e) Will I finish reading it? Oh hell damn sweet-li'l-baby-jesus crap titties f*cking no.

 

bonus question:

And what's with NP being so emotionally fragile/childish about a drum solo not being properly appreciated? Gawd man!

 

As a book, this is a fail. As a thing with glossy pages and lotsa pictures, it succeeds. Your kilometerage may vary. :P

 

http://www.neilpeart.net/news/december_2012/Desert%20Rat-CR.jpg

"Aw geez vt, I'm sorry I didn't bring that horizon to you."

 

So.Much.This. :goodone: I have to be honest and say I didn't read Far and Wide. I did however read three of his other books before I decided to stop hitting myself over the head with poor writing and a sad outlook on life. Ghost Rider was- you have to give the guy a break, given what he had been through. Traveling Music kind of alternated biographical chapters and current ones. The biographical ones were ok, revealing a bit of his past. The current ones were just as you said- a fine whine! The motel bed was saggy, the breakfast eggs were cooked wrong, etc. etc. I truly feel bad for him as it must be hard to have your life be a series of disappointments. I also read Roadshow: Landscape with Drums; about the R30 tour. It seems like it was very similar to Far And Wide. He couldn't wait until the tour was over; fans (and musicians from other bands) bother him by just existing; a milkshake from a mom and pop stand doesn't live up to his premium expectations and ruins his day, etc etc. The books weren't my cup of tea, for sure!

Edited February 16, 2019 by blueschica