Piyush's bid for 75

A Recap as the thread starter: Finished the year 2008 with a tally of 88 books, more than I could have hoped.

Here are my Top 10 Reads for the Year 2008 in no Order of Preference, something I posted on the 2008 group as well:

01. A Clockwork Orange
02. The Trial
03. Crime and Punishment
04. 1984
05. Siddhartha
06. Cat's Cradle
07. Anna Karenina
08. The Unbearable Lightness of Being
09. The Satanic Verses
10. The Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy

My ticker for 2009 reads:




My Ratings:
0.5 - Don't know why did I bother finishing it!
1.0 - Very bad
1.5 - Bad
2.0 - Could have utilised my time better
2.5 - Neutral
3.0 - Good enough for a read, not worth discussing though.
3.5 - More than decent read
4.0 - Very good!
4.5 - Just lacked something (maybe my bias) to become a 5!
5.0 - Excellent!

Welcome back, Piyush! I look forward to seeing another interesting reading list from you this year.

hi Piyush, glad you joined us again!

Look forward to your reading here!!!

Thanks guys...hope to make it for two years in a row with the ever present encouragement of you people.

You've got some great books on your list. Not easy reading, some of them, but the challenge is one reason why they're so good!

@Jennifer

Thanks, I definitely agree on the "not easy reading" part. I see that you are more into non-fiction, a genre I am yet to explore.

Welcome back. I enjoyed your thread in 2008 and look forward to chatting with you re. your choices for 2009

1. The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

4/5

I read The Little Prince about a gazillion years ago - I am going to have to go back and refresh my memory of it. Looks like you enjoyed it, so your reading year is off to a flying start!

>9 PiyushC:: A very interesting story. The only book I have read in three languages: English and Spanish on my own and a forced reading in German class. I actually own a French copy, also, but have had no French since 4th grade. Still, I keep thinking I should battle my way through it with the aid of Larousse, hoping that Spanish grammar and French grammar are similar enough. ;-)

Oh yeah, I liked it a lot, its an amazing story with lots of insights.

About the languages, I have tried learning French and German in the past, but I guess some people are simply not meant to learn new languages.

2. A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin

Very different to the usual fantasy novels I have been used to. The most amazing thing about the book apart from its darker than usual bit is its sheer unpredictibility. You never know who is going to die until the moment they actually do :P

3.5/5

>13 PiyushC: And the series stays like that! I just wish he'd finish it -- grrr....

A Game of Thrones is on my TBR list for this year. Good to see your take on it!

Suslyn,
When I saw you people so eagerly waiting for the next part, I realised it has to be good and decided to give it a try and I am pleased that I did.

Stasia,
I think you would like it just for the sake of novelty even if you dont like anything else in the book given your aversion to horror.

I was under the impression that A Game of Thrones was fantasy, not horror. Am I wrong in that?

Stasia

No, you are not, its a fantasy but very dark and hence the analogy with horror, but it doesn't belong to that genre by a long shot, so you should definitely read it, I just expressed my doubts abut you liking it.

Ah, OK. Well, I will give it a try and if I do not care for it, I will impose my 50 page rule and then not bother with the rest of the series either. Thanks for the clarification.

So what do you think guys -- is she gonna be hooked by 50 pages?

>20 suslyn:: It's like crack.

#21: Great just what I need -something else to eat away at what little brain I have left :)

Anyone feels like betting? :D
Loser reads a book of winner's choice :P

3. 2010: Odyssey Two - Arthur C. Clarke

3/5

so how was it -- not great I guess from the rating... Did you read 2001 first?

Yeah, read 2001: A Space Odyssey last year and rated it 4.5/5! This one was just not in the same league, the charaters nowhere as strong as in 2001: A Space Odyssey and Hal was disappointing. The excitement and mystery element was thoroughly missing.

In my ratings, 3 is neutral, so not too bad.

Spoiler

Metamorphosing Jupiter into a sun was I thought a bit overdone.

Haven't read them, but received them in my big shipment of books last fall. Seems there was a third one too...

...third one...

There was 2061: Odyssey Three, which should have been subtitled "How I Tricked the Paying Public into Buying Another Book". And there was 3001: The Final Odyssey, which should have been subtitled "Will This Series Never Die?"

lol -- well I also received book 3

TadaD

LOL, in that case, I better put off reading any more of this stuff, am now thinking of starting with Isaac Asimov, any thoughts on that one?

>30 PiyushC::

Asimov's interesting...people get very partisan about his works. If you want my two cents, here it is:

* His Grand Unification of the Foundation books and the Robots books was a Very Bad Idea (I've been re-reading some Pratchett...concepts now come out in capitals).

Therefore, I recommend the first three of his Foundation books (Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation) and the early Robot books (I, Robot, The Rest of the Robots), but I wouldn't start Robots and Empire 'cause that's where it started to go wrong...again, IMO.

* I like the first two of the Elijah Bailey books (Caves of Steel, The Naked Sun) though some find them too slow. The third one, The Robots of Dawn, is part of his Grand Unification..again, a bad idea.

* Currents of Space was OK.

* The movie ruined Fantastic Voyage for me, so I don't have a coherent opinion.

* Nightfall and Other Stories was good.

* Most of his other fiction stuff I consider only fair.

TadaD

Doesn't the series start with End of Eternity? I have been trying to get the reading order for his books, but it is all too messy...

>32 PiyushC: End of Eternity is a standalone, not part of either the Foundation or Robots series.

ETA: My advice:

1) Read I, Robot
2) Read Foundation
3) Decide which you liked better and then read either:
&nbsp 1a) The Rest of the Robots or
&nbsp 2a) Foundation and Empire and Second Foundation

I agree with Tad's assessment pretty much although he has a few (2?) listed I haven't read. I did enjoy Pebble(s?) in the Sky which is in the Foundation universe even if it doesn't follow the rules he has set up for Foundation. I would say that it also isn't as good. I thoroughly enjoyed the Elijah Bailey books too.

ETA: Have you considered Herbert's Dune et al? I like those a lot, including thoses done by his son. IMO good stuff. I'd be interested in Tad's take on that.

TadaD

Thanks, that was really helpful, I spent quite some time trying to google out for this kind of information, which in hindsight I realize was a complete waste of time, a copy of End of Eternity is already on its way, so would probably finish it before I start with I, Robot and Foundation. Once I am done with either The Rest of the Robots or Second Foundation, will contact you again for further reading list.

Suslyn

Is Pebble in the Sky part of Foundation series or is a standalone book? and when should I read it?

Suslyn

Though I have read my share of fantasy novels, Science fiction is a genre I have picked on very recently, so far have only read the following four apart from the Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams:

2001: A Space Odyssey
2010: Odyssey Part Two
War of the Worlds
The Time Machine

I have Dune, the first part, sitting on my shelf right now, but haven't started yet and have no idea what the series is all about. But if you think it good, will give it a try in the next couple of months.

It's been a long long time since I read Dune proper; somehow I inherited the 'prequels' written by his son and read them recently and loved them.

Other SF I really liked include:
Remnant Population by Elizabeth Moon
Manta's Gift by Timothy Zahn
Destiny's Road by Larry Niven
Starswarm by Jerry Pournelle
Deadman's Switch by Timothy Zahn (just read it over Christmas and was bowled over)

Those have the advantage of being stand-alones.

I really really like Cordelia's Honor by Bujold, which is an omnibus of the first two (by story chronology) books in her Miles series. The series goes downhill from there IMO until you get to the last two or so.
Another series I really liked is the Conqueror's series by Timothy Zahn. Funny thing is I started with Book 2 and am not sure it would have had the same impact for me if I had begun with Book 1.
And, finally, Zelazny's Amber series is a long-time fav, much re-read series.

I'd get opinions from Roni and Tad but there's my 'off the top of my head' list for sf.

4. The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Now I know why Nathaniel Hawthorne was so revered amongst even the other renowned authors (Herman Melville for instance) of his time, the book boasts of excellent character portayals, very coherent expression of ideas and an excellent use of language, the only reason for not rating it 5/5 is that ending seemed to be a force fitted to portray "and they lived happily thereafter"

4.5/5

#38: I am so glad you enjoyed it! The Scarlet Letter has been one of my all-time favorites for years now.

Like I certainly did! Just a tad disappointed with the hurried ending though...

I'd never even considered reading Scarlet Letter before... but if it's really that good... on the list it goes! :D

This was one of the books that we had to read in high school English, and so I hated it. I will have to try it again, with 50 more years of perspective on life.

dk_phoenix

If you like classics (looking at your library I guess you do), I am sure you will like this one too, The Scarlet Letter is as good as it gets!

aruba

I sincerely believe you should give it a second try, compulsory academic reading has an inbuilt bias against the book in consideration :)

Have you read any of Hawthorne's short stories, Piyush? I'm reading Selected Tales and Sketches right now (for class, sadly, but also enjoying it outside of that) and it's got a lot of gems. There's a lot of similar themes to The Scarlet Letter, too.

Marcia, I haven't yet read anything else by Nathaniel Hawthorne, would definitely try Selected Tales and Sketches if it is good, keep me posted about that, I have too have to write a review on Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance today.

5. The End Of Eternity - Isaac Asimov

3.5/5

Hey Piyush,

I read Dune last year for the first time and was so surprised. I didn't expect to like it and couldn't put it down. I have taken the advice of many other readers and not gotten into the sequels, letting the book stand on its own and not be whittled away by attempts to recapture the feeling of the first. I think you should definitely try it.

Philip K. Dick is another good sci-fi writer to try, IMO.

Will take up Dune soon then, also have Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? in my this year's TBR list. Any other Philip K. Dick book you would recommend?

I grabbed a collection of his short stories and novellas that had Minority Report Paycheck and a variety of others in it. If you can find such a collection, that's a good way to sample his writing.

Piyush, I finished Selected Tales and Sketches, and I would definitely recommend it! It was really great, especially the stories "The Artist of the Beautiful," "Rappacini's Daughter" and "Ethan Brand."

Mac

Thanks for the recommendations, will try to read Minority Report and Paycheck, which also is contingent on my experience with Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Marcia

Would grab a copy as soon as I see it at a bookstore near me :)

I personally like to get my books from a good bookstore and avoid ordering books online as long as possible, for me the experience of visiting a bookstore is also quite satisfying and this from a guy who HATES shopping.

#52: The only kind of shopping I believe in is book shopping!

Stasia

What a relief! Finally I found a girl who thinks like me! Where were you all these years!

In the old folks home, lol.

Hear hear for book shopping being the only kind. I'm not opposed to clothes shopping if I know what I'm looking for, or if its sale things but most of the time, book shopping is all that is required. And food shopping. Yummy food shopping is good, but only if I have enough money to get everything that I want!!

Hi.
joining the posts re. Nathaniel Hawthorne, he is one of my all-time favorite American literature authors. Regarding his short stories, here is a link to one of his best:

http://www.online-literature.com/hawthorne/124/

>57 Whisper1:, "The Artist of the Beautiful" is my favorite, too, Whisper! I'm actually considering writing an essay on it in the next week or so.

>52 PiyushC:-56, Book shopping is my weakness ie. that I spend most of my money on books, but I have to say that I'm a typical girl in that I also love shopping for clothes and most especially shoes.

I get lost for hours in bookstores. I need to take an alarm clock with me or something.

This Friday my husband is driving to Portland Ore for business and I'm going with him and will spend the whole day in Powell's book store. I've never been there and I'm so excited.

Oh have fun! I guess you, Aruba, are in the continental US after all :)

Oh, man, aruba, POWELL'S? Once you enter, you may never come out (by your own choice). Take a LONG wish list and a credit card with a hefty available balance. And be sure to accept a Map of the store when you enter - you'll need it.

#60--Born and raised in Aruba. Currently in Seattle, by way of London and New Orleans.

#61--Long list--no problem; $$--that's another story

>62 arubabookwoman: Just make sure you TAKE a list and don't try to memorize what you want; you mind will just go blank as soon as you cross the threshold.

6. Yuganta - Irawati Karmarkar Karve

This book analyses the different characters in the epic Mahabharata, the author also tries to separate the original version which was a great epic devoid of gods and miraculous things which she believes happen to be later interpolations to turn the book from a historical account to a religious one. The book is quite fascinating to read ONLY IF you are aware of the general storyline of the epic. It is an easy read since it doesn't deal with too many characters, one of the drawbacks being the author is a bit feminist and turns off some of the male readers.

3.5/5

LOL -- don't we all speak with an accent of one kind of another :)

LOL

Actually, "You probably speak with an accent and others have a hard time understanding" is the only part which is probably true, my European friends do sometimes have a hard time understanding :)

I certainly DO NOT see things in black and white! I am quite the opposite actually and there are quite a few people who take me more seriously than even I would have liked!

Straw hats!!! Must confess, I am stumped!

LOL Mine didn't look much like me either :)

>65 PiyushC:
What a fun quiz! I'm Anne of Green Gables. I can't decide if that's good or bad. At least she liked to read and we both spell our names with an "e". ;o)

7. Emma - Jane Austen

Emma's is a most irritable character, a spoilt child pampered by not only her father but her entire neighbourhood, thinks too highly of herself, behaves in the most stupid manner possible and then gets all she wants!!! *nods head in disapproval*

4/5

But Piyush, what do you really think?

Oh, I liked the book alright! The character of Emma was very amusing and hence the entire comment was overshadowed by the portrayal of her character.

I just think Jane Austen might have spoilt quite a few generations of girls with this book :P

8. A Doll's House - Henrik Ibsen

This is the first play I have ever read and I was impressed! The play talks about how even the loved ones make an image for us, which may be very contrary to the real us and what is worse is that knowingly or unknowingly we actually live up to the image! And when the realizations comes, the delusion is shattered and a lack of identity is experienced.

4/5

#73: It has been a century or so since I read any Ibsen. Might be time to go back and revisit him.

Stasia

How did you like his work? I have another Ibsen, The Wild Duck with me which I intend to read soon enough.

#75: Piyush, I have never read The Wild Duck, so I cannot comment on that one.

I do remember reading A Doll's House though, and even if I do not remember the play all that well, I do remember the impact that the play had on me in its denunciation of the traditional roles of men and women (suffice to say that it was a very personal reaction at the time). Anyhow, my reading of Ibsen is limited to only 3 of his plays: A Doll's House, Peer Gynt, and Hedda Gabler. I will be interested in your review of The Wild Duck.

Glad you read Emma. I read this one last year and it was my first AUsten. While she is a difficult character, always inspiring the wagging head, she was a fascinating character. And it looks like you ultimately enjoyed it, eh?

Stasia

I will try to be more thorough when I write about The Wild Duck.

Mac

Emma is my first Austen too! And I did enjoy it, as you said, Emma's character sure is fascinating! But I believe, she must have ruined a few generations of girls with this character of hers :P. I am currently almost half way through Northanger Abbey, but Catherine's character doesn't hold attention the way Emma's did.

I think my next will be Pride and Prejudice. My wife suggested that one next for me. I am going to do a TBR stack devoted to her suggestions!

I don't think I am going to read any more Austens after this one for the next month and a half (no place in my immediate TBR), but later in the year, plan to pick up either Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility. So, if you happen to read Pride and Prejudice till then, my decision would be hooked on to your review about the same!

Not sure what my next tbr pile will look like as I think I will try to get to a few more of my 100 best and then do my wife's recommendation pile.....I'll let you know.

What is this 100 best list you are following? I only use the 1001 list to get recommendations.

I have about four 100 best lists that I have been reading from for a few years now.....before the advent of the 1001 books before you die list. It has exposed me to authors I would've never read. I still have a ways to go before I finish them, even though there is some redundancy.

I just finished An American Tragedy and think you would really enjoy it. It's a great classic and one that does not receive much attention. I read Sister Carrie a couple of years back and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. This one was even better. While it's a classic, it is also a pre-cursor to all of the modern day crime fiction.....only Dreiser is better and more realistic. Worth a try. I left a review on my thread.

I hadn't heard of the Theodore Dreiser either! Added both books to my TBR pile, haven't read Dreiser either, guess thats another potential addition to the list.

Also want your recommendations on Stephen King books to read over the summers (which are different months in India).

Depends on your tastes. I don't think you can go wrong with either The Stand. If you get into fantasy, his take on fantasy is a cool mixture of Authurian legand and Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns. The first is called The Gunslinger and is a quick read. If you like it, there are six books that follow.

If you like more his original, simple horror type books, The Shining, 'Salems Lot, Dead Zone or Needful Things.

If you like psychological horror, try Gerald's Game or Dolores Claiborne.

His newest most successful titles which I like are Bag of Bones, Duma Key, and Blaze.

His short story collections are pretty good, too. Start with Night Shift

Agreed on that!!!

Have read and enjoyed The Shining, other titles I have read are The Green Mile and The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. Had already planned on reading The Stand, will also add, The Gunslinger, Salems Lot, Dead Zone and Needful Things to the list for this year.

Is Night Shift a short story or a series of short stories? Will try this one too! Have also heard a lot about The Dark Tower, whats your take on that?

Night Shift is the name of the collection. One of the reviews here on LT has a list of stories and a short review of each.

Warning! The Dark Tower is the last of the Roland books that start with The Gunslinger. You'll want to read them in order. And there are seven of them...plus assorted side material.

Definitely read The Dark Tower series in order. there are even those who would suggest reading several of his other novels at certain times in between the seven of the series as there is much crossover and pollination.....The Stand The Talisman Black House The Eyes of the Dragon.....so many connecitons. But if you just read the series itself, it stands alone well!!! One of my favorite reading experiences ever!!!!!! My wife nearly had to ban me from the house as I read the last book.

LOL, maybe the fact that I am single would help! I would read the series in the right order, didn't know then The Gunslinger is part of the The Dark Tower series

I'm adding my .02 to the comments regarding Stephen King books, one of my favorites of his books written awhile ago is Thinner and I believe King originally wrote in using the name of Richard Bachman .

>80 PiyushC:: I think that, given a choice between Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, there would be no question of choosing the first.

Linda & TadaD

Thanks for the recommendations. The TBR pile for summers nicely shaping up.

9. Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer

A very different subset of fantasy, a very refreshing and quick read. The characters and the plot is so very different than anything else we are used to, the book is worth reading only for that if nothing else!

3.5/5

#96: Catey will be very happy that you finally got around to reading Artemis, Piyush! I am currently reading book 3, and I like it better than the previous 2.

10. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

The story of the turnaround of a girl from a most irritating child to one who leads to the turnaround of another kid like her, the instrumental part being played by a Dickon, one of those boys no one can dislike, be it humans, animals, birds or even plants! The secret garden ofcourse provides for as the ideal venue for all these adventures of the three kids.

3.5/5

Hello there!

There is a lovely song on the soundtrack for the movie The Secret Garden.
It is called Winter Light and is incredibly beautiful.

Thanks Linda, will surely look for it. I haven't watched the movie either, am I missing something?

>100 PiyushC:, I'm not Linda, but I can say I recommend the movie (the 1993 version, there are several). It's a little different then the book but the acting is superb and the setting is perfectly magical.

Marcia (who is not Linda :P)

Thanks for the recommendation, just checked about the movie (1993 version) on imdb, definitely seems like something I would like.

Hello. I am Linda (smiles) and like allthesedarnbooks (who is not Linda), I highly recommend the movie.

While reading is always priority 1, priority 2 and 3 keeps shifting between Movies and Sitcoms. As of now apart from keeping track of fresh episodes of HIMYM and The Big Bang Theory, I am watching Office, Season 3 (cannot believe I missed it all these days!) It may be sometime therefore before I get to watching The Secret Garden (still have quite a few 2009 releases to watch too)

11. Doomsday Book - Connie Willis

Take out the time travel and it is a standard thriller, which makes it much easier to relate with the events and the characters. The book has the feel of a bomb ticking away, something big about to happen throughout the book and I was not wrong in expecting that, with a fairly good paced story peppered with events good enough to break the monotony, at the same time not breaching the continuity. Having said that, the ending was a bit abrupt and seemed a bit force fitted to leave the reader with a happy note, something I thought was uncalled for and hence a slightly lower ranking (though 3.5 is still fairly high in my rating system)

3.5/5

oh come on.... say something about it. 3.5 -- does that mean so-so? do tell...

Susan

Edited the above post to express my views about the book, would have liked to do it sooner, but have hurt my hip (dont know how) and hence had to go visit an ortho.

ouch! Hope you're feeling 100% soon!! I do hate abrupt or rushed endings... I don't recall if I had the same feeling on this one or not. Glad to know you didn't hate it! :)

Oh no, I definitely did like the book, just had a feeling that the ending could have been better managed.

The doctor has suggested one week of complete rest (a luxury I can't afford) and prescribed some painkillers, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of a minor crack (X-ray reports were not conclusive), but said he wouldnt do anything else even if there one.

how horrid! praying you're better soon, in spite of the dire predictions. Oooh yuck...

Hang in there, Piyush. Even though you can't afford complete rest......IT GIVES YOU READING TIME!!!!!!

Ouch Feel better soon.

I really hope you feel better soon! But if you can, read LOTS of book and drink LOTS of tea! Maybe that will help. :)

Catey

Piyush...
I'm sending all good wishes for a speedy recovery.

Thanks guys,

Your wishes mean a lot to me and it seems they have worked! My leg is a lot better today (though the celebrations are a bit premature) and I am assuming its not a crack after all!

Mac

I wish it was that simple. I am spending most of my time trying to sleep (in a sitting posture) given that even lying down hurts. The rest of my time goes in trying to catch up with all the action I am missing which sadly leaves me with even lesser time for reading :(

Piyush,

I am sending along my good wishes and prayers as well.

I decided to pop along here and see what else you enjoy reading and in the process ended up with another 5 books on my To Read list!
What would you say the main plot of The Lightness of Being is? I'd really like to read it but don't want to be
Sorry to hear that you've damaged your hip, I hope you make a swift and as pain free as possible recovery :).

Stasia & roseliot

Thanks for the wishes. Though I am still bed ridden for better part of the day, I am definitely feeling better, at this rate I should be up and running (ok, may be not running) in a weeks time.

Roseliot

Thanks for dropping by, glad I could help in expanding your TBR pile, would be interested to knw which were the lucky ones :)
Unbearable Lightness of Being is based on the concept, the title of the book tries to convey. We always talk of burdens which are predominantly considered bad (because they are heavy). This book explores the unbearableness of lightness of being. I have done a very poor job here, but still hope you got the idea and would give the book a try.

I've added Unbearable Lightness of Being to my list. Do you know if this book made into a movie? I know I've heard of it before.

I'm playing "catch-up" today. The Secret Garden is a long time favorite of mine--from childhood--with numerous rereads. Doomsday Book is a new favorite of mine--read it for the first time in January of this year and loved it. I like the parallel stories and especially the way it makes you realize that there are ways one can make a difference in life without being aware of it--or even thinking you failed.

I hope that by now my wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery are no longer needed! It is so discouraging to have to "live with pain!" Have you tried ice? I've been having problems with my neck and someone recommended that to me -- it has helped me.

Linda

Unbearable Lightness of Being has been made into a movie directed by Philip Kaufman, a 1988 release. I haven't yet seen the movie, cannot therefore comment on how faithful it has been to the book. I am sure you too would like the book, but even if you dont, do let me know of your opinion.

Carolyn

The pain has lessened considerably with my daily dosage of painkillers and my leg hurts mostly only when I am trying to walk, I am also almost back to my normal sleeping posture.
The Secret Garden and Doomsday Book were my first time reads and I quite liked them. Actually , my only "not so good read" so far this year is 2010: Odyssey Two

Hey, Piyush, I am glad to see that you are improving. I hope that you are up and walking (not running) very soon.

Thanks Stasia, I certainly hope so too.

Piyush..hopefully you will be walking, running and dancing soon.

12. The Arctic Incident - Eoin Colfer

This is the second book in the Artemis Fowl series and this one is even funnier than the first part. This book has definitely helped taking my mind off from my other reads like The Plague and am looking forward to the rest of the series. Thanks Catey for recommending this series.

3.5/5

You are quite welcome, Piyush! :-)

My favorite is book 5. So I'll definitely cannot wait until you get to it.

Catey

Sorry to hear about your leg, but I'm glad you're doing a little better!

Catey
I am using them as a buffer from the "not so cheery" books, so it may be by March that I finish the first 6 parts.

Marcia
Thanks for dropping by, I am definitely feeling better.

Hope the legs feeling better.........the lists are in your email!!!

Glad to share them with my classics buddy!!

Hey Mac
The leg is definitely healing, thanks for asking. I also did get your mail, the list looks good, thanks for sharing.

129 Well as long as you get them read sometime. :P
I am also glad to hear about your leg getting better, you should be running, chasing and leaping after book bargains in no time. :)

Catey

I'm simply stopping by to say how much I like the fact that we reach out to each other when support is needed. Piyush...we care and want you better...soon!

I have a pair of crutches I can loan you if you need them. Of course, you are probably 6 feet tall, and I am only 5' 2", so that might be a problem. Hmmm.

Seriously though, I am glad you are getting better. I know how bad it can be to have your legs giving you problems.

Seems I'm not the only one ... I have a cane and knee braces. Happily I don't need any of them atm :)

Piyush
Thus far, I've not broken bones, but simply sprained them. I don't have crutches to send, but have lots and lots of bandages and an bottle of Arnica montana -- given to me by my holistic friend/physician.

Arnica is a flower and is used for reducing the swelling and pain of bruises, sprains, muscle or joint problems.

Smiles,

I've used Arnica extensively since I broke my ankle in November, and I can second that - it does help!

Stasia, Susan, Linda, Angela

Thanks you all for the very generous offers, thankfully I don't think I would need them. Since today, I have been able to walk almost normally and not take the baby steps I was used to for the past one week. Today I also climbed 100 stairs in total, and the leg didn't pain much. Its like relearning the learning curve of walking :)

Woo Hoo! I know it was the threat of crutches that are a foot too short to you that finally did it.

I am glad you are doing much better!

Piyush..
I'm happy for you!

Yay!

Stasia
LOL, believe me when I say that you are mistaken, that is definitely not the reason, I am far from being a 6footer...

Linda, Angela, easymlmincome

It sure feels good to be walking again :)

13. The Plague - Albert Camus

The story as the name suggests is about a city called Oran where Plague breaks out and Oran and all its residents are isolated from the rest of the world. The book deals with the changes the people go through in their actions and thoughts because of this forced quarantine with emphasis on a few key characters. Albert Camus's writing style reminded me a bit of Franz Kafka, though the book is not as dark as Kafka's.

One thing I definitely know is this book would definitely make it to one of my top reads this year.

5/5

#145: I read The Plague too many years ago to count now, but I remember that I liked it a lot - more than I did The Stranger by Camus. Have you read that one yet? I would be interested in seeing your thoughts on it.

Piyush, The Plague just added to the pile. Thanks for the review--I did not know I wanted to read it until just now :-)

walking and reading/reviewing -- way to go ;->

Whoa! The Stranger made my list of least favorites from last year. I thought there would be no chance another Camus would ever be in my reading queue. You may change my mind. You are rarely so effusive with your feelings about a book and stingy with the 5 stars. So, I'll have to give this one some thought.

Piyush
I read The Plague a long time ago in college. Now, after reading your review, I'm tempted to re-read this one.

Stasia,
I am currently reading The Stranger, will let you know once I finish reading it.

Lisa
Glad I could help, I hope you would enjoy the book as much as I did.

Susan
:)

Mac
If you feel so strongly against The Outsider, then you should wait before adding The Plague until I also finish The Stranger, I think Albert Camus is one of those authors you either strongly like or strongly dislike and the two of us maybe just on the opposite extremes in this case.

Linda
How did you like it the first time? Since you are contemplating on a re-read, I would guess you liked it too, but just want to be sure.

Piyush

I read it under the pressure of having to write a paper once the book was finished. I remember it seemed graphic and sad.

I now want to read it through adult eyes.

Linda

I think you would have a better time reading The Plague this time around.

Hey Piyush,

I have a Halloween/October reading list up on the profile page!!! Let me know if you want to coordinate any of the reading!

Hi Mac,

Count me in for atleast the following three titles:

The Island of Dr. Moreau
Dracula
The House of Seven Gables

Mac - I'm in for most of the Halloween reads...Dracula is probably the only one I'd skip since I read it last year.

Piyush...What an interesting person you are! The House of Seven Gables is such a wonderful American literature book. I've visited the actual house many times. I love New England.

Mac, I'll check the Halloween reading list...count me in.

Hey Linda, thanks for the compliment, though I am quite unsure as to what did I do to deserve it :)
You seem to have developed quite a liking for the house it seems, wish I can also visit it someday.

This is shaping up to be a very good Halloween for reading!

14. A Wild Duck - Henrik Ibsen

The book is about a family who are reasonably happy in their lives, blissfully unaware of the fact that the husband of the family and his father have been wronged by the same person whom they respect. Then comes along the wrong-doer's son (also a friend of the husband of the family) who is an idealist and destroys the illusion the family is living under with the best interest of the family at heart. While he believes that the man of the family is strong enough to bear the burden and come out stronger, there is a doctor, a friend of the family who has till then nurtured the illusion, again with the best interest of the family at heart.

Who is right (the friend or the doctor)? Is it wrong to live a happy and contented (though illusionary) life? Where lies the thin line between hope and illusion or the two overlap?

The play left me with lots of questions to ponder on and I enjoyed it immensely.

4/5

I think I am going to have to revisit Ibsen some time in the near future. Thanks for the review and the recommendation!

Wow, this seems kinda cool to have a group of Halloween reads together!!! Looking forward to it a bunch. We'll have to coordinate an order as the witching hour approaches. Doc, one primary reason I included Dracula was your reviews and thoughts on the book from last year.

Piyush, nice review of the play.

Oh, don't stop on my account. Dracula's great! And the mood may strike me to reread it again anyway...8^}

As far as order, I'll follow your lead.

Hey Mac,
Don't worry about the reading order, you decide on your order as you normally do (just inform us of the order though), we will just start a thread, "blackdogbooks Halloween Special" or something and will keep up with you for the books we want to read, and thanks a lot for the compliment.

15. The Eternity Code - Eoin Colfer

The third installment in The Artemis Fowl series, another fun read as was expected after reading the first two books in the series.

3/5

16. The Stranger - Albert Camus

Argggh! A good book in general, but after all the build up and recommendations from numerous friends, it just didn't measure up to my expectations.

This is the story of a non expressive person, whose attitude towards life and everything else can be most aptly described as being indifferent to. This guy in an odd moment of anxiety (well, not exactly) commits a murder.

While any ordinary person would have escaped on the grounds of self defense and the absence of any prior criminal records, the lawyer in the court builds up a case against him on the basis of his behavioral aspects and misinterprets his indifferent attitude to being something criminal and so on.

The story is good, characters are not strong, but one of the reasons I didn't like this book as much as I would have expected is the obvious comparison to The Trial on similar lines which is a much better book.

While I had expected this book to be a perfect 5/5 before I started reading it because the hype and my very good experience with another Camus book, The Plague, I can barely grant it 3.5/5.

3.5/5

Finally, one I don't have to add to the TBR pile. Thanks, though, for your excellent review!

Piyush

Great review! I felt exactly the same way when I read The Stranger--which is why I never went ahead and read the other four works that came in the set I bought. Now I see I will have to try The Plague! My only question is--which should I read first: I bought The Trial by Kafka to read this year; should I read that first or The Plague first? Advice solicited! Thanks.

#165: Told you I liked The Plague more than The Stranger. Sorry it was not the other way around for you.

>165 PiyushC:: I read The Stranger in french many, many years ago while studying existentialist literature in high school. I didn't particularly like the book at the time, but I found that reading it with an eye toward the existential element made it a very well written book, if only for that reason. Some other existential pieces we read at around the same time just never measured up. (I'll never forget that first line... "Maman est morte.")

Hey Linda, glad you liked the review, glad also not to burden your TBR pile further :)

Carolyn

I read The Trial first and that didn't make me like The Plague any lesser. I don't think the reading order between these two books is an issue, both of them are very different from each other.

Stasia

Nothing like that really, atleast I got a good deal in The Plague, The Outsider wasn't that good is another matter altogether.

Faith (it is a really nice name)

I think it comes across from my review as if I really hated the book, but that is definitely not the case. The book was a very decent read, it just didn't happen to be what I thought it was. But when it comes to existentialist literature, I would rate Dostoevsky and Kafka higher than Camus.

Thanks :) ...you know, it's odd, but we didn't read any Kafka or Dostoevsky in that French class. We read some other random author who I've never heard of since, and then we watched 'Cool Hand Luke' dubbed over in French. Then I think we spent another class with the professor on the phone to his Polish mother, trying to figure out a translation of 'I am Canadian' into Polish, after which he spent an hour telling us about growing up in Poland across the road from a slaughterhouse. It was bizarre... and yet, probably my most vivid memory from high school... LOL.

Read all of the series to 3001 and, IMHO, none of them measured up to their parent. But, for all that, 2010 was WAY superior to Hollywood's ham-fisted treatment.

No Frankenstein? :)

Hi Tamaal

Why not join our lively, friendly and well read 75 book challenge group?
As you can see by the books posted and comments generated on Piyush's list, this is an interesting crew.

Hi Tamaal

As Linda, mentioned, you should join the group. Mac has already read Frankenstein during last Halloween and hence it is not mentioned.

Faith

That does sound weird but I am sure it must be a lot of fun. Clearly, the prof had no idea what he was doing it seems, LOL.

Tamaal, Frankenstein cannot be more highly recommended, though it doesn't appear on the expected Halloween reading for this year for the reason Piyush mentions.

Piyush, you are more kind to The Stranger than I was. I may still give The Plague a try one day.

Piyush, I was thinking. If you like 1632 at all you might consider the Belisarius series. One thing enjoy about 1632 is the Flint envisions American things in that society. Belisarius is set much earlier, but still A.D. and includes India in its scope.

Mac

You might like The Plague much better than The Stranger, the two of them are quite different from each other and I for one (and Stasia too I guess) certainly believe The Plague to be the better one.

Susan

Thanks for dropping by and for the recommendation. I might start reading 1632 later this week or the next week, will keep this recommendation in mind if I like 1632.

17. I, Robot - Isaac Asimov

Basically, a collection of short stories on Robots with positronic brains (in other words AI). The stories increase in complexity with the book and some of them like, Catch The Rabbit (where the Robots start dancing) and Reason (with the prophetic robot) were quite hilarious. The last story, The Evitable Conflict was a bit of an anti-climax (cannot write more about this story without spilling Spoilers), but otherwise the book was an excellent read.

4/5

#182: Stasia definitely prefers The Plague to The Stranger.

And now, I am going to have to read 1632 as well. I bought it about a month ago, but have not cracked the cover yet. I need to get to it soon!

I been thinking, again ;->, about alternative history. If I were to recommend one it would be Pastwatch by Card. hmmm... I think I'll see if it's on my shelves and give it a re-read. Hope I like it as much this time around (what? 3rd?).

ETA I did it. On page 42 and completely sucked into the story again. :)

Wasn't crazy about The Stranger either, though I haven't read The Plague ...maybe we should both give Camus a second chance?

I think I am going to start with 1632 earlier than I thought, this whole alternate history thing sounds very interesting, I anyways haven't read anything by Eric Flint before.

I have not read much Asimov but have always been curious. I have always leaned more towards Philip K. Dick. May have to seek Mr. Asimov out.

I will keep The Plague in mind but I have that bad taste in my mouth still. Maybe in a couple of years.

Mac

I haven't read anything by Philip K. Dick, but I do have Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? in my TBR list for this year. I enjoyed both the Asimovs I have read this year (another new author for me), maybe you would like him too.

As far as The Plague goes, take your time, I am mighty sure both of us would still be here on LT after 2 years.

18. Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen

A most disappointing read. There was nothing really good about this book, the plot was amateurish, the characters weak and the narration okayish. As opposed to my first Jane Austen read, Emma, the character of Catherine was very primitive, she comes across as stupid and lacks any of the charms Emma had. The book looked like following Brownian Motion, with Jane Austen herself having no idea where her story was going and when she had had enough, she abruptly closed the deal with a happy ending!

2/5

#191

I absolutely agree, except I only gave it 1 out of 5.

I think a lot of people said that it was supposed to be a spoof of the gothic novels around at the time, including those mentioned within the book. I just found it tedious and boring!

#191: Piyush, I never read Northanger Abbey and probably won't anytime soon. I do however have the movie version which I think is probably a lot better than the book. :P But then again, I do not know..

Catey

lunacat

I can totally understand why ould you rate in even lower. If it is a spoof, what I fail to understand is that why on earth would she need to write spoofs!!! Why not do what she does best and write "normal" novels! Anyways, I didn't even find the novel funny, so even if it is a spoof, the rating remains unchanged.

Catey

I am very sure that anything would be better than this book and from your comment, it seems this can well be one of those movies which are better than the book.

#195: Piyush, I really think it is. But maybe one century you should watch the movie and see if it is better than the book since you've read it and I haven't... yet... :)

Catey

Once again, my place in the world as one of the few people who love Northanger Abbey is confirmed...

#197: Marcia, Having yet to have read Northanger Abbey, I don't really have an opinion on it but I can tell you that I really liked the movie version. I will add it to my TBR Island... but probably won't read it anytime soon, maybe this winter sometime.

At least we agree on Mansfield Park as our favorite Jane Austen book. :)

Catey

*raises hand*

Allthesedarnbooks, you are not alone. I like Northanger Abbey, too.

#197 & 199

Me, too! (or "I, also?") ;-)

I have yet to read Radcliffe but I used to read the 20th century Gothics when I was a teenager and I thought NA was hilarious! Those heroines a were so "young and foolish."

Catey

I am not sure when will I get the time to see this movie, like books, my "to be watched" list too is huge!

Marcia, Caty, Carolyn

I am sure my not having ever read the Gothic romance novels might be a source of me not liking this book, but she cannot really expect me to go through all that torture to understand and maybe like her book :)

Glad I'm not alone in my Northanger Abbey love! It's probably my second favorite Jane Austen after Mansfield Park and Emma, which are tied for first.

>200 MusicMom41:, I read a lot of 20th century Gothics in my formative years, too, Carolyn. I inherited a lot from my grandma's library and, I admit, I kinda fell in love with them. They're so over the top and ridiculously fun! In fact, I might very well need to read some Gothics now, this conversation has made me hungry for mystery and melodrama!

>202 PiyushC:, Piyush, you're missing out on a lot of heroines in distress and haunted manors by refusing to read Gothic romances... Doesn't that make you want to reconsider? :P

#202 PC

Ahh! But to the female English reader of Austen's day the Gothic novel was designed to put a little excitement in her life--which is exactly what Catherine in Northanger Abbey was trying to do in her "actual life."

I think being a genteel girl being prepared to be a genteel lady could be an awfully boring existence--which may have been one of the observations Austen was trying to make in the novel

Men lead such exciting lives they could never really understand the need to have to create your own excitement. :-D (Since you can't hear my "tone of voice"--the proceeding statement is meant to be a joke!)

Marcia,

You make them sound so irresistible :P

Carolyn

LOL - "Men lead such exciting lives they could never really understand the need to have to create your own excitement."I so very much wish it were true, but alas...

#201: Piyush, my *to be watched* is so immense! I don't know when I'd have the time to watch anything but I seem to watch X-Files alot. :) Which I watch it with my sis, late at night, when I am too tired to read..

Catey

Catey, I have 6 seasons of X-Files with me which I intend to watch this year (amongst many other sitcoms and movies). The problem is the same, don't get enough time from reading to cut down on to be watched list.

Piyush, tonight is one of those nights I am way too tired to even think of reading.(I got two boxes of books of mine out of the garage and it was covered in dust and the smell of mothballs, both of which I am allergic to and now I cannot stop sneezing to save my life) So.. I think I am going to watch something on my to be watched.. if I can find it.. I seem to procrastinate when it comes to reading so I watch things in the afternoons after school, then in the evenings (if I am not watching anything with my sis), I read for awhile and I hate stopping, so I tend to finish a book in a day or two depending on how tired I am. :)

Catey

Oh...hope you are feeling better now...I watch things when I am eating at my room (the frequency of which is very low these days, last few days in campus, so going out too frequently)...I read multiple books at a time (some times even 8 ), therefore while I average almost a book every 3 days, it normally is not the same book I started with.

19. The Opal Deception - Eoin Colfer

The book starts with Artemis Fowl as he was in book 1 all over again. While he had forgotten all about fairies, apparently, the fairies hadn't! There are more than one criminal masterminds in the world and this book picked an old "friend" to fill the role. The book also witnessed Mulch Diggums, one of the most funny characters in the series gain more importance, the increased role of the dwarf was a delight. The plot is getting a bit repetitive and the book suffers from very high degree of predictability.

3/5

#210: Piyush, yes I am feeling better! Thank you!!

Yay, more Artemis Fowl... :P

4 done, 2 to go, hoping he would come up with the seventh one till then :P

20. 1632 - Eric Flint

Recommended by Susan, bang on target once again! The book scores highly on entertainment quotient with a very good combination of alternate history and excellent story telling. What the book lacks in reality, it kinds of makes up for it with the ultra optimism and all the characters rate very high on enthusiasm. The book (with a YA written all over it) is not exactly a Sci-fi, and am unable really to place it genre-wise.

3.5/5

#214: I have that one too, just have not gotten around to reading it yet. I will have to bump it up on the pile a bit.

#213: I hope he does write a seventh one soon!

Sorry it took so long to reply, I have not been in the mood to read much of anything but I am hoping I broke free of that and now will start reading posts. (I haven't read many posts since thursday) let's just say I am wee behind. :P

Catey

Hey Catey, I haven't been able to do the same for the last few days, today however I made sure I finish the backlog of posts, I am a bit behind on my reading too, haven't been able to finish my assigned War and Peace reading for this month.

21. A Damsel In Distress - P. G. Wodehouse

P. G. Wodehouse is one of the authors I had never read before and A Damsel In Distress is my first read. The book doesn't boast of a storyline to talk about, but is still very funny. I read the book for entertainment and I WAS ENTERTAINED beyond doubt. The characters, the narration and the situation all were very conducive to a humorous story and humor it did contain in plenty.

4/5

Piyush,
I haven't read any of the works of Wodehouse. I like your review and thus I'm adding this one to my pile.

>218 PiyushC: Is it a novel or is it a collection of short stories?

Hi Linda, I guess you would like it. BTW, one of next 5 books will be be a Dahl, I thought you might be interested in knowing :)

Eliza,
A Damsel in Distress is a single novel.

Hi Piyush
Certainly, I'm interested in knowing that one of your next five books will be a Dahl. Of pray, do tell me, which one?
(I'm smiling).

Hi Linda, I have to pick one from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches, Beware of the Dog and My Uncle Oswald, any suggestions?

I am not Linda, but My uncle Oswald is one of Dahls work for adults. I can't find a work of him with the title Beware of the Dog.
Leaves the other two, from those I like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory better.

Anita

ditto what Anita said. I will always defer to her when it comes to YA reading. She is, after all, the one who took me down this wonderful path last year and I've been reading incredible YA books ever since.

Hi Anita, thanks for the recommendation, didn't know about My Uncle Oswald, guess will keep it for a later date/year, once I finish reading his better titles... Beware of the Dog is a short story, available at http://www.classicshorts.com/author.html along with many other fav authors of mine.

Thanks Linda, with two strong recommendations, I have no choice but to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory next. Is it a part of some series, I can also see another title by the name Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.

Dahl wrote many short stories, most for adults. Long time ago I read some of them, all I recall is his twisted, dark humor.

There are some reviews for Switch Bitch and Kiss Kiss here on on LT.
Maybe someone else here is more knowledgable about these stories by Dahl.
Anita

PS Charlie and the Glass Elevator is not as good as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Thanks for the additional info, really glad to have you here :)

I agree, Charle and the Glass Elevator was very disappointing. My favorite is BFG (Big Friendly Giant.) I really think this one is incredible.

I agree that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a great book, and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator is disappointing.

When I was a child I loved Danny The Champion of the World, but was less keen on James and the Giant Peach.

I enjoyed My Uncle Oswald and even more so The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, which has wonderful short stories; the one that really sticks in my mind is The Swan. I also liked his early years autobiography, Boy.

In terms of his adult works, I've read most of his short stories, including all the Tales of the Unexpected and Kiss Kiss, Switch Bitch and I think there are others. Most are incredibly dark and twisted, and leave you feeling slightly disturbed. However, they're masterfully written.

jbeast
I was able to obtain a copy of Roald Dahl's book Skin. I'll be reading it this weekend. I'm told this one is also "dark and twisted."

>233 Whisper1:: It's true! It is! I kept reading it at night and had a hard time getting through it... this was a few years ago... still, it's daytime reading if you have an overactive imagination that will carry threads of the stories into your dreams/nightmares!

WOW..that powerful eh?

Skin here has got me really interested!

22. The Lost Colony - Eoin Colfer

This book introduces yet another species of fairies, the ferocious (not really) demons. While the book retains its fair share of humor, this book also witnessed the relationship between Holly and Artemis hitting a new high.

3/5

>235 Whisper1:: Linda, I'm not sure if it's really that powerful, or... I just have an incredibly overactive imagination. Nightmares are a regular occurrence for me, and my brain will take anything weird or unusual I've read or seen and turn it into a bad dream. Usually the dreams involve my death somehow or another, but I'm used to it by now... if you can ever "get used to" that sort of thing...

I'm currently reading Skin by Roald Dahl. All I can say is that it is certainly NOT a children's book.

Hi!

I was just looking through your thread and wanted to add Galactic Pot-Healer as a Philip K.Dick recommendation. It's quite surreal and philosophical but one of my favourites by him.

Hi nooli,
Thanks for the recommendation.

Piyush

How's the Roald Dahl going? Had quite a warped mind didn't he!

:)

Hi Liz,

Actually, I haven't started Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, am busy with packing and transportation, have my convocation tomorrow, will vacate the room the day after. I have done some reading in the meantime, will list them in April.

good luck Piyush!

Oh how exciting! Congrats!!!!

#244: Congratulations Piyush!

Congrats!!!! Hope all goes well!!

Catey

Congratulations Piyush.

Thanks all!

Finally, I attended a convocation (had missed my bachelor's degree convocation) and it was huge!

Now, will spend three weeks with parents and then will be off to my new job in Mumbai, already seems to be quite an eventful year :)

So good to hear from you Piyush. Again, congratulations! A new job in Mumbai...This time of your life sounds very exciting. I wish you all the best that life has to offer!

Thanks Linda :)

My new thread can be found at http://www.librarything.com/topic/61782