Posted on 07/03/2008 8:40:03 AM PDT by MplsSteve
OK everyone, it's time for my quarterly "What Are You Reading Now?" thread.
I like finding out what Freepers are reading lately. It can be anything...a technical journal, a trashy pulp novel, an old classic...in short, anything!
Please do not defile this thread by posting "I'm Reading This Thread". It became very unfunny a long time ago.
I'll start. I'm close to finishing "The Last Valley" by Martin Windrow. It's about the siege/battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.
Well, what are you reading now?!
It didn’t have a picture of a gorgeous blonde on the cover, did it?
Personally, I love FR.com book threads.
Once a month seems about right to me.
I read a lot, and I certainly do consider what other FReepers are reading to help guide me on things that I certainly would have missed if I were to rely simply on my own counsel.
I have already book marked a few books mentioned out here on this thread, and have placed future orders for some on Amazon.
By a New York Times reporter. Versatile fellow. I thought it was a pretty good thriller. Well-informed. Not top-notch, though.
Just finished Gusher of Lies by Robert Bryce. All lot of his opinions are highly slanted against Bush and the like, but the facts are amazing. Everything the government has tried to do to “improve” the energy system has failed miserably. Much better to sit back and enjoy the ride rather than trying to get “energy independence” or “renewable energy”.
A devastating critique.
I won't pick that series up again....
I find them interesting, full of arcane information--still, I'm a little troubled by the extensive fictionalizing. The Bible is always quoted accurately, and nothing in the books actually contradicts what is known about history. But an awful lot is added. Wouldn't be much point to them otherwise, but still . . .
_Commodore Hornblower_ by C.S.Forester
Actually, I’m on my way through the 11 books for the third time, Commodore is the 8th in the series.
Nope
I’m reading of bio of Meir Kahane, written by his widow. Reviewing it for a journal, actually.
Can’t wait, soon, to start GAME OF THRONES, by George Martin. Heard the series is awesome.
I’m reading “a bio”. Sorry, it’s hot here, my brains are fried.
I heard that they get much better after 3rd or 4th book in the series.
Well since I’m kinda burned out on politics and need an escape, I’m reading the Jim Butcher Dresden Files series.
I heard that they get much better after 3rd or 4th book in the series.
I’m far from disappointed, Butcher has a writing style I like, you can really get a feel for the character.
Too bad they canceled the television show, it had potential.
ping for later
Among them:
TREASON and GODLESS by Ann Coulter--I think she goes overboard on TV because she wants to be seen as controversial, but her books are enjoyable and make me think about the issues she discusses. I don't think she's unbiased, but her writings send me off to do fact-finding missions of my own.
AFTER by Steven Brill--That this book sank without a trace is a disgrace. Brill, a contributer to Chuck Schumer, wrote a book about a handful of people post-9/11 including John Ashcroft, a shop owner, a widow, and others. As I recall, the liberal press couldn't wait for this to come out...until it did, and Brill praised President Bush's reaction to 9/11.
ELIA KAZAN by Richard Shickel--Terrific look at the director.
ROSEBUD by David Thomson--A really engrossing biography of Orson Welles.
HOWARD HAWKS by Robin Wood--His smart appreciation is marred by a new introduction that smears America and George W. Bush--Hawks being long dead before W became president may make more thoughtful readers wonder what the hell any of that material has to do with the director's films.
CAN YOU FEEL THE SILENCE? a bio of Van Morrison.
I've read many more books, but these stand out.
THE HAUNTED WOOD and THE VENONA FILES about the facts of Cold War Soviet espionage, as opposed to the "There were no Soviet spies!" happy dreams of Hollywood.
INTELLECTUALS by Paul Johnson, a great raking over the coals of leftist BSers like Lillian Hellman.
I've read many more, but these stand out.
Looks like a lot of good info here for future reference.
Right now I am reading Ayn Rand’s Fountainhead.. recommended by & loaned from AFPhys. Also am a bit into a Civil war book & a holistic health book. (these last two aren’t reading but the skim, open, look a little here & there)
The Bible, King James Version.
I try to read a chapter per night, except when I’m just too dog tired to manage it. I pick the chapter at random for reflection and inspiration.
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