Chris Davis's picture
Chris Davis from Indiana is reading A Feast of Snakes by Harry Crews May 2, 2012 - 12:49pm

I don't think this discussion has started yet so I'll do it this time. It's important to me that we don't skip months on this because seeing what you folks are looking over is how I get a lot of my reading list.

Currently I am wrapping up the Gospel Singer and Feast of Snakes by Harry Crews and I have started on HeartSick by Chelsea Cain and A Miracle of Catfish by Larry Brown.

bryanhowie's picture
bryanhowie from FW, ID is reading Comic books and motorcycle riding guides May 2, 2012 - 1:09pm

More Proficient Motorcycling

Jay.SJ's picture
Jay.SJ from London is reading Warmed and Bound May 2, 2012 - 1:15pm

These Dreams Of You by Steve Erickson.

averydoll's picture
Defender of the People
averydoll from Kentucky is reading Lisey's Story by Stephen King May 2, 2012 - 1:15pm

Angry emails

ReneeAPickup's picture
ReneeAPickup from Joshua Tree, CA is reading The Sound of Lonliness May 2, 2012 - 1:16pm

The Wasp Factory

Jose F. Diaz's picture
Jose F. Diaz from East Coast is reading short novels by various authors that change so much it isn't worth posting here. May 2, 2012 - 1:26pm

One and half books left of the Game of Thrones series and then it is on to tackle Craig Clevenger's books and Jack Ketchum's books. That is all.

Howard Litchfield's picture
Howard Litchfield from Bristol UK is reading Jay McRoy - Japanese Horror Cinema May 2, 2012 - 1:28pm

Japanese Horror Cinema by Jay McRoy and The Sight and Sound Science Fiction & Horror Reader edited by Kim Newman for an article I'm researching. A Tabernacle for the Sun by Linda Proud and for bedtime light reading Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, but that might have to go on the back burner for a bit 'cos I've got to find time to fit in We Live Inside You.

Pete's picture
Pete from Michigan is reading Angel Falls May 2, 2012 - 1:39pm

Chris said: Currently I am wrapping up the Gospel Singer and Feast of Snakes by Harry Crews and I have started on HeartSick by Chelsea Cain and A Miracle of Catfish by Larry Brown.

I think Feast of Snakes may be my favorite Crews. But admittedly, I haven't read all his books. So, who knows, that may change.

Is Heartsick the 2nd book? If so, yeah, I read that one too. Really enjoyed it.

Currently, I'm reading It Came From Del Rio. Story is much different than I was anticipating. So so good though.

Chris Davis's picture
Chris Davis from Indiana is reading A Feast of Snakes by Harry Crews May 2, 2012 - 2:13pm

HeartSick is the first book, I'm not that far into it but its been a really good read so far.  I've been reading so much southern gothic that I felt I needed something that wasn't written in a southern dialect.

jacks_username's picture
jacks_username from Louisville, Kentucky is reading Flashover by Gordon Highland May 2, 2012 - 2:18pm

Jack Ketchum's books. Off Season was f*cking creepy.

A couple James Joyce books.

Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates. 

A Very Minor Prophet by James Bernard Frost. 

Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

Constant Reader's picture
Constant Reader from Central OR is reading Nothing but fucking Shakespeare, for the rest of my life May 2, 2012 - 2:22pm

One of the books I'm reading is 'As I Die Lying' by Scott Nicholson, it is/was available for free for the kindle, and it is really fun, I would recommend it to most people here, it's probably right up your alley.

Pete's picture
Pete from Michigan is reading Angel Falls May 2, 2012 - 2:44pm

HeartSick is the first book, I'm not that far into it but its been a really good read so far.  I've been reading so much southern gothic that I felt I needed something that wasn't written in a southern dialect.

I think that's the danger with giving all the books in a series similar names. That's why I haven't read any more Dexter books. You forget which one you left off at. But, I read that one too.

Dakota, Off Season is great! I've been meaning to read the sequal, Off Spring, for a long time now. I think there's another one too.

What do you think of Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates? This might sound weird, but when I read it, I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. I mean, I flew through it. I loved the way it was written for some reason, but then reflecting on it after, it didn't seem as good. Looking back much later, I think it was a solid book, nothing super special though.

Mike Mckay's picture
Mike Mckay is reading God's Ashtray May 2, 2012 - 3:03pm

I was reading House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski at a Barnes & Noble yesterday and was blown away from just reading a couple random pages in it.

I think I made a huge mistake not buying it...

jacks_username's picture
jacks_username from Louisville, Kentucky is reading Flashover by Gordon Highland May 2, 2012 - 3:39pm

What do you think of Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates?

 

Well I haven't started on it yet but I will soon since I got it from the library. I was looking for her first book but realized she had so many damn books that was impossible. 

Yeah they're made the movie of adaptation of Off Spring while Ketchum was writing the novel. I though that was pretty interesting. Can't wait to get to them both.

averydoll's picture
Defender of the People
averydoll from Kentucky is reading Lisey's Story by Stephen King May 2, 2012 - 3:52pm

"I think I made a huge mistake not buying it..."

Well, I wouldn't say huge.  You can always go back. 

It is an excellent book.  I recommend it. 

Clutch's picture
Clutch from Detroit Metro Area now living in Charlotte, NC is reading "The Spooky Art" by Norman Mailer May 2, 2012 - 4:27pm

"The Spooky Art" by Norman Mailer.

Mike Mckay's picture
Mike Mckay is reading God's Ashtray May 3, 2012 - 12:05am

Shit, now I'm going to be scrounging for $19.95

DorianxGrey's picture
DorianxGrey from Transexual, Transylvania is reading A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin May 3, 2012 - 1:17am

Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk, and I also am thinking of starting Peter and the Shadow Thieves to feed the inner child in me.

JameseyLefebure's picture
JameseyLefebure from Liverpool, Uk is reading The Gunslinger- Stephen King May 3, 2012 - 4:17am

I'm planning a re-read of The Dark Tower books. I'm halfway through The Gunslinger, but planning to just work my way through all of them, but read Wind Through The Keyhole between 4 and 5; cause I'm sad like that :P

wickedvoodoo's picture
wickedvoodoo from Mansfield, England is reading stuff. May 3, 2012 - 6:43am

@ Jamesey. That isn't sad. If they weren't quite so long I'd be contemplating that myself. Reminds me, I'm still need to pick up The Wind Through The Keyhole. I walked past a Waterstone's yesterday and saw their adverts for that in the window, along with Skag Boys by Irvine Welsh. Reminded me I need to be spending some money.

 

I am still reading Buy Jupiter by Isaac Asimov. It's pretty good so far. Yesterday I got Ringworld by Larry Nivern from a charity shop for £1. I may read that next.

JameseyLefebure's picture
JameseyLefebure from Liverpool, Uk is reading The Gunslinger- Stephen King May 3, 2012 - 9:45am

@Wicked Voodoo I know - I have to pass a waterstones EVERY day on the way too and from work so I know what its like (and they do such good displays lol). My hubby hates it when I drag him into waterstones unless I let him go and buy a coffee cause Im normally there for ages.
I'm really just using the new book as an excuse to re-read the whole series and it gives the hubby enough hints to remember to that all i want for my b'day is a few more of the graphic novels (which if you've not read I really suggest. They're pretty mighty!)

Howard Litchfield's picture
Howard Litchfield from Bristol UK is reading Jay McRoy - Japanese Horror Cinema May 3, 2012 - 10:49am

@James Sympathies - my bloke is similarly phobic of long rambling visits to bookshops. Not that he doesn't like books, just he has this frustrating habit of knowing exactly what he wants and going straight to it. Stick him in a shop full of camera equipment on the other hand and you're there 'til Doomsday while he mutters over lenses.

To be fair though - he does put up with my monthly visits to this place, so I can't really complain.

jyh's picture
jyh from the center of the universe is reading Cyclonopedia FTW May 3, 2012 - 11:40am

Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight by Clifford Geertz

Mike Mckay's picture
Mike Mckay is reading God's Ashtray May 3, 2012 - 12:04pm

Anyone gotten ahold of Blake Butler's, Scorch Atlas?

ReneeAPickup's picture
ReneeAPickup from Joshua Tree, CA is reading The Sound of Lonliness May 3, 2012 - 2:24pm

@Jamesey--how far are you right now? I've been meaning to do a reread since I had my daughter.

Luckily Husband is as much a bibliophile as I am, so book shopping is never an issue. Especially in Oxford. Ohhh, how I love book shopping in Oxford!

drea's picture
drea from Rural Alberta, Canada is reading way too much into this conversation May 3, 2012 - 4:58pm

I finished Zazen last night and it definitely warrants a re-read. The writing is unlike anything I have ever read before. Anyone else? 

I started Torch by Cheryl Strayed this morning. 

 

Are there any really good but also really happy stories any of you would recommend? I got my passport photos done today and my current "neutral expression" looks like I'm about to explode into tears. 

JameseyLefebure's picture
JameseyLefebure from Liverpool, Uk is reading The Gunslinger- Stephen King May 3, 2012 - 5:29pm

@Sparrow - I'm 10 pages away from finishing number 1, I'm planning on buying 4.5 when I start 4 to help get me through it (its my least favourite in the series, but I freakin LOVE the graphic novels even though they are just a continuation of the same story.)

 

@Drea - If your after kind of fluffy story I read a really good book called Back Where he Started, which was a fluffy tale about a gay man picking his life up after his partner of 15 years leaves him. (honestly sounds depressing but is a really nice uplifting story)

 

Has anyone read Eat, Pray, Love? I've got the movie (still not watched) but i've heard some really good stuff about the book?

JameseyLefebure's picture
JameseyLefebure from Liverpool, Uk is reading The Gunslinger- Stephen King May 3, 2012 - 5:29pm

@Sparrow - I'm 10 pages away from finishing number 1, I'm planning on buying 4.5 when I start 4 to help get me through it (its my least favourite in the series, but I freakin LOVE the graphic novels even though they are just a continuation of the same story.)

 

@Drea - If your after kind of fluffy story I read a really good book called Back Where he Started, which was a fluffy tale about a gay man picking his life up after his partner of 15 years leaves him. (honestly sounds depressing but is a really nice uplifting story)

 

Has anyone read Eat, Pray, Love? I've got the movie (still not watched) but i've heard some really good stuff about the book?

Mike Mckay's picture
Mike Mckay is reading God's Ashtray May 3, 2012 - 6:01pm

@drea I heard a lot of good things about Zazen. Will probably picked that one up tomorrow.

ReneeAPickup's picture
ReneeAPickup from Joshua Tree, CA is reading The Sound of Lonliness May 4, 2012 - 12:51am

@Jamesey, I may join you. 4 was my least favorite as well.

Joseph Nassise's picture
Joseph Nassise from Phoenix is reading Too many books to list May 4, 2012 - 2:13pm

Currently reading:

Raven Cursed by Faith Hunter, Dead Six by Larry Correia, The Detachment by Barry Eisler, and The Winds of Khalakovo by Bradley Beaulieu

-Joe

 

bryanhowie's picture
bryanhowie from FW, ID is reading Comic books and motorcycle riding guides May 4, 2012 - 2:27pm

Hulk reviews Eat, Pray, Love.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner May 4, 2012 - 2:53pm

I am reading a thread entitled: It's May, what are you reading.

 

BOOM!. Gonna be here all week. 

bryanhowie's picture
bryanhowie from FW, ID is reading Comic books and motorcycle riding guides May 5, 2012 - 12:29pm

It's the first Saturday in May.  FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.  Get thee to your local comic book shop.

JameseyLefebure's picture
JameseyLefebure from Liverpool, Uk is reading The Gunslinger- Stephen King May 6, 2012 - 4:21pm

howie - hulk review is brilliant. I think I'll pass :)

Dave's picture
Dave from Texas is reading constantly May 6, 2012 - 4:30pm

I had a dream that one day my status was changed from A Canticle for Liebowitz to ....  something.

 

I just dont know what it was.

 

I did crack The Things They Carried, though, but somehow it feels wrong to change my status until I finish Canticle.

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry May 6, 2012 - 5:01pm

On the other hand, I'm giving serious consideration to tossing my efforts at reading Castle in the Forest.  This book isn't boring because it's dense and difficult to understand.  It's neither of those things.  Perfectly understandable.  Has anyone here read this book and thought it was really good?  Something very redeeming about it?  Because I'm getting nothing.

averydoll's picture
Defender of the People
averydoll from Kentucky is reading Lisey's Story by Stephen King May 6, 2012 - 6:32pm

"I did crack The Things They Carried"

You're going to love it. 

 

Dave's picture
Dave from Texas is reading constantly May 6, 2012 - 7:05pm

So far I am. Loving it. Every minute I spend with it.

It could be "the one."

You know, "the one.". The one you want all the time, the one you want to take everywhere, the one you want to do everything with.

The One. And years later you remember the first time and you have stories together.

We're talking books, right?

Stop judging.

averydoll's picture
Defender of the People
averydoll from Kentucky is reading Lisey's Story by Stephen King May 6, 2012 - 7:46pm

It is a pretty solid book.

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry May 6, 2012 - 8:48pm

I read it in like two days.  There was no part of it that I didn't find worked.  It's one I'll likely read again in six months to really see what I can learn from it.  Very good book.

Dave Reuss's picture
Dave Reuss from Bozeman is reading Now is the Hour May 7, 2012 - 12:12am

I'm trying to get through 50 Shades of Grey.... fuck this thing is bad. As it turns out, several million people can be wrong.

Pete's picture
Pete from Michigan is reading Angel Falls May 14, 2012 - 6:19pm

Zombie Bed and Breakfast was great! I recommend it to any zombie fans out there. It turned out to be more than just a funny zombie story.

Started The Thin Man for the book club.

ReneeAPickup's picture
ReneeAPickup from Joshua Tree, CA is reading The Sound of Lonliness May 14, 2012 - 10:33pm

So I've moved on, and now am reading three different books. I like times like these. I've got Jewball by Neal Pollack on the e-reader, and it is really effin' good. It's about a semi-pro all Jewish basketball team from Philly taking on an American Nazi group in the 1930s, I've also started The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo...I'm "ehh" on it so far, but I hear it gets better after a slow start, and then last, I'm reading some cheesey zombie rom-com book I picked up at a used book store. It is called Married, With Zombies and the tagline is "The couple that slays together stays together". It's no literary work of art, but it's easy, it has its moments, and fuck it, zombies are fun.

jacks_username's picture
jacks_username from Louisville, Kentucky is reading Flashover by Gordon Highland May 14, 2012 - 10:43pm

Found a collection of Hammet novels with Thin Man in the back of it. Can't wait to pay my late fees at the library and devour that beast.

Churtward's picture
Churtward from Gainesville, VA is reading The Collected Short Stories by Amy Hempel May 14, 2012 - 11:46pm

I've been reading Glamorama and so far I don't like it. It's utterly repetitive and I'm nearly halfway through. I picked it up cause I heard it was very disturbing and violent but I haven't gotten to that yet! 

Fylh's picture
Fylh from from from is reading is from is reading is reading is reading reading is reading May 15, 2012 - 12:08am

There's a secret to reading Bret Easton Ellis: as soon as he starts describing clothes, places or people, skip to the next bit of dialogue.

Pete's picture
Pete from Michigan is reading Angel Falls May 15, 2012 - 12:55pm

I loved Glamorama, but I know I'm in the minority.

And Phil makes an excellent point.

Fylh's picture
Fylh from from from is reading is from is reading is reading is reading reading is reading May 15, 2012 - 1:07pm

I found Glamorama quite decent, too.

Jay.SJ's picture
Jay.SJ from London is reading Warmed and Bound May 15, 2012 - 1:11pm

Reading It Came From Below The Belt by Bradley Sands.

 

My Currently Reading pile on goodreads is overgrowing and it's time I actually finish soem books.

jyh's picture
jyh from the center of the universe is reading Cyclonopedia FTW May 15, 2012 - 1:13pm

Reading a book about witch-hunting by King James I of England.