![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by almondjoy on December 30, 2003, at 17:25:57
Hey all,
i just finished "Choke" by Chuck Palahniuk, same guy who wrote Fight Club, and it was excellent!!! So now i'm reading Steven King's older book of novellas "Different Seasons" which has shawshank redemption, apt pupil, and stand by me. his newer stuff is too weird for me, or maybe not weird enough (???)
Since schools out a couple more weeks i'm trying to read as much a i can, and can't find or not sure what to think about a few of these books..."Life of Pi" by Yann Martel, "Less than Zero" by Bret Easton Ellis (I liked "Rules of Attraction") or "Fortress of Solitude" by Johnathan Lethem...or any other books by those authors or similar ones. I'm almost out of books by my favorite author of the moment, Hubert Selby so I'm anxious to get to something else good.
i love the 70's, satire, sex, drugs, race relations, and contemplation...any suggestions?take care
d
Posted by almondjoy on January 1, 2004, at 18:33:10
In reply to I'm reading..., posted by almondjoy on December 30, 2003, at 17:25:57
Whats everyone reading? Thumbs up or down?
d
Posted by Karen_kay on January 3, 2004, at 20:32:13
In reply to Re: I'm reading..., posted by almondjoy on January 1, 2004, at 18:33:10
I just finished "Running With Scissors" by augusten burroughs, "the five people you meet in heaven" by mitch albom. The first made me laugh. The latter made me cry. I desperately needed both. Running is a memoir about a child who is adopted by his mother's psychiatrist, who is very unorthodox to say the least. It is rather funny. Five people talks about a conception of heaven based on the lesson a person learns about his own life upon entering heaven. I read it in about 2 hours. And cried about 4 times (and I am not a crier!!!!) A CLASSIC I always suggest is called "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole. The film is in the works with Will Ferell set to play the led role, not my choice but what can I do??? The lead character is Ignatius J. Reilly, a strange man who is in his forties, still lives with his mother, can't hold a job, has very strange habits and gets into loads of trouble. I've reread it about 4 times. And of course, I love "Ham on Rye" by Charles Bukowski. Well, mainly anything by Bukowski is great. It's just gritty and dirty writing about sex, alcohol, gambling and more alcohol.
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 5, 2004, at 10:49:40
In reply to I'm reading..., posted by almondjoy on December 30, 2003, at 17:25:57
"Life of Pi" is awesome.. definately my book of last year.
As far as race relations.. I'm currently reading "To Kill a Mocking bird".. (its not giving me the book to link to at Amazon.. strange!) and I am LOVING it hugely.. having to convince myself I can't read ALL the time!! *l*
"Fear and loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S Thompson is a must for a drug related read *lol* And "Mr Nice" is a favourite autobiography of mine.. About Howard Marks, Britains largest drug dealer at one point!! "Snow Blind" by Douglas Kalajian
is another autobiographical work about drug dealing.. this time importing Cocaine into the US in the 70's..As for ceontemplation.. how about "Sophies World" by Jostein Gaarder.. tis a very philosphical book!
I got some great book tokens for christmas, so am off to spend an afternoon in the bookshop later this week..
So far on the list is a John Irving book.. probably "Cider house rules" or "Hotel New Hampshire", "The Tin Princess"" by Phillip Pullman (my current hero!!), and another which I've forgotten now *lmao*Enjoy your reading...
Nikki x
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 5, 2004, at 16:57:18
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » almondjoy, posted by NikkiT2 on January 5, 2004, at 10:49:40
"Hotel New Hampshire" by John Irving
and "The Tin Princess" by Phillip Pullman
Nikki x
Posted by Penny on January 7, 2004, at 8:22:15
In reply to I'm reading..., posted by almondjoy on December 30, 2003, at 17:25:57
I'm currently reading "Finding Alice" by Melody Carlson, who is apparently a Christian author, and while I don't hold this against her by any means, I don't know that I would have picked up the book had I known that! I wasn't familiar with her, but the book seems pretty interesting thus far - about a college student who has a schizophrenic break her senior year of college. I'm also listening to "Lost in a Good Book" by Jasper Fforde - I've read it before but have recently discovered that listening to good books, especially fantasy-type things, makes for a good way to get to sleep at night! It's distracting and calming enough that I don't lay there thinking about the worries of the day!
P
Posted by noa on January 10, 2004, at 12:28:12
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » almondjoy, posted by NikkiT2 on January 5, 2004, at 10:49:40
Nikki, I see you are now hooked on John Irving!
"To Kill a Mockingbird" has always been one of my favorites!! And, btw, re the previous discussion of books to movies, TKAM translated beautifully into the film version. I love both.
Posted by noa on January 10, 2004, at 12:31:27
In reply to I'm reading..., posted by almondjoy on December 30, 2003, at 17:25:57
I want to read "Life of Pi", too. Thanks for reminding me.
I think I'd like to read the King novellas you mentioned, too.
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 10, 2004, at 12:31:54
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » NikkiT2, posted by noa on January 10, 2004, at 12:28:12
So many poeple have said to me "Oh you must see the movie now", but I've been resisting as I am so rarely satisfied with film adaptations! I think this is why I see so few movies these days!
And I can't see Gregory Peck as Atticus, though a friend assured me his handsomness was played down!
Back to movie thread now!
Nikki x
Posted by noa on January 10, 2004, at 12:33:25
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » almondjoy, posted by Karen_kay on January 3, 2004, at 20:32:13
Karen, were you the one who originally introduced PB bookers to "Confederacy of Dunces"?
Sorry, I don't remember who was around then. For those who weren't, "Confederacy of Dunces" was the first (I think it was the first) book that the PB book club read, when this book board was started (we started out more of a reading group but it fizzled out).
Anyway, that is cool that it is being made into a movie after ALL these years!
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 10, 2004, at 12:36:04
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » NikkiT2, posted by noa on January 10, 2004, at 12:28:12
Yes.. totally hooked on Irving!! *g* I really liked Prayer for Owen Meany, and I think I read another one then.. but Garp was just fantastic!! *g* "Hotel New Hampshire" looks quite amusing which is good!!
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 11, 2004, at 7:26:24
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » almondjoy, posted by Karen_kay on January 3, 2004, at 20:32:13
I was reading it last night and was thinking "I could make this into an awesome movie"!!! theres so many bits in it that so need to be on screen.. the little visual bits in it that would be in background.
I'm loving "Confederacy of dunces".. It is such a visual book and I have wonderful images in my head already (always a sure fire way to show I am enjoying a book!)..
But.. would any film director etc get Ignatious to look like he does in my head??!
Nikki xx
Posted by Catmom on January 14, 2004, at 0:14:50
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » Karen_kay, posted by NikkiT2 on January 11, 2004, at 7:26:24
I always read a lot; I especially enjoy poetry and usually have a couple of poetry books by my bedside. Or in my bed, to be more accurate. I am also in a book-club and this year we have read: "My First White Friend" by Patricia Raybon; "East of Eden" by Steinbeck (it was an Oprah selection, which induced one of our members to read it and she recommended it very highly). We read "The Piano Tuner" by Daniel Mason---amazing! Mason is a very young MD--I think he just graduated from Med School in 2003--who has managed to write an historical novel set in Burma in the 1880s.
For our meeting later this week we are discussing Edith Wharton's "The Custom of the Country". It's not my favourite Wharton novel, but it is an excellent, if chilling, satire.
When I want to relax, I read detective stories. Sometimes I go through a period of reading books about therapy also, but there is no particular one that I really feel I MUST recommend!
Posted by Karen_kay on January 14, 2004, at 22:35:12
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » Karen_kay, posted by NikkiT2 on January 11, 2004, at 7:26:24
I agree that it would make a truly fascinating film. I think that Drew Barrymore is helping produce it though ??? See, I just don't know.... A lot of hype and budget but not a lot of integrity.... IMHO.... I'm a tcom major and I love reading books and envisioning what the film looks like in my head. I have an uncle who would be the perfect lead role LOL!!! Does that count? However, he's not an experienced actor. Enjoy the book, it's wonderful! I've returned to it many times! And it gets me every time too! Maybe it's my faulty memory?? I think the brilliant writing has a lot to do with it a well :)
Posted by Karen_kay on January 14, 2004, at 22:39:21
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » Karen_kay, posted by noa on January 10, 2004, at 12:33:25
Doubtful hun, I haven't been around that long. But, it is a great book. I'm not too hyped about the film in works though. I dislike Will Ferrel, at least as the lead. He just seems too dense. They need someone more intelligent who's neurotic, you know?
Posted by noa on January 18, 2004, at 10:50:49
In reply to Re: I'm reading... » noa, posted by Karen_kay on January 14, 2004, at 22:39:21
Dennis Quaid?
Kevin Spacey?
Oliver Platt?
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 18, 2004, at 16:42:33
In reply to Re: Confederacy casting » Karen_kay, posted by noa on January 18, 2004, at 10:50:49
Kevin Spacey would be perfect.. but could he carry off the physical size??
Richard E Grant could be great for the policeman maybe.. (I'm bad with names! Sorry)
And theres a young black comedien I've seen on TV that would would be perfect for the role of the "sweeping guy" in the bar!!!
I shall see what the film is like though probably as I am really really enjoyiong the book!
Nikki
Posted by Karen_kay on January 19, 2004, at 14:22:20
In reply to Re: Confederacy casting » Karen_kay, posted by noa on January 18, 2004, at 10:50:49
Kevin Spacey is SUPERB!!! What about Billy Bob Thornton, back in Sling Blade era? Hmmmm.... I'd say YES!!!!!
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 19, 2004, at 16:51:15
In reply to Re: Confederacy casting, posted by Karen_kay on January 19, 2004, at 14:22:20
Billy Bob Thornton???
First.. I'd say.. PPPPHHHHWWWWOOOOOOOOOAAAAARRRRRR... I'd swear first, but I'm not allowed here *lol*
And wow.. yeah.. he could be awesome..
I finished the book 10 minutes ago (just got out of bath)..
Fantastic book.. so so good!!! I've been so impressed with it!
Now its whether to read "Hotel new Hampshire" or "The Red Tent"!
Think it'll be hotel new hampshire.
Nikki xx
Posted by Karen_kay on January 20, 2004, at 17:41:18
In reply to Re: Confederacy casting » Karen_kay, posted by NikkiT2 on January 19, 2004, at 16:51:15
But what about the mother? Kathy Bates maybe or Ellen Bernstein (is that her name???? From Requeim to a Dream)....I just can't remember what she looked like. Maybe it's time to read the book again *wink*..I'm always up for rereading it :)
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 21, 2004, at 7:58:38
In reply to Re: Confederacy casting » NikkiT2, posted by Karen_kay on January 20, 2004, at 17:41:18
Kathy Bates is awesome.. I love her!! But maybe.. to frumpy if that makes sense.. I'm thinking of someone more.. tackily dressed up.. *ponders* An aging starlet kind of thing, you know?? I have an aunt who would be perfect *lmao*
And oh my god.. I had to see my gP this morning, and I *swear* Ignatious sat next to me!!! he was GROSS!!! And in the 20 mins I sat next to him, he ate three macdonalds breakfasts, three somosas and three cans of coke!!! And he snorted and snuffled the whole way through.. EURGH!!!
Am enjoying "Hotel new Hampshire" alot.. its wierd, and I like wierd reads!!!
Nikki xx
Posted by Karen_kay on January 21, 2004, at 12:46:13
In reply to Re: Confederacy casting » Karen_kay, posted by NikkiT2 on January 21, 2004, at 7:58:38
Oh girl, people like that I love to chat with...I get bored talking to ordinary people. Did you ask him to share some of his breakfast? I would have. I haven't heard of the new book you mentioned. What's it about? I actually think my therapist gets angy with me because in the waiting room I make him wait because I'm busy talking to the people waiting with me. He's always like, "Karen....Karen, are you ready?" I jsut like to talk, if you can't tell...I love people, they're so interesting.
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 24, 2004, at 17:48:27
In reply to Re: Confederacy casting » NikkiT2, posted by Karen_kay on January 21, 2004, at 12:46:13
Ooooh no, you don't start talking to people where I live!! *l*
He was offering food around, but he seriously was filthy, and I just didn't feel safe!! but then, I'm a social phobic so no one feels safe unless I know them very very well!! *l*Nikki x
Posted by Karen_kay on January 25, 2004, at 11:26:31
In reply to Re: Confederacy casting » Karen_kay, posted by NikkiT2 on January 24, 2004, at 17:48:27
Ooooh no, you don't start talking to people where I live!! *l*
**ROFL!!! I guess I'm a bit different, as I was raised in Smalltown, USA and still find myself waving to everyone :) May have to come out of that when I move to Cali though. Maybe not? We'll see.
So, what books are you reading now? I've been to numerous bookstores browsing but to no avail. I recently bought "Tuesdays with Morrie", though I've read it several times. I got "Five people you meet in heaven" and decided, after searching several bookstores to give the former another looksie. Of course, they had it sitting out because five people is such a big hit and I fell for it. But then again, I need to cry sometimes, right?
Oh, I recently went to see Big Fish (SUCH A GREAT FILM!!!! Masterpiece! Magnificant!! BEAUTIFUL!! can you tell I loved it??) and I saw a preview for Lady Killers with Tom Hanks. He put on quite a bit of weight, had a southern accent...Started thinking, "Hmmmmm...Our new Ignatius???? Perfecto!" Also, I'm still reading "Why I'm like this" It's cute and all, but it's taken rest in my basket by the toilet (shamefull, I know.) It's perfect for that though, as they are short stories about former boyfriends, therapy mishaps, jobs, ect.
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 30, 2004, at 14:06:27
In reply to Re: Confederacy casting » NikkiT2, posted by Karen_kay on January 25, 2004, at 11:26:31
Hey.. found this..
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340054/fullcredits
I think Olympia Dukakis is wonderful casting!!!
I found it because Mos Def has been cast as Ford Prefect in Hitchhikers Guide to Galaxy!!!
Nikki x
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Books | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.