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80% => The Nevillew General Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Doore on Sunday, April 4, 2010, 22:37:13



Title: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Doore on Sunday, April 4, 2010, 22:37:13
I know this thread won't last like the film one has, but I'd like to start it anyway.

I've just finished re-reading Animal Farm.  Superb.  I'm now re-reading through his complete volume of novels. 

More contempary, I highly recommend Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby.  Or anything else by Nick Hornby, particularly How To Be good.

In terms of books about football, I'd recommend Forza Italia, Brilliant Orange and Miracle of Castel Di Sangro.

Estimate:  This thread goes nowhere.  I'm still glad I started it.  I've been drinking.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Lumps on Sunday, April 4, 2010, 22:54:36
I don't want to be horribly predictable, but Wolf Hall is really as good as the critics make out, as is another of Hilary Mantel's, Beyond Black.

Engleby by Sebastian Faulks is ace.

And anyone that liked The Wire on TV  will really like:
Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets - David Simons, and
The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood David Simons and Ed Burns


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Arriba on Sunday, April 4, 2010, 22:58:48
the current edition of razzle is epic


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Lumps on Sunday, April 4, 2010, 23:01:01
the current edition of razzle is epic

Is there still a market for low rent soft porn in this era of free online filthery do you think?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jonny72 on Sunday, April 4, 2010, 23:15:24
Talking of soft porn, The Naked Ape by Desmond Morris has some good and interesting sections on the biology of sex. Including a scientific explanation of why men have an urge to shag as many women as possible, which could feasibly be used as the basis of an excuse when the missus catches you cheating on her.

Well worth a read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Talk Talk on Sunday, April 4, 2010, 23:36:43
Is there still a market for low rent soft porn in this era of free online filthery do you think?

Oh god yes. It beats reading Marx and Engels about three million percent. And it's substantially much more erotic to most of us.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: pauld on Monday, April 5, 2010, 10:32:37
James Ellroy's American Tabloid trilogy. Re-reading it at the moment (on the second one Cold Six Thousand) and it's fantastic


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 5, 2010, 11:00:48
 I've just finished reading The feudal kingdom of England, 1042-1216 by Frank Barlow.

 Barlow passed away in the summer aged 98, but he revised the above about 10 years ago, it's an academic tome,  wonderfully written. Took me about 9 weeks to get through, but felt I gaineds a greater understanding of the Angevin Empire and background to The Hundred Years War.

 At first I thought I might have been put off by the fact that Frank Barlow was Forest joint caretaker manager when they whipped us 7-1, but happily overcome this.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: leefer on Monday, April 5, 2010, 11:04:16
I know this thread won't last like the film one has, but I'd like to start it anyway.

I've just finished re-reading Animal Farm.  Superb.  I'm now re-reading through his complete volume of novels. 

More contempary, I highly recommend Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby.  Or anything else by Nick Hornby, particularly How To Be good.

In terms of books about football, I'd recommend Forza Italia, Brilliant Orange and Miracle of Castel Di Sangro.

Estimate:  This thread goes nowhere.  I'm still glad I started it.  I've been drinking.

Animal Farm is a great book if abit disturbing...i have still got a way to go on the current book i am reading,i happen to be on page 64...its the bible so may be finished by next Easter.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Dazzza on Monday, April 5, 2010, 13:05:08
Animal Farm is a great book if abit disturbing...i have still got a way to go on the current book i am reading,i happen to be on page 64...its the bible so may be finished by next Easter.

I agree the stuff she does with that bull.   :no:

I was enjoy a bit of Irvine Welsh for light reading.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Monday, April 5, 2010, 17:46:18
Still working my way through Inverting The Pyramid by Jonathon Wilson. It's well written and very interesting but reading a history of football tactics is never going to leap off the page. Once i'm done I think I'll read Vonegut's Slaughter House 5 as it has been a very long time and I remembered how brilliant he was halfway through the first paragraph of Cat's Cradle.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Compo on Monday, April 5, 2010, 17:59:38
Child 44 is also very good!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: BANGKOK RED on Monday, April 5, 2010, 18:18:57
The last book that I read was acid house by Irvine Welsh.

It was very good indeed, his characterisations were superb as always.



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ardiles on Monday, April 5, 2010, 18:21:51
I read Animal Farm when I was 12.  Completely missed the Communism allegory, thinking it was a simple story about farmyard animals that could speak.  Thankfully, I re-read it years later.

Another book I re-read years after first finding it was To Kill a Mockingbird, which remains a firm favourite.  Read it as a GCSE text at first, and didn't really enjoy (probably because I had several essays to write.)  Came back to it about 10 years later though, and was hooked.

Latest books that I keep dipping in to are John Grigg's biographies of David Lloyd George.  Despite his failings, I'm a bit of a fan of DLG.  There's a fantastic picture in one the books of him in full flow, addressing a 1906 rally of railway workers in Swindon.  I want to track the picture down one day and get a small copy to frame.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Coca Fola on Monday, April 5, 2010, 22:13:44
James Patterson's books  :)

Always a good read


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: ibelieveinmrreeves on Monday, April 5, 2010, 23:19:07
Last book I read was one of the 33 1/3 series - on Pixies' Doolittle record. Fantastic read, for me. I have Neutral Milk Hotel's In The Aeroplane Over The Sea from the same series to read next.

I second the recommendation of The Miracle of Castel di Sangro, and would add Tim Parks' A Season With Verona.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 10:37:48
I have a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird. I think I managed the first chapter before getting in a rage. I fucking hate books that are written in dialect. I might give it another go soon.

I am waiting for my next four books to arrive, hopefully they'll be here today. I order A Brief History of Time (Hawking), The Origin of the Species (Darwin), some other sciencey type book which I can't remember and another Culture novel by Iain M Banks, Consider Phlebas I think it's called.

In the mean time I'm reading a James Patterson novel for the fifth time. I need more books!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 10:48:26
I really hated To Kill a Mockingbird, partially for the GCSE reasons and partially because it was possibly the worst concealed allegory of all time and contained virtually no characters of any depth or interest. I consider this to be one of things that I'm right and everyone else is wrong on, much like the Arctic Monkeys.

I'm recently started working my way through the Discworld novels, which are excellent.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jonny72 on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11:36:06
I am waiting for my next four books to arrive, hopefully they'll be here today. I order A Brief History of Time (Hawking), The Origin of the Species (Darwin), some other sciencey type book which I can't remember

Good luck with them, I couldn't get my head round either of them and gave up pretty quickly. Really need to give Origin another go as it's one of those books I feel I need to read. I'd keep away from Richard Dawkins as well, I've tried a few of his books and none of them made any sense whatsoever.

Found Steve Jones' books a lot easier going, especially The Language Of The Genes which is one of my all time favourites.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: land_of_bo on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11:39:04
I read quite a lot. Just finished the Millenuim Trilody (Girl with Dragon tattoo etc) which are very good.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bogus Dave on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11:46:18
I think the last book I read for the first time was Provided You don't kiss me, the Brian clough biog (very good it is), but that was over a year ago!

I need to get into reading, but it's just so dull


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11:53:42

In the mean time I'm reading a James Patterson novel for the fifth time. I need more books!

Try the library by the Town Hall...there's shed loads of books in there  :bookread:


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Doore on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 15:03:06


I need to get into reading, but it's just so dull

Reading a good book is just about the best way to relax on your own (steady on, I said just about) - its only dull if you are reading a dull book.  Try another one, there's quite a few of them you know.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: nochee on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 15:22:28
I read quite a lot. Just finished the Millenuim Trilody (Girl with Dragon tattoo etc) which are very good.

These books are fantastic. The first book takes 100 pages to get going but after that its really addictive. Shame he (Steig Larsson) died without knowing how popular the books have become.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: juddie on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 15:33:47
some cracking suggestions on here.

I'd mirror those footie suggestions, and would add Damned United, obviously.  And if you can put aside the fact he plyed for reading, there's a good book about Robin Friday, too.

David Simons books also good, although they're f*cking massive!

I would also add anything by PJTracy, Elmore Leonard or in particular, Carl Hiassen for high octane comedy thriller.

Also Ben Mezrich. His books are cool.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 15:49:29
Good luck with them, I couldn't get my head round either of them and gave up pretty quickly. Really need to give Origin another go as it's one of those books I feel I need to read. I'd keep away from Richard Dawkins as well, I've tried a few of his books and none of them made any sense whatsoever.

Found Steve Jones' books a lot easier going, especially The Language Of The Genes which is one of my all time favourites.

I've read a Brief History of Time before, I just wanted to have a copy for myself. I love geeky shit like that.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bogus Dave on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 18:02:53
Reading a good book is just about the best way to relax on your own (steady on, I said just about) - its only dull if you are reading a dull book.  Try another one, there's quite a few of them you know.

It's not so much the quality of books, i just have a short attention span when it comes to trying to focus on how a story is developing. I don't really watch many films or TV series' either for that very reason


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 20:20:45
Just read 'The Falls' which is a Rebus novel. Rankine's novels are always a good read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Talk Talk on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 21:04:12
Fixed it for you.

It's not so much the quality of books, i just have a short attention span when it comes to trying to...um...what was I saying?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: pauld on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 21:04:49
Fixed it for you.

:D Good work TT


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 23:09:42
Child 44 is also very good!

Yes it is.  Follow it up with The Secret Speech (the second novel).


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 05:59:38
If anyone is into a bit of old school warfare and history then I highly recommend the Warlord Chonicles by Bernard Cornwell. He is the guy who did the Sharpe Novels. It's a trilogy that starts with a book called The Winter King and is a quirky little twist on the King Arthur legend. It was so good I read the whole trilogy in four sessions.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 08:56:59
If anyone is into a bit of old school warfare and history then I highly recommend the Warlord Chonicles by Bernard Cornwell. He is the guy who did the Sharpe Novels. It's a trilogy that starts with a book called The Winter King and is a quirky little twist on the King Arthur legend. It was so good I read the whole trilogy in four sessions.

Sounds just right for me, thanks.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 09:05:20
Those three books got me hooked on history novels. I regularly read all sorts ranging from Roman times, The Chin Empire, The Mongols and British history which is by far my favourite. Cornwell has done another series of books covering the Kingdom of Wessex and King Alfred's gradual ascention to the throne of the whole of England, all the Norse invasions and everything. That series hasn't finished yet but the next one is out in about 3 weeks. I can't wait :)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Phil_S on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 09:09:53
Conn Iguldssssssen's books are a good read. He's done 4 on Caesar & 3 on Ghengis Khan


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 10:46:16
Conn Iguldssssssen's books are a good read. He's done 4 on Caesar & 3 on Ghengis Khan

Seconded. If he's the guy I'm thinking of, aren't the Caeser books a biogaphy of Caesars life? If so the bit where he gets marooned on the north African coast of the Med, and marches up and down the little villages raising an army to re-take his fleet is fucking ace!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Luci on Sunday, August 1, 2010, 20:00:53
Anyone got any new suggestions?

Going to order Robbie Savages aautobiography as looks like a good read but need some good relatively light hearted holiday reading!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: sonicyouth on Sunday, August 1, 2010, 20:38:15
Try some Ibsen. He's, totally, like, the Shakespeare of Norway


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jutty274 on Sunday, August 1, 2010, 21:01:38
I find Dean Koontz a good read for thrillers but if you like sci fi then you can't beat war of the flowers by Tad Williams.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Arch Stanton on Sunday, August 1, 2010, 21:34:42
The City and The City by China Mieville is a truely fantastic book, unfortunately to mention anything about the plot would spoil the central premise of the story.

I wish I had read it without knowing the 'unique-ness' of the City (and the City), cos I imagine it'll be quite weird at first trying to understand whats going on. Unfortunately thats quite difficult to do because every review of it reveals all.

So if you want read a book about a different kind of city then buy this, read it, avoid all spoiler reviews.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: thedarkprince on Sunday, August 1, 2010, 21:54:51
James Ellroy's American Tabloid trilogy. Re-reading it at the moment (on the second one Cold Six Thousand) and it's fantastic

I'm half-way through Blood's A Rover.  Very, very addictive.

Other recent books that are worth a read:
Jack Kerouac's On The Road - 1940's American road trip novel, largely autobiographical.
Andy Martin's Stealing The Wave - big-wave surfing rivalry between Ken Bradshaw and Mark Foo.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Saxondale on Sunday, August 1, 2010, 22:24:38
Currently reading Armando Ianucci's the audacity of hype.  A collection of his columns and that sort of shite, but very amusing as you would expect.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Rich Pullen on Sunday, August 1, 2010, 22:40:52
I've got 'Audacity of Hype' and it is indeed very good.

Steve Martin's 'Born Standing Up' is brilliant.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: herthab on Monday, August 2, 2010, 05:19:22
I read anything and everything. Just finished 'The Count Of Monte Cristo' (For about the 10th time).

I've also got a Michael Connelly thriller on the go (Blood Works) as well as Eric Hobsbawm's 'The Age Of Extremes' (Another book I've read before).

For something that's easy to pick up and put down, you can't beat Bill Bryson.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: leefer on Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:07:15
I like Helen Forrester....just finished reading By The Waters Of Liverpool.
A great account of living in Liverpool/Bootle during wartime Britain........will endeavour to read more of her novels.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 15:18:01
No time for me at the moment... I'm currently reading CCNA Simplified (as fucking if) and Cisco Networking Academy CCNA 1 and 2.

These will be the only books I read for the next 2 months :(


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: land_of_bo on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 15:29:15
Daemon by Daniel Suarez is a cracking read. Techno thriller and basically a "Matrix" of the book world. Just finished the follow up Freedom.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Doore on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 18:05:57
I'm current reading "Why England Lose and other curious phenomena explained" by Simon Kuper and Stefan Kuper and Stefan Szymanski.  Very good.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Nomoreheroes on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 18:17:12
Just Read:

- Fatty Batter - Michael Simpkins
- Zimmermen - Marcus Berkmann
- Unseen Academicals - Terry Pratchett


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: RJack on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 18:27:18
Fatherland by Robert Harris is a good fiction book to read it's basically set in a world had Hitler won WWII.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Lumps on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 18:39:35
The Gone-Away World by Nick Harkaway

I can't categorise it; it's an SF(ish) post apocalypse / gulf war satire / martial arts action novel; but I loved it.

Incidentally he's the son of John Le Carre who I don't think has ever produced a shit book.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 19:01:47
Fatherland by Robert Harris is a good fiction book to read it's basically set in a world had Hitler won WWII.


I enjoyed this when I read it last year. Well worth a read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bogus Dave on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 19:39:31
I'm current reading "Why England Lose and other curious phenomena explained" by Simon Kuper and Stefan Kuper and Stefan Szymanski.  Very good.

Is it? I've read what they write in 442 and a lot of it is absolute bollocks. It may be true what they say, but if they genuinly believe what they put forward is why england lose they need their heads examined


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Doore on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 20:11:27
Is it? I've read what they write in 442 and a lot of it is absolute bollocks. It may be true what they say, but if they genuinly believe what they put forward is why england lose they need their heads examined

It is very interesting - that's not to say I agree with it all.  They're basic premise on the England issue is that, given all the factors considered - England don't lose that often, and certainly don't under-achieve, which is something I've believed all along. 

I'm currently reading a section about racism in football - which again is very interesting, if flawed. 


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 20:13:47
The Gone-Away World by Nick Harkaway

I can't categorise it; it's an SF(ish) post apocalypse / gulf war satire / martial arts action novel; but I loved it.

Incidentally he's the son of John Le Carre who I don't think has ever produced a shit book.

I'm currently Reading le carre's 'a most wanted man'


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: ghost_of_noble on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 20:19:59
I can recommend "CLOUGHS WAR"by DON SHAW,he was the guy who organised the demonstration to get Cloughie back as manager of Derby.Another good read is "GOT TO BE THERE"by DAVE BURNLEY,


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: pauld on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 20:22:50
Daemon by Daniel Suarez is a cracking read. Techno thriller and basically a "Matrix" of the book world. Just finished the follow up Freedom.
You should try some of the early Neal Stephenson if you like that kind of stuff.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: ghost_of_noble on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 20:29:16
I can recommend "Cloughs War" by Don Shaw,he was the guy who organised the the fight to get "Cloughie"reinstated at Derby.Another good read is "Got To Be There"by Dave Burnley,the bloke from Stoke who supports Burnley[fanatically] 


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 21:49:32
I can recommend "CLOUGHS WAR"by DON SHAW,he was the guy who organised the demonstration to get Cloughie back as manager of Derby.Another good read is "GOT TO BE THERE"by DAVE BURNLEY,

I can recommend "Cloughs War" by Don Shaw,he was the guy who organised the the fight to get "Cloughie"reinstated at Derby.Another good read is "Got To Be There"by Dave Burnley,the bloke from Stoke who supports Burnley[fanatically] 

Have you read them both twice?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 21:54:24
Fatherland by Robert Harris is a good fiction book to read it's basically set in a world had Hitler won WWII.


Happily read any of his books, all good.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Spy on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 23:15:35
This has inspired me to watch the film Fatherland again. Maybe i should read the book first though. Is it long?

Basically the internet has ruined my motivation/ability to read books.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 00:05:31
This has inspired me to watch the film Fatherland again. Maybe i should read the book first though. Is it long?

Basically the internet has ruined my motivation/ability to read books.

Much better than the film and well worth it.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: land_of_bo on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 07:11:06
You should try some of the early Neal Stephenson if you like that kind of stuff.
Will look them out, cheers


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Wotwot on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 09:37:22
Always found that no matter how good or how utterly dire a film is, the book invariably does it far far better.... and doesn't miss huge chunks of important information out too!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Spy on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 11:45:05
There's always exceptions - I started reading Silence of the Lambs and found it really boring. Same with Jurassic Park.

Admittedly I didn't read very much of either but yeah, those books were boring to me.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Arch Stanton on Saturday, September 4, 2010, 08:52:20
Just finished 'Bad Monkeys' by Matt Ruff.

Fantastic book, I can highly recommend it - think Phillip K Dick meets Chuck Palahniuk and you're somewhere near. There's copious drug taking, terrorist bombs, massive paranoia, cool guns, axe-wielding clowns and underage sex, seriously - it has it all.....

It’s quite a short book, so dependent on how quickly you read you could do it in a few days.

When I was halfway through I was thinking 'I wonder why the rights to this haven't been bought by the film industry, as it would make a great David Fincher-esque film' so on that basis I started getting worried that the end was going to be shit, it wasn’t....


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Processed Beats on Saturday, September 4, 2010, 09:36:22
Daemon by Daniel Suarez is a cracking read. Techno thriller and basically a "Matrix" of the book world. Just finished the follow up Freedom.

Read this on your advice and 100% agree. The bloke obviously has some intelligence in this area, and i enjoyed it alot. Now onto Freedom myself.

Also, had book one of the Millenium trilogy delivered. I've read its quite hard to get into to begin with, any reviews?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: sonicyouth on Saturday, September 4, 2010, 09:38:35
I'm reading Naïve. Super by Erlend Løe at the moment, excellent read so far


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 12:26:49
Just finished reading Christian Roberts book "Life is a Game of Inches".

Its a bit short but quite readable. He was obviously pretty messed up most of the time he was with City and us. At the worst point he claims to have drunks 15-20 Stellas a week day + shots inbeteen and more at the weekend.

Is there enough in there about what happened behind the scenes at Swindon. Probably not, but its not the point of the book really.

I won't say too much more in case others haven't read it yet. Suffice to say whatever you think of the man it seems he has turned his life around and is now seems to be doing a lot of good in the community.

Oh, and Crispy won't like it.

Ooooh Cristian Roberts,
he used to be agnostic, he's a muslim now!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: juddie on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 12:30:44
the Millennium trilogy is immesne PB. It's a bit slow to get going because all the character and place names are in Swedish, but it's good. Very good. I've just finished the last one: immense. Stick with it, it's worth it...


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jb on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 12:35:20
Just finished reading Christian Roberts book "Life is a Game of Inches".

Its a bit short but quite readable. He was obviously pretty messed up most of the time he was with City and us. At the worst point he claims to have drunks 15-20 Stellas a week day + shots inbeteen and more at the weekend.

Is there enough in there about what happened behind the scenes at Swindon. Probably not, but its not the point of the book really.

I won't say too much more in case others haven't read it yet. Suffice to say whatever you think of the man it seems he has turned his life around and is now seems to be doing a lot of good in the community.

Oh, and Crispy won't like it.

Ooooh Cristian Roberts,
he used to be agnostic, he's a muslim now!

Is he really?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: tans on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 12:39:35
yes he is



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: land_of_bo on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 12:49:08
Read this on your advice and 100% agree. The bloke obviously has some intelligence in this area, and i enjoyed it alot. Now onto Freedom myself.

Also, had book one of the Millenium trilogy delivered. I've read its quite hard to get into to begin with, any reviews?

Glad to hear that...Freedom isn't as good but still a page turner & thought provoker.

TGWTDT is good, takes about 100 or so pages for the first one to get going but it's all good after the slow start.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: pauld on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 12:52:32
Ooooh Cristian Roberts,
he used to be agnostic, he's a muslim now!
Ha ha ha, that's brilliant if true


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: BANGKOK RED on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 13:07:05
This means that he definitely wants to bomb people.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 13:13:21
I'm reading Naïve. Super by Erlend Løe at the moment, excellent read so far

Great book.  Completely different, but have you checked out Knut Hamsen?

I'm currently reading Shantaram, which is spellbinding so far.

I have the freedom to be a book-reading machine at the moment, the most compelling to mind being The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami.  I fucking love that book.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jb on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 13:28:28
Great book.  Completely different, but have you checked out Knut Hamsen?

I'm currently reading Shantaram, which is spellbinding so far.

I have the freedom to be a book-reading machine at the moment, the most compelling to mind being The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami.  I fucking love that book.

Same here! Immense isn't it!!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 13:37:18
I'm enjoying it so much I really hope the film never sees the light of day!

Having been travelling through India a couple of months ago, it almost makes me want to plunge back into the dirty, smelly, corrupt, unique place that it is.  As with all books like this however, it grinds me that I'll never know how much of it is actually true.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jb on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 13:47:03
I'm enjoying it so much I really hope the film never sees the light of day!

Having been travelling through India a couple of months ago, it almost makes me want to plunge back into the dirty, smelly, corrupt, unique place that it is.  As with all books like this however, it grinds me that I'll never know how much of it is actually true.

Agreed on every account.

It's making me really want to go back there, makes it so much better I imagine having been to the country. Where abouts have you been in India?

I was saying this to someone earlier this week that there is no way that he can remember such fine details. However I still like to believe that it is true. I think he's already stated it is a story based on his life and not so much an autobiography.

Have you been on GDRs website? Inspirational guy.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: pauld on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 14:09:22
This means that he definitely wants to bomb people.
It means Crispy's been funding the jihad!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 16:14:59
Always found that no matter how good or how utterly dire a film is, the book invariably does it far far better.... and doesn't miss huge chunks of important information out too!

About a year ago, I read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. A massive 800 page tome which had been sat on my bookshelf for ages. It was ace.  It's now been serialised on the TV, C4 I think, but don't think I'll bother watching, it can't be as good as the book.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 18:21:18
Ha ha ha, that's brilliant if true

He definitely converted to be Muslim. The guys at the Mosque call him "Kareem".   I don't know if he was previously agnostic, I made that bit up.

Apparently he got into it as he quite liked smoking the Shisha pipes in a cafe in Cardiff called Mazza.  The owners there were Muslims and as he got to know them and their religion it seemed right to him.

I'm not one for religion in any form myself, but if he finds good and peace from it then good luck to him.



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: shuffler on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 18:45:20
I'm reading Kill Your Friends by John Niven. It's brutally brilliant.

Just finished The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. I can't recommend that book enough. Easily one of the best books I've ever read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Lumps on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 19:26:35
Always found that no matter how good or how utterly dire a film is, the book invariably does it far far better.... and doesn't miss huge chunks of important information out too!

Doesn't always work. The TV series of "Oranges are not the only fruit" was really good and the book was dull as fuck.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Weasel on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 19:33:21
He definitely converted to be Muslim. The guys at the Mosque call him "Kareem".   I don't know if he was previously agnostic, I made that bit up.

Apparently he got into it as he quite liked smoking the Shisha pipes in a cafe in Cardiff called Mazza.  The owners there were Muslims and as he got to know them and their religion it seemed right to him.

I'm not one for religion in any form myself, but if he finds good and peace from it then good luck to him.

Oh for fuck's sake. I was just getting to that bit and you've ruined the twist for me now.

Going to watch The Sixth Sense in a bit too, got anything on that have you?!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 19:41:20
Going to watch The Sixth Sense in a bit too, got anything on that have you?!

What has The Sixth Sense and Titanic got in common? I see dead people.

Nah, it works better as a spoken joke that one.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: nochee on Thursday, October 21, 2010, 19:59:37
I'm reading Kill Your Friends by John Niven. It's brutally brilliant.

Just finished The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. I can't recommend that book enough. Easily one of the best books I've ever read.

I've read that twice now, brilliant book. A true cunt of the highest order.

Just finished Conn Igguldens final book in the Genghis Khan series, Empire of silver. Highly recommended.

Just about to start Ben Eltons Meltdown.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: cavpete on Friday, October 22, 2010, 08:42:55
Just finished Erich von Danikens Gift of the gods. Not a bad read if you like alternative theories to how man established himself on earth.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Friday, October 22, 2010, 09:20:38
Just finished Conn Igguldens final book in the Genghis Khan series, Empire of silver. Highly recommended.

Didn't realise that was out yet, cheers!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 16:24:05
Daemon by Daniel Suarez is a cracking read. Techno thriller and basically a "Matrix" of the book world. Just finished the follow up Freedom.

Finished this before bed last night. Didn't like the ending at all, but really enjoyed it up to that point and loved the book overall. In fact I felt the whole of part 3 was quite weak, but will still download Freedom, to hopefully close that extremely open hole - after I've read the next in my queue! :)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 18:29:14
Just about to start Ben Eltons Meltdown.

I loved his early stuff but IMHO he's got worse as time had gone on. This particular book being worst of the lot. Will be interested if its just me or if you think the same..

Personally I'm trying to exercise some school English Lit lesson ghosts by re-reading the closest thing to a 'classic' I will probably ever read - To Kill a Mocking Bird. Hated this book at school, it bored me rigid. Now I want to see if I'll see it for the "masterpiece" it is proclaimed to be.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: thedarkprince on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 18:32:05
I did Catch-22 and Lord of the Flies at school and have been back to both since then too. Helps that i enjoyed them both. 


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Benzel on Thursday, October 28, 2010, 09:12:30
Hardboiled Wonderland and the End of the World - Haruki Murikami.

Also been reading through that big book of news clippings on The Town from the 20's up until the play off semis.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Thursday, October 28, 2010, 09:25:58
I've just finshed reading A Very Short Introduction to Particle Physics for the third time. Bit touch towards the end but I thnk I'm getting it. I enjoyed it so much I've bought another four books in the series; Cosmology, Logic, Quantum Theory and Relativity.

Non-Fiction is the new black.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Processed Beats on Thursday, October 28, 2010, 10:05:42
A Week In December by Sebastient Faulkes. Brilliant!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Thursday, October 28, 2010, 16:53:45
just started that one!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Monday, November 1, 2010, 08:08:01
Agreed on every account.

It's making me really want to go back there, makes it so much better I imagine having been to the country. Where abouts have you been in India?

I was saying this to someone earlier this week that there is no way that he can remember such fine details. However I still like to believe that it is true. I think he's already stated it is a story based on his life and not so much an autobiography.

Have you been on GDRs website? Inspirational guy.

We were in the south of India, next stop was to be Mumbai but the other half was less than keen on India, so we flew to Bangkok after six weeks there.  Certainly not my favourite country either, but an intriguing place to visit nonetheless.  We'll probably return one day, and we're going to Sri Lanka in just over a year for a wedding, so that should be good.

I've finished the book now, and as much as I loved the first half of it, I can't help feeling now that he's a bit of a nob.  It was almost as if the book was back to front, and as much as I was compelled to find out about him getting mixed up with the mafia/afghanistan, in the end it all just disappointed somewhat.  I also couldn't shake the feeling that most of it was bollocks.  The Sapna killers he has admitted didn't exist, and that is a running thread through a large part of the story.  He must be the most scarred man in the world, if you believe what he's written. 

Someone has also since pointed out to me just how bad the sex scenes are.  I really didn't notice at the time,but when you read back they are incredibly cheesy to the point of being funny.  I don't want to slag it off too much, because the first half is magical and even overall I really enjoyed.  Some of the phrases and maxims were particularly memorable.  "Justice is not only the way we punish sinners.  It is also how we try to save them".

I have since then read Marching Powder by Rusty Young, the true story of a British drug smuggler in the strangest prison in the world, in Bolivia.  Very interesting and easy to read book, although it lost something in translation for me, due to it being in the first person from the prisoner's perspective, even though someone else wrote it.

I'm now reading First They Killed My Father, about the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.  I read the Killing Fields around the same time as visiting the museum a while back, and it broke my heart.  I have a feeling this will do the same.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: mexico red on Monday, November 1, 2010, 08:32:56
amir, please post on tef more, you are sorely missed.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jimmy_onions on Monday, November 1, 2010, 11:08:19
The killing fields is about as grim as it gets books wise, not sure I particuarly want to read 'First they killed my father'.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: nochee on Monday, November 1, 2010, 11:13:09
The killing fields is about as grim as it gets books wise, not sure I particuarly want to read 'First they killed my father'.

I read about a third of first they killed my father before I sadly lost/forgot it somewhere on my travels. Pretty heart wrenching stuff. I had a lump in my throat and I'm not what you would call sensitive.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 22:05:11
I bought 'the good soldiers' by David Finkel in the states and have just about finished it. Very good read.



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: tans on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 22:37:43
Might purchase it for the management team if this poor form carries on ;)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flat-Back-Four-Tactics-Football/dp/0752211943/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288737403&sr=1-5


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: otanswell on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 23:09:06

I have since then read Marching Powder by Rusty Young, the true story of a British drug smuggler in the strangest prison in the world, in Bolivia.  Very interesting and easy to read book, although it lost something in translation for me, due to it being in the first person from the prisoner's perspective, even though someone else wrote it.


That prison sounds epic, you could get smashed for a fiver in there on the finest purest coke in the world


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Saturday, November 20, 2010, 05:58:47
amir, please post on tef more, you are sorely missed.

That's very kind of you, Mex.  I'm waiting in the shadows for Onion_Jimbo and Piemonte to return.

The killing fields is about as grim as it gets books wise, not sure I particuarly want to read 'First they killed my father'.

Well, in some ways it is more horrific than The Killing Fields, although the way she has tried to write it from her perspective as a child doesn't work that well.  It still feels like someone looking back at what happened, rather than presently experiencing it.  Definately worth reading alongside The Killing Fields though, as it gives you a good idea of what life was like during the Khmer Rouge regime, whereas The Killing Fields is more about foreign involvement(mainly American) and abandonment of Cambodia(mirrored by Sydney leaving Dith Pran and his subsequent feelings of guilt).

I've also just finished Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, a book I've been meaning to read for a long time, and I'm very glad I did.  I'm in awe of someone who can write a book in so many styles.  It's a little bit Defoe, a little bit Huxley, and it's many other things as well.  The middle part reminded me of The Book of Dave by Will Self though, and I couldn't even finish that.  I'm not sure whether I preferred Dream Number 9, I think I probably did, but it was better than Black Swan Green, which seemed very two dimensional compared to the others.  Has anyone read Ghostwritten, or his new book?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Saturday, November 20, 2010, 07:49:55

Personally I'm trying to exercise some school English Lit lesson ghosts by re-reading the closest thing to a 'classic' I will probably ever read - To Kill a Mocking Bird. Hated this book at school, it bored me rigid. Now I want to see if I'll see it for the "masterpiece" it is proclaimed to be.

Mrs Krauer the English Teacher 1 Batch 0

To Kill a Mocking Bird was extremely good. To my surprise I enjoyed it from start to finish. A glimpse into life in a small 1930's Alabama county and the attitudes towards black people before Luthor King/Malcolm X changed the world.

Which leads me to my next point. I think it was a a waste of time trying to teach such classic texts to the majority of GCSE aged schoolboys. If it doesn't have football, guns, cars and grils in it then it wont work 75% of the time. At least I avoided The Bard.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Saturday, November 20, 2010, 08:44:37
Which leads me to my next point. I think it was a a waste of time trying to teach such classic texts to the majority of GCSE aged schoolboys. If it doesn't have football, guns, cars and grils in it then it wont work 75% of the time. At least I avoided The Bard.

Well said. I absolutely loathed English. I hated reading To Kill a Mockingbird, I despised Tess of the d'Urbervilles with a passion and Shakespeare was dull.

Expecting teens to read those books and get anything from them is a joke. I didn't finish any books in GCSE English.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: bigbobjoylove on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 10:22:08
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pay-As-You-Play-Success/dp/0955925339

Don't suppose anyone has got this? Would be nice to know what Swindon's Premier League transfers worked out to in today's money.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: suttonred on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 10:25:54
Around 7p would be my guess. Interesting reading the synopsis and the reviews that managerial ability is decided by how much you spend. That must make Lee Clark a completley crap manager.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: land_of_bo on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 14:07:57
Just finished the new CJ Sansom - Heartstone. Love the Shardlake series of books.

Now moved on to book 13 of the Wheel of Time (Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson).


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: oxford_fan on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 21:03:38
After seeing him interviewed on the BBC by Paxman the other night, I have ordered Christopher Hitchens' 'Letters to a Young Contrarian'.

Was after something Dawkins-like, but without the guff, to edge me toward atheism. Hitchens seems to fit the bill perfectly.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: ibelieveinmrreeves on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 23:22:26
Bought 'Ham on Rye' again, some 5 years after having bought and read it originally and left it in a hostel somewhere. Saw it in hmv for £3 so going to crack on with that tonight


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: oxford_fan on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 23:52:46
is that the one about his childhood? along with post office it's his best novel.

never got round to pulp, it didn't really appeal to me.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 23:58:55
After seeing him interviewed on the BBC by Paxman the other night, I have ordered Christopher Hitchens' 'Letters to a Young Contrarian'.

Was after something Dawkins-like, but without the guff, to edge me toward atheism. Hitchens seems to fit the bill perfectly.

I haven't read the above, but "God is Not Great - How Religion Poisons Everything" is very good. (By Hitchens of course.)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Thursday, December 2, 2010, 07:47:06
is that the one about his childhood? along with post office it's his best

100% true fact.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Thursday, December 2, 2010, 09:46:34
After seeing him interviewed on the BBC by Paxman the other night, I have ordered Christopher Hitchens' 'Letters to a Young Contrarian'.

Was after something Dawkins-like, but without the guff, to edge me toward atheism. Hitchens seems to fit the bill perfectly.

You're going to love him. A lot of his debates are on youtube too. Check them out. The one between him and Tony Blair is brilliant.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Friday, December 10, 2010, 15:40:16
Just finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Found it OK. Wouldn't recommend it and didn't find the twist, which many mentioned to me, anything of note. I think it's reputation and the fact everyone thinks it's brilliant might have meant I expected more, but I found it incredibly slow up until about the final 1/4 and even then it wasn't particularly sprightly. Very average.

Now I'm going to plough through the other 2 as I bought them all at once. Hopefully they improve.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: chalkies_shorts on Friday, December 10, 2010, 19:00:02
Just finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Found it OK. Wouldn't recommend it and didn't find the twist, which many mentioned to me, anything of note. I think it's reputation and the fact everyone thinks it's brilliant might have meant I expected more, but I found it incredibly slow up until about the final 1/4 and even then it wasn't particularly sprightly. Very average.

Now I'm going to plough through the other 2 as I bought them all at once. Hopefully they improve.

I really enjoyed it and could see what the fuss was about. Books 2 and 3 pretty much run into each other but well worth a read. 


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: bigbobjoylove on Friday, December 10, 2010, 19:33:57
Chris Kamara 'Mr Unbelievable' worth a read anyone? Heard it had quite a bit about his time at Swindon.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: chalkies_shorts on Friday, December 10, 2010, 21:17:01
Chris Kamara 'Mr Unbelievable' worth a read anyone? Heard it had quite a bit about his time at Swindon.
Its Ok but not much more. He's got a few facts wrong re Town scores - ie we beat the Arse 3-2 when  it was 4-3. Some of it is "unbelievable" as well. I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it but it would be OK to get it as a present.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Saturday, January 8, 2011, 01:48:27
I really enjoyed it and could see what the fuss was about. Books 2 and 3 pretty much run into each other but well worth a read. 

Keep meaning to up date this to agree with you. After finishing all 3 I liked the first a bit more. I absolutely loved 2 and 3 - they should really be one book. On several occasions 3 kept me up until 5am because I kept saying that I could read just a little bit more and was almost unable to put the thing down.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Processed Beats on Saturday, January 8, 2011, 09:45:42
I have also just finished reading the third book, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest. It's kept me from revising these last few weeks. But agreed, it was brilliant, and i found it really difficult to put it down. Such a pity that the author never got to witness his international success.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ardiles on Friday, February 11, 2011, 09:43:07
I'm reading Burmese Days by George Orwell.  Brilliant book.  I have read a lot of his others, but this one (Orwell's first) has more of a story to it than the others.  A proper page turner.  And like his other books...a powerful message as well.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DMR on Friday, February 11, 2011, 17:38:04
I'm getting stuck in to Football and Gangsters by ex Sunday Mirror editor Graham Johnson - not exactly intellectual and no doubt mostly a load of hearsay and cobblers, but quite entertaining.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ardiles on Thursday, February 24, 2011, 21:24:31
Bit of a random one, this.  I didn't read this the whole way through (not my kind of book, really).  But someone recommended Robert Goddard's 'Never Go Back' to me on the strength of the opening chapter being set in Swindon...and some places I'm familiar with in particular.  I found this extract on the web:

Never Go Back (http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk/catalog/extract.htm?command=search&db=twmain.txt&eqisbndata=0552152110)

Actually mentions my two favourite pubs in Swindon in the space of a few paragraphs.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Saxondale on Thursday, February 24, 2011, 21:33:41
Just re-reading Raymond Chandlers The long Goodbye.  Marvellous.  Beautifully written hardboiled detective fiction.  You cant read it without picturing Boggart.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Friday, February 25, 2011, 13:34:01
Bit of a random one, this.  I didn't read this the whole way through (not my kind of book, really).  But someone recommended Robert Goddard's 'Never Go Back' to me on the strength of the opening chapter being set in Swindon...and some places I'm familiar with in particular.  I found this extract on the web:

Never Go Back (http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk/catalog/extract.htm?command=search&db=twmain.txt&eqisbndata=0552152110)

Actually mentions my two favourite pubs in Swindon in the space of a few paragraphs.

There are a few of his books that mention Swindon - one of the charcters has a business there. A good if not great read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: leefer on Friday, February 25, 2011, 17:14:06
A lot of the Dick Francis horse racing books had Swindon and the surrounding areas in them.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Friday, February 25, 2011, 17:51:35
Its Ok but not much more. He's got a few facts wrong re Town scores - ie we beat the Arse 3-2 when  it was 4-3. Some of it is "unbelievable" as well. I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it but it would be OK to get it as a present.

Aye-he also says we lost 5-1 at Newcastle in the betting "scandal" game and completely re-invented the League cup semi-final v Wolves.Its not that good a read to be honest unlike Christian Roberts' tome,which is an impressive read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: PigFarmer on Friday, February 25, 2011, 23:44:25
Bit of a random one, this.  I didn't read this the whole way through (not my kind of book, really).  But someone recommended Robert Goddard's 'Never Go Back' to me on the strength of the opening chapter being set in Swindon...and some places I'm familiar with in particular.  I found this extract on the web:

Never Go Back (http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk/catalog/extract.htm?command=search&db=twmain.txt&eqisbndata=0552152110)

Actually mentions my two favourite pubs in Swindon in the space of a few paragraphs.

Found the pot, but my lazy scan read couldn't find t'other.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, February 26, 2011, 12:40:25
It was the Beehive.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: london_red on Thursday, March 3, 2011, 10:52:38
World Book Day today.

Just finished reading 'Moneyball' by Michael Lewis (excellent); now going to finally start reading the Millenium Trilogy I think.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jimmy_onions on Thursday, March 3, 2011, 11:00:53
am halfway through Patrick o Brien's series on Jack Aubrey and Stephan Maturin (Master and commander etc)...

they are sometimes hard going and wont be everyones cup of tea but i feckin love em...the suspense of the sea chases and battles is great...


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Arriba on Thursday, March 3, 2011, 11:26:38
just finished mick fleetwoods book.not a bad book at all,but at 21 years old now could do with an update.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Frigby Daser on Thursday, March 3, 2011, 13:55:18
"Bounce" by Matthew Syed is a superb book - just finished it - focusses on the theory that winners are made, not born and looks at a lot of the sports physcology behind world class performance (or lack of it). Gives some insight into where this season may have gone wrong - and also why manager's post-match interviews can get so repetitive....

Honestly, buy it.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Boeta on Thursday, March 3, 2011, 14:10:56
"Bounce" by Matthew Syed is a superb book - just finished it - focusses on the theory that winners are made, not born and looks at a lot of the sports physcology behind world class performance (or lack of it). Gives some insight into where this season may have gone wrong - and also why manager's post-match interviews can get so repetitive....

Honestly, buy it.

yep top quality book - you read dan coyle's the talent code? just as good if not better


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Thursday, March 3, 2011, 14:44:32
Just reading Me Cheeta (sic) a fictional tale of the life of the chimp from the Tarzan films. Actually it's very good and probably much better if you know something of the Hollywood stars of the 50s. Really well written too and the device of the monkey perspective doesn't get in the way of the gags.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Lumps on Thursday, March 3, 2011, 21:44:02
Just reading Me Cheeta (sic) a fictional tale of the life of the chimp from the Tarzan films. Actually it's very good and probably much better if you know something of the Hollywood stars of the 50s. Really well written too and the device of the monkey perspective doesn't get in the way of the gags.

Loved that. Weird as it sounds it had a really authentic tone. Reminded me of David Niven's "The Moon's a Balloon", also a top read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 19:44:01
Having a bit of a physics fest at the moment. Currently about halfway through Brian Cox's "Why Does E = mc²?". An interesting read if a little challenging.

Spied an interesting book in Waterstones today called "Elephants on Acid: and Other Bizarre Experiments" which is next on my list.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 20:05:57
Spied an interesting book in Waterstones today called "Elephants on Acid: and Other Bizarre Experiments" which is next on my list.

Looks interesting. I looked on Amazon and its available on Kindle so may well have a look at some point.

I liked this review
Quote
This book attempts to make light of a series of sick and disturbing experiments carried out on both animals and people....

But then they only gave it one star. Make your mind up FFS.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 20:10:29
Amazon reviews are a lot like the comments section on the Adver site. A combination of complete thickos saying "Yeah, it was gert good!" or "It was shit, I couldn't understand nuffink" and then your dick waving types who like to flame the authors and try to rubbish their ideas/theories/writing style with absurd posturing.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: london_red on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 20:26:24
Having a bit of a physics fest at the moment. Currently about halfway through Brian Cox's "Why Does E = mc²?". An interesting read if a little challenging.

Spied an interesting book in Waterstones today called "Elephants on Acid: and Other Bizarre Experiments" which is next on my list.

After watching the first few "Wonders" episodes I was also spurred to check out Prof Cox's book. Definitely worth it if you're interested in that sort of thing, although I'm not sure I've had to go back and re-read so many bits of a book before to make sure I had the ideas right.

In conclusion, very interesting but made my head hurt.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Coca Fola on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 20:30:34
Recently read The Days Of The Consuls by Ivo Andric. Was a bit meh tbh, never really got going.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Thursday, March 24, 2011, 16:36:17
After watching the first few "Wonders" episodes I was also spurred to check out Prof Cox's book. Definitely worth it if you're interested in that sort of thing, although I'm not sure I've had to go back and re-read so many bits of a book before to make sure I had the ideas right.

In conclusion, very interesting but made my head hurt.

Me too. Must have read it cover to cover about 5 times before I got it all.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Saxondale on Thursday, March 24, 2011, 23:20:29
Just picked up a new Jasper fforde book.  One of our thursdays is missing.  So far so good.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bogus Dave on Sunday, March 27, 2011, 02:31:58
Although not overly baptised n the way of written literature as an entertainemnt form, I have read a few of the jasper fforde books, and I found them average. Do they class as genuine good books, or do people just read them because of the swindon references?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Saxondale on Sunday, March 27, 2011, 07:50:49
I think they just class as a bit of fun, a pleasant diversion from life not works of high literature.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Processed Beats on Sunday, March 27, 2011, 15:31:53
About to start A Week In December by Sebastian Faulks.

Any reviews/comments?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Sunday, March 27, 2011, 20:53:14
Finished Me Cheeta now, it was rather good and remarkably touching at the end - for a book based on the principle that you can't libel the dead.

Just started David Goldblatt's The Ball Is Round. So far it is superb -extremely interesting and so thoroughly researched and considered. The only problem is that it might take a while to finish.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 13:00:39
Without ploughing through 10 pages of posts has anyone read any of Jonathan Wilson's books such as "Inverting The Pyramid: The History Of Football Tactics" or "Why England Lose: And other curious phenomena explained"

If so are they worth a read ?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: china red on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 13:02:21
Any one know where I can download books for the ipad for free?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 14:20:11
Without ploughing through 10 pages of posts has anyone read any of Jonathan Wilson's books such as "Inverting The Pyramid: The History Of Football Tactics" or "Why England Lose: And other curious phenomena explained"

If so are they worth a read ?

Inverting certainly is. I've got his England one too but I'm yet to start. He's a very good writer, an amazing researcher and really knows his stuff. He must have thousand and thousands of hours of interviews because even for a half page he seems to do about six months of study. He's particularly good on Eastern Europe and Russia, but he lives in Argentina now so he'll be an expert on that too soon enough.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Saxondale on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 14:26:10
Just half way through Bad Vibes Britpop and my part in its downfall by Luke Haines erstwhile singer of The Auteurs.  Acidic, sarcastic, bitchy and hilarious recollection of the days of 'cool britannia'.  Highly recommended.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 14:28:45
I'd forgotten about that book, I'd been meaning to get it at some point - off to Amazon.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: yeo on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 14:38:56
Just half way through Bad Vibes Britpop and my part in its downfall by Luke Haines erstwhile singer of The Auteurs.  Acidic, sarcastic, bitchy and hilarious recollection of the days of 'cool britannia'.  Highly recommended.

sounds good that, i'll put it on my list.

Last book I finished was For Richer for Poorer by Victoria Coren. Its mostly about her love affair with Poker .That makes it sound shit..but its a good read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 15:49:13
 I've just finished Life....this is an autobiography of Keith Richards.  (Rolling Stones man for younger readers)

 Proper thick book, but it took me about 3 days to read, as it's very good.

 I suppose I can relate to it being an old bugger....Richards is older mind.

 Definitely worth a read for any Stones fans out there, if they've not already.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Don Rogers Shop on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 16:05:04
Just finished reading Oscar De Lahoyas Autobiography. Was one of the best i have read to be honest.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 19:00:23
I've just finished Life....this is an autobiography of Keith Richards.  (Rolling Stones man for younger readers)

 Proper thick book, but it took me about 3 days to read, as it's very good.

 I suppose I can relate to it being an old bugger....Richards is older mind.

 Definitely worth a read for any Stones fans out there, if they've not already.


Ive read it-how's he remembered all that stuff?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Saturday, September 10, 2011, 10:34:47
Skimmed through Maus a few years ago but I read it within an evenings sitting earlier this week and it's one of the best books I've read. I'm not a graphic novel/comic book fan by any stretch of the imagination either. It's a heartbreaking tale that we'll never fully understand.

[url width=345 height=475]http://sarahbbc.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/maus1.jpg?w=345&h=475[/url]

Also finally finished Judith Belushi Pisano's biography on John Belushi. It's a interesting read with some decent interviews with his friends and associates. However, I think they the skimmed his later years when he was at his worst by constantly trying to highlight that he was still decent guy inside.

[url width=201 height=240]http://www.celebrationofthesea.com/shared_assets/images/belushi_book.jpg[/url]


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 09:24:41
Currently ploughling through the series of novels by Jo Nesbo. Thoroughly recommended espec for anyone who is into their crime books (Rankin/Deaver etc). Would read them in order though.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: LucienSanchez on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 09:40:21
I'm currently reading 'The Anatomy of Fascism' in preparation for one of this years modules, and it's a pretty interesting read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 10:45:38
Investment Principles and Risk.

Currently trying to learn time value of money equations like this beauty.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/f/0/1/f013d1fa36f7b6fdfe9ab7adebcd2351.png

Rock and roll.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 10:53:04
Investment Principles and Risk.

Currently trying to learn time value of money equations like this beauty.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/f/0/1/f013d1fa36f7b6fdfe9ab7adebcd2351.png

Rock and roll.

what for Samdy ??


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 11:01:05
So that I can tell people what to do with their money for a living.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 11:16:41
So that I can tell people what to do with their money for a living.


Is that for Cemap or IFA sort of stuff ?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 11:19:42
CII Diploma.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 11:24:40
CII Diploma.

Good Stuff and Good Luck.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 11:26:13
Thanks. I need it :)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 11:27:58
Thanks. I need it :)

Should you need any processing done for Life business try Directlife.co.uk or lifequote.co.uk (shameless plug)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: yeo on Sunday, January 29, 2012, 22:30:19
Just finished The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson

Funny stuff,really thought provoking about psychiatry/scientology and just a generally fascinating read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jutty274 on Monday, January 30, 2012, 13:07:43
I'm reading Ransom X by I.B. Holder on the kindle at the moment. It is a great read for a free book. Real good pyscholical thriller.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: yeo on Sunday, February 5, 2012, 22:27:33
Not long finished Dark Matter by Michelle Paver.

Enjoyed it, a proper old fashioned creepy Ghost story set in a 30's Artic research station


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: janaage on Sunday, February 5, 2012, 22:55:28
Investment Principles and Risk.

Currently trying to learn time value of money equations like this beauty.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/f/0/1/f013d1fa36f7b6fdfe9ab7adebcd2351.png

Rock and roll.

If you're studying for the R exams pass over that kind of stuff Sam, it's not worth the head space for a few marks. Concentrate on the straight forward stuff that'll get you your pass.  Same goes if you're doing taking the J route. That method's seen me through the J's.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Sunday, February 5, 2012, 22:59:43
The thing is those calcs do come in useful for my job whereas they don't for yours ;)

I'm doing the Rs. 3 down, 3 to go.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: janaage on Sunday, February 5, 2012, 23:05:13
Fair play, I would have hated the multiple choice route, prefer written exams myself.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Monday, February 6, 2012, 00:11:09
Fuck me, I've understood precisely nothing in the last three posts!

However, I did just read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, which is very short, but gives a good insight into life in Stalin's gulags.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Monday, February 6, 2012, 05:54:42
Very interesting book that, Donkey.  In a similar vein I would recommend If This Is A Man by Primo Levi, about the year he spent in Auschwitz. 


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Monday, February 6, 2012, 14:24:52
Very interesting book that, Donkey.  In a similar vein I would recommend If This Is A Man by Primo Levi, about the year he spent in Auschwitz. 

I'll look it up, cheers.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: leefer on Monday, February 6, 2012, 18:41:49
And to bring the thread down a little,i have just finished reading the Lee Evans autobiography.
Not bad at all.

For you peeps with kids the Daily Mirror are doing a good deal at the moment,collect 2 weeks vouchers ,£5 post and package gets you 25 kids books....and a great selection you can choose from to.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: StfcRusty on Thursday, November 1, 2012, 13:01:36
Just some football books that I've particularly enjoyed and would recommend as (other than Keane's) they aren't particularly mainstream:

The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw - The Robin Friday Story
Black & Blue - Paul Canoville (ex-Chelsea winger who suffered extreme racial abuse from his own fans)
Back from the Brink - Paul McGrath
Keane - Roy Keane
From Right-Wing to B-Wing - Mark Ward (ex Everton winger sent down for 9 years for drugs offences)
Full Time - Tony Cascarino
Pointless - Jeff Connor (a season following East Stirling)



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Honkytonk on Thursday, November 1, 2012, 13:25:02
I chuffing love me some Robert Rankin. His writing is like if Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams had a lovechiled. Haven't had a chance to pick up anything of his recently though unfortunately.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Thursday, November 1, 2012, 14:13:58
I chuffing love me some Robert Rankin. His writing is like if Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams had a lovechiled. Haven't had a chance to pick up anything of his recently though unfortunately.

I picked up about 10 books of his in a charity booksale at work. Happy days.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: FatSmurf on Friday, November 2, 2012, 12:22:58
Anything by James Clavell although Noble House is particularly good


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Friday, November 2, 2012, 23:33:43
Fucking Boo.

Edit: Wrong thread, but fuck it, I'll leave it here.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Monday, November 5, 2012, 17:24:58
Got the Higgs book by Jim Baggott for my birthday. I do love a bit of particle physics.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Langers on Monday, November 5, 2012, 18:04:17
On part one of the third Game of Thrones book. They are ace.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Monday, November 5, 2012, 19:15:13
the American-good read


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: larwood on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 15:28:35
Brown bear,brown bear what do you see.Currently going down a storm in my house.

Germania has been interesting.But makes me want to visit far too many places in Germany  :)

After a colleague at work recommended it,i'm going to give the first Martin Beck book a try.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 17:20:39
Brown bear,brown bear what do you see.Currently going down a storm in my house.

Germania has been interesting.But makes me want to visit far too many places in Germany  :)

After a colleague at work recommended it,i'm going to give the first Martin Beck book a try.

Germany's a great country, visit it.  Is Germania the book by McNally, btw?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 12:32:26
Just read the first Hunger Games book. Very enjoyable given it a "teen" fiction.

I have to say they did a pretty crappy job on the film, even taken into account the obvious reduction in detail between a book and film. Seemingly missed out some key points (they probably moved it into the sequels).


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: dporter on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 12:36:19
Just read the first Hunger Games book. Very enjoyable given it a "teen" fiction.

I have to say they did a pretty crappy job on the film, even taken into account the obvious reduction in detail between a book and film. Seemingly missed out some key points (they probably moved it into the sequels).

Really enjoyed the first two books but found the third a bit tedious. You're right about the film, i only made it to about half an hour before i fell asleep. The books are way better!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 12:45:21
Now I'm not having to read for work and I can read for fun, I've been reading Brian Cox & Jeff Forshaw's newest book; The Quantum Universe. It's very good at explaining some of the core theories of quantum mechanics in understandable ways, just like their previous book "Why does E=mc2?".


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 14:46:25
Decent. I'll pick that up Sam.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: red sheldon on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 21:19:56
Has anyone got round to reading my book yet????


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 21:27:39
Has anyone got round to reading my book yet????

Just starting it (couple of chapters in). So no feedback yet as not far enough through..

As a matter of interest, what is your real life connection with York?

Also, briefly, how does getting a book onto the Kindle store work - is it a kind of self publish thing, or was it more traditional in that you had to get a "deal" with Amazon as the publisher.

Just being nosey by the way :) edit: The Mrs is from York, we still go back for the panto every xmas even though her parents are sadly no longer with us.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: red sheldon on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 21:57:16
I live in York now, have done for the last 11 years which is why I don't get back to the County Ground as often as I would like.  With regards to the Kindle yes its self published, it's quite easy and straightforward to upload your book and format it so I didn't even bother trying to publish it traditionally.

I take it you man the Berwick Kaillor (?) panto at he Theatre Royal. We go there most years, although we mised this years as we visited friends in Glasgow and went there and I couldn't stomach two pantos.  Oh yes I could, no actually I couldn't


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 22:10:16
Thanks! That explains York then..and also why when I asked her where things were she didn't know - she's been down here too long. She swears the Three Legged Mare was a bistro last time she looked.

And yes it was the Berwick Kaler panto (she refuses to acknowledge the other one), she hasn't missed one of his - she's been going since she was a nipper and she was 40 this year!

Good to see Amazon give access to the Kindle store to all, its how it should be. Wouldn't mind writing one myself one day, I wouldn't expect any sales but its something I reckon most of us have thought about at one time or another. I'll add it to the list of things to do after doing a marathon.
 
 I'll let you know when I finish the book and how I found it.



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: red sheldon on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 22:44:06
At the start of each chapter I have put a Barnum statement that could apply to most people, and one of the comments is that yu have thought about or started writing a book.

You should give it a go, I read somewhere that if you write 250 words a night it will only take you 200 days to write your novel...

But back to the panto, have you ever got a wagon wheel??


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jonny72 on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 22:48:57
Good to see Amazon give access to the Kindle store to all, its how it should be.

Its pretty simple getting books and music on iTunes, imagine it's the same with Amazon and Google. I'd guess they all love people that self publish as it's taking the middle men (distributors, labels, publishers etc) out of the loop which is good for them and the authors / musicians.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 23:56:52
But back to the panto, have you ever got a wagon wheel??

Oh yes, three - this year, the 25th Anniversary panto  and one in between -technically my son got two of them. But he's not allowed to eat them, the Mrs swapped it with him fro, an entire pack of wagon wheels. No, I don't get why she wants to keep it either.

Never the Newkie Brown though..

You should give it a go, I read somewhere that if you write 250 words a night it will only take you 200 days to write your novel...

The trick is having some sort of idea as to what to write about...All I need is one brilliant idea a-la Harper Lee! Oh, wait, I need some talent too, damn.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Thursday, April 4, 2013, 19:38:51
Anyone read the latest Jon Ronson book.I love his stuff but its got a chapter about Robbie fucking Williams,which makes me a bit reluctant to buy it


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jutty274 on Thursday, April 4, 2013, 20:04:44
I love reading the free books on the kindle, some of the best books i have read on it have been peoples first attempts. The only downside is that you have to wait ages for the next book. I have found people who have wrote their first book find the next one a lot easier. I will one day start writing a novel but until that day i will continue to read these new writers books.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: fuzzy on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, 07:58:27
A couple of books I have read in the last week-

Seven Deadly Sins: my pursuit of Lance Armstrong by David Walsh. This is the Sunday Times sports journalist who co wrote L.A. Confidential in 2004 I think it was, detailing his case against Armstrong for doping. Armstrong and his legal team denied his allegations in the strongest terms and sued. They won. The Sunday Times has since turned the tables in their favour. The book made me realise what a complete mug I was for a) failing to recognise the clues and b) sticking up for the doping cunt.

It's all about Treo, about the experiences of Royal Army Vetinary Corps dog handler Dave Heyhoe and his Arms and Explosives Search Dog Treo during a 6 month tour in Sangin, Afghanistan. A cracking book that had me smiling or chuckling in places and trying not to embarrass myself by blubbing in front of SWMBO in others. Find the book if only to look at the photo of Treo smiling for the camera whilst wearing his protective doggles to keep sand out of his eyes :D Treo was subsequently awarded the Dickins medal (Doggie VC) for his work.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Friday, December 6, 2013, 20:56:34
Clarke Carlise's book...just starting the last chapter. Fascinating read, really really good.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Baggins on Friday, December 6, 2013, 21:31:12
Everybody - and I do mean everybody - should read Lord of the Rings at least once. 

Barack Obama's Dreams From My Father is pretty inspirational - agree with his politics or not, the man has an interesting history and can write well. 



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Friday, December 6, 2013, 21:32:25
Everybody - and I do mean everybody - should read Lord of the Rings at least once. 

Read it before Peter Jackson even got the rights to the films. The films, whilst good, aren't a patch on the book. As is the case with most novels turned film.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Friday, December 6, 2013, 21:45:26

Seven Deadly Sins: my pursuit of Lance Armstrong by David Walsh. This is the Sunday Times sports journalist who co wrote L.A. Confidential in 2004 I think it was, detailing his case against Armstrong for doping. Armstrong and his legal team denied his allegations in the strongest terms and sued. They won. The Sunday Times has since turned the tables in their favour. The book made me realise what a complete mug I was for a) failing to recognise the clues and b) sticking up for the doping cunt.

I read this on holiday, gripping stuff and like you I was both (a) and (b).

Also recently read "Cycling Home from Siberia", a light-hearted and entertaining read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jutty274 on Friday, December 6, 2013, 22:39:08
I have just got into the Thursday Next series if books by Jasper fforde. I found the first one in the library & have now just started the second one in the series.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: tans on Friday, December 6, 2013, 23:36:30
Tales from the secret footballer


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Saturday, December 7, 2013, 18:21:09
The Dennis Bergkamp biography, Stillness and Speed is very good - so long as you aren't expecting a standard biography. If you've read Brilliant Orange, David Winner's other book on Dutch football, you'll know what to expect but it takes a bit of a broader view and mixes interviews with comment.

Luc Nijholt gets a mention though - as the full-back Dennis destroyed on his full Ajax debut in a 5-nil win.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: yeo on Saturday, December 7, 2013, 22:23:11
Jon Ronson - Lost at Sea

short stories/articles about odd stuff like Deal or No Deal contestants and People doing the "Alpha" Christian course


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: janaage on Saturday, December 7, 2013, 23:17:58
Clarke Carlise's book...just starting the last chapter. Fascinating read, really really good.

He didn't mention a night out in Yo!Below in Poland Street circa 2003 did he? 


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Saturday, December 7, 2013, 23:48:49
He didn't mention a night out in Yo!Below in Poland Street circa 2003 did he? 

In fairness.....he mentioned many a night out....


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: leefer on Sunday, December 8, 2013, 08:12:26
On my way north to day via Leicester. ..so Mr Donkey will be getting a some nice old autobiographys that have been collecting dust!!!
Look forward to seeing him


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bennett on Sunday, December 8, 2013, 09:33:11
Crooked Little Vein and Gun Machine by Warren Ellis (graphic novelist usually) are really good books. Both about the seedy side of American Life and detectives, but very different. I'd recommend anyone to read them


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Sunday, December 8, 2013, 11:02:47
On my way north to day via Leicester. ..so Mr Donkey will be getting a some nice old autobiographys that have been collecting dust!!!
Look forward to seeing him

Cheers, pal. Catch you in you in the pub next week.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jutty274 on Thursday, June 5, 2014, 07:04:17
I have just finished reading Bret "the hitman" Hart's autobiography, anybody who likes wrestling should read it, it is very insightful into how the Business works & how fake wrestling is. It also goes into his personal life in quite a lit of detail, the chapter about his brothers death in a wrestling ring is very sad.
now onto Viva la madness the follow up book to layer cake.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bob's Orange on Thursday, June 5, 2014, 08:53:07
I have just finished reading Bret "the hitman" Hart's autobiography, anybody who likes wrestling should read it, it is very insightful into how the Business works & how fake wrestling is. It also goes into his personal life in quite a lit of detail, the chapter about his brothers death in a wrestling ring is very sad.
now onto Viva la madness the follow up book to layer cake.

Surely anyone with 2 working eyes and a brain can see how fake wrestling is?

How much do these guys, on average, get paid Jutty?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Thursday, June 5, 2014, 09:52:05
Viva la madness

I've been meaning to read that. I think it might already be on my Kindle as I know I read Layer Cake about 2 years ago. The film was quality (book inevitably better) but Daniel Craig's character is far better in the book. They're almost polar-opposites by recollection, aren't they?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jutty274 on Thursday, June 5, 2014, 09:59:11
Surely anyone with 2 working eyes and a brain can see how fake wrestling is?

How much do these guys, on average, get paid Jutty?
It is so fake but for the first time it actually goes into details of how fake & also about the wrestlers who sometimes don't fake the moves. Brett Hart says his last contract with the WWe was for $20million over 20 years with the first five years making up about 9million of it. he was forced out of the wwe by Vince McMahon, he then went to WCW for about $2.5million a year.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jutty274 on Thursday, June 5, 2014, 10:00:54
I've been meaning to read that. I think it might already be on my Kindle as I know I read Layer Cake about 2 years ago. The film was quality (book inevitably better) but Daniel Craig's character is far better in the book. They're almost polar-opposites by recollection, aren't they?
I am only about 10 pages in at the minute, also i am now struggling to remember most of layer cake so i am going to have to re watch it.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Monday, October 6, 2014, 18:14:55
Nearly finished Andy McNab's 'The New Recruit' - not a bad read..

I bought a copy of Nineteen-Eighty-Four on Saturday, I've never ready it, but very much looking forward to doing so.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: kerry red on Monday, October 6, 2014, 18:17:20
My favourite author at the moment is John Connelly.

Dark, spooky detective stuff.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 09:51:18
Ever thought of watching scooby doo, Audrey?   :)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: kerry red on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 10:18:51
Nah, it's always the caretaker - must be some real fuckwits, Shaggy and his chums.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Honkytonk on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 17:29:13
Nah, it's always the caretaker - must be some real fuckwits, Shaggy and his chums.

I think it's their tendency to cough a lot, eat a hell of a lot of snacks, and spend most of their time in a van giggling that probably is the reason they can never see it's the caretaker/janitor.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Abrahammer on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 18:56:16
Roy Keane's book looks fun


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 19:09:05
Roy Keane's book looks fun

I think I'll give that a miss, can't stand the prick :-)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Abrahammer on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 19:15:05
I think I'll give that a miss, can't stand the prick :-)

I did think that but he slags off old Whisky nose and Man Utd fans so think I'll enjoy it


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 19:18:33
I did think that but he slags off old Whisky nose and Man Utd fans so think I'll enjoy it

Haha true. But how can you trust a man who's beard doesn't meet at his hairline?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Hitchinred on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 19:28:46
Working my way through Phillip Kerr's Bernie Gunther novels. Enjoying them but moving 20 years from one dictator to another can make it a bit dis-jointed.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Arriba on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 21:19:53
My recent reads during the last couple of months.
Alex Ferguson's was a gift for father's day which I delayed reading until my July holiday.

Bought Chris Evans first effort in a charity shop and liked that so bought the follow up on eBay. I like him and he's nobbed some top totty so kudos for that.

Neil Warnock's, again from a charity shop was ok too.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jutty274 on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, 06:59:27
I have just finished reading the good thief's guide to Venice by Chris Ewan, thoroughly enjoyed reading it, it is about an author who also does a bit of burglary on the side & how be gets blackmailed into doing a robbery. After reading it I found out it was the last in a series of books.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: TheMajorSTFC on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, 10:35:37
I'll be buying KP and Roy Keane's books - both look a bit tasty. Plus after reading the Ferguson book on holiday I'll look forward to what Keane has to say in response.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: fuzzy on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, 21:22:22
Nah, it's always the caretaker .

And we'da gotten away with it if it weren't for thos pesky kids....


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: fuzzy on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, 21:25:36
A Song Of Ice And Fire (Game of Thrones) book 3 A storm Of Swords part 1 Steel and Snow.

My reading of the books seems to be lagging behind the watching of the TV series (I am awaiting season 4 on DVD).


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DiV on Thursday, October 9, 2014, 01:45:30
Just finished the Fleming Bond books again. Now moving onto the ones done by other authors, will be interesting at least.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Friday, October 10, 2014, 16:38:32
Having recently acquired a Nook, I'm making more of a conscientious effort to read. I've gotten hold of 100 sci-fi classics which I'm making my way through.

On the non-fiction side I recently read The Chimp Paradox, very good for those that are into the self development thing.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bennett on Saturday, October 11, 2014, 09:26:43
Everyone should read Ubik, by Philip K Dick. Mainly if only down to his name being very amusing


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: kerry red on Saturday, October 11, 2014, 09:29:42
Many years ago I worked in Academic Publishing and one of the contributors to a journal was a Prof. Shagass


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bennett on Saturday, October 11, 2014, 09:35:33
Was that Ben Dover's dad?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: StfcRusty on Saturday, October 11, 2014, 16:59:33
I'll be buying KP and Roy Keane's books - both look a bit tasty. Plus after reading the Ferguson book on holiday I'll look forward to what Keane has to say in response.

I'll save you the bother with KP's -> to sum up, he's always the victim, it's never his fault. Flower and Prior are cunts and KP is the greatest. £10 saved for you there.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: janaage on Saturday, October 11, 2014, 22:49:11
I'll save you the bother with KP's -> to sum up, he's always the victim, it's never his fault. Flower and Prior are cunts and KP is the greatest. £10 saved for you there.

Must admit KP's 'I'm a saint' media tour this week has been vomit inducing. And to be honest I like him as a player, but he's done my head in over the last 5/6 days.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Honkytonk on Saturday, October 11, 2014, 22:58:45
Kevin Pietersen is friends with Piers Morgan.

That's reason enough to dislike him.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Leggett on Saturday, January 17, 2015, 07:42:43
My other half bought me Guy Martin's autobiography at Christmas, started reading it last week. I tend to find autobiographies fairly boring but this one has had me laughing plenty so far!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Thursday, August 6, 2015, 23:20:42
Just reading Tango 190, the PC David Rathband story. Fascinating reading.

Not bad for a £1.50 Waterstones bargain bin special.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Leggett on Friday, August 7, 2015, 09:47:08
Currently reading Dominion by C J Sansom, enjoying it so far!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Friday, August 7, 2015, 10:03:12
Currently reading Dominion by C J Sansom, enjoying it so far!

Ditto

How far have you got ?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Friday, August 7, 2015, 10:54:43
Currently reading enthralling titles; AF4 Investment Planning and R08 Pensions Update.

Trying to also get into Game of Thrones too when I can squeeze in a chapter or two.


Title: Re:
Post by: sonicyouth on Friday, August 7, 2015, 11:01:59
Recently finished Hunger by Knut Hamsun which is probably the darkest book I've ever read.

Finished the first of Jo Nesbø's novels in two days, on the third now.

Next read is Volvo lastvagnar by Erlend Løe which is a somewhat sequel to Doppler, a book I highly recommend - he's a fantastic author


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Leggett on Friday, August 7, 2015, 11:31:25
Ditto

How far have you got ?
200ish pages in, the bad guys have just arrived in Birmingham...


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Skinny Pete on Friday, August 7, 2015, 12:13:06
Jo Nesbo's books are brilliant.

Have you tried Police or The Son yet?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Friday, August 7, 2015, 12:50:40
200ish pages in, the bad guys have just arrived in Birmingham...

It just gets better. I won't spoil it. Enjoy.

I might have a go at his other books after - I like the writing style.

I enjoyed the earlier Nesbo books but not so much the latter ones.


Title: Re:
Post by: sonicyouth on Friday, August 7, 2015, 14:32:10
I've read The Bat and working through Cockroaches now... I think the oldest books were translated last?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Skinny Pete on Friday, August 7, 2015, 15:52:03
I'm way out of order. Just downloaded The Bat - which was his first Harry Hole book.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Processed Beats on Friday, August 7, 2015, 16:18:40
Nesbo books are fantastic. I, too, read them out of order, starting with The Snowman, which might just be the best of the lot.

His non-Harry Hole books are great as well, with Headhunters being one of my favourite novels and films of the last few years.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Leggett on Friday, August 7, 2015, 16:49:50
Big Nesbo fan here too!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Skinny Pete on Friday, August 7, 2015, 16:53:21
Wasn't he a professional footballer?


Title: Re:
Post by: sonicyouth on Friday, August 7, 2015, 18:24:59
Not sure if he was ever professional but he was at Molde and suffered a bad injury. He was also in a moderately successful Norwegian band called Di derre. Big Spurs fan I think.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: ibelieveinmrreeves on Friday, August 7, 2015, 18:39:16
Read the first Inspector Dirk Gently book recently, will move on to the second one soon. Might have to re-read the Hitchhiker's series again.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Skinny Pete on Friday, August 7, 2015, 18:44:54
Dirk Gently - he he!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: sonicyouth on Sunday, August 23, 2015, 10:54:02
Back to the Jo Nesbø subject, I've just started Redeemer. I'm loving the music references in the books so far and by the sounds of it I haven't yet reached the best books


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Sunday, August 23, 2015, 14:37:14
Fact based books i'd refer - Ray Mears: My Outdoor Life.  Miracle of Castel Di Sangro by Joe McGuiness

Any of you history buffs should also read/concentrate on Collapse: How societies choose to fail or succeed by Jared Diamond.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Sunday, August 23, 2015, 14:40:13
Fact based books i'd refer - Ray Mears: My Outdoor Life.  Miracle of Castel Di Sangro by Joe McGuiness

Any of you history buffs should also read/concentrate on Collapse: How societies choose to fail or succeed by Jared Diamond.

Read his ' Guns, Germs and Steel' very enjoyable.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Sunday, August 23, 2015, 19:16:02
I've got the secret footballer book... haven't read it yet.. anyone read it? Any good?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Sunday, August 23, 2015, 19:23:06
I've got the secret footballer book... haven't read it yet.. anyone read it? Any good?

Give it a read and find out!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Sunday, August 23, 2015, 19:29:53
Give it a read and find out!

Haha I'm going to, I just wondered if anyone had an opinion on it  ;)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Sunday, August 23, 2015, 23:01:33
Read his ' Guns, Germs and Steel' very enjoyable.

Nice one donkey, i'll look that up.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Monday, August 24, 2015, 01:02:27
I've got the secret footballer book... haven't read it yet.. anyone read it? Any good?

I thought it was entertaining enough, not a difficult book to get through. Give it a go :)

a request: a friend has just finished the Game of Thrones books which he was wrapped up in for ages and doesn't know what to read now.  Any recs?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Monday, August 24, 2015, 06:36:04
I thought it was entertaining enough, not a difficult book to get through. Give it a go :)

a request: a friend has just finished the Game of Thrones books which he was wrapped up in for ages and doesn't know what to read now.  Any recs?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bernard-Cornwell-Warlord-Chronicles-Collection/dp/B00742E6KC


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Monday, August 24, 2015, 06:49:31
Native Son by Richard Wright currently. I read more modern classics than anything else. It certainly conveys the tension of the situation well, and I feel myself wanting to intervene to stop the main character from causing himself harm. Not many books draw me in that deep.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Thursday, August 27, 2015, 00:15:54
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bernard-Cornwell-Warlord-Chronicles-Collection/dp/B00742E6KC

Many thanks! :)

Am currently reading Punk Football: The Rise of Fan Ownership in English Football by Jim Keoghan. Started it ages ago but just picked it back up - I highly recommend it if you haven't read it already. Very well written and quite illuminating (if not infuriating) in places.




Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: RWB Robin on Friday, August 28, 2015, 08:31:38
If I can be of any help to people looking for books, I work in one of the key secondhand bookshops in Hay on Wye....very glad to help!!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Leggett on Friday, August 28, 2015, 08:41:46
Fly Fishing by J R Hartley?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Friday, August 28, 2015, 09:20:38
If I can be of any help to people looking for books, I work in one of the key secondhand bookshops in Hay on Wye....very glad to help!!

Ahhh a second hand bookshop in H-o-W. A fount of literary greatness. You're very lucky. I may be in touch!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Red and Proud on Friday, August 28, 2015, 09:24:43
Ahhh a second hand bookshop in H-o-W. A fount of literary greatness. You're very lucky. I may be in touch!

I may drop in when i call into one of my customers, one of your neighbours no doubt. Currently reading two Bill Bryson books in Cyprus.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: StfcRusty on Friday, August 28, 2015, 14:30:57
Just finished Engage - Matt Hampson's autobiography. He was the England U21 international who became tetraplegic after breaking his neck and severing his spinal cord when the scrum collapsed.

Tough to read at times but also inspiring and very humbling.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Friday, August 28, 2015, 16:49:13
If I can be of any help to people looking for books, I work in one of the key secondhand bookshops in Hay on Wye....very glad to help!!

if you ever come across "poguetry" by shane macgowan,please please let me know


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: RWB Robin on Friday, August 28, 2015, 18:08:52
There are copies available (not in Hay as far as I can see), starting around £55.  If you look at the Bournemouth Oxfam shop online, there might still be a copy there....


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Saturday, August 29, 2015, 17:12:53
tried it rwb,gone!thanks anyway my search continues.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: sonicyouth on Thursday, October 1, 2015, 18:45:29
I've just finished the last Harry Hole book, any suggestions of something to read next?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Thursday, October 1, 2015, 18:49:52
I've just finished the last Harry Hole book, any suggestions of something to read next?

Have you done all the Rankin/Rebus books ?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Skinny Pete on Thursday, October 1, 2015, 19:33:44
John Connolly books - Charlie Parker, private dick with a supernatural slant.

Very slick and top quality writing.


Title: Re:
Post by: sonicyouth on Thursday, October 1, 2015, 19:40:56
Rebus is a good shout, ta.

Not sure if anyone else read the Harry Hole series in sequence but the only thing that puzzles me is his sister disappearing after being in nearly every book early in the series?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Thursday, October 1, 2015, 20:23:42
Rebus are good reads, some better than others. I started with The Falls which got me hooked.

I read the Harry Hole books and yes you are correct about his sister, a bit strange. I did go off the series towards the end, I thought the later books didn't read as easy as the earlier ones.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, 14:50:13
Recently got Travis Barker's book..

Should be a decent read.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Arriba on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, 15:39:08
I've just finished 'running with the firm'.

If you went to football in the 80's or are one of those twats who thinks wearing a stone island jacket makes you a football hooligan you'll like it.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, 16:37:43
I've just finished 'running with the firm'.

If you went to football in the 80's or are one of those twats who thinks wearing a stone island jacket makes you a football hooligan you'll like it.

I'll give that a miss then   :girlgiggle:


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Chubbs on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, 16:51:01
got football manager stole my life for christmas. Looking forward to starting it. Im not a bit book person so it will probably take me a year to get through it.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Sunday, January 17, 2016, 16:42:43
In 1967 I misdiagnosed myself with cancer of the ball bag. In every other respect I was a pretty normal youth - I was active, I had a good diet, I was pubing well - but one day I found a lump.

For three long days, I felt the cold hand of death on my shoulder. Lost in the depths of despair I tried to figure out what I had done to deserve this. I wasn't an evil person. The worst thing I'd ever done was kick a pig. It's not even as if I wanted to live a particularly long life. As a child I would have been satisfied to reach my mid 30s. I just wanted to best Christ.


I fucking love Alan Partridge. If you're a fan and haven't read 'I, Partridge - We need to talk about Alan', I strongly suggest that you change that.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Nemo on Sunday, January 17, 2016, 16:45:16
Can I recommend the audiobook? It's read in character and it is bloody marvellous.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Sunday, January 17, 2016, 16:45:27
I'm a pretty big AP fan and I thought it was funny when they retold anecdotes from TV shows from the (incorrect) perspective of Partridge.

Other than that, I found it quite forgettable.





Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Sunday, January 17, 2016, 17:06:41
Can I recommend the audiobook? It's read in character and it is bloody marvellous.

I've heard that good also.

I've thouroughly enjoyed the book. I've found it hilarious.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Sunday, January 17, 2016, 17:08:10
I've heard that good also.

I've thouroughly enjoyed the book. I've found it hilarious.

The audio is great.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Monday, January 18, 2016, 01:15:52
In 1967 I misdiagnosed myself with cancer of the ball bag. In every other respect I was a pretty normal youth - I was active, I had a good diet, I was pubing well - but one day I found a lump.

For three long days, I felt the cold hand of death on my shoulder. Lost in the depths of despair I tried to figure out what I had done to deserve this. I wasn't an evil person. The worst thing I'd ever done was kick a pig. It's not even as if I wanted to live a particularly long life. As a child I would have been satisfied to reach my mid 30s. I just wanted to best Christ.


I fucking love Alan Partridge. If you're a fan and haven't read 'I, Partridge - We need to talk about Alan', I strongly suggest that you change that.

Massive partridge fan here - like nerd level - so glad you mentioned this.
Reading the book alone was brilliant but takes on a new level with the audio.

So looking forward to the second season of MMM.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: DarloSTFC84 on Monday, January 18, 2016, 06:59:22
Massive partridge fan here - like nerd level - so glad you mentioned this.
Reading the book alone was brilliant but takes on a new level with the audio.

So looking forward to the second season of MMM.


Me too! Suffice to say, I had the last laugh.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: SuggWillSugg MBE on Monday, January 18, 2016, 13:10:35
Since September i've been working my way through all the Jack Reacher books and I'm finally about to finish the last one. Not really sure what i'm going to do with myself now. Anyone got any similar books they recommend?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Monday, January 18, 2016, 13:29:29
I've been reading quite a lot recently.

'Inverting the Pyramid' by Jonathan Wilson
History of Football tactics: Very good but quite testing at times.

'The Nowhere Men' by Michael Calvin
Football scouting: I found this one very interesting.

Amy Poehler and Sarah Silverman's books were good fun.

I thought 'A Short History of England' by Simon Jenkins was brilliant.

I'm reading a book about the history of the FL Play-Offs at the moment and Anthony Beevor's book of the Spanish Civil War is up next.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: horlock07 on Monday, January 18, 2016, 13:36:11

I'm reading a book about the history of the FL Play-Offs at the moment and Anthony Beevor's book of the Spanish Civil War is up next.


Be careful with the Spanish Civil War, depends what side you are reading from but it made me realise that left wing politics are as unpleasant and corrupt as right wing politics.... Interesting topic though - A Homage to Catalonia is also worth a read!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Monday, January 18, 2016, 13:46:25
Be careful with the Spanish Civil War, depends what side you are reading from but it made me realise that left wing politics are as unpleasant and corrupt as right wing politics.... Interesting topic though - A Homage to Catalonia is also worth a read!

Cheers, that's the Orwell account isn't it?

I've not really read much on the Spanish Civil War (basics aside) and having spent a bit of time in Barcelona, it's got me interested.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, January 18, 2016, 14:30:19
Also quite a bit recently. You can probably see from the theme that I'm a bit of a personal development geek.

David Allen - Getting Things Done
Tim Ferriss - The 4-Hour Workweek and The 4-Hour Body
Darren Hardy - The Compound Effect
Paolo Coelho - The Alchemist

Currently also making my way through Timothy Zahn's Star Wars sequels and Ryan Holiday - Trust Me, I'm Lying.



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: suttonred on Monday, January 18, 2016, 14:32:54
Those Star wars sequels are better than the original scripts. Wouldn't mind seeing some of them made.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: horlock07 on Monday, January 18, 2016, 14:49:34
Cheers, that's the Orwell account isn't it?

I've not really read much on the Spanish Civil War (basics aside) and having spent a bit of time in Barcelona, it's got me interested.

Yeah it is Orwell .. and I was exactly the same with a Barcelona visit firing my interest.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Monday, January 18, 2016, 14:57:34
Be careful with the Spanish Civil War, depends what side you are reading from but it made me realise that left wing politics are as unpleasant and corrupt as right wing politics.... Interesting topic though - A Homage to Catalonia is also worth a read!

I know! I always thought Stalin was just a bit of a lad until I read that ;) I do know what you mean.

I liked the anarchist regiments who didn't have to obey orders, but did because they knew they had too.

I'm reading some crap collection of short stories by J.D.Salinger at the moment. Atlas Shrugged is up next.



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: horlock07 on Monday, January 18, 2016, 15:11:08
I know! I always thought Stalin was just a bit of a lad until I read that ;) I do know what you mean.

I liked the anarchist regiments who didn't have to obey orders, but did because they knew they had too.


Just made me think a bit to be honest, you have it banged into your head that left - good, right - bad (or perhaps I am just friends with too many Guardianistas), but actually they are all as bad as one another!

Now I work from home I am reading a lot more but it tends to be limited to library books which has made me broaden my range a little last three are.....

History of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Biography of Thatcher - Just as I was too young to really understand her term and certain things I had recently read suggested that a lot of the anti-Thatcher stuff banded around is essentially bollocks,
History of the Dreyfus Affair - If you thought that the Germans invented antisemitism... think again!

Not sure what will come next depends what they have on the shelves really!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Monday, January 18, 2016, 15:18:58
I've no idea what the Dreyfus Affair was(until I google it in a minute). Did we invent it? I know the term holocaust is from when Edward I expelled the Jews.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Monday, January 18, 2016, 17:00:20
Also quite a bit recently. You can probably see from the theme that I'm a bit of a personal development geek.

David Allen - Getting Things Done
Tim Ferriss - The 4-Hour Workweek and The 4-Hour Body
Darren Hardy - The Compound Effect
Paolo Coelho - The Alchemist

Sam, do you find that you get any benefit from reading these ? Do you change the way you work/live ?

Its a genuine question as I've read a few and I find that they give me something to talk about as opposed to being life changing. I also tend to buy more than I read so it would be interesting to get someone else's view.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: horlock07 on Monday, January 18, 2016, 17:10:07
I've no idea what the Dreyfus Affair was(until I google it in a minute). Did we invent it? I know the term holocaust is from when Edward I expelled the Jews.


I only vaguely knew anything before this book! Not sure about the term holocaust, although I am aware that the UK is generally credited with inventing the concentration camp?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, January 18, 2016, 20:25:43
Sam, do you find that you get any benefit from reading these ? Do you change the way you work/live ?

Its a genuine question as I've read a few and I find that they give me something to talk about as opposed to being life changing. I also tend to buy more than I read so it would be interesting to get someone else's view.

I think if you can approach them from a 'I might learn something interesting' point of view instead of a 'this is going to change my life' point of view, there's definitely something to take from personal development books. For me, it's more about the science and psychology, to read about different approaches to life and understand how people tick. I suppose it's more of a hobby than anything else, I just enjoy reading and learning about 'stuff'. Coincidentally and kind of related to personal development, I've done quite a bit of reading about MBTI recently and my personality type and this thirst for knowledge is just a scratch that constantly needs to be itched.

There are certainly things that I've gleaned from these types of books that I've implemented in my life and I think you can become a much more rounded individual by being well-read, but I don't think (and I don't think you were insinuating) that a single book should become a way of life.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: StfcRusty on Monday, January 18, 2016, 20:38:19
a bit of reading about MBTI recently and my personality type and this thirst for knowledge is just a scratch that constantly needs to be itched.


Free MBTI assessment below. I got loads of my friends and family to do it and it was uncanny how many were doing the job most suited to their personality type

http://www.quistic.com/personality-type/test


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, January 18, 2016, 20:44:41
I've already completed a test a little while back. Reading the results and the descriptions was quite eerie as to how accurately it related to me.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Monday, January 18, 2016, 20:53:46
I only vaguely knew anything before this book! Not sure about the term holocaust, although I am aware that the UK is generally credited with inventing the concentration camp?

The UK may be generally accepted as inventing the concentration camp (in the Boer War), but the Spanish did it before in Cuba and the Russians were using forced labour camps in Siberia in the 1600s.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Monday, January 18, 2016, 21:07:50
Cheers Sam - that's a great answer. I was once told that when you go on a course you'll be doing well to take away 10% of what you have learnt and implement it which is what I often think about self improvement books. As you say if you can glean a few things from each book you can develop and grow. My biggest issue is that I read late at night to fall asleep which is far from ideal for this genre of books.

A friend of mine said that reading "I'm Ok, You're Ok" did significantly change her life and helped her move away from alcoholism.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Monday, January 18, 2016, 21:36:13
I think if you can approach them from a 'I might learn something interesting' point of view instead of a 'this is going to change my life' point of view, there's definitely something to take from personal development books. For me, it's more about the science and psychology, to read about different approaches to life and understand how people tick. I suppose it's more of a hobby than anything else, I just enjoy reading and learning about 'stuff'. Coincidentally and kind of related to personal development, I've done quite a bit of reading about MBTI recently and my personality type and this thirst for knowledge is just a scratch that constantly needs to be itched.

There are certainly things that I've gleaned from these types of books that I've implemented in my life and I think you can become a much more rounded individual by being well-read, but I don't think (and I don't think you were insinuating) that a single book should become a way of life.

As someone who's read most of the books you list in your previous post, and I find myself always reading self-improvement and pop-psychology, here's a few you may fancy having a read of.

2 of my personal favourites:

  • Influence - Robert Cialdini (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Influence-Psychology-Robert-PhD-Cialdini/dp/006124189X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453150953&sr=8-1&keywords=influence+robert+cialdini) - I seriously fucking love this book
  • Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0141033576/ref=pd_sim_14_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41ul7iTz6wL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_&refRID=0CB8RMM6GZPR7X119JM1)


Other books I'd recommend are:
  • Dan Ariely - predictably Irrational (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Predictably-Irrational-Hidden-Forces-Decisions/dp/0007256531/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453152632&sr=8-1&keywords=dan+ariely+predictably+irrational)
  • Daniel Pink - Drive (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/184767769X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453152675&sr=8-1&keywords=daniel+pink+drive)
  • Neil Fiore - Now Habit (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Now-Habit-Overcoming-Procrastination-Guilt-Free-ebook/dp/B001QNVP7M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453152756&sr=1-1&keywords=neil+fiore)
  • Charles Duhigg - The Power of Habit (http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Power-Habit-What-Change/dp/1847946240/ref=pd_sim_14_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=41HdGJlAL0L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_&refRID=12F1EHC1FNHME1HW9Q5E)

And a book I've recently finished and loved (he has a great writing style) is:
  • Choose Yourself - James Altucher (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1490313370?keywords=james%20altuher&qid=1453151843&ref_=sr_1_sc_1&sr=8-1-spell)

In the above book Altucher mentions this in glowing terms, and I've just got it, but yet to start:
  • Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It - Kamal Ravikant (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Yourself-Like-Your-Depends/dp/1478121734/ref=pd_sim_14_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41DHgKdoS5L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR105%2C160_&refRID=1GSGZHVWA5DY23GC9RY7)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, January 18, 2016, 21:50:25
Cheers, I'll be sure to check them out.

Thinking Fast and Slow is one that I've started in the past but not read all the way through. I'm familiar with the behavioural finance bits though because of the professional implications.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Monday, January 18, 2016, 22:47:49
Thanks Barry, some good recommendations


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Monday, January 18, 2016, 23:51:48
You're welcome. If you're interested, there's a new "app" doing the rounds called, Blinkist, which is best described as taking the meat from a book and turning it into something short and easy to consume.

On AppSumo they've currently got an offer for $20 for 1 year. There's about 1000 books, many of which are audio and can be downloaded.

http://www.appsumo.com/blinkist/


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, 10:51:32
Just finished Das Reboot by Raphael Honigstein. It's very good but remarkably easy to read, even in detailling the conservatism of a footballing culture based on doers not thinkers and their reluctance to change. Sound familiar?

The truth that comes through time and again is that good youth development costs someone money - be that the clubs or FA - but that the results can be special if it is undertaken properly. But don't worry, that will never happen here.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, 11:00:25
Just finished Das Reboot by Raphael Honigstein. It's very good but remarkably easy to read, even in detailling the conservatism of a footballing culture based on doers not thinkers and their reluctance to change. Sound familiar?

The truth that comes through time and again is that good youth development costs someone money - be that the clubs or FA - but that the results can be special is undertaken properly. But don't worry, that will never happen here.


Yeah I breezed through Das Reboot. Agree on all points.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, 13:35:19
Anyone read The Agony and The Ecstasy by Richard Foster.Sure we must feature heavily in there


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, 20:30:07
Anyone read The Agony and The Ecstasy by Richard Foster.Sure we must feature heavily in there

Yeah, I've got it and we do pop up quite a bit.

It's not the greatest read in the world though.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Thursday, January 28, 2016, 07:13:27
Cheers costa


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Thursday, January 28, 2016, 12:45:29
Today I learned it's Costanza, not Constanza.

(http://i.imgur.com/fdaQ65t.jpg)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Thursday, January 28, 2016, 13:26:15
Ha! Me too.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Thursday, January 28, 2016, 13:51:17
Cheers costa

No problem.

There's perhaps too much background information at times, especially at the start.

Despite this, keep it on the list.

Costanza


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Simon Pieman on Thursday, January 28, 2016, 13:54:25
Cheers costa

Today I learned it's Costanza, not Constanza.

Apparently it's like mishearing/saying expresso instead of espresso.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Thursday, January 28, 2016, 14:58:40
Apparently it's like mishearing/saying expresso instead of espresso.


I overheard someone say that when I was in Consta Coffee this morning, the bloody simpleton!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Simon Pieman on Thursday, January 28, 2016, 15:08:42
I overheard someone say that when I was in Consta Coffee this morning, the bloody simpleton!

 :D



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, 18:51:33
Usually don't read books like this, but my friend has given me a copy of David Mitchell's autobiography and it's brilliant. Recommended if you like that sort of thing.

This, too, caught my eye:

Quote
I adored Swansea too; it is truly an ‘ugly, lovely town’ as Dylan Thomas said. It seemed to me in every way preferable to Oxford, and not just because the people were friendlier –which, according to my parents, it had in common with everywhere outside Stasi-controlled East Berlin.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: StfcRusty on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, 20:35:21
Usually don't read books like this, but my friend has given me a copy of David Mitchell's autobiography and it's brilliant. Recommended if you like that sort of thing.

This, too, caught my eye:
 

"Pretty Shitty City"


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Posh Red on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, 22:23:34
"Pretty Shitty City"

Great Film


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, 16:48:31
Just finished The Nowhere Men, the book in football scouts and scouting. It's pretty interesting stuff largely, and having also just read Living On The Volcano, I'm starting to feel that author Michael Calvin can feel a bit repetitive. This is better than Volcano though as Calvin's voice feels less likely to opine and disappear down little back alleys of editorial.

BOO gets a mention too as a hot prospect.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, 19:56:55
Reading The Book of Night Women by Marlon James.it is bloody marvellous


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 16:22:08
I've just finished Ian Brady's book. Quite insightful really but on another level amusing because of how often his narcissism collapses in on itself. He is far from a stupid man but nowhere near as clever as he thinks he is. 


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 09:35:00
Eduardo Galeano's Soccer in Sun and Shadow (read as Tim Vickery on WFPI always mentions it) is a flimsy bit of fun. Its excitable, lightweight and probably unreliable as a source but it never drags. It is useful though as football's history is so often European-centric and this isn't.

That said Johnny Wilson's history of Argentine football is out soon and I bet that will be pretty good, if drier.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Costanza on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 16:47:44
Eduardo Galeano's Soccer in Sun and Shadow (read as Tim Vickery on WFPI always mentions it) is a flimsy bit of fun. Its excitable, lightweight and probably unreliable as a source but it never drags. It is useful though as football's history is so often European-centric and this isn't.

That said Johnny Wilson's history of Argentine football is out soon and I bet that will be pretty good, if drier.

Johnny Wilson? Behave.

Angels with Dirty Faces will be... Comprehensive.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: A Gent Orange on Monday, November 21, 2016, 19:46:56
Angels with Dirty Faces will be... Comprehensive.

Don't worry, it is. Does a very good job of covering a lot of ground over its 500ish pages but with a much lighter touch than some of his earlier work.

At times it does suffer a bit from having to explain every year's title race and how Argentinian football was structured that year but then it does keep changing and without that it wouldn't be a history, just selected highlights.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, 17:46:48
Anyone read Arab Jazz?Like the sound of it but very mixed reviews


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: sonicyouth on Monday, May 1, 2017, 18:04:03
New Jo Nesbø book out, anyone read it?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, May 1, 2017, 18:34:17
Interesting idea here that frequent readers make the best lovers...

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/apr/28/readers-best-lovers-dating-apps-empathy-profile

somewhat undermined by the fact that for fellas reading Ricjhard Branson business books, apparently attracts birds. No doubt looking for a fat wallet.

Might be worth sticking a few on the shelf, or dropping into conversation mind  :)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Monday, May 1, 2017, 21:49:42
Interesting idea here that frequent readers make the best lovers...

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/apr/28/readers-best-lovers-dating-apps-empathy-profile

somewhat undermined by the fact that for fellas reading Ricjhard Branson business books, apparently attracts birds. No doubt looking for a fat wallet.

Might be worth sticking a few on the shelf, or dropping into conversation mind  :)

With skills like calling them birds and assuming the majority are money grabbers I'm surprised you need any tips on attracting women reg!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Saturday, June 3, 2017, 19:47:25
I'd really got out of the habit of reading, so I bought I, Partridge. Exactly what I needed and almost finished it already.

i've got a Naomi Klein one to read next, but I'd really rather get the next Partridge one. I'm not sure I'd enjoy it as much though, the best bit of I, Partridge, was about the radio 4 show and first two tv series. I never really watched the series where he was living in a portable home, so I didn't have the same connection.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Saturday, June 3, 2017, 19:53:57
As someone whose absorbed pretty much all of the partridge canon (repeatedly in most cases) you won't need to have seen it to enjoy Nomad. If that is the book you mean, it's very funny regardless.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: StfcRusty on Saturday, June 3, 2017, 20:08:56
As someone whose absorbed pretty much all of the partridge canon (repeatedly in most cases) you won't need to have seen it to enjoy Nomad. If that is the book you mean, it's very funny regardless.

+1

Coogan's autobiography is pretty good too


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Saturday, June 3, 2017, 20:18:30
As someone whose absorbed pretty much all of the partridge canon (repeatedly in most cases) you won't need to have seen it to enjoy Nomad. If that is the book you mean, it's very funny regardless.

That's the badger. So what other Partridge stuff does that relate to? I saw Alpha Papa and thought that was pretty meh. I forgot to mention The Day Today earlier though. His football commentary on that :D


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: pauld on Saturday, June 3, 2017, 21:07:15
That's the badger. So what other Partridge stuff does that relate to? I saw Alpha Papa and thought that was pretty meh. I forgot to mention The Day Today earlier though. His football commentary on that :D
Twat! (That's a quote from Partridge's goal commentary, not aimed at you!) The Day Today was fucking genius, Armando Iannucci is a comedy god.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: herthab on Sunday, June 4, 2017, 06:43:07
"That's liquid football!"


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: mystical_goat on Sunday, June 4, 2017, 17:00:03
Mid Morning Matters is some of the best Partridge, imo. Just in the radio studio so a pure focus on that, seems to lead to some great writing.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Thursday, August 24, 2017, 18:53:57
Bumpity bumping this thread as I need some new material.

Found Ruud Gullit's How to watch football for £3 during the week and enjoying it so far.

Anyone read anything good lately?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: StfcRusty on Thursday, August 24, 2017, 19:54:09
Bumpity bumping this thread as I need some new material.

Found Ruud Gullit's How to watch football for £3 during the week and enjoying it so far.

Anyone read anything good lately?

Lutz Pfannenstiel's "the unstoppable keeper" about the worldwide travels of a journeyman goalkeeper is a riotous read and includes going to prison for suspected match-fixing, dying on the pitch due to Clayton Donaldson and stealing an actual penguin. Yes, really.

He's now a bigwig at Hoffenheim and media darling, which given his lowly career achievements is pretty remarkable in itself.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Thursday, August 24, 2017, 21:35:37
Lutz Pfannenstiel's "the unstoppable keeper" about the worldwide travels of a journeyman goalkeeper is a riotous read and includes going to prison for suspected match-fixing, dying on the pitch due to Clayton Donaldson and stealing an actual penguin. Yes, really.

He's now a bigwig at Hoffenheim and media darling, which given his lowly career achievements is pretty remarkable in itself.

You had me at penguin, thanks mate. ;D less than 3 quid for the ebook too.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Thursday, August 24, 2017, 22:58:25
Yanis Varoufakis. Name ring a bell? The ex Greek Finance Minister who tried to negotiate and reason with the ECB, IMF and others over the Greek debt issue.

The book is called - And The Weak Must Suffer What They Must. (Europe, Austerity, And The Threat To Global Stabilty)

Oh boy, although politically he and I are at different ends in our politics, I do feel for the bloke and all the € linked countries. What a fucking basket case and reinforces my long held belief not to trust the EU as a whole and thank fuck McBrown (save the world McBrown) who refused to let Bliar shoehorn us into the €.

Nearly finished it and will read it again after because it does go through and awful lot of stuff. After that I couldn't help pick up his next tome, hopefully a gem - Adults In The Room (My Battle With Europe's Deep Establishment) at Gatwick, just been to busy getting dizzy in the Florida Theme Parks.

Happy reading folks.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Wilf Shergold on Friday, August 25, 2017, 09:14:48
Ian Buruma - Year Zero: A History of 1945. Finally got around to reading this (been out a couple of years) after it was recommended to me by a historian chap.

I'm no historian but being born in the '50s I've clearly been sold the whole goodies v baddies WW2 story. This book shows that wasn't necessary the case, certainly as the war ended. A real eye-opener, turned a lot of my assumptions on their head. 'We', the goodies, did some unmentionable acts that if Hitler or the Japs had done them we'd be outraged.

In my local library (Taunton) but less than a fiver 2nd hand. Oh, and not the sort of book to read on the beach, unless you want to be the miserable depressed sod in the family.

Anyone else read this?


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Friday, August 25, 2017, 09:34:40
I'm trying to get through 26 books this year. Currently at 17, but in danger of falling behind schedule because a couple have taken me a while to get through.

As a bit of a completionist, once I've started a book I can't not finish it even if it's a slog to get through.

As someone who's read most of the books you list in your previous post, and I find myself always reading self-improvement and pop-psychology, here's a few you may fancy having a read of.

2 of my personal favourites:

  • Influence - Robert Cialdini (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Influence-Psychology-Robert-PhD-Cialdini/dp/006124189X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453150953&sr=8-1&keywords=influence+robert+cialdini) - I seriously fucking love this book
  • Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0141033576/ref=pd_sim_14_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41ul7iTz6wL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_&refRID=0CB8RMM6GZPR7X119JM1)


Other books I'd recommend are:
  • Dan Ariely - predictably Irrational (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Predictably-Irrational-Hidden-Forces-Decisions/dp/0007256531/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453152632&sr=8-1&keywords=dan+ariely+predictably+irrational)
  • Daniel Pink - Drive (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/184767769X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453152675&sr=8-1&keywords=daniel+pink+drive)
  • Neil Fiore - Now Habit (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Now-Habit-Overcoming-Procrastination-Guilt-Free-ebook/dp/B001QNVP7M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453152756&sr=1-1&keywords=neil+fiore)
  • Charles Duhigg - The Power of Habit (http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Power-Habit-What-Change/dp/1847946240/ref=pd_sim_14_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=41HdGJlAL0L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_&refRID=12F1EHC1FNHME1HW9Q5E)

And a book I've recently finished and loved (he has a great writing style) is:
  • Choose Yourself - James Altucher (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1490313370?keywords=james%20altuher&qid=1453151843&ref_=sr_1_sc_1&sr=8-1-spell)

In the above book Altucher mentions this in glowing terms, and I've just got it, but yet to start:
  • Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It - Kamal Ravikant (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Yourself-Like-Your-Depends/dp/1478121734/ref=pd_sim_14_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41DHgKdoS5L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR105%2C160_&refRID=1GSGZHVWA5DY23GC9RY7)

Completely missed this post from Barry which was in follow up to mine. I've actually read through all of these books in the last 18 months. As a serial procrastinator, Now Habit was probably my favourite out of the list.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, August 25, 2017, 09:42:53
Ian Buruma - Year Zero: A History of 1945. Finally got around to reading this (been out a couple of years) after it was recommended to me by a historian chap.

I'm no historian but being born in the '50s I've clearly been sold the whole goodies v baddies WW2 story. This book shows that wasn't necessary the case, certainly as the war ended. A real eye-opener, turned a lot of my assumptions on their head. 'We', the goodies, did some unmentionable acts that if Hitler or the Japs had done them we'd be outraged.

In my local library (Taunton) but less than a fiver 2nd hand. Oh, and not the sort of book to read on the beach, unless you want to be the miserable depressed sod in the family.

Anyone else read this?

Sounds dangerous.... you'll be wanting to knock down Nelson's Column next.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Loobug on Friday, August 25, 2017, 19:40:03
I've discovered audible this year. Got a subscription as a leaving gift at my last job. I previously read about three books a year but audible makes it so much easier and I've done about 20+ now. Not cheap, mind you but there are always various offers. I recommend checking it out if reading a book isn't your thing..


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Ells on Friday, August 25, 2017, 22:30:16
I'm trying to get through 26 books this year. Currently at 17, but in danger of falling behind schedule because a couple have taken me a while to get through.

As a bit of a completionist, once I've started a book I can't not finish it even if it's a slog to get through.

Completely missed this post from Barry which was in follow up to mine. I've actually read through all of these books in the last 18 months. As a serial procrastinator, Now Habit was probably my favourite out of the list.

Why 26? I went for 50 this year but I've been wildly ambitious.. I think I'm currently on about, well, 26 probably. I am the same when it comes to completing books though, the last book I think I ditched without reading was the Da Vinci Code.



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Amir on Saturday, August 26, 2017, 07:22:20

Anyone read anything good lately?

Nomad

noun
3. Scottish: 'not mad'.


That made me laugh more than some books that have been described as 'laugh out loud funny' or 'people will look at you strangely on the train if you read this riotous yarn', and the book hasn't even begun.

Bone Clocks by David Mitchell next, and I've loved everything he's written, except for Ghostwritten.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Saturday, August 26, 2017, 09:58:08
Why 26? I went for 50 this year but I've been wildly ambitious..

A book a fortnight. Seemed like a reasonably achievable target.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: pauld on Thursday, November 2, 2017, 10:59:08
David Squires' new book of football cartoons is out. The only reason for not buying this is if you haven't yet bought the first one, in which case you should buy that and then buy the new one once you've read the first. Sample here:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2017/nov/02/david-squires-on-socrates-and-the-corinthians-democracy-movement

Should be straight on the Christmas list for anyone who likes football or laughing. Which now I think about it, probably excludes most people on here, as being a Swindon Town fan you don't get much of either. Just buy the damn thing anyway and enjoy yourselves for once you miserable sods.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Thursday, November 2, 2017, 11:52:06
Nomad

noun
3. Scottish: 'not mad'.


That made me laugh more than some books that have been described as 'laugh out loud funny' or 'people will look at you strangely on the train if you read this riotous yarn', and the book hasn't even begun.

Bone Clocks by David Mitchell next, and I've loved everything he's written, except for Ghostwritten.

Just finished this after reading slave house.recommended


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Thursday, November 2, 2017, 12:01:35
I stood mo my kindle this morning and broke the screen :(


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: StfcRusty on Friday, November 3, 2017, 08:40:21
David Squires' new book of football cartoons is out. The only reason for not buying this is if you haven't yet bought the first one, in which case you should buy that and then buy the new one once you've read the first. Sample here:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2017/nov/02/david-squires-on-socrates-and-the-corinthians-democracy-movement

Should be straight on the Christmas list for anyone who likes football or laughing. Which now I think about it, probably excludes most people on here, as being a Swindon Town fan you don't get much of either. Just buy the damn thing anyway and enjoy yourselves for once you miserable sods.

I loved the first book, brilliantly satirical. The niche references to Swindon made it all the better. I imagine the “Cairo’s in the 1990s” would have confused his wider audience.  Lives in Australia now and his cartoons are mainly about the Aussie league. Hopefully he can still slip in mentions of Terry Fenwick in a Burmah Town shirt ...


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: pauld on Friday, November 3, 2017, 12:04:28
Lives in Australia now and his cartoons are mainly about the Aussie league.
He still does a weekly cartoon on (usually) English football in the Graun:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/david-squires-on


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 06:10:31
I'm trying to get through 26 books this year. Currently at 17, but in danger of falling behind schedule because a couple have taken me a while to get through.

As a bit of a completionist, once I've started a book I can't not finish it even if it's a slog to get through.

Completely missed this post from Barry which was in follow up to mine. I've actually read through all of these books in the last 18 months. As a serial procrastinator, Now Habit was probably my favourite out of the list.

In an almost exact repeat of you, I completely missed this post!

I’ve just read two of the best “self help” books ever. In fact, they’re so good I feel like I don’t really want to read another. I say that, I’ll read Cialdini’s new book, “Pre-Suasion” as his last book is one of my favourites ever, and also Hal Elrod’s miracle morning.

Anyway, the 2 books.

- Atomic Habits by James Clear (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1847941834/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_m7RZBb0JJT0FK)
- Unscripted by MJ DeMarco (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0984358161/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y4RZBbC5RYQ69) (who’s other book was also great once you get over the title).

They’re both amazing, superb in fact. I’m going to read them both again straight away and now also have them both on audible.

Depending on your personal feelings towards money and society though, you might not like the tone of the first part (some definitely won’t) of DeMarco’s book. It’s a bit shouty and down on society, but it’s not entirely at odds with many of my thoughts.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Saturday, October 27, 2018, 15:08:11
Cheers Barry, I've stuck them on my ever growing list of stuff to read.

32 read so far this year against my target of 39 (+50% from 2017).

It's surprisingly easy to get through a lot of books in just 30 to 60 minutes of reading a day.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: donkey on Saturday, October 27, 2018, 18:38:08
Currently reading this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Russian-Roulette-Deadly-British-Thwarted/dp/1444737023

Superb, really brilliant. And all true.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, November 5, 2018, 13:21:22
- Unscripted by MJ DeMarco (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0984358161/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y4RZBbC5RYQ69) (who’s other book was also great once you get over the title).

They’re both amazing, superb in fact. I’m going to read them both again straight away and now also have them both on audible.

Depending on your personal feelings towards money and society though, you might not like the tone of the first part (some definitely won’t) of DeMarco’s book. It’s a bit shouty and down on society, but it’s not entirely at odds with many of my thoughts.

Just started reading this. There'll be a lot of people that dismiss it as nonsense, but I'm hooked after the first few chapters. Good recommendation Bazza.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Monday, November 5, 2018, 13:27:40
Controversial putting this in a 'book' forum ( :) ), but my Kindle has revolutionised my reading. Instead of reading maybe a Christmas prezzie autobiography/funny book every now and again I read all sorts of stuff. Usually look around for a <£5 book that takes my fancy and go with it.

Zombie Apocalypse, Detective/Whodunnit, Space adventure, supernatural, a bit of everything really.

Viva the Kindle.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bewster on Monday, November 5, 2018, 13:48:14
It took me a while to move over from books to Kindle, now I find it hard to read a proper book.

I like the fact that I can pick up on my phone where I left off yesterday whilst sat waiting for something.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, November 5, 2018, 14:51:43
Almost all of my reading is done on Kindle. But if I enjoy a book I've read on Kindle, I'll generally buy a paperback version to stick on the bookshelf for future reference.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, November 5, 2018, 14:55:42
I’ve just offloaded almost all my books to the Prospect shop in Wroughton, so if anyone is into American thrillers grab a bargain.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Monday, November 5, 2018, 18:12:48
Cheers Barry, I've stuck them on my ever growing list of stuff to read.

32 read so far this year against my target of 39 (+50% from 2017).

It's surprisingly easy to get through a lot of books in just 30 to 60 minutes of reading a day.

Wow, impressive. I do loads of driving at the moment, so "read" loads on Audible! Good ones I also buy on Kindle and then have them synced so I can move seamlessly between the 2.

Just started reading this. There'll be a lot of people that dismiss it as nonsense, but I'm hooked after the first few chapters. Good recommendation Bazza.

I'm glad you like it. It's very anti a lot of things, but get over some of his tone and the message is very strong. I think its changed me in a small way. I don't read or look at many subjects the same anymore.

I'm curious as to how you'll view his take on finance, as I felt that was written very well.

Almost all of my reading is done on Kindle. But if I enjoy a book I've read on Kindle, I'll generally buy a paperback version to stick on the bookshelf for future reference.

This. Although now I get many on Audible (normally first), many on Kindle, some on both and then good stuff (that'll require referencing and referring back to) in paper form.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Balthazar Impresario on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 18:10:58
Anyone read anything good recently? Currently reading 'In our Mad and Furious City'. Good read so far, had to get past the London estate talk (ennit, breddren etc) from some of the characters. Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy is the next one on my list, read The Road earlier this year, bloody brilliant book.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Richie Wellen-Dowd on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 19:10:11
Woke by Titania McGrath was very amusing, but I've been finding the joke is wearing a bit thin since reading it.

Next is Neither Wolf Nor Dog by Kent Nerburn.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Saxondale on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 22:14:02
This year Ive read a few things.  Haruki Murakamis latest 'Killing Commendatore', Johnathon Coe's 'Middle England', Max Porters 2 books 'Grief is a feathered thing' and 'Lanny' (Weird but excellent), Chuck Pahlaniuks 'Adjustment Day',  Kate Tempests collection of poetry and Brian Bilstons poetry as well.

Next up is Brian Bilstons novel, 'Diary of a somebody'.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Richie Wellen-Dowd on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, 05:53:32
This year Ive read a few things.  Haruki Murakamis latest 'Killing Commendatore', Johnathon Coe's 'Middle England', Max Porters 2 books 'Grief is a feathered thing' and 'Lanny' (Weird but excellent), Chuck Pahlaniuks 'Adjustment Day',  Kate Tempests collection of poetry and Brian Bilstons poetry as well.

Next up is Brian Bilstons novel, 'Diary of a somebody'.

How was the Murakami one? I've read a few of his and nothing has really come close to The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, 10:32:56
I'm going through a spell of reading books that I probably should've read a long time ago but never did. Recently finished Jurassic Park (very different from the film) and currently part-way through Dune.


Title: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, 10:47:51
I just read 1984 for the first time.

quite enjoyed it. didn't end as I thought. which is also good.

its great to be able to think about the imagination it took from when it was written. must have been even better to read it at that time though


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Saxondale on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, 11:21:37
How was the Murakami one? I've read a few of his and nothing has really come close to The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.

Enjoyed the Murakami.  Ive read an awful lot of it and always enjoy them whilst I read them but find myself slightly bemused about what it was all about in the end.  Rewarding nonetheless.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Sippo on Monday, November 25, 2019, 22:24:24
Has anyone got any recommendations for a crime based novel. I get bored while reading so need something that starts well.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Richie Wellen-Dowd on Monday, August 24, 2020, 06:24:48
Finally finished The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell at the third time of asking. I'd normally give up on a book in this case but I realised it was other distractions rather than the book this time. Not his favourite book of my, though it kept me intrigued as he's such a masterful storyteller, and the ending had me gripped.



Next is Neither Wolf Nor Dog by Kent Nerburn.

It actually is this time.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Monday, August 24, 2020, 07:09:18
this Mike Tyson 'autobiography' is not bad but it's starting to drag a bit


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, August 24, 2020, 07:19:30
I'm reading I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes at the moment after a couple of recommendations. Its a real page-turner!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: molepar on Monday, August 24, 2020, 07:39:47
How was the Murakami one? I've read a few of his and nothing has really come close to The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.
The wind up bird chronicle was good (very long too). I liked Kafka on the shore and Norwegian Wood. I am pilgrim was a great read too. I think they are in the process of making a film version.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, August 24, 2020, 08:22:47
The wind up bird chronicle was good (very long too). I liked Kafka on the shore and Norwegian Wood. I am pilgrim was a great read too. I think they are in the process of making a film version.

Oh really? I think it would make a great film based on the 38% I have read so far!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: molepar on Monday, August 24, 2020, 10:41:44
Oh really? I think it would make a great film based on the 38% I have read so far!
I’m not sure how far into the process they are. I think the rights have been purchased and any further progress has probably been scuppered by coronavirus.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Monday, August 24, 2020, 12:34:36
Has anyone got any recommendations for a crime based novel. I get bored while reading so need something that starts well.

You ever read The Night Stalker. Interesting take in that one.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Monday, August 24, 2020, 12:55:13
I'm reading I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes at the moment after a couple of recommendations. Its a real page-turner!

I read this some time back and just had to go and read numerous reviews to remind myself.

I enjoyed it, but it reminded me of a Michael Bay film, ridiculous, but enjoyable nonetheless (although most Michael Bay films aren't that enjoyable). I think I recall being mildly annoyed by massive strokes of luck and coincidences.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, August 24, 2020, 13:01:10
I read this some time back and just had to go and read numerous reviews to remind myself.

I enjoyed it, but it reminded me of a Michael Bay film, ridiculous, but enjoyable nonetheless (although most Michael Bay films aren't that enjoyable). I think I recall being mildly annoyed by massive strokes of luck and coincidences.

Yeah I get where you are coming from. I am probably going to read the last section of the book shaking my head and thinking 'that's just ridiculous'

Thanks for spoiling it for me Barry!! ;)


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Barry Scott on Monday, August 24, 2020, 13:17:21
Haha, sorry. I should've been more thoughtful, as once I noticed certain things, I then seemed to notice them on almost every page, which detracted from my enjoyment a touch!  :girlgiggle:


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, August 24, 2020, 13:29:29
Haha, sorry. I should've been more thoughtful, as once I noticed certain things, I then seemed to notice them on almost every page, which detracted from my enjoyment a touch!  :girlgiggle:

your Grand Barry!!  >:( :wink:


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jutty274 on Monday, August 24, 2020, 13:30:16
The Vinyl Detective series by Andrew Cartmel are quite enjoyable, a slightly different concept about a detective who finds rare records.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Broadbents Tackle on Saturday, January 2, 2021, 09:06:07
Next is Neither Wolf Nor Dog by Kent Nerburn.

A book hasn't affected me so much in a very long time. The story of conversations between a Native American elder and a white author as they travel around, trying to understand their commonalities and differences, struggling to make sense of the past and how to move to a better future.

Next up, The Sun Does Shine - How I Found Life And Freedom On Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Saturday, January 23, 2021, 19:13:46
If any of you watched It's A Sin last night, it was pretty good and is a mashup of Queer As Folk meets Philadelphia. Having thought about it though, the series seems similar to the book Blossom At The Mention of My Name. Which is about a gay Geordie fella, who doesn't realise he is until he and his best mate stumble into a gay bar (oh yeah, we've all heard that one).

Worth a read but many on here probably wouldn't own up to giving it a read *google's Blossom At the Mention of...*


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: oxonrobin on Saturday, December 24, 2022, 17:57:31
Anyone else do Jolabokaflod on Christmas Eve? I got Crooked House by Agatha Christie. Promising so far. I’ve read a couple of hers before and enjoyed them, so was probably a safe bet.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Saturday, December 24, 2022, 18:08:23
Forgot about this thread. Bought a kindle at the end of August and have read over 20 novels since. Pretty much finished the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell. Also read Dracula, the Time Machine, The Hobbit and a bunch of other stuff. The kindle is the greatest gadget I have ever got. Absolutely love it.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Nemo on Saturday, December 24, 2022, 18:17:38
Forgot about this thread. Bought a kindle at the end of August and have read over 20 novels since. Pretty much finished the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell. Also read Dracula, the Time Machine, The Hobbit and a bunch of other stuff. The kindle is the greatest gadget I have ever got. Absolutely love it.

Agree, I was a bit of a holdout and still read the occasional physical book but I read so much more electronically. Bit of a shame that it's all Amazon owned but so it goes.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Saturday, December 24, 2022, 18:24:21
Kindle is great.
Never read much before I got mine several Xmas ago. Pretty much always got a book on the go now


sometimes it's a free book, sometimes it's mainstream, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's shit.

I usually read before sleep. sometimes I get the Kindle on the nose - sleep coming a bit early.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: oxonrobin on Saturday, December 24, 2022, 19:30:32
Haven’t yet got a kindle of my own. Do borrow my fiancé’s sometimes when there is something on unlimited I would otherwise buy, but almost all my reading is printed books still. Usually non-fiction as well, not hugely into novels as a general rule.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: fuzzy on Saturday, December 24, 2022, 23:36:16
I have a Kindle and enjoy a digital read but I still find the feel and smell of an analogue book very satisfying.
There is something about physically turning a page.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: normy on Sunday, December 25, 2022, 12:29:01
Just finished A Christmas Carol on Kindle. I bought Dicken's complete works for next to nothing some time ago, and read one now and again.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: MrGudz on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 10:15:07
Currently reading Philip Kerr's Berlin Noir series. Its about a Private Detective operating during the 1930's in Berlin. Really good plots with loads of historical facts included. It can be a bit brutal but they're a cracking read..


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 10:50:53
Casino by Nicholas Pileggi

Seen the film, they changed the names and the places in that. But in the book they haven't.
Its more a chronological order anecdotes/stories based on quotes from those that were there.

The film makes a good interpretation of the more important bits to be honest.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: horlock07 on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 11:19:58
Recently got back into reading after abit of a break for no apparent reason.

The missus bought me The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer, I must confess the first chapter is hyper surreal Bob and I was thinking I can't be doing with a book all like this, but it calmed down and was a pretty good read.

She also bought me The Storyteller by Dave Grohl, only done a chapter or so but can't decide whether its going to be any good or a load of pretentious wank so have left it for now?

Presently ploughing through the Shadow of the Wind series, read them all before bar the final one which I am on now, albeit its 800 odd pages (and the sheer scale/weight of the book for reading in bed!) is putting me off a bit.



Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: RWB Robin on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 15:19:37
Anyone in the North East or Scottish Borders? Pat Nevin is launching the second volume of his memoirs, "Football and How To Survive It " at the Berwick Maltings, on Wednesday 31 May, 7.30pm

Tickets from Berwickmaltings.co.uk

Average entertaining evening assured!! Message me for any more details.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: horlock07 on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 15:24:42
Anyone in the North East or Scottish Borders? Pat Nevin is launching the second volume of his memoirs, "Football and How To Survive It " at the Berwick Maltings, on Wednesday 31 May, 7.30pm

Tickets from Berwickmaltings.co.uk

Average entertaining evening assured!! Message me for any more details.

Nope, albeit, I imagine, a lot closer than most on here!

His first book was pretty good, and I idolised him as a kid!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: RWB Robin on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 15:26:56
I'm sure you are!!! There might be one or two hidden ones at least in the Edinburgh area....not excluding a certain former STFC player!!!!


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Samdy Gray on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 17:51:37
She also bought me The Storyteller by Dave Grohl, only done a chapter or so but can't decide whether its going to be any good or a load of pretentious wank so have left it for now?

If you're a Grohl fan it's a good read, otherwise most would probably not find it very interesting. I enjoyed it because he writes a fair bit about his time with Nirvana and coming to terms with Kurt's death.

I've just finished Outlive by Dr Peter Attia, a very good read for anyone interested in health & longevity.

Part way through Johnny Mercer's We Were Warriors which was gifted by a friend after I mentioned I'd taken a recent liking to stuff written by ex-military.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: Batch on Monday, May 22, 2023, 09:38:17
Another post reminded me of how much I hated this book

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raw_Shark_Texts

And yet many years later I still think of it. OK not in a positive way but even so. So did the Author do a good job after all?

No. No he did not.


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR on Monday, May 22, 2023, 17:44:54
Another post reminded me of how much I hated this book

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raw_Shark_Texts

And yet many years later I still think of it. OK not in a positive way but even so. So did the Author do a good job after all?

No. No he did not.
What a load of pretentious clap trap. Sure enough, I see it won or was shortlisted for several awards...always a sure sign that a book should be avoided like the plague...


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: adje on Friday, October 27, 2023, 17:39:38
Has anyone read Hoddle's autobiog "Playmaker"? Obviously loads about us and most of it well known but I didn't realise he bought Shaun Taylor with his own money. Was it common knowledge at the time? Also horrified to find out he likes Kenny G- in my opinion,a good enough reason to be sacked by England in its own right,


Title: Re: Books Books Booksy Books
Post by: tans on Friday, October 27, 2023, 17:51:56
Has anyone read Hoddle's autobiog "Playmaker"? Obviously loads about us and most of it well known but I didn't realise he bought Shaun Taylor with his own money. Was it common knowledge at the time? Also horrified to find out he likes Kenny G- in my opinion,a good enough reason to be sacked by England in its own right,

You have just reminded me i have this book. Will start reading it now. Cheers