A jolly good read?

[Squeeze]

Just finishing up Cider With Roadies, Stuart Maconies musical memoir. Very funny.

I could hardly read that for laughing. Have you read Pies and Prejudice?

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Just finishing up Cider With Roadies, Stuart Maconies musical memoir. Very funny.

Napalm Death on tour chapter in there is the stuff of legend

 

[Wolf Hunting]

I'm 3/4 way through The Company.
A fiction book all about a bunch of guys in the CIA.
Tons of Russian spy stuff a really good read, but it's story rather than a documentary style.
Covers the forming of the company then the Hungarian debacle, The Bay of Pigs fiasco, Kennedy's shooting and I'm still about 300 pages to go (out of 1,281. HUGE book. Should have come with a little set of wheels!)

 

[Squeeze]

Just about to give R.J. Ellory A Simple Act of Violence a go. Hopefully it will be a page turner as there is nothing quite like a good serial killer novel on a wet and miserable day.

 

[So Long Architect]

I could hardly read that for laughing. Have you read Pies and Prejudice?

Not yet. Will be searching the library for it this afternoon.

The Napalm Death chapter will be read on the train home.

I think my fave bit so far is the photographer who's partying on the roof of the Hyatt in LA (of Spinal Tap tour party fame) with the Beautiful South and says, "Doesn't seem like a Thursday, does it?"

 

[Wolf Hunting]

You like Serial Killer books Squeeze?
Have you read the two books by that bloke who does all those psychological profiles for the cops.
Tells you about what was inside the heads of lots of mad serial and non serial killer type blokes.

(If I could think of either the author or the books I know this post would be a bit more helpful....) Was it Tim Brittain?

No. It was this guy.. He wrote The Jigsaw Man and 'Picking up the pieces'.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jigsaw-Man-Paul-Britton/dp/0552144932

 

[Jabbawolf]

I am into Crime fiction books, and love Mark Billingham, Simon Kernick and Simon Beckett - anybody recommend similar authors?

 

[lemonjelly]

Finally got round to reviewing what I've read over the past 6-8 months, so here you go (in chronological order), lucky people:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Executioner-Chronicles-James-Victorian-Hangman/dp/0750934085/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342725276&sr=1-1
Biography of James Berry, hangman in Victorian times. Decent read. Berry is famous for hanging the man they couldn't hang (or not, as the case may be). Berry also claimed to have been the person who hung Jack the Ripper - believing wife killer William Bury to have been JtR.
Which lead me nicely on to:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jack-Ripper-Unmasked-William-Beadle/dp/1844549658/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342725504&sr=1-1
William Beadles 2nd book putting forward his case for William Bury as being Jack the Ripper. A good read (Bury is a decent suspect imo) & this book, like E Macpherson's book on Bury makes a few links between Bury & Wolverhampton too. Overall, preferred Macphersons' book though.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Science-Ben-Goldacre/dp/000728487X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342725680&sr=1-1
Goldacre's lambasting about poor science (or more, poor journalism of science) & the implications of peoples misunderstandings/misconceptions of science, & associated moral panics. Goldacre goes to some length to demolish suggestions around the MMR scare, & other associated health scares. His passion for the subject comes across!
I then read a 10 book series of mini books (actually, in a way they are glorified magazines with ISBN numbers) of Ripper Notes, a specialist publication for those with an interest in the Jack the Ripper case. These were'nt as good as I hoped they could be. Some interesting facts in amongst them, however all too often I felt the essays contained had little, or at best a tenuous connection with the Ripper crimes.
Then, in line with the economy I read:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whoops-Why-everyone-owes-one/dp/014104571X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342726016&sr=1-1
Great book this. Readily accessible discussion & examination of the financial world, & how it developed culminating in the GFC occurring in 2008. Very readable. Very informative. Very enlightening.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Bad-Multiplex-Mark-Kermode/dp/1847946038/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342726199&sr=1-1
Kermodes' second book, & in my view, vastly superior to his first (the very enjoyable It's Only A Movie). In this book, Kermode lets loose to explain this issues facing modern cinema's & the film industry. Anyone who loves film should read this book. It talks about 3D films, abominations such as transformers, digitalisation, poor focus & alignment of projectors, why popcorn should be banned, and so much more.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patrick-Hughes-Perverspective-John-Slyce/dp/1873362862/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342726479&sr=1-2
John Slyce's review of Patrick Hughes' artistic output & life.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Predictably-Irrational-Hidden-Forces-Decisions/dp/0007256531/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342726601&sr=1-1
Dan Arieley's first book. Admittedly I read this after reading The Upside of Irrationality a year or so ago, which imo was a better & more informative book. Arieley's brand of behavioural economics, & how this affects our decision making is enlightening & on occasion very suprising - yet bizzarrely logical at times...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Atheists-Guide-Christmas-Various/dp/0007389825/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342726797&sr=1-1
Bought & read around christmas - logically enough. A fun book. Not exactly atheistical, but looks greatly at christmas memories, things that make christmas, other relgions views on christmas & how to celebrate/not celebrate it. Derren Brown's "On Kindness" in this book is simply an awesome piece of work.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flat-Earth-News-Award-winning-Distortion/dp/0099512688/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342727058&sr=1-1
Anyone who has been watching events in the Levenson enquiry, or who has an interest in reading accurate journalism should read this book. A fascinating examination of how the journalistic world has been drastically altered for the worse ever since the 70's (or even earlier). Whilst the E&S hasn't a great deal of kudos on here from posters, reading this did give me cause to pause & have some consideration as to why certain reporters are percieved how they are nowadys.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patrick-Hughes-Write-Collected-Writings/dp/1906412154/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342727350&sr=1-1
Though Patrick Hughes is an awesome artist, he is also a greta writer. This book is a collection of almost all his published writings, essays and so on. Included is a section of interviews, and also the collected works of Murray MacDonald (Hughes' pseudonym which he used when writing usually about his own work). Awesome stuff for a Hughes fan. Have to say the Murray MacDonald section was my favourite.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ripper-Scotland-Yards-Prime-Suspect/dp/0470938994/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342727554&sr=1-1
Rob House's book on Aaron Kosminski - one of Macnaughten's famous 3 suspects, and also allegedly Sir Robert Anderson's favoured suspect (according to Donald Swanson). I knew very little of Kosminski prior to reading this new book - mainly of very new & previously unpublished research which highlighted much of Kosminski's life, potential occupation(s) & addresses around 1888, & examines his viability as a suspect. In the field of which this book belongs, essential reading.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Physics-Star-Trek-Lawrence-Krauss/dp/0006550428/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342727821&sr=1-1
Nerd porn - almost. Not quite in a Higgs Boson linda way, but interesting to look at the actual physics wise possibilities of transporters, warp speed, dilithium crystals & what not. Not the most exciting read though - very dry.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Business-Iain-Banks/dp/0349112452/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342727984&sr=1-1
As may be clear from previous postings, I don't read anywhere near enough fiction. I've never been the hugest fantasy/sci-fi fan, but I have enjoyed dipping into Banks' non sci-fi books. This one about a huge nameless faceless multi national style organisation which is esentially manipulating its way towards buying & owning its own country, & the role(s) of specific individuals on this route, & how they are affected/torn in different directions. An interesting moralistic tale.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Book-Heroic-Failures/dp/0571277284/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728210&sr=1-1
I had The Book of Heroic Failures as a kid. Loved it. This timely update by Mr Pile reminds us being a complete failure can still mean you're a success...Hilarious.

 

[lemonjelly]

Part 2...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Men-Have-Nipples-Questions/dp/0752879693/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728448&sr=1-1
A birthday present. Seemed more interesting than it really is to be perfectly honest. Harmless, but doesn't set the world alight.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/12-Books-That-Changed-World/dp/1844560872/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728662&sr=1-2
I remember watching the TV series this book was based upon. Really enjoyed the TV series, so when I saw the book in the works, jumped at the chance to read it. Fascinating insights into the rules of association football, the magna carta, the abolition of slavery, and woman gaining a number of rights and equalities, amongst other thigs... A pleasureable read, as I learned something on every single page.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shatner-Rules-Guide-Understanding-Shatnerverse/dp/0525952519/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728873&sr=1-1
Another birthday present. If you have ever found yourself standing there, thinking "What would Bill do?", then this book is for you. Absolutely hilarious, Bill (as he likes to be known) explains in one of the funniest books I have read in a long time (see above!) how he has travelled through life, & what made him make decisions like whether or not to be TJ Hooker. If you are in any way a fan, read this book. Loads of laugh out loud moments.

No amazon link for this one, as you can't get it there! A Self published book by a London hisorian. However there is a twist. Rather than look at the history of the case, Bennett takes us on a fascinating journey through time to look at the perception(s) of Jack the Ripper, & how various stories & perceptions (notably the cape, top hat & gladstone bag) came into being, when such perceptions were not common place at all at the time of the crimes. One of the best Jack the Ripper books I have ever read (& there have been a few) & it is a criminal shame that no publisher took this book on. I am so glad Bennett self published this tome. Brilliant.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-Book-Jack-Ripper/dp/1845297121/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342729592&sr=1-1
A collection of mini-books gathered together, with the obvious common theme. Some writers focus on their favoured suspects (eg Beadle & Bury), whereas others (Stewart Evans) talks about how he came to develop an interest in the crimes years ago, & how this has impacted on his life - why the longetivity?) The Ripper diary gets discussed, as do issues around Patricia Cornwell;s famous (outlandish?) case closed book. Not essential, but on many occasions, very interesting.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Religion-Atheists-non-believers-guide-religion/dp/0241144779/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342729819&sr=1-1
I really like de Botton's work. Status Anxiety is still his best book for me. When this came out, I had to buy it straight away. Whilst it doesn't quite reach the same highs as status anxiety, this book does look at issues (which some would say is obvious) that secular people can take from/learn from or even adopt in their lives from religions. The secularisation of society has reduced levels of community, empathy, co-operation etc which we used to have when we were a more religious society. De Botton essentially argues not for increased religiousness, but that non-believers should examine the positive aspects of religion, & adopt them where practical/useful.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Lines-Greg-Bear/dp/0345448383/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730083&sr=1-1
Yet another birthday present. My first Greg Bear book. I have since heard it isn't one of his best. I'm not sure I'd be tempted to try another.
Nice idea - a mobile phone technology is developed which is revolutionary. One problem, it also communicates with the dead, as well as those alive. Users start losing their minds. Book works ok for approx 250 pages, then develops the Stephen King problem of not having a clue how to end, & the last 50 pages are a bodge job doing a disservice to everything preceeding it, resulting in a huge anti-climax.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Talk-Hand-Rudeness-Everyday-Reasons/dp/1861979339/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730327&sr=1-2
One for the grumpy old farts/things that annoy you thread contributors. Truss takes us on a journey to basically ask "whatever happened to manners & politeness". Sadly, she's preaching to the converted...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rules-Game-Pierluigi-Collina/dp/0330418726/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730464&sr=1-1
Frank has raised the profile, & issues faced by referees on this board, & I take my hat off to him for what he has endeavoured to do with explaining & discussing contentious issues. This book is one I've owned for years & only recently got round to reading. It is a little dry, but very very enjoyable. It is a fascinating insight into highs & lows, Collina's decision making, the role of the referee in football. Reading about referee's preparations was fascinating. Truly gave me a new perspective on the man in the middle. Essential reading for sports fans.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prisons-Punishments-London-Richard-Byrne/dp/0586210369/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730691&sr=1-1
Historical analysis of prisons & prison development in London. Dry, & to be honest, boring.

So after "prisons...", for a little light relief, Iain Banks & his novel about a family trying to escape a civil war, being effectively taken hostage by some guerilla fighters, & being forcibly returned to their home/castle & join the guerillas. To be fair, you know it is likely to end unhappily... But Banks is a really good stary teller, & kept me gripped & interested enough to find out exactly how badly it would end...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Napoleon-Wellington-Long-Andrew-Roberts/dp/1842127403/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342731046&sr=1-1
Not a history of their confrontation (they only met once on a battlefield), but a historical appraisal of the 2 characters.Boneaparte & Wellington were the same age/born in the same year. Both were heralded to be great generals. That is pretty much the end of the similarities. Yet after defeating Napoleon at Waterloo, Wellington maintained an interest in Boeaparte (bedding 2 of his mistresses, living in a number of his houses, & filling Apsley House with Boneaparte memorabilia). This book is more an assessment of how the 2 generals viewed each other.
I have an interest in the napoleonic wars & waterloo, as I was lucky enough to visit the battlfield as a child (would love to go back) & studying the era in GCSE history.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Change-World-School-Life/dp/1447202325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342731351&sr=1-1
The School of Life have developed a series of books ( I have them all - sad I know) which could be categorized as self help books. The first I read was this one. A happy book. Little things make a difference. This book bounds with optimism. It encourages you not to be worried about barriers, & cajoles you into acting in a way which will positively benefit those around you - people you love, and/or complete strangers - and have a positive influence on the world.
I followed that up with:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Think-More-About-Sex/dp/1447202279/ref=pd_cp_b_2
Hmmm. How to review this without being all "fnarr!!!"
Essentially, we all worry about sex too much, & in the wrong ways. This inhibits performance, and also our enjoyment of this. De Botton looks at manogomy, affairs, pornography, titillation, fore play, lust and love. The whole spectrum. Useful reading....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+beach+garland
I've not seen the film. Which probably means that I enjoyed this book even more (I'm not a fan of reading the book after seeing the film - tends to spoil it for me/my imagination). This is a good novel, & I can see why it was hyped at the time. I enjoyed reading Garlands Coma a year ago. I may well search out his other books, & would welcome recommendations.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jack-Ripper-Bloody-Melvin-Harris/dp/0862873282/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342731929&sr=1-1
Melvin Harris' seminal work (at the time) which demolished many of the widely held conspiracy theories that have arisen out of the jack the ripper myth - especially following Stephen Knights "The Final Solution" book & Michael caine on our TV screens. & it does that well - Harris made a career out of debunking hoaxes & myths. He lays into the falsifyers & concealers of truth. Sadly, he spoils it by ending putting forward a suspect with little/no evidence save his own suspicions. (Said suspect has since been disregarded by almost all students of the case).
I am about to finish this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eats-Shoots-Leaves-Lynne-Truss/dp/0007329067/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342732172&sr=1-1
A witty look at how misuse of grammar & punctuation affects us (mainly, how it affects people who are sticklers/pedants). Useful also as a reminder of good practise - especially if I intend to become a grammar/punctuation nazi...

Next update due around christmas I guess...

 

[Premier Quality]

Reading Stephen Kings 11.22.63 at the moment and its really really good - more of a drama than his usual horror stuff, but I'm waiting for it turn!

 

[James]

I've just read Girl, Interrupted and it was a very good read.

and am now reading undisputed the Chris Jericho autobiography.

I like it so far.

 

[PabloWolfo]

and am now reading undisputed the Chris Jericho autobiography.

I like it so far.

You gaylord.

 

[nimrod]

To LJ: Greg bear's dead lines was a decent book. A song of stone by Banks I have to admit I thought was shit. He seemed to be trying far too hard with his use of words. Just about his worst book for me! Have you read The Bridge or Use of Weapons?

 

[lemonjelly]

Hi nimrod,
Dead Lines for me was an excellent idea, but badly thought through. I was very into the book right up to the end of it. I felt let down a bit by the ending. Perhaps I expected too much? I was a bit scathing in saying I wouldn't read another - but if I did it'd have to be a recommendation by a relatively trustworthy source.

I haven't read either of the bridge, or use of weapons. The bridge looks interesting to me. I may invest...
I do have 2 of the culture novels, but as mentioned, I'm not as big on fantasy/sci-fi as most are & haven't started reading them. Many friends rave about his culture novels. Perhaps I should give them a chance?

 

[James]

You gaylord.

I'm not called greg

It's actually really good

 

[nimrod]

Hi nimrod,
Dead Lines for me was an excellent idea, but badly thought through. I was very into the book right up to the end of it. I felt let down a bit by the ending. Perhaps I expected too much? I was a bit scathing in saying I wouldn't read another - but if I did it'd have to be a recommendation by a relatively trustworthy source.

I haven't read either of the bridge, or use of weapons. The bridge looks interesting to me. I may invest...
I do have 2 of the culture novels, but as mentioned, I'm not as big on fantasy/sci-fi as most are & haven't started reading them. Many friends rave about his culture novels. Perhaps I should give them a chance?

The Bridge is a great book although I read it 20 years ago. The best culture ones to get are Use of Weapons, the player of games and excession. UoW is my favourite but not everyone likes it. I pretty much only read sci fi these days as I am a sad kid!

 

[tricky wolf]

mr nice is my kind of book lol

 

[Mrs Tisi]

I am currently reading "Stalin's Ghost" by Martin Cruz Smith. A great little read, it started slowly, but soon got going.

 

[Langers]

Half way through Taken On Trust by Terry Waite.

How the guy didn't lose his mind is quite beyond me. Remarkable self determination after spending 4 years in solitary confinement.

 

[PabloWolfo]

Going to start Michael Caine, A Class Act at some point today.