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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2 to 26 of 29. Go back in thread:
Posted by Racer on August 28, 2006, at 13:04:32
In reply to I want to start reading again, posted by Deneb on August 27, 2006, at 18:24:18
We knew what sorts of things you liked to read!
"Not too much concentration?" Should I send you to children's books, which I love? Or to something like "The Eyre Affair?" Or maybe potato chip books, like "The Man With The Load Of Mischief?" Or maybe "If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O?"
There are a ton of books out there, Deneb, but it helps to know what you like. Tell me that, I'll recommend...
Posted by Racer on August 28, 2006, at 13:05:25
In reply to I want to start reading again, posted by Deneb on August 27, 2006, at 18:24:18
OK, here's another option:
"B*mbos of the Death Sun." With a title like that, you *know* you gotta read it, right?
Posted by Deneb on August 28, 2006, at 23:03:23
In reply to Honey, it would help if... » Deneb, posted by Racer on August 28, 2006, at 13:04:32
> There are a ton of books out there, Deneb, but it helps to know what you like. Tell me that, I'll recommend...
I'm not sure what types of books I like to read. I think I'll like to sample all the genres, from bibliographies to science fiction. I really need to catch up. LOL
Yes...one from each genre, for now at least. Then I can narrow down what I like.
Today I'm going to start reading "Feeling Good". My pdoc recommended it to me. It's more like homework, so I would like to read another book for pleasure.
Deneb*
Posted by Deneb on August 28, 2006, at 23:09:02
In reply to Oooops! » Deneb, posted by Racer on August 28, 2006, at 13:05:25
> OK, here's another option:
>
> "B*mbos of the Death Sun." With a title like that, you *know* you gotta read it, right?LOL, are you really recommending it to me?
Deneb*
Posted by Racer on August 29, 2006, at 0:28:04
In reply to Re: Oooops! » Racer, posted by Deneb on August 28, 2006, at 23:09:02
> > OK, here's another option:
> >
> > "B*mbos of the Death Sun." With a title like that, you *know* you gotta read it, right?
>
> LOL, are you really recommending it to me?
>
> Deneb*
Honestly -- it comes with one of the highest Racer Recommendations! So does its sequel: "Zombies of the Gene Pool." They even come combined in one volume: "B*mbos and Zombies." GREAT fun books, by Sharyn McCrumb.For SciFi: "Ender's Game." One of my very favorites. And then "Inferno," by Larry Niven and I think Jerry Pournelle. And "The Mote in God's Eye," by the same.
Mysteries:
Historical: Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series, beginning with "A Morbid Taste For Bones." Also, Anne Perry's books -- my favorites are the Monk series, starting with "The Face of a Stranger." The Charlotte and Thomas Pitt stories start with "The Cater Street Hangman," and are also good stories.
For sheer joy in storytelling, no one going right now beats Fannie Flagg, author of "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe." I think I might like "Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man" a bit better, and I highly recommend "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl." In fact, I think I'd start with that last one.
"The Eyre Affair" is brilliant, as are the other books in the series. Comic novels set in an alternate England.
For alternate Englands, Phillip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy is also great.
Then there's Jane Austen -- "Pride and Prejudice" is one of my very favorite ever books.
Edith Wharton is also on my list, probably starting with "The House of Mirth."
That's it for tonight. I'm missing Medium on TV...
Posted by Deneb on August 29, 2006, at 14:37:33
In reply to Re: Honey, it would help if..., posted by Deneb on August 28, 2006, at 23:03:23
Sorry, I meant biographies LOL
Posted by Racer on August 29, 2006, at 16:36:12
In reply to Re: Honey, it would help if..., posted by Deneb on August 29, 2006, at 14:37:33
> Sorry, I meant biographies LOL
But there's nothing wrong with reading bibliographies, if that's what you're into...
;-D
Posted by Deneb on August 29, 2006, at 19:52:30
In reply to LoL! I missed that one... » Deneb, posted by Racer on August 29, 2006, at 16:36:12
I'm reading "The Eyre Affair". I love the dodo bird. LOL
Thanks for all your recommendations.
Deneb*
Posted by Racer on August 29, 2006, at 20:10:14
In reply to I started reading » Racer, posted by Deneb on August 29, 2006, at 19:52:30
Posted by finelinebob on August 29, 2006, at 23:39:54
In reply to Sure thing, Deneb -- you're very welcome (nm) » Deneb, posted by Racer on August 29, 2006, at 20:10:14
I agree with Racer about "Ender's Game" and it has lots of sequels if you like the first book. Elizabeth Moon also has a cool set of books out -- sci-fi with strong woman protagonist -- but the third in the series is only out in hardcover right now, I think, and I hate recommending trilogies that aren't all available in paperback.
More sci-fi, with a big gender-bending twist: Ursula K. LeGuin's "Left Hand of Darkness". Very cool read, don't know about easy.
If you want some really light, funny children's reads, there are two great titles out of the Japanese "My Body Science" series: "Everyone Poops" and "The Gas We Pass".
Posted by Racer on August 30, 2006, at 1:28:46
In reply to Re: Sure thing, Deneb -- you're very welcome, posted by finelinebob on August 29, 2006, at 23:39:54
'Nother thought, also from Nikki -- "Sabriel," "Lirael," and "Abhorsen," by Garth Nix. Interesting stories, very imaginative.
And he's from Oz!
Posted by finelinebob on August 30, 2006, at 1:44:12
In reply to Re: Sure thing, Deneb -- you're very welcome, posted by Racer on August 30, 2006, at 1:28:46
> 'Nother thought, also from Nikki -- "Sabriel," "Lirael," and "Abhorsen," by Garth Nix. Interesting stories, very imaginative.
>
> And he's from Oz!Deneb, are you over in Oz, too? If that's the case and you like Sci-Fi, look up Sara Douglass' work. The US is a few years behind in publishing her stuff, so I usually have to order it online from a bookstore she has listed on her site.
Posted by NikkiT2 on August 30, 2006, at 11:20:51
In reply to Re: Sure thing, Deneb -- you're very welcome, posted by Racer on August 30, 2006, at 1:28:46
I have to add a plug for his Nursery Crime series too.. "The Big Over Easy" and "The Fourth Bear"..
I adored "Lirael" and the other two.. wonderful books that left me dreaming of their world for weeks..
*sighs* I am seriously lacking good books. I just read the latest in the Artemis Fowl series, "Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony" They're fun, but not nourishing in any way..
What I want is another Lirael at the moment!!!
Nikki x
Posted by james K on August 30, 2006, at 13:38:05
In reply to I want to start reading again, posted by Deneb on August 27, 2006, at 18:24:18
I looked around my shelves, thinking "what would I pull out if Deneb was here and asked about books?" I finally decided I might try "Dreams Underfoot" by Charles de Lint. He writes fantasy, much of it modern and urban. Some is whimsical, some dark, the characters are great, often female. He is Canadian.
I don't know, it seems like a good fit. I recommend a collection of short stories as a good start. His work has many continuing characters and locations. Some of the characters remind me of the kind of people who are here on babble. It works for me, and it is not so complex or disturbing like some of what I read.
James K
Posted by Deneb on August 30, 2006, at 20:13:00
In reply to Re: I want to start reading again » Deneb, posted by james K on August 30, 2006, at 13:38:05
I'm undoubtedly missing about a zillion literary allusions. LOL
I did caught one on Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. Spike, the vampire slayer, his last name is Stoker.
Cool. :-)
What are some others?
Deneb*
Posted by Deneb on August 31, 2006, at 23:09:32
In reply to I'm undoubtedly..., posted by Deneb on August 30, 2006, at 20:13:00
in "The Eyre Affair" are hilarious. LOL
I feel like I'm watching a cartoon.
I'm almost done. I might finish tonight, and definitely by tomorrow.
Deneb*
Posted by Racer on September 1, 2006, at 2:08:47
In reply to The names of the characters, posted by Deneb on August 31, 2006, at 23:09:32
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 1, 2006, at 16:20:50
In reply to I started reading » Racer, posted by Deneb on August 29, 2006, at 19:52:30
Hey Deneb.. Good to see someone new converted to the greatness that is Jasper Fforde (he is *very* sexy in the flesh too - handsome and so very funny and intelligent. A killer combination! Yes, I have a *huge* crush on him *L*)..
anyway.. a ffan puts together guides of the all funny bits people might miss in the Thursday Next books.. Thought you would like to see it
http://www.jasperfforde.com/reader/readerjon2.html
neary everyones names means something.. I know some of her colleagues are fishing forrecast areas.. but its quite some while since I last read it!
Enjoy!! I'm almost jealous that you have all the delights to come still!!
Nikki xx
Posted by Deneb on September 1, 2006, at 21:32:37
In reply to Eyre Affair Readers Guide.. » Deneb, posted by NikkiT2 on September 1, 2006, at 16:20:50
Thanks for the guide Nikki.
I don't know if I *loved* "The Eyre Affair". I liked it and it was a fun read, but I didn't get into the book as much as I would have liked to. Maybe it was too light hearted, I dunno. I think I would enjoy something more serious?
I'm not sure what kind of books I like. Let's see...I really liked "1984". I really liked "Watership Down". I really liked "Brave New World".
Deneb*
Posted by Racer on September 2, 2006, at 2:06:52
In reply to Re: Eyre Affair Readers Guide.., posted by Deneb on September 1, 2006, at 21:32:37
>
> I'm not sure what kind of books I like. Let's see...I really liked "1984". I really liked "Watership Down". I really liked "Brave New World".
>
> Deneb*That's a start...
How about:
"After Many A Summer Dies The Swan?" (I love that line: "Man comes and tills the field and lies beneath/And after many a summer dies the swan. I only cruel immortality consumes..." "Tithonus," by Tennyson. "The gods themselves cannot take back their gifts..." {shiver} Love that poem, but it's painful to read.)
"Mrs Frisby And The Rats of NIMH?"
I'm too tired tonight -- there's a title on the tip of my brain, but....
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 2, 2006, at 3:24:00
In reply to AHA! » Deneb, posted by Racer on September 2, 2006, at 2:06:52
On the back of "Watership Down" (one of my favourite all time books by the way.. I remember borrowing it from the library when I was 7 or 8.. and being blown away. I was bought a copy soon after and treasure it!), how about "Ring of bright water"..
or.. if you like stories told from the animals Point of View, "Duncton Wood" is quite similar, but about Moles.. another of my fave books from my earlier years.
If you liked "1984", but about trying "Animal Farm" or some other Orwell books?
let me continue to ponder..
N xx
Posted by Deneb on September 2, 2006, at 13:10:14
In reply to AHA! » Deneb, posted by Racer on September 2, 2006, at 2:06:52
> "Mrs Frisby And The Rats of NIMH?"
I think I've read that before as a child. There are these super smart escaped lab rats right?
I'm thinking of reading some classics. I'm thinking "Pride and Prejudice". What are some other classics?
Deneb*
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 2, 2006, at 14:16:20
In reply to Re: AHA!, posted by Deneb on September 2, 2006, at 13:10:14
>
> I'm thinking of reading some classics. I'm thinking "Pride and Prejudice". What are some other classics?
>
> Deneb*
>Oh.. Mr Darcy *swoooons*
Must go re-read P&P for the third time in a year. Its all Racers fault..
Read P&P and then go hire the BBC adaptation..
N xx
Posted by Racer on September 2, 2006, at 19:42:56
In reply to Re: AHA!, posted by NikkiT2 on September 2, 2006, at 14:16:20
>
>
> Oh.. Mr Darcy *swoooons*
>
> Must go re-read P&P for the third time in a year. Its all Racers fault..
>
> Read P&P and then go hire the BBC adaptation..
>
> N xx
>
>YES! And Nikita? I have reread that so many times I think I could recite it!
Have you read "Persuasion" yet? THAT is my favorite -- so much so I think I'll even wade through to get to the link to it. For some reason, Amazon puts about 50 other links in front of it -- many with unrelated titles!
Deneb:
Other classics you may enjoy:
"Jane Eyre," if nothing else, you'll see what Thursday Next wrought. And it's a good book.
"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," by the forgotten Bronte, Anne. She was brilliant.
"Wuthering Heights." Nothing much to say about it, but it is dark, brooding, and romantic. Plus Olivier was in the movie.
"David Copperfield." Ever heard the expression "Dumb Dora?" Ever wondered where it came from? It's a great fun read. So is "Bleak House," which I also strongly recommend.
"Cheaper By The Dozen," is a very different kind of classic, but it's still good reading.
"To Kill A Mockingbird," one of those novels that stays with you for a long, long time. It helps to "see" Gregory Peck as you read about Atticus, but even without that image, it's a very powerful story.
"Little Women," which some people don't read. How that happens, I'll never know...
"The Mysteries of Udolpho," by the creator of the realistic Gothic novel, Ann Radcliffe. It's mentioned by many other writers for more than a century after its publication.
"Vanity Fair," because everyone should slog through Thackeray.
"Ivanhoe," because Walter Scott deserves readers.
"Tess of the D'Urbevilles" just because...
"The Castle of Otranto," which is the very first Gothic novel, and is just a shivery joy ride.
"Decline and Fall," because Evelyn Waugh is a good antidote for too many drier classics.
"Daisy Miller," but only if you follow it up with "The Mother's Recompense."
"Ethan Frome" which I strongly recommend. Dark and depressing, but beautiful. (Deneb, ask your pdoc before reading this one, 'K?)
OK, how's that for a list of classics? It's obviously incomplete, but not bad, huh? Guess what I majored in, back in the mists of time?
Hope that's agreeable. Now to slog through those dang links at Amazon...
Posted by Deneb on September 2, 2006, at 23:36:01
In reply to Another mind led astray -- good day's work! » NikkiT2, posted by Racer on September 2, 2006, at 19:42:56
I've read "David Copperfield", "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "Little Women", but it was a while ago.
I've a lot of books to read. :-)
I'm going to report back everytime I finish a book.
Deneb*
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