Tane Must Do Better At Reading in 2013

The amount of books I've read over the last few years has taken a real tumble, though I'm not really sure why? 2013 must be the year for me to get back on track... I know I've tried these kinds of Yearly Reading threads before and failed dismally, but this time it's different, this time it's... ok, it's not that different but I am more determined, that's for sure.

So, please stay tuned as I spend the next 12 months getting back into reading...

And to prove (to myself) that I really mean it, here's the first book of the year, completed just a moment ago:

Scotland's Mountains by Joe Cornish - an excellent account of a photographer's time exploring many peaks in the Highlands of Scotland

*applause* We're here to offer encouragement, Tane!

Thank you :-)

Will be keeping an eye, for sure :)

Good luck! I'm on a similar mission myself this year.

Best of luck, my dear friend! I will try to prod you along if the thread gets too quiet.

Thank you, you know I'll need it ;-)

I'm here, you're starred!

I'll star ya!! I've been debating on whether to try my hand at an on-line reading journal. I keep a notebook all year, but I don't know if I would do well with an on-line one. But I'll read yours. :)

I have you starred!

I'll be here too :o)

I know that feeling, i hoping to do better at documenting what i have read this year.

And I'll be reading along with everyone, keeping an eye out particularly for books about photography, or by photographers. You work continues to inspire me to keep it up!

Thank you all very much, your encouragement is an inspiration.

I've just finished Jack of Fables vol 8: The Fulminate Blade which is a graphic novel following the exploits of Jack Frost (although originally the series followed his father, Jack of beanstalk fame - as well as many other things). I think it's obvious at this point that the series is running out of gas. I mean the Jack Frost tale in this volume is Ok, but the fact that they've had to replace the original main character with his son is a clear sign that the ideas were drying up. There's only one more volume left in this series, which seems fair enough. Anyway, it's a quick and easy read, and to be honest I suspect this is the first of many graphic novels for me this year.

And another hot off the press read (I've just put the book down now) is -

Eye to Eye by Frans Lanting - this book represents a masterful collection of wildlife images from a legend in the photography world. My favourite part are the notes about each shot at the back of the book. Frans Lanting is definitely an inspiration to me.

Tane, I got my camera back! But this is a terrible time of year for outdoor photography. The light is very flat, and dull, the skies are uniformly gray, and usually there is so much moisture in the air I'm afraid for the camera to get wet. I'm trying to learn how to keep up with the constantly moving new dog. That is fun! (ETA: indoors is where I'm trying to keep up with the constantly moving new dog)

I'm also reading a graphic noveL Howl by Allen Ginsberg and illustrations by Eric Drooker. Evidently, it is a movie too. Very interesting. You might take a look and see if Amazon will let you peer inside.

>17 maggie1944: I'm glad to hear you got your camera back... you're right about the light, it's been quite dull around these parts as well, and for far too long! Indoor photography brings its own unique challenges, especially when you add something that's moving constantly :-)

I'll definitely check out Howl, thanks for the recommendation.

>15 Tane: I've been wondering about the Jack line, my library doesn't have them, only Fables, so I haven't been able to look into them. Frankly, so far, I'm thinking the entire thing is floundering once the war ended. I'm only on 14 right now though, so there's still a chance Willingham can find his footing again w/o the war to lead things along. I suppose I will find out over the next couple mos when I get through the rest of what the library has! lol.

>19 .Monkey.: I'm only a little ahead of you (I've read up to vol 16) and I agree with you, I hope that Bill Willingham can get Fables back on track as it's one of my favourite series.

I've just completed The Legend of a Hero Beowulf by Nicky Raven an illustrated retelling of (some of) the Beowulf story. The illustrations are by John Howe, which was my main reason for reading it in the first place, and it doesn't disappoint. It was also only around 70 pages long, which makes it a very quick read.

I just looked at that one on the basis of your recommendation, Tane, because I am an absolute sucker for editions with strong illustrations. I have added it to the wish list!

>21 jillmwo: The artwork in the book apparently came from a Beowulf Board game.

Ok, so I've finished off the Jack of Fables series by reading Jack of Fables The End - and I'm kinda glad it's all over, the ideas had definitely run out by this stage. Ah well. There's always Fairest Wide Awake to try, I suppose?

I've also listened to The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes read by Derek Jacobi, inspired by all of the recent talk about the Sherlock TV series.

I've just about reached the part of Fables where I can start on Jack's spin-off series which I will do at some point. Shame it loses steam along the way. I've only recently been made aware of Fairest so will be interested to see what you think on that.

I didn't even know about Fairest Wide Awake. I need to get Werewolves of the Heartland as well, so it's time for a trip to the comic book store.

Fairest Wide Awake was really good, telling the tale of Briar Rose, Ali baba, and the Snow Queen (with a little help from a bottled imp). I thought the artwork was also very good, and I wonder where this series will go next?

I've also just read Fables Inherit the Wind, Volume 17 of the Fables series - it's very much a set up for what's to come (I presume?), it felt very "transitional" if you know what I mean?

Werewolves of the Heartland is on my hit list...

I find it interesting that in you is combined a love for dreamy pictures and wonderful fairy tales, retold. Thanks for sharing yourself here, in more than one way. It is a gift.

>27 maggie1944: Thank you. I've always been fascinated with fairy tales, for as long as I can remember. Some of the first books I ever read were illustrated versions of things like Pinocchio, the Three Little Pigs, and the Ugly Duckling.

And keeping with the fairy tale theme (well, it feels like one to me), I just finished The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. What a wonderful and enchanting book, I couldn't put it down. I didn't really want it to end.

I enjoyed The Night Circus a good deal, also. It was hard to write a review about it as it does seem to be a bit genre bending. Atmospheric! and magical.

Whilst the moment is still going, and I'm in a fairy-tale mood I've also read A Flight of Angels today, which is a short graphic novel about a bunch of fairy-folk who discover a near dead angel in the forest. It's ok, nothing amazing, but worth a read.

Not sure what's next thought? Probably another graphic novel, as they're easy to whip through, though I don't know which one. And I've got a strong desire to pick up and read Unfinished Tales by Mr Tolkien & Son.

I've spent a deal of time today going over The Night Circus in my mind... I think it's going to stick with me for a while.

Yes, that book stuck in my mind for quite a while, and I still think about it. (every time I read about it on LT)

Just read Fables Werewolves of the Heartland - and I'm afraid to say I didn't enjoy it, purely because of the artwork (which felt incredibly old fashioned to me). It was all just too much gore and werewolf genitalia, it kept getting in the way of the story. Now there's a sentence you don't hear every day ;-)

Anyway, I won't let it put me off the rest of the Fables series, that's for sure.

If it snows as heavily as the forecast is predicting tomorrow, then I might just stay in and re-read The Night Circus... we'll see.

oh, snow....

we are just having cold. Clear, cold, and then foggy cold. Today it was pretty darn foggy from morning until late afternoon. Made me think about people getting lost in the moors...wasn't it fog that helped them lose their ways?

>34 maggie1944: Thick fog like that always makes me think of The Hound of the Baskervilles

yeah, but think of the photographic possibilities! Fog is so dramatic and makes even ordinary things look unusual. Get out there!

#29 - Ah, one of my best reads on 2012! What a fantastic book. I can't wait to see what she writes next. Extraordinarily talented young lady!

>36 Bookmarque: Very true. I haven't been out with the camera for a week or two, it's definitely time to get out there.

>37 clamairy: She's certainly one to keep an eye on. I've decided to use my next audible credit on the Jim Dale read audio version.

I've just finished the five volume run of Manhunter graphic novels by Marc Andreyko - I was in the mood for something superhero-y but not overly so and Manhunter fits that bill for me. Sadly the quality of the series really drops off after volume four, but for the sense of completeness (if there is ever such a thing when reading superhero comics) I carried on through volume five.

i'm also about half way through listening to the audio version of The Night Circus, read my Jim Dale. He does a good job of it, but his accents don't match those in my head... but then that's not exactly his fault, is it? ;-)

I sill want to work my way through the Unfinished Tales, but I'm only a few pages into it at the moment. I haven't really given it the time and effort it deserves.

And on the photography front, I have just read (or rather, re-read) Burton Holmes Early Travel Photography which is a fantastic collection of images and words from the legendary travel photographer Burton Holmes. The images document life around the globe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it's a real gem of a book.

Fables Cubs in Toyland was a good continuation of the Fables stories, this time focusing on Therese one of Snow White's daughters. It's a good story, although I think that they've been focusing on the children quite a bit lately... I want to see what's going on with everyone else :-)

Your book about early photography looks really interesting. I'll see if any of our libraries have a copy.

Thank you. Burton Holmes was a very interesting person, anything you can find about him will be well worth it.

I've been getting into the history of photography recently,and as such I've just worked my way through Camera Work which collects all of the photographs in Alfred Steiglitz Camera Work, a somewhat avant-garde magazine that pushed photography in some interesting ways, in the very early days of the 20th Century. It's a great collection of slightly haunting images, the lines between traditional art and photography are definitely blurred here.

Oh, dear, I may have to take your star away. I am so tempted to go get these books about photography, and yet, I'm trying to save money to go to Hawaii, too. And get my car painted. And maybe some day, a trip to France.

OK, OK, I'll go buy a lottery ticket.

Lottery ticket is definitely the way to go (at least that's what I'm counting on ;-)

my next photography / history book is going to be Glass Warriors by Duncan Anderson which follows the history of war photography and the photo journalist. I'm hoping it'll be quite good.

Where is Tane? Did you win the lottery?

Ah sorry, I'm here. Been kinda busy of late, which is a poor excuse I know.

Glass Warriors was ok, but much more of a war book than a photography one.

On the graphic novel front I've just read the first volume of Irredeemable a kind of twist on the Superman story (what happens when the weight of responsibility turns the hero into a villain). I'm nt a huge superhero fan, really, but this was ok.

I've chosen Ender's Game as my next book. I'm about 2 pages in and enjoying it so far.

And sadly, no lottery win (yet)

Hope you enjoy Ender's Game as much as I did.

Thank you Donnao.

I really liked Ender's Game as well, but not enough to continue with the series. I have a hard time when children are involved.

Did you know it's being made into a movie with Asa Butterfild as Andrew Wiggins and Harrison Ford as Colonel Graff?

I didn't realise that? I guess I should read it before searching out the movie details...

My copy of National Geographic 125 Years arrived yesterday, and distracted me for quite some time. There are some outstanding photographs inside, and some great information. Well worth checking out, if you get a chance.

Ah, I have been lusting after that book. It is worth the money, eh?

I really need to read Ender's Game. How far have you gotten, Tane?

>55 maggie1944: I managed to get it for £15 (about $23) and it is definitely worth the money, for the pictures alone.

>56 clamairy: I am only about 10 pages in - but I am enjoying it, and I will give it more attention from this evening onwards. The reason for not getting very far is because I've been catching up on Invincible instead (Volumes 12 - 16) - I am not a massive superhero fan, but Invincible is an entertaining read, and I'm a big Robert Kirkman fan.

>56 clamairy: I'm now just about half way through and enjoying it so far, I'm interested to see where it's going to go from here...

I have now finished Ender's Game. I am glad to have read it, it's certainly one to tick off the Great Big Must Read List, but I agree with Mrs Lee although I enjoyed it, I'm not sure I'll bother with the rest of the series.

Aaaand, I discovered that there are more Guy Gavriel Kay audiobooks on the audible website... so I know where my next few months worth of credits are going :-)

#59 - Oh... Hmmm. Maybe it's a good thing that I couldn't find it in my daughter's room, then.

>61 clamairy: I'd say give it a go, if you get the chance, it is enjoyable but it's not the greatest scifi I've read. It reminded me of a lot of other things, but then they were probably directly influenced by this book.

I enjoyed it, although it's been a long time since I read it. The moral points it makes are stillv alid today I feel, but the later books in the series are also worht reading as it changes the perceptions of the characters - even if they are not as dramatic.

>63 reading_fox: You're right about some of the moral points still being valid, and reading it today (almost 30 years after it was first published) it still felt quite current, and not overly dated. Maybe I will continue the series? Just not straight away.

Right, I've decided to head back into my youth for a little while... I intend to read through all of the Chronicles of Narnia books - which is something I haven't done since I was about 11 or 12. And I may follow that up with the five Chronicles of Prydain books, again it's been a very long time since I looked at them.

I want to do this, partly because I'm intrigued to see if my views of them have changed over the years (I suspect they have, but we'll see), and partly because they're easy reads! ;-)

I think easy reads are great and a good thing to do. BTW, I posted a couple new photographs on my Green Dragon "reading journal". I am reading the class book and the camera's manual. Hehehehe

If you have time to take a look, I'd love it.

I think re-reading (particularly re-reading childhood favorites) is sadly underrated. Now that you mention it, I have a massive volume with each title in the Narnia series that I meant to dip into along with a book of commentary, The Magician's Book: A Skeptic's Adventures in Narnia. (Well, I thought about it at least.) Talk a little more about your childhood re-reads, Tane, and maybe I'll have the necessary spark to revisit them as well.

I read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a youngster but didn't get to the other six in the series until I was well into my twenties. As I recall they held up quite well for reading beyond childhood. That was about when I read Ursula K. LeGuin's Earthsea trilogy too.

The Magician's Nephew works best when read aloud, I have discovered. It's funny, as the only bit of the story I remember is the Wood between the Worlds, and so it's like I'm reading it for the first time. It's going well though, although it is (understandably) quite dated in some of its viewpoints.

I still get creeped out when the children are in the red and dying world. I have the CD audio version, and I agree, the stories are wonderful read aloud.

Yeah, it is creepy, and very well described. I must admit I hadn't expected to get as much enjoyment out if this book as I have.

I should've re-read it years ago.

Tane, you are doing a great job at reading more this year. Congrats.

Thank you, I've already overtaken last year's total :-) and I'm really enjoying it.

I must admit that this thread is certainly helping me to keep going.

I know what you mean. It is nice to have something to figuratively hold your feet to the obligation to talk to others about books. How's that for mixing some metaphors rather boldly!

To go alongside the Narnia books, I am also listening to the Tigana audiobook, which is excellent.

Oh! Who does the narration? Anyone famous?

It's read by Simon Vance, an award winning audiobook reader. I first listened to him when I picked up Viriconium, and he has a great voice for books.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is up next, I'm interested to see if the tone is different between this and The Magician's Nephew.

LOL, another one by Simon Vance. He is a very busy man, it seems. :o) We were just talking about him in readafew's thread, too.

Time for a quick update - I've completed The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and have gone straight into The Horse and His Boy, there's definitely a significant change in style between these two books.

On the photography front, I have also just finished re-reading Developing Vision & Style by Joe Cornish David Ward and Charlie Waite three great landscape photographers. It's inspirational stuff, full of good advice and superb photographs.

Ah, that sounds like a very interesting book. So, of course, I had to run over to Amazon and see if I could find a reasonable priced used copy. Score! You got me with a very good Book Bullet on that one, Tane.

Developing Vision & Style is part of a series of books by the same group, they're all good and certainly useful if you're a landscape photographer looking for inspiration or advice. I'm glad you found a reasonably priced copy :-)

#81 - Heh hee, 'Book Bullet.' I guess we're all hit by those in here.

Tane, glad to see that Narnia books weren't visited by the Suck Fairy! :o)

>83 clamairy: Thank you. I was a little concerned that my memory of them wouldn't live up to a re-read, but it's going ok so far.

I've also just chomped my way through Brian K Vaughan's new Saga graphic novel (ok, new to me... I think it was actually out last October). It's excellent, right up my street - the story combines fantasy (fairytale type characters), with scifi (human-like robots with TV's for heads), and mixes in some very human drama (raising a new born baby, dealing with relationship stuff). It's great and I can't wait for Volume 2 in July. I should add that Fiona Staples artwork is excellent, it fits the style of the storytelling perfectly.

I went for a long drive today and finished off listening to Tigana. Simon Vance does an excellent job narrating this book, he has such a great tone to his voice and he seems to hit all of the important and often subtle inflections. I highly recommend this as a story, and as an audiobook in particular.

I think I've said, I love Simon Vance's narrations. I'm wondering, did you go for a drive just to finish the book, or did you have to go somewhere anyway? I've been known to sit in my car when I get home from work just to finish a book. Up to half an hour or more. My husband came out to see if I was OK. I wonder if we need to factor in fuel costs when we buy these audio books? ;)

Bwaa haa haa. I have been known to stay to hear the end of a song, so I can't laugh too hard. I never listen to my audiobooks while driving. I'm afraid I'll drive right past my exit, etc.

I'm afraid I'll drive right past my exit

Been there, done that. More than once.

I started out with the intention of heading into a local(ish) city and going on a bit of a photo-walk... I found the city, drove around for a bit then turned around and came home. Quite coincidentally I was out and about for exactly the length I had left to go on the audio book, and I didn't take a single photograph... ah well ;-)

Handling all our hobbies can be quite the juggling act, can't it!

Tane, I re-read Tigana recently while I was sick and couldn't deal with anything new. You might enjoy the Kay discussion that we had recently, and have something to add. Whoops, looked back and saw you've already been by!

Interesting comments about the morality of Ender's Game above too. I always had a problem with the fact that anything that the good guys did was ok.

That reminds me, I need to get River of Stars in order to keep my Guy Gavriel Kay collection complete. Now I face that 21st Century dilemma... do I buy the hardback, physical copy of the book (I have all of his others that way), or do I invest in the eBook version? Hmmm... what to do, what to do?

As for Ender's Game whilst I have previously said that I enjoyed it, although I wasn't overly enamoured with it, I must admit that I have thought about it a few times after finishing it... there are so many other scifi stories / games / films / etc... that were influenced by it. As for the morality, in a way I agree, but I must admit I found it hard to find any 'good guys'.

I am still working through The Horse & His Boy, I'm finding it hard to get the motivation to read it... I know it's not very long, and I have no real excuses, it's just... well, I seem to keep finding other things to do rather than pick it up?

One of the "other things" is the first Red Dwarf novel, which I have now completed. I've read this one before, but pre-2002 (when I started cataloguing the books I've read). As a fan of the British sci-fi comedy show, I enjoyed reading through this book as it takes some of the highlights from the first series and melds them into one story. I'm not sure how someone who has never seen the show would take it?

That's all from me for the minute, I think I'm going to switch to graphic novels for a while (whilst building up the motivation to chomp through the next Narnia book).

I've started Universal War One, it's going well so far... some interesting scifi. I wonder how different it would feel reading it in its native language?

#94 - What is its native language?

>94 Tane: - It was originally written in French, drawn and written by Denis Bajram.

Universal War One was Ok, a worthwhile read, and I have Universal War One: Revelations lined up and ready to do.

Besides that, I am listen-reading to A Song For Arbonne, read by Euan Morton (who also read The Lions of Al Rassan which I enjoyed very much)

Universal War One: Revelations was also Ok, not outstanding. There were a few things towards the end that I just couldn't buy in to, which in my view let it down slightly (not the scifi stuff, time travel and evil corporations are fine, it was more some of the character stuff).

Next up is a re-read of the complete Y The Last Man, if ever there was another comic series that could be turned into episodic TV, it's this. I'm looking forward to reading this again, it's been a little while.

Still listening to A Song For Arbonne on the commute too and from work, I suspect it'll take a while to get through, though I am really enjoying it.

Still listening to Arbonne and I must say, my memory of the story is a little different to what I'm hearing - but then it has been quite a long time since I last read it from cover to cover.

My re-read of Y The Last Man is going strong, and I am enjoying it very much. It just appeals to me.

It's almost Audible credit time, so I need to think up a good next audio-read...

and finally, on the photography book front, I have just read through Zebrato, which is a great collection of black and white landscape photographs by Michael Levin. I find this book to be a real inspiration, I like to sit and savour the images before I head out with the camera - not that I want to copy or mimic the style, far from it, I just like absorbing good imagery and this book has lots of it.

I am now something like 40+ books read for this year so far, which is not far short of everything I read for the previous two years combined. This thread (and LT as a whole) is definitely keeping me motivated.

just started From The Mouth of the Whale, it's an interesting read, I'm quite enjoying it so far although at this point I'm not sure it's one that I could easily recommend.

Looks, um... interesting. :o)

Probably not to everyone's tastes, I would say :-)

I've just finished From The Mouth of the Whale it took quite a bit of determination to get through, and whilst I think I enjoyed it, I really won't be returning to it... ever. Definitely not one to recommend, but I still feel pleased to have read an Icelandic story (albeit translated into English).

Also, I am taking recommendations for something to read as I travel around Italy in a couple of weeks (audiobook probably, but something I can stick on the kindle is also good)... so if you have any, please feel free to suggestion here.

I finished A Song For Arbonne this morning. I've decided to go with the audio version of Retribution Falls as my next audiobook. It's read by Rupert Degas, who did a great job with The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear.

Tane, LT member libraryhermit recommended the works of Monaldi & Sorti to me. They are an Italian couple who write historical fiction. So far I have read Imprimatur and am about to read their second novel, Secretum. I have pre-ordered their third novel which is due out in June.

The story of Imprimatur is set in Rome in 1683.

I hope you enjoy your travels in Italy.

Thank you, I will definitely check them out, sounds like just the right kind of thing :-)

In order to prepare for my imminent trip to Italy, I have spent quite some time today absorbing Images of the Seventh Day by Michael Kenna & Sandro Parmiggiani (my favourite photographer, ever). This monograph was put together to coincide with an exhibition a couple of years, in Italy. It showcases some of Michael Kenna's great work, from the 70's into the 2000's. It's wonderful stuff, in my opinion, and I could easily spend a day just soaking it all up.

Ah, now you have given me one more thing to do this morning. Sigh.

I just finished reading Waiting to Be Heard by Amanda Knox. And it carries an important message: do not get caught up in the Itialian "Judicial" system. I do not believe there is much "justice" in their system. Straight and narrow, my friend. Straight and narrow.

Thanks for the advice - I'll try to stay on the right side of the law whilst I'm there...

I just googled Michael Kenna and I can see, totally, why you love his photography. And he does demonstrate excellent skill.

Thank you - he also has a great personal philosophy when it comes to photography - here's a quote of his that I like:

"Too much light tends to reveal all the details of a scene and I am not interested in a perfect photocopy. I prefer suggestion over description. I like to use the analogy of haiku poetry where just a few elements act as catalysts for one's imagination."

Oh, and I have just finished the Y the Last Man series of graphic novels, it's as good this time around as it was when I first read it years ago. This takes my reading tally up to 54 this year, which equals my 2006 total. The next target is 65 (which I managed in 2008), which should be achievable given my work rate so far this year.

I really should get back to the Narnia books, that'll help :-)

Having been in Italy for the last couple of weeks, I really haven't had a chance to read. I've been very busy, taking lots of photographs and seeing lots of amazing things... anyway, that's now what this post is about - this post is to say that in order get myself back into the swing of things, I read through The World of Kong today, it's a natural history guide to the many wild and wonderful creatures that live on Peter Jackson's version of Skull Island. As a big King Kong fan, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The artwork is great, and some of the descriptions of the creatures are brilliant.

In relation to post >84Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples, not a huge amount happens in this volume but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. It's a superb blend of different genres, and really appeals to me.

Also, I've finished listening to the Retribution Falls audiobook, read superbly by Rupert Degas and now it's Audible credit time, so I'm on the hunt for something new...

As a little birthday treat to myself, I decided to splash out and buy A Game of Thrones on audio book, well the first part at least. But it isn't going to be my next listen, no that honour falls to World War Z (in my head it's pronounced "zed", on audible it's pronounced "zee" - I think I can get used to that ;-)

I think you will like World War Z. I am not a zombie fan but I did like this book. The author seems to have treated the idea with some intelligence, if that can be imagined. And I think listening to Game of Thrones will be brilliant! It is a great series. I'll be very interested in seeing your response to both of these.

You might be interested in my weekend's accomplishment: a good friend came by and helped me attack the idea of repurposing some picture frames to create a photo exhibit of some of my work. She is part of a small company who does photo processing and so she can get me some inexpensive print making and help me get the prints into the frames. I am excited. I might be able to mount a small show (in a grocery store).

That's fantastic - I wholeheartedly recommend that you put on that exhibition. There's nothing quite like having your pictures printed out and put up on the wall, especially somewhere public.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Combining a love of both photography and old movie stars, I have just worked my way through the following three volumes of Hollywood Glamo(u)r photographs:

Hollywood Glamor Portraits
Movie-Star Portraits of the Forties
Film-Star Portraits of the Fifties

If you're even remotely interested in people like Rita Hayworth, Vivien Leigh, Clarke Gable, Barbara Stanwyck, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean... then these books are well worth checking out.

I love those old glam photographs; and the old movies that go with them, too.

I think there's something very special about them... I can look at them for hours.

I think it is something like the Greeks search for perfection of beauty, truth, and justice.

#124 - Nice thought

>124 maggie1944: nice thought indeed :-)

I got some Amazon vouchers for my birthday (yay!) and my first purchase with them - Tim Flach's More Than Human - arrived today. I've now gone through it, and I can confirm that it is a fantastic book. If you're not familiar with Tim's work, I suggest checking out his website. His style may not be to everyone's tastes, but personally I think he is a fantastic photographer, one that I greatly admire.

The second birthday-voucher-present-thing to arrive was The Arrival by Shaun Tan. It's a great story, beautiful and sometimes sombre, all told without a single written word. The pencil artwork is excellent.

More birthday-voucher reading now, and it's time to mix things up a little...

I've just finished working my way through The Fall of Arthur by Tolkien. It's a good book, very interesting, but for me it's the explanation and details after the poem itself that are most interesting.

and my final birthday-book goodness comes in the form of Michael Kenna the Retrospective, a collection of photographs from my favourite photographer. It's a great book, one that I treasure. Michael Kenna's style is just so appealing to me.

Today I picked up and munched my way through Ansel Adams 400 Photographs which is a fine collection of the famous photographer's work, showcasing images from the 1920's through to the 1960's, some of his most famous pieces are in here, but many of the are little known. I really enjoyed taking in these photographs, studying them, and simply admiring them. Wonderful stuff, and something that I will return to time and again when I am in need of inspiration.

I also read Northlanders The Cross and the Hammer, the second volume in a Viking-themed graphic novel series. I must say that I didn't enjoy it as much as the first volume. The storytelling just wasn't quite as good, in my opinion. It's not bad, by any means, but I think that just a few tweaks to the story here and there would've made a big difference.

And as of the time I type this (it's about 19:40) I have started reading Boneland by Alan Garner. It's too early to judge yet, but I'll let you know how it goes.

I look forward to reading your thoughts on Boneland. I thought it was incredible when I read it, but it is totally different to the first two books about Colin and Susan and I think a lot of people were disappointed because of that.

#129 - I have that sitting right here, but I am afraid I won't get to it for quite some time. BTW, how did you like World War Z and are did you see the film?

>133 clamairy: - I think you'll enjoy The Fall of Arthur, any Tolkien is good Tolkien in my book.

As for World War Z I took a little break from listening to it last week and I still have a couple of hours to get through, but I am enjoying it. Listening to it works quite well, with all the different accents etc...

In a Boneland update - I am enjoying it, too Alan Garner is an intriguing writer. It's quite weird, but it has a real charm to it as well.

Although I have Moon of Gomrath on my tbr shelves I've been kind of apprehensive about reading it. I credit Alan Garner's Weirdstone of Brisingamen for my love of fantasy books and to revisit that world after so long is kind of scary. Positive comments on a further sequel may help to dispel those fears.

>135 AHS-Wolfy:: Boneland is a totally different animal to the earlier Weirdstone books. You will need to read Moon of Gomrath first, but it's a quick read, very much in the same vein as Weirdstone. Boneland is definitely an adult book for its complex prose and layers of meaning, very challenging but rewarding. I found the Guardian review and its comments (link posted on Boneland's work page) very helpful once I'd finished the book (the comments in particular are full of spoilers) in helping me process what I had read. I do recommend it very highly.

I agree with Sakerfalcon - Boneland is a different beast. It is a challenging read for me but something that I feel drawn to return to for a re-read at some point in the future.

I've finished World War Z as well... it works very well in audiobook format, and now it's time to spend my next Audible credit. I am in the mood for something short and breezy, we'll see.

I have started The Cuckoo's Calling, I haven't really read a lot of detective story / crime fiction so I don't have a lot to compare it to, but so far so good. I ended up going for the audiobook version read by Robert Glenister and I like his interpretation of the characters so far.

I have also chomped my way through two short, but very different, graphic novels:

Fairest: The Hidden Kingdom which is the second in this off-shoot series about Fables living in a "mundy" word, created by Bill Willingham. This second volume is quite good, not perhaps as instantly engaging as the first volume, but it tells the story of Rapunzel in Japan quite well, and the artwork is very good.

Orbiter by Warren Ellis, this is a sci-fi short story about the return of the space shuttle Venture, having disappeared in space for a decade. It's a well written story, albeit quite short. It seemed to end rather abruptly in my opinion.

I'm not sure what my next read will be, there's plenty on the TBR but I don't quite know what I'm in the mood for...

What I'm in the mood for is some Hellboy graphic novels, it seems. I do like Mike Mignola's art style, very simplistic and yet very atmospheric, too.

I've also decided to start reading Harry Potter again. I've listened to all of them many times, but I've only actually ever read the books once. It's definitely time for a revisit.

Oh, Tane, that sounds like it will be good fun.

I am recovering nicely from my second cataract surgery and am wondering how it will be affecting my camera work. I am enjoying vastly improved distance vision with my new lens; however, I will be using "reading glasses". This will be a big adjustment for me as I am accustomed to just the opposite (glasses for distance, none for reading). I expect I may have to adjust the camera for my new eyes. Interesting.

Thank you, I'm glad that you're eyes are recovering nicely - it'll be interesting to see the impact it has on your photography.

I am now listening to Left Hand of God on audiobook - seems OK so far, but it really is early days. It has a "pig boy saves world" kinda feel at the minute, or rather a "young boy with potential to change the world" feel at least. The narrator seems to be quite good so far.

I'd be interested in hearing the opinions of anyone who has read this book?

I'm about half way through Left Hand of God and whilst it is an enjoyable listen, it really does remind me of several other books (such as The Assassin's Apprentice or Name of the Wind) which, in my opinion, are better stories. That's not to say that Left Hand of God isn't good, it's just not as good as other similar things I've read (although, to be fair, they are fantastic books that I'm comparing it with).

I'm about three quarters of the way through Left Hand of God and whilst it is well read, my opinion of the story is dropping quickly... I don't think I'll bother getting any of the sequels.

Left Hand of God is now finished... disappointing, really.

In order to try and shake things up a little, my next audiobook is going to be A Brief History of Greek Myths by Stephen Kershaw - whilst I wait patiently for audible to release the radio-play version of Neverwhere.

Shame about Left Hand of God (it's on my tbr shelves) but that's not the first time I've seen an unimpressed opinion for it.

>146 AHS-Wolfy: It started off well, then went down hill. Maybe if I were 14, and hadn't read any other better but somewhat-similarly themed books, I'd probably have enjoyed it more? I guess I'll never know.

Give a try though, I'd be very interested in your opinion of it.

#145 - " whilst I wait patiently for audible to release the radio-play version of Neverwhere."

Did you get it yet? Huh? Did you? :o)

>148 clamairy: It's released on the 5th of September, so only a couple of days to wait.... bring on the Cumberbatch! ;-P

Sounds like a plate of little sandwiches for high tea. "We'll have the Orange Pekoe and a large order of Cumberbatch."

I was thinking more of the Jabberwock. "Beware the Cumberbatch, my son."

Bwaa haa haa!!!!

Beware the cheese and cumberbatch sandwiches, my son...

:-D

Having mentioned Dogs Gods in another thread, I felt inspired to pick it up and peruse... there are some fantastic dog photos in this book.

I can confirm that the Cumberbatch has landed... time to listen to Neverwhere the radio play.

I listened to Neverwhere the radio play when it was broadcast - it was really good.

As good as the book?

@Tane - Enjoy!

@tardis - Me too.

@clamairy - Stellar cast did a great job. Not as good as the book but infinitely better than the TV show.

I really enjoyed the Neverwhere radio play, fantastic cast, great production values. Well worth a listen.

I have now started A Game of Thrones the audiobook. It's probably going to take me a while (though still much quicker than if I were reading it myself - and probably with better character voices ;-)

Ok, I'm now done with A Game of Thrones - whilst I really enjoyed the story, I really didn't like the narration... Roy Dotrice kept getting the names of people and places wrong (Joffery = Jeffery, Bran = Brian, Winterfell = Winterfall, and so on...) and he struggled to switch out of character between dialogue and narration. And I really didn't like his choice of voice for Tyrion.

Still, great book.

I'm off to Audible now to pick my next audio book.

I'm now on to Hellboy volume 6 and going strong.

And also still working my way through the Harry Potter series, in between everything else.

I know I've been absent for a while here, but I'm back now - and I have a small update to offer:

Today gave me an opportunity to read two great photography books:

British Wildlife Photography Awards 4th volume, full of excellent animals shots.
Masters of Nature Photography a collection of shots from 10 of the best nature photographers in the business.

I've just finished reading The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (two of my favourite authors), and unsurprisingly it appealed to me greatly. I really like the central concept of multiple earths, each one just a step away. And the writing style is a smooth combination of both authors. Think I'd better look out for the sequel, The Long War now then?

Yes, you should! I liked the Long War, too.

Am I hallucinating, or didn't Piers Anthony use the same concept of multiple earths in his Mode series?

I haven't read any Piers Anthony (something I know I should probably correct), but if the concept in the Mode series is that there are an almost limitless series of similar Earths that can be travelled through then yes, it could be quite similiar conceptually (I suspect the plot is very different though). The one thing with The Long Earth series is that the other versions of Earth are essentially empty of human life (kinda) and are there to be colonised, Wild-West style (almost)... is that what Mode is like?

There are indeed an apparently infinite series (is that English?) of "earths", each one slightly odder than the one next door. There are inhabitants on each one, again progressively stranger as one moves away from home. Though it must be admitted that the protagonist is pretty strange herself (a suicidal teenage victim of child rape, evidently), and much of the story is a quest to get over her hangups.

It does sound a little similar in concept… maybe I'll have to search out the Mode books as well? I am just about to start The Long War this evening.

and in other reading news, I am still working through the Hellboy graphic novels, Volumes 8 & 9 have just been devoured, and there's only 10 - 12 left to go. At least that's all that I own. I'm thinking of moving on to Fables after that, another long running series of comics / graphic novels that I enjoy very much.

Well that's The Long War done! I must've enjoyed it, because I read it very quickly - I really like the central concepts in this book (and the series as a whole), and I look forward to finding out where it's going to go next. The book ends with… well, no spoilers here, but let's just say I can hardly wait to start the next one (The Long Childhood, apparently). Sadly it looks as though I'll have to hold on until next summer. Ah well.

So, what next on the prose front? Hmmm… that is a very good question.

Looking forward to your answer.

#163 - Well I wish I read this post earlier. They were selling the Kindle editions of both of the Pratchett/Baxter books on amazon for $1.99 a piece, but when I checked their librarything ratings I decided not to buy them. :o/

Edited to add: Looks like the deal is good until Thursday, so I might just go ahead and snag 'em. :o)

>172 clamairy: I think it's worth it… but it'll probably depend more of what you think of Stephen Baxter's work than Pratchett's (in my opinion), as for me his "voice" is probably the stronger of the two, although there are some definite Pratchettisms in there. If you do get them, I would like to hear your thoughts on them…

>171 maggie1944: I'm still undecided, I'm looking at my TBR pile right now. I think I'm in the mood for something a little different… either something brand new or a re-read… argh, it shouldn't be this difficult to pick a book. I will report back as soon as the decision has been made :-)

#173 - The only thing of Baxter's I've read is Evolution. I enjoyed it, but I didn't LOVE it. The best part of that book for me was the part set in the future, where a handful of humans struggle to survive. That part I did love.

#174 - I found long earth to be poor, and heavily dominated by Baxter's voice. Like you I'm not taken by his work, although I've only read titan and evolution. I really disliked titan, so much so that it's expurged from my catalogue. I didn't realise that the long earth sequel is out already, but I doubt I'll be buying it.

I'm still mulling... LOL

get a kindle sample chapter first? ;-)

Possibly. You do realize you're talking to someone with over 900 unread books in her house, right? And I think another 30+ unread on her Kindle... :o)

LOL! Fair enough :-D

Turns out I'm still in a Pratchetty mood, so I've started reading Snuff - which also reminds me that I'm a few Discworld books behind. Better get working on that.

Heh, heh, Pratchetty mood. I like that.

As a quick aside to Snuff (which is proving to be quite an entertaining read so far, though it's still early days), I have just read The Iron Man, the classic children's fable by Ted Hughes. I haven't read it since I was a little kid, and I'm not sure what really inspired me to pick it up now, but I'm glad I did. It's short, it's odd, but it's a classic.

I've also just munched my way through Landscape Photographer of the Year Vol. 7 wishing that I had entered one or two images. Ah well, maybe I'll try again next year.

You know, The Iron Giant is one of those short things that has been sitting on my shelf for years. I've been avoiding it because I'm afraid it will be sad; my son saw the movie as a kid and subsequently refused to read the book itself because he said it was so sad.

>183 jillmwo: I'd give it a go, I didn't find it sad really (not like the film, which I did find sad when I watched it many moons ago) - it's an odd little story, I could quite easily imagine Ted Hughes waking up from a night of dreaming, writing it down, and The Iron Man being the result. It has that kind of quality to it, for me.

I've stalled a little bit in my reading over the last few weeks... been kinda busy (which is a poor excuse). But I am still working my way through the Fables graphic novels.

Hi, Tane, I know what you mean about being stalled. I have a little of that going on, too, what with my moving, my recovering from cataract surgery, and now… my being in Hawaii. Today I am lucky to have found, and am going on, a photographers' tour of Kaua'i. It is advertised to be a small group, may locations, and a photographer on board who'll provide advice if asked. I am excited.

I hope you'll be able to get back into the books, soon. A little bit each day goes a long way.

>186 maggie1944: That sounds excellent! Let me know how it goes!

And so the year comes to an end, and my total reading count is 105!!! That's a huge record for me. Not sure I'll be able to keep that up next year.

Favourite read this year was probably The Night Circus it really took me by surprise and I still think about it now.

*cheers for Tane!*

Carry on, old fella. ;)

Wow! That's an amazing total.

And I am so pleased that you enjoyed The Night Circus. :o) Uh oh... I think I forgot to put that on my 'best of' list. (Ha, because I read it in '12. LOL)