What book are you reading right now?

Now re-reading this

steve

The cruel sea- Nicholas Monsarrat

I am only half way through this book. It is beautifully written and is a remarkable tribute to the heroic men who escorted the Atlantic convoys. Some of the of the eye opening facts were how much resentment there was towards Irish neutrality, which meant Irish ports were unavailable to the convoys, thus costing many lives. All this while Ireland benefitted from the fuel the convoys brought over at great cost. Also shore workers working on the ships were paid more than the seamen, worked shorter hours and went back home to warms beds at night.  Lastly the breakdown in relationships with wives and girlfriends due to being away so often led to much sadness. 

Back in 1974, in the wake of the massive success of TDSOTM, the Floyd (probably Roger Waters) had the bright idea of doing a warts-and-all book about the group. Journalist Nick Sedgwick, Rog's old schoolmate and a member of the Cambridge Mafia was to write the text, Storm and Jill Furmanovsky would do the pics and design. Sedgwick accompanied Rog and his first wife Judy on a holiday; and then followed them on the British Winter Tour of '74.

The book was never published - not surprising, really, given that no member of the Floyd comes out of it particularly well. Now Roger Waters has had it privately published and for Floydians, it is a gripping read. It really is warts and all, and there are many previously unseen pictures. Available at the V&A exhibition, and on Rog's website. Dave will not be happy now this has seen the light of day!

Alexander Von Humboldt (1769-1859) was the most famous scientist of his age, a visionary German naturalist and polymath whose discoveries forever changed the way we understand the natural world.

The catalogue from the Royal Academy's superb Matisse exhibition:

Conclave - Robert Harris

Looking forward to his latest, Munich.

Gripping, forensically-researched account of the formative years of one of history's most brutal tyrants:

I like an olden goldy from time to time.

Jon Krakauer  -  "Under The Banner Of Heaven"

prior to "Under The Banner of Heaven", I read "Bunkie Spills" by Bradley K. Rosen, the first novel by an old friend from the early aughts and formerly drummer for Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormans.  And previous to "Bunkie Spills", I read  "The Push: A Climber's Journey Of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits".

Thought I'd give Holden an airing.

steve

Bert Schurink posted:

I like Baldacci, read a few of his books, although I can't recall the name of the series, very enjoyable.  I'm use reading Smiley's People, never got round to it before and was in the mood for a spy book.  It's dated a little in the dialogue but a great read non the less

I bought this on the recommendation of George F when he was on here. It’s just taken me ages to get around to read it. I’m familiar with the film of course and have watched it many times. The film is broadly faithful to the book but as to be expected it truncates many scenes and the development of the main characters. No surprises there. However what the book brings to life is the incredible physical and mental stress these war-time Atlantic seaman experienced, and over such a sustained period (for the survivors, that is). The book does a much better job at conveying the horror of it and strength of the participants. George was right to recommend it.

just starting on Jon Krakauer's newest, "Missoula"

Shocking racism in the Atlanta P.D. and a murder mystery.

New book release from Jeff Flake, Arizona's junior US Senator (GOP) and non-supporter of Trump.

It's almost 100 years, so it seems timely to revisit this classic:

dayjay posted:

Bert Schurink posted:

I like Baldacci, read a few of his books, although I can't recall the name of the series, very enjoyable.  I'm use reading Smiley's People, never got round to it before and was in the mood for a spy book.  It's dated a little in the dialogue but a great read non the less

The Series is Called King and Maxwell, and I am now in the middle of it, great suspense...

Just finished the 3rd one in the King and Maxwell series...