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England2669 Posts
On January 24 2013 23:27 TOCHMY wrote:Show nested quote +On January 24 2013 23:21 Iranon wrote:On January 24 2013 23:02 TOCHMY wrote:Does anyone who read the Locke Lamora books actually know how long the days are in that universe? Because in the books they say like "the 7th hour of the morning" or "the 8th hour of the evening". Maybe 7th hour of the morning just mean like 1 pm, started counting from 6 am? Tried googling, didn't help  Unless a number >12 is mentioned, or it clearly conflicts with textual references to daylight, I would just read that as AM/PM. It seems like they are awake more than 24 hours though. So the day has to be like atleast 36? Also, if they are awake more than 24 hours, how many hours does one need to sleep? Who knows, these questions might be answered in future books. The also have morning, day, "false light" in the evening (who knows wtf that is anyways) and then night that comes after the false light.
These are old English terms for day and night. 5th hour of the morning means 5am. Similarly in game of thrones you'll read "3rd bell since noon/lunch/highsun/otherrandomthing" which means 3pm.
False light is better known as twilight where the earth is lit indirectly by the sun. In this case, that would be dusk (after the sun has set, but before night).
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French books called Babylon Babies by Maurice Dantec and La Horde de Contrevent by Alain Dmasio.
Some american sf too, like Silverberg !
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Now working through Feast for Crows. So far I think all the previous books in the series were better, and it's taking me a way longer time to finish to book. That might be because I think some of the characters it focuses on are not that interesting (like indeed, Sansa. Although she is growing on me.)
Next:
![[image loading]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JlPuPBO1APM/TA2hn5UmsUI/AAAAAAAAADg/VgD9cNJpiz4/s1600/thousand-autumns-of-jacob-de-zoet.jpeg)
Because I'm Dutch, and I like Japan. Seems legit.
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Awesome that everyone thinks so highly of The Name of the Wind. Really looking forward to it now =D
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Finished reading the last book in the Dresden Files and now, I have no idea what to read next. Guess I'll have to go through this thread again to find some inspiration. Or does anyone have any tips?
![[image loading]](http://www.orbitbooks.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cold-days-uk.bmp)
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On January 15 2013 20:00 Cambium wrote:+ Show Spoiler +Gave up on:Destiny of the Republic![[image loading]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wVSPXy3pL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg) Another exceedingly dry book, I really don't know why I even started reading it. Reamde![[image loading]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510i-6nzRJL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg) I read over 60% of this book, and finally decided to give it up as well. I've really enjoyed Stephenson's previous works like Snow Crash, and to a lesser extent, The Diamond Ages. This book is excruciatingly long at over 1000 pages, and there were just passages after passages about irrelevant events that neither add anything to character development nor drive the plot forward. As a native speaker of Mandarin Chinese, I found the random Chinese phrases and names (loads of those) in the book as gimmicky nuisances, as they served no purposes other than to appeal to the 'nerdy' crowd who'd perchance find random Chinese phrases fascinating and chic. The story itself was decent, but the book was just too long and uninteresting for the most part. Reading:Mao's Great Famine![[image loading]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FW5rLdXWL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg) So far so good, I've always had a keen interest in North Korean and Chinese histories. NextThe Fault in our Stars![[image loading]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ak%2BCRtMOL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
Just finished:
Mao's Great Famine
This was initially really interesting, but then it read too much like a history/fact book than a novel. The author only had a handful of sources and stories, and he kept on re-using these same examples to proof different points under different section of the book. I did learn a lot about modern Chinese history, of a period I've only heard stories of. While this book only offered one opinion, it did broaden my perspective, and made me realize how lucky I -- nay, China as a whole -- was that China did not turn out to be like North Korea.
While I was reading this book, I read a ton of wikipedia articles on the same topic, which interestingly frequently cited this book.
Strongly recommended for those who wish to learn more about 'the Great Leap Forward'.
Reading:
Hyperion
![[image loading]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zwyTJNlWL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
The Mao book was too dark, need something that pull me away from reality for a while... I might finish the entire series if the this one proves to be captivating enough.
Next
The Fault in our Stars
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On January 24 2013 23:38 Flicky wrote:Show nested quote +On January 24 2013 23:27 TOCHMY wrote:On January 24 2013 23:21 Iranon wrote:On January 24 2013 23:02 TOCHMY wrote:Does anyone who read the Locke Lamora books actually know how long the days are in that universe? Because in the books they say like "the 7th hour of the morning" or "the 8th hour of the evening". Maybe 7th hour of the morning just mean like 1 pm, started counting from 6 am? Tried googling, didn't help Unless a number >12 is mentioned, or it clearly conflicts with textual references to daylight, I would just read that as AM/PM. It seems like they are awake more than 24 hours though. So the day has to be like atleast 36? Also, if they are awake more than 24 hours, how many hours does one need to sleep? Who knows, these questions might be answered in future books. The also have morning, day, "false light" in the evening (who knows wtf that is anyways) and then night that comes after the false light. These are old English terms for day and night. 5th hour of the morning means 5am. Similarly in game of thrones you'll read "3rd bell since noon/lunch/highsun/otherrandomthing" which means 3pm. False light is better known as twilight where the earth is lit indirectly by the sun. In this case, that would be dusk (after the sun has set, but before night).
Thank you for clearing that up!
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Currently reading The Nutmeg of Consolation by Patrick O'Brian. I did not like this novel as much when I read it my first time through the series; but this time, a quarter of the way through, I am really enjoying it.
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On January 26 2013 05:03 aZealot wrote:
Currently reading The Nutmeg of Consolation by Patrick O'Brian. I did not like this novel as much when I read it my first time through the series; but this time, a quarter of the way through, I am really enjoying it.
You, sir, have excellent taste. The Aubrey-Maturin Series is probably my favorite set of historical novels.
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On January 26 2013 05:08 farvacola wrote:Show nested quote +On January 26 2013 05:03 aZealot wrote:
Currently reading The Nutmeg of Consolation by Patrick O'Brian. I did not like this novel as much when I read it my first time through the series; but this time, a quarter of the way through, I am really enjoying it.
You, sir, have excellent taste. The Aubrey-Maturin Series is probably my favorite set of historical novels.
Thanks, clearly you do too. 
The Aubrey-Maturin series is fantastic. I read the 20 novels (I don't include the incomplete last novel) of the series in the space of about 6 - 7 weeks a few months ago, and literally could not put then down. I did not read anything else at that time, either. I was so absorbed in that world. In my dreams I walked HMS Surprise and almost found myself calling people "lubbers" when they irritated me! I am doing a second read through the series, at a slower pace, and am enjoying the series as much, if not more, the second time around. The whole series is really best conceptualized as one long novel and is fantastic reading.
Speaking of other historical novels. I should recommend to other TL readers, Colleen McCollough's "Masters of Rome" series. These novels detail the rise (and fall) of Gaius Marius, Cornelius Sulla, Julius Caesar and Octavian (Augustus). The first 3 novels of the series in particular (focused mainly on Marius and Sulla) are very, very good. Great research, gripping reading.
The series begins with The First Man in Rome.
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![[image loading]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/---zQjvnGRTs/T-jQLVN1biI/AAAAAAAADBQ/Rvf1cXiayy4/s320/Winter+of+the+World.jpg)
another ken follett epic, the first book started about 1908 or so, i'm up to 1941 now
btw, i 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th the suggestion above to read the masters of rome series. REALLY fucking good. colleen mccollough has a witty and entertaining writing style as well as a very strong emphasis on historical accuracy (with a lot of research behind it). when i compare it to say, the conn iggulden rome series (that i was read when i was a fair bit younger), i have to say that she really recreated ancient roman society as the sources paint it, whereas conn iggulden had his own rome.. i didn't even understand what a patrician was then, letalone the concept of dignitas/auctoritas.
i mean, brutus' mum, a patrician servilius, a prostitute? reeeally?
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with one of my students, for her class
![[image loading]](http://growingpower.org/GoodFoodRev.jpg)
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Managed to put Anna Karenina down for some time(was very difficult though, it is too awesome) and read The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.
I if needed to sum it up in one word, it would be "what". Incredibly weird, sad and funny at the same time. Going to buy In the Penal Colony and The Judgment next.
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On January 27 2013 11:32 dmnum wrote:
Managed to put Anna Karenina down for some time(was very difficult though, it is too awesome) and read The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.
I if needed to sum it up in one word, it would be "what". Incredibly weird, sad and funny at the same time. Going to buy In the Penal Colony and The Judgment next.
Franz Kafka is incredible what of the greatest authors ever to live. I have read The Trial and The Metamorphosis and both are fantastic. I really want to read The Castle as well but I'm on this huge Cormac McCarthy kick right now. I just finished Blood Meridian and am now about halfway through The Road. The Road is really good so far and Blood Meridian has to be the greatest work by a living author. I haven't read a book so masterfully written since Faulkner
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+ Show Spoiler +On January 11 2013 21:57 TOCHMY wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On January 09 2013 17:11 Pathology wrote:Starting the new year with Warhammer 40k Horus Heresey series in no particular order. Was always interested in warhammer books but never got into it. Seems interesting so far. As for reading dune... Show nested quote +On January 09 2013 14:36 johnnywup wrote:On January 08 2013 13:53 hp.Shell wrote:![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/LCRjA.jpg) Dune - Frank Herbert (about 10 pages in) I've always wanted to read this series. It's apparently science fiction's supreme masterpiece saga in terms of world lore. The main character is about to travel to Dune, so there will be space travel. It seems my visions of the book as "Star Wars had Luke never left Tatooine" are completely false. It's nice to finally pick it up and have it in my hands. As for the order I'll probably finish them, TCV -> D -> 1491 is the current idea. It's fun to bounce between them when I get bored. Ahh i've always wanted to read dune. I'm a huge science fiction fan, but it's really intimidating for me to start a series :/ Please do it. The prequels to the series as well as the later novels that cinch everything off are done by Mr Herbert's son and a co Author (Kevin Anderson I think?). They have a much different feel but I gobbled them up regardless because I love the universe. The first Dune book to me was the best. The others were all enjoyable for different reasons but the first captured my imagination and still hasn't let go. It might be intimidating but at the very least give the first novel a chance and see where you go from there :D You should at least try to read the Horus Heresey in order. The series do have a linear plot from book to book. I read the Horus Heresey up until the Ultramarines book, think it was book 7 or 8. Maybe 9. Book 1 and 2 were great, 3 was good. Fulgrim was good aswell. The rest, not so much... + Show Spoiler +On December 11 2012 19:35 TOCHMY wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On November 06 2012 16:40 TOCHMY wrote:Currently reading this: ![[image loading]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Aj3wWyR4IU/T1Jod3wkBdI/AAAAAAAABro/vXi2lJnU3XY/s1600/Blossoms+and+Shadows.jpg) Haven't gotten far yet, but so far it's been good. I recommend reading the other works of Lian Hearn, the books of the Otori Clan: ![[image loading]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D69XvwV7nPA/TjlXm4IwNJI/AAAAAAAAAa8/Jzw6QRqvxRs/s1600/35621284.jpg) Awesome series. Finished: This was OK. I dunno, I never felt any connection to the characters, and the general plot was very vague. Also, this book is a perfect example of "show, don't tell" since it felt that the author almost held a history lesson combined with stories about her friend... I dunno how to explain it really. I kinda recommend the book anyways, but only cuz I love meiji era and japan in general. Currently Reading: ![[image loading]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWwC1oAZyyo/T1t7fZKeIUI/AAAAAAAAIu8/Ayv6eoNvLmE/s1600/Lies-of-Locke-Lamora.jpg) Now this book I really like. Such a difference in story telling and writing by Scott Lynch compared to Lian Hearn(author of the book above). It's a fantasy book about thieves and the main char is exceptionally good at that particularly profession  Will Read Next: ![[image loading]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5X30qeYnsVE/T0V8n0iaYtI/AAAAAAAAAOA/feKoozydNzE/s1600/12327782.jpg) The follow-up of The Lies of Locke Lamora. Just finished: This book was OK. The first book was better. This one had so many plot twists, wich I guess is part of the whole thing, with the thievery and acting from Locke's part, always doubleplaying people. But it was a bit much maybe. Still enjoyed it though! Scott Lynch is a great writer. Currently reading: ![[image loading]](http://www.adlibris.com/se/covers/M/0/09/0099458322.jpg) I'm 120~ pages in atm. Enjoying it so far! This is the first book by Murakami that I'm digging in to. Planning to read all of his work. Will read next: ![[image loading]](http://www.adlibris.com/se/covers/M/1/84/1849014647.jpg) After I finished the game Sleeping Dogs, I was craving for more eastern asian gang stories! I asked in this thread and a nice fellow named Br0kensword recommended me this book. Don't let me down, Br0kensword!
Finished:
It was a great book! One of those books that you couldn't put down, you just had to know what happened next.
I was planning on reading Tokyo Vice next, but I took a little detour and read this:
![[image loading]](http://irisonbooks.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/the-amazing-maurice-and-his-educated-rodents-terry-pratchett.jpg)
I enjoyed this one as well! Terry Pratchett is a great writer.
Currently Reading:
![[image loading]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E%2B7V-PDyL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS500_.jpg)
Now, I was gonna read Tokyo Vice, but I'm taking another detour into Brandon Sandersons Mistborn Trilogy. Many in this thread has recommended it and I needed more fantasy before returning to the reality that is Tokyo Vice.
Will Read Next:
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Pynchon's Against the Day will be next. I will die happily if I ever manage to finish it.
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^oh I adore one hundred years of solitude, enjoy
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Baa?21244 Posts
I strongly disliked The Assault D:
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One Hundred Years of Solitude is extremely good, and the translation is extremely well-done. I'm actually sort of jealous(?) of all the good translations floating around for Spanish, French, Japanese, etc. novels ... I've yet to find really good translations of Chinese novels. -__-
Also, David Mitchell is the bomb. His writing is simple but evocative; he's lived in Japan for several years and has been clearly influenced by their style of art and writing.
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EPT![[image loading]](http://mookseandgripes.com/reviews/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/The-Assault.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.onezblog.de/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bukowski-kapuut-in-hollywood.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/44/TheActsOfKingArthur.jpg/220px-TheActsOfKingArthur.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://anyiko.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/gabriel-garcia-marquez-one-hundred-years-of-solitude-04.jpg?w=200&h=300)
