Books

[Kelsey]

I just finished "Jacob Have I Loved." Good book (I love those coming of age stories), and I totally cried. But the end was like...wtf for me...I totally didn't get the very end of it.

On a seperate note, does anyone know if there is a movie based on this book?

[DragonRat]

Steinbeck's East of Eden. For one, a self-proclaimed Christian, it's always interesting to read a fictional remake of a Biblical story, especially the first chapters of Genesis. One could argue that Catherine Trask was probably the most villainous character in all of American fiction, and Caleb Trask was the most human character of all. When Lee spoke about the concept of the word timshel, I think that took a burden off my shoulders as well, simply because it's not a promise (as Catholics believe), or an order (as most Protestants would believe), but it's a choice. In the overall scheme of things, we still have free will.

Such strong and abiding characters in that book. Maybe I spoiled myself for Steinbeck, because it is arguably his best novel (and I didn't really like the Grapes of Wrath).

[guinie22]

I have finally had a chance to go back to reading some books!!
I just finished "The Belljar", "The Notebook", "Pride and Prejudice", the Harry Potter books.

Right now I'm reading "The Mists of Avalon" (for my second time-I like it because I love all of the Arthurian stories and this is from all of the women's points of view) and "I Capture the Castle". (Also reading the fifth Harry Potter book to my nephew-50 pages left til we finish)

I will also try to start reading "Girl With a Pearl Earring" within the next couple of weeks!!!

[Jollie]

Best book that I ever read must be 1984 by George Orwell, I absolutely adore books with a critical view on society. As I see it, Orwell showed us that we must think for ourselves and remain critical towards our leaders. A message for all times.

Tried to read East of Eden but it might be useful to read it in Dutch and not in English, bit to difficult, but still I loved it as far as I could understood what he was saying. After I heard so much good things about this book I think I try it again.

[gracie]

yeah kelsey i think there is that was like my summer reading in 7th rgrade and i think when we got back we watched a video

[Kelsey]

Gracie...thanks, I'll have to find it. I just found it on my bookshelf, realized I hadn't read it, and so I did.

[Hazzle]

Originally Posted by Jollie

Best book that I ever read must be 1984 by George Orwell, I absolutely adore books with a critical view on society. As I see it, Orwell showed us that we must think for ourselves and remain critical towards our leaders. A message for all times.

Wouldn't agree that was Orwell's message in 1984...I actually think that like with Animal Farm he was criticising the concept of revolution...and was arguing that social change could really only come by social democracy and not by Communism (which he opposed and said was inherently contradictory, which it is). <Shrugs> That's my take...I base it largely on the book within the book . Also...the love affair is also a touching story of how even in the midst of the control of the superstate a rebellious love can still blossom...it's basically THE ultimate book ever...as it's every single type of book you could ask for in one . It's about people, struggle, love, rebellion, futility...it's both uplifting and immensely depressing at the same time...paradox in its own covers.

[Moe]

Am I the only one who reads Tom Clancy?

Other than that, I can only agree that Terry Pratchett rules. Douglas Adams is hilarious as well.
I also enjoy the occasional John Grisham novel. Oh, and if anybody is interested in SciFi: check out Alan Dean Foster (creator of Alien).

[keira loves lipgloss]

Harry Potter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :d

[Hazzle]

Originally Posted by Moe

Am I the only one who reads Tom Clancy?

Other than that, I can only agree that Terry Pratchett rules. Douglas Adams is hilarious as well.
I also enjoy the occasional John Grisham novel. Oh, and if anybody is interested in SciFi: check out Alan Dean Foster (creator of Alien).

Tom Clancy...excellent...Pratchett...well we all know my thoughts on him...Adams...arrr...too true...and it's not just the Hitchiker's Guide...people who haven't read anything else he's done should...and John Grisham is also rather spiffy...

Alan Dean Forster...don't think I have read any of his stuff...shall have to take a gander...

[ryan]

i've read some tom clancy.
clear and present danger and sum of all fears.

[Moe]

I recommend "Patriot Games" as your next read.

[Sarah]

I got Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected today. I love his work.

[DefyingGravity]

Sorry about the bump--I didn't want to start a new thread.

Right now I'm reading Jacob's Diary by Anonymous, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Wicked by Gregory Maguire, and The Bible.

I feel like my head's gonna explode.

[Pygmalion]

Speaking of sci-fi (ok well not really speaking of it but hey)
A great Sci-Fi/Comedy read is Red Dwarf Omnibus-I liked the tv show, and the books probably as good (it was written after I think)
I like the odd take on what the future will be like eg: that humanity will take over the solar system and use Earth as a planatary garbage dump, officially re-christening it "Garbage World" I've read it so many times its had to be repaired with tape.
On the George Orwell thing, I liked Animal Farm better, except at the end of 1984 where the lead guy tells them to torture his girlfriend and spare him... I like BLACK literature.

[DragonRat]

After East of Eden, I bought a military history book, What If? just before I boarded my plane home. After finishing that, which was quite interesting, I read [/i]The Alchemist[/i] by Paulo Coelho, which was a quick and very uplifting read. Now, I'm one chapter into Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. I guess I'm trying to get some real summer reading done.