What are you reading?

[ellbogen]

Spin by Robert Charles Wilson

This is the first sf novel I've read in some time, and it is really good. Compare to Carl Sagan's Contact (the book that the Jodie Foster movie was based on) in terms of its blending of fact-based depictions of near-future science and technology, a riveting story, and emotionally resonant and compelling characters.

[Boschi]

The Great Good Thing by Wyatt Townley.

I've read it a few times - it's a kids book that is just relaxing and fun.

[littlewicca]

harry potter last book, why does it need to be the end?

[db]

Neil Gaiman's American Gods

[river]

harry potter and the half blood prince

[JustSkipIt]

Siblings without Rivalry

[littlewicca]

a book my girlfrind gave me and also wicca info

[betsy O'shea]

Just finished THE BOOKSELLER OF KABUL by Asne Seierstad. It's about Afghanistan and it's frightening because it's non-fiction and it's about the plight of women in that country. Glad I'm hooked on chicks.

[Sapphire eyes]

A whole bunch of books but last night I also started "Pearl in the mist" By Virginia Andrews.

[Sorry]

Malazan Book of the Fallen part hem let me lie 6 or 7 by Steven Erikson

[umgaynow]

She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan

[Sapphire eyes]

Still reading the books I mentioned but I am also reading "The Mirror Makers" By Claire Colvin.

[JustSkipIt]

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

[the hero factor]

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger.

[tazraven]

I just finished 25 Questions For A Jewish Mother by Judy Gold. My grandmas made me read it, but it ended up being a very entertaining book. Now I'm reading The Evolution Explosion for my Evolution class.

[umgaynow]

Neil Gaiman's American Gods

I've almost picked that one up at the library several times...how is it?

[Leaf]

Neil Gaiman's American Gods

I've almost picked that one up at the library several times...how is it?

I found it really interesting. It did things I didn't expect it to. Well worth the read. What do you think, db?

I'm on a little Neil Gaiman kick myself these days. Stardust - the movie (which was sweet and delightful) led to a rereading of Stardust - the book, which was grislier than I remembered (that man manages to work entrail diviniation into just about everything he writes. yeach.) And now I'm reading Fragile Things.

[JujuDeRoussie]

Curious Incident, Mark Haddon.
Very interesting... Boone it could please you, or at least show you what is in your kids' heads sometimes

[EasierSaid]

I just finished reading There's a (Slight) Chance I Might Be Going to Hell: A Novel of Sewer Pipes, Pagaent Queens, and Big Trouble by Laurie Notaro, and wow, was it bad. Please, don't be duped by the positive reviews and seemingly fun, wacky story line like I was; it's not a humorous piece of fiction, so much, as an example that it is definitely possible to write poorly and still get published by a large publishing house that will pimp nonsense like it's a piece of gold. One-dimensional characters, ridiculously forced dialogue and situations that were so quizzical, contrived and awkward that even the most forgiving of readers will find themselves muttering 'oh come ON' as they roll their eyes and sigh. Add in telegraphed plot lines, and an ending that is not only spelled out (almost literally as two characters fill each other in on the plot lines' conclusions), but 'finished' in the same way that a bowl of batter is a cake, and well, I really wish I wasn't the stubborn sort who forced herself to read crap just because she paid for it. One star, if that.

[umgaynow]

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen...back to the classics when you can't find anything new that interests you

really, it is the subject of this month's book discussion group at the library and I have an enormous crush on the head librarian, even if she is straight and getting married in 2 weeks...I thought 42 was too old for this sort of shit, but aside from the being straight part she is almost exactly my perfect woman...one of those women I find myself so powerfully attracted to that I cannot look her in the eye without blushing...oy vey...too bad cloning hasn't been perfected yet

[JustSkipIt]

Eldest. I didn't love Eragon but thought it was worth reading.

[JujuDeRoussie]

La Débâcle, Emile ZOLA (one of my favorite authors)

[Teddykins]

Man, I feel like such a nerd on this site.

I totally just finished 2001: A Space Odyssey and am about to read another Vonnegut book...I am thinking [/u]Cat's Cradle.

[Boschi]

Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin

Definitely an interesting read. I think she has another book or two out, but this is the first of hers that I've read. She works in animal behavior, and actually specializes in slaughterhouse/animal handling plant inspection, troubleshooting and design.

Which sounds pretty bleak I suppose, but she talks alot about animals and how they perceive the world. Despite working in that industry she is very aware and respectful of animal perception. She is also autistic, and the book talks alot about how autisitic people perceive and process the world. She compares this to animal perception and to non-autistic peoples perception.

What has made the biggest impact on me is her thoughts about inspections/quality control and the tendency of people who think verbally to over complicate and over rationalize things. She focuses her work on measuring the actual impact of processes on animals, not diddling with esoteric rationals and complicated bureaucracy. She is also exceptionally good at putting herself in an animal's mind (metaphorically of course) and figuring out how and what they see in the world.

I'm not sure I agree with some of her thoughts, but I'd recommend the book to folks with an interest in animals, animal behavior, autism and also to people who have to grapple with bureacracy and institutional processes. It's a great exercise in reconsidering how one looks at situations.

[VampKei]

Yay 100 posts!
I just started reading Dark Congress by Christopher Golden last night. It's really good! He brought Tara back right away in the beginning. No more waiting. I can't wait to see what happens!

[Bound2Her]

Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson. I'm reading for about the 5th time and I'm looking to buy the movie...it's such an amazing book.

[umgaynow]

Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte

quite amusing, I love animal stories

Boschi, I read the Temple Grandin book too...truly fascinating stuff, no?

[Shaucker]

Recently finished Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl.

I thought Animals In Translation was a really interesting read. I'm not against the meat industry, but it's nice to know that they try to treat the animals right.

[Tillow16]

I just finished Annie On My Mind and Keeping You A Secret two really good coming of age/coming out books. Great, fantastic, amazing books.

[JustSkipIt]

Fun House