rachel on 23/4/2009 at 21:36
Quote Posted by dethtoll
Promising and following through on that promise are two different things.
No. Either you stick to your word, or you were lying and your promises don't mean shit.
Syndy/3 on 23/4/2009 at 21:44
Only read this part if you promise not to start any arguments.
I hate gays.
june gloom on 23/4/2009 at 21:57
Quote Posted by raph
No. Either you stick to your word, or you were lying and your promises don't mean shit.
Nobody's arguing that. I'm just saying that promising to do something, in this case
not fuck up a thread arguing about something that's been argued to death, is not the same as actually doing it. Consider it a commentary on TTLG pedantery.
Ironpants on 23/4/2009 at 22:23
Riddley Walker by Russel Hoban.
It became my favorite work of fiction immediately after I managed to finish reading it the first time at fourteen years old (and remains my favorite at twenty seven).
Set in a brutal, iron age England thousands of years after a nuclear war, it's written phonetically in a conjectural Kentish dialect - as if by a member of the society which it describes.
Yell Piranha on 23/4/2009 at 22:35
I dont think anyone has mentioned Ian Banks yet who I am personally a big fan of...Use Of Weapons being my highlight.
Chalk down another T.Pratchett supporter here and again the city watch series being my favourite. Primarily because Vimes is probably the deepest character TP has in his arsenal (Nightwatch for the win).
Finally I am annoyed someone beat me to Watership Down. It was the first book over 300 pages I read and I have probably finished it at least once a year since I was 8 (now 23).
PS I love threads like this as it means I get a nice big list to take to my local library/ bookstore on my next visit. I have a limited reading range due to my reading style and am far more likely to take a punt on a book when someone highly recommends it. So keep them coming!
gunsmoke on 23/4/2009 at 23:17
Quote Posted by Morte
The non-chronological narrative is a bit of a barrier, but once you come to grips with that it's brilliant. I devoured it in a day or two when I read it, and I suspect that helps a lot when dealing with the structure.
My hand's down favourite book has to be James Ellroy's American Tabloid. An alternate history of America told from the view of organized crime, and three people on the middle rungs of power trying to make their way, and ultimately losing quite a lot. It's noir on steroids. Dark, insanely driven, very depraved and should by most rights be considered libel.
It starts off like this:
and speeds along towards the Death of Hope and other comfortable places. It's fantastic.
Sounds like my kind of literature. Thanks for the heads-up.
Scots Taffer on 23/4/2009 at 23:31
Quote Posted by Stitch
Scots: what's wrong with English Lit books, as long as they're enjoyable?
Nothing in particular, it's just not
my bag baby. I always seem to struggle with any books with literature merit.
Quote Posted by fett
The List of 7 and
The 6 Messiahs by Mark Frost (the much maligned and ignored collaborator on Twin Peaks)
I don't know how I've missed this recommendation before but I'll definitely have to at least scope these books out.
Quote Posted by Morte
My hand's down favourite book has to be James Ellroy's American Tabloid. ... It's noir on steroids.
I have this book, picked it up on the cheap at a 2nd hand bookstore. I was sort of stunned at the style and not sure if I'll be able to read it, I got a headache just reading the first page.
Great stuff everyone, keep it coming.
Random_Taffer on 23/4/2009 at 23:43
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
Kroakie on 24/4/2009 at 01:40
Quote Posted by Scots Taffer
Nothing in particular, it's just not
my bag baby. I always seem to struggle with any books with literature merit.
But
To Kill A Mockingbird is my O Level English Lit text.
Scots Taffer on 24/4/2009 at 01:45
I am nothing if not contradictory.
