What Book Are You Reading?

Finally finished Papillion, after 6 months. (Yes, I am ashamed)

I've started on this:




And so far it's better than the movie, witch I really like.

Quite apt really, sadly

Blood River - Tim Butcher

Haim, my understanding is that OIL! is the book on which the movie There Will Be Blood is loosely based. How is the book, and have you seen the movie? I've neither read nor seen, but interested in both.

All best,
Fred

I'm reading this, and it's engrossing to say the least; highly recommended:


Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain - Oliver Sacks




All best,
Fred

quote:

Originally posted by fred simon:


Haim, my understanding is that OIL! is the book on which the movie There Will Be Blood is loosely based. How is the book, and have you seen the movie? I've neither read nor seen, but interested in both.

All best,
Fred

Fred,

I just started the book. I will let you know when I am more into it. I saw the film which I thought was well made and interestig. The acting was excellent.

I just saw Beaufort at the Wilmette movie theatre. It is a very well made Israeli film about an isolated Israeli army unit positioned on the Beaufort (a Crusader's fort built in the 12th century) in Lebanon just before the retreat in 2000. It is a very good anti war movie and Chicago is the only city where it plays. If you have a chance, go see it. It is based on a recent book which I read:



Regards,
Haim

quote:

Originally posted by Rob B:

quote:

Originally posted by 555:

Me too!

....just finshed it. A bit dissapointed I am afraid. Banks is full of ideas as usual but while it is fun to read there is quite a lot of wandering around the galaxy which doesn't end up seeming terribly pertinent to the story. The main storyline builds nicely to a climax which shows promise but suddenly there are only 10 or so pages left and while the story finishes properly you end up feeling rushed and wanting it to be brought together in more depth of detail.....

.....I can see a 'sequel' or a 'connected' further novel lurking.

quote:

Originally posted by David McN:
Thanks Haim, I think I have read all Cormac McCarthy's books now. Do you know James Salter's books. If you enjoy Cormac McM I think you will find Salter to your taste. For instance his The Hunters must be one of the best (anti?) war books ever.
David

David,

I just ordered the Hunters. Should arrive next week.

Regards,
Haim

quote:

Originally posted by munch:
John Peel
margrave of the marshes

Great book, but ultimately I found it very sad.

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff P:



Just finished it. A bit disappointed I am afraid. Banks is full of ideas as usual but while it is fun to read there is quite a lot of wandering around the galaxy which doesn't end up seeming terribly pertinent to the story. The main story line builds nicely to a climax which shows promise but suddenly there are only 10 or so pages left and while the story finishes properly you end up feeling rushed and wanting it to be brought together in more depth of detail.....

.....I can see a 'sequel' or a 'connected' further novel lurking.

I'm still reading this but slowly, as I'm savoring it.
I'm finding Matter a great read Geoff,
but your post has unnerved me as I approach the end
Now my reading speed is slowing further each day!

Excellent writing though the story takes place mostly on the ground and not in the air.

The most recent in Philip Kerr's excellent Bernie Gunther series - A Quiet Flame. Haim, you might like these



Also the latest from CJ Sansom - Revelation. Not sure why I find the Matthew Shadlake series so compelling, but I do

quote:

Originally posted by ianmacd:

quote:

Originally posted by droodzilla:

Nice one, Droodzilla!

Ian

Possibly the best book ever written. I originally read it in three days and have reread on numerous occasions - there's always something you missed in previous readings

Chart Throb by Ben Elton.

Loosely based round the X-Factor concept. Makes some rather interesting points and digs at X-Factor, things I had sort of thought about but hadn't dwelled on. Will be interesting to watch the programme next time its on.

Steve.

quote:

I'm still reading this but slowly, as I'm savoring it.
I'm finding Matter a great read Geoff,
but your post has unnerved me as I approach the end
Now my reading speed is slowing further each day!

555....Oh dear, sorry.

Actually my post includes comments like "Banks is full of ideas as usual"..... "fun to read"....."The main story line builds nicely to a climax"...."the story finishes properly".

I reckon it is always good to read Banks's climaxes slowly because he is very sparse about explaining things and needs proper attention
so don't worry, if you like Banks you will still enjoy it.

Regards
Geoff

A very interesting read about the power of self organising groups.
John

David Craig's 'Squandered', quite an insightful read on the mind boggling waste of money endemic in British bureaucracy today.
Read this and feel the blood pressure rise .

Did it in the wrong order; saw the film first than read the book. Both highly recommended.

Haim

Half way through and finding it a good read, can`t predict how this is going to turn out. Very different to Birdsong, one of the very best books I have read.

Mountolive

Ondaatje at his best.