21 votes

Any readers in the house? What are you reading?

Starting a discussion about reading and books. Whats everyone reading?

45 comments

  1. a_wild_swarm_appears
    Link
    I'm reading a book about trauma at the moment, it's called "The body keeps the score". It's an seriously eye-opening read. I can highly recommend it. I'll never look at anybody the same way again....

    I'm reading a book about trauma at the moment, it's called "The body keeps the score".
    It's an seriously eye-opening read. I can highly recommend it. I'll never look at anybody the same way again.
    It really brings home how you have no idea what's going on in other people's lives, or even your own for that matter. The ways in which trauma can manifest or indeed hide itself are truly astounding.
    Definitely need a good sci-fi book after this though, it can get a bit heavy at times. :-)

    7 votes
  2. [2]
    ols
    Link
    “French Kids Don’t Throw Food” It’s about how the French raise their kids vs. English/American parents. If you are a parent or parent to be, I would highly recommend it

    “French Kids Don’t Throw Food”

    It’s about how the French raise their kids vs. English/American parents. If you are a parent or parent to be, I would highly recommend it

    6 votes
  3. [2]
    abbenm
    Link
    I'm trying to get through MetaMagical Themas by Douglas Hofstadter. It's a bunch of different articles written for a magazine in the 80s and is kind of hit or miss for that reason.

    I'm trying to get through MetaMagical Themas by Douglas Hofstadter. It's a bunch of different articles written for a magazine in the 80s and is kind of hit or miss for that reason.

    4 votes
    1. tobrnot2b
      Link Parent
      Hofstadter has been so highly recommended but some of the stuff he writes about is incomprehensible to me without a strong background in math/physics.

      Hofstadter has been so highly recommended but some of the stuff he writes about is incomprehensible to me without a strong background in math/physics.

  4. [6]
    whyarentihigh
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    I literally just finished (as in, 10 minutes ago) reading dawn of the dead. Was a great book. Next on the agenda is this

    I literally just finished (as in, 10 minutes ago) reading dawn of the dead. Was a great book. Next on the agenda is this

    3 votes
    1. [5]
      tobrnot2b
      Link Parent
      I did not know it was a book too, I have only just watched the movie. Any other horror books you would recommend? I've mostly read Stephen king's brand of scary books.

      I did not know it was a book too, I have only just watched the movie. Any other horror books you would recommend? I've mostly read Stephen king's brand of scary books.

      1 vote
      1. [3]
        whyarentihigh
        Link Parent
        To be honest, I haven't read a lot of horror. I mostly read either sci-fi or non-fiction stuff. I just saw it on the shelf at the library and thought I might check it out (I also didn't know it...

        To be honest, I haven't read a lot of horror. I mostly read either sci-fi or non-fiction stuff. I just saw it on the shelf at the library and thought I might check it out (I also didn't know it was a book). I am a pretty big fan of horror movies though.

        Anyway, so reading it has kind of piqued my interest in horror books, and I'm going to get more next time I visit library

        What are you reading?

        1 vote
        1. tobrnot2b
          Link Parent
          I read some scifi too, but quite frankly I am into too many genres to be able to stick to one. I am currently reading Blindness by Saramago.

          I read some scifi too, but quite frankly I am into too many genres to be able to stick to one.

          I am currently reading Blindness by Saramago.

        2. lucha26k
          Link Parent
          I don't know if it would traditionallybe categorized as a horror book, but The Road by Cormac McCarthy was incredibly chilling. I couldn't put it down, but also needed to read it with all the...

          I don't know if it would traditionallybe categorized as a horror book, but The Road by Cormac McCarthy was incredibly chilling. I couldn't put it down, but also needed to read it with all the lights on in the house.

      2. DundonianStalin
        Link Parent
        I've been reading a lot of HP Lovecraft stories, some excellent horror there and it's public domain so there's loads of free PDF versions of all his works online.

        I've been reading a lot of HP Lovecraft stories, some excellent horror there and it's public domain so there's loads of free PDF versions of all his works online.

  5. Algernon_Asimov
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    I have two books on the go at the moment: Five To Rule Them All by David L. Bosco. A history of the United Nations, focussing on the Security Council. The Death and Life of Superman by Roger...

    I have two books on the go at the moment:

    • Five To Rule Them All by David L. Bosco. A history of the United Nations, focussing on the Security Council.

    • The Death and Life of Superman by Roger Stern. A novelisation of the death and life of Superman as portrayed in DC Comics back in 1993.

    2 votes
  6. [4]
    thinkfirst
    Link
    I just wrapped up these two: Oathbringer (book 3 of the Stormlight Archives) - This is a decent fantasy series that is effective at scratching the itch, but I wouldn't put it anywhere in my top...

    I just wrapped up these two:

    • Oathbringer (book 3 of the Stormlight Archives) - This is a decent fantasy series that is effective at scratching the itch, but I wouldn't put it anywhere in my top 10.
    • Home Deus (a follow-up book to Sapien) - This book, like it's predecessor, leans heavily on conjecture and projection and less so on facts. This is not a negative in my opinion though because it does not frame itself as academic and much of what is presented is very thought provoking without seeming like complete bullshit. If you enjoyed Sapiens I'd definitely recommend this.
    1 vote
    1. tobrnot2b
      Link Parent
      Homo Deus does seem to be predicting possible futures so I can imagine it being speculative. I really enjoyed sapiens.

      Homo Deus does seem to be predicting possible futures so I can imagine it being speculative. I really enjoyed sapiens.

      1 vote
    2. [2]
      Sedasoc
      Link Parent
      I've felt like the Stormlight books have been increasingly less epic to me as I finish them. Way of Kings blew me away but now I'm expecting the end to always be this big spectacle so it loses the...

      I've felt like the Stormlight books have been increasingly less epic to me as I finish them. Way of Kings blew me away but now I'm expecting the end to always be this big spectacle so it loses the punch it would have otherwise, if that makes sense. That said, I love Sanderson's universe, it's up there in my top 5 just because of the connectivity, it's an awesome idea.

      1 vote
      1. thinkfirst
        Link Parent
        I agree with your feelings completely! Still enjoying it, but nothing like I did with the first book.

        I agree with your feelings completely! Still enjoying it, but nothing like I did with the first book.

  7. [3]
    eyehigh
    Link
    The uproar in Reddit over cancellation of The Expanse TV adaptation brought the series to my attention. Since then, I've read Leviathan Wakes, Caliban's War, and The Churn. Now, I'm reading The...

    The uproar in Reddit over cancellation of The Expanse TV adaptation brought the series to my attention. Since then, I've read Leviathan Wakes, Caliban's War, and The Churn.

    Now, I'm reading The Butcher of Anderson Station.

    I picked up Consider Phlebas several days before picking up The Expanse, so I'm planning on reading it soon. I'm on a sci-fi reading streak!

    1 vote
    1. [2]
      whisper
      Link Parent
      Despite being picked up by Amazon, Consider Phlebas may actually be the least Culture-y of all Banks' Culture books. If you find Consider Phlebas enjoyable, but it's not scratching your...

      Despite being picked up by Amazon, Consider Phlebas may actually be the least Culture-y of all Banks' Culture books. If you find Consider Phlebas enjoyable, but it's not scratching your future-tech, utopian-idyll-managed-by-AI itch, then I would recommend the following as your next Culture books:

      • Player of Games (while much of it takes place outside of the Culture, it offers a contrasting lens to put the Culture more in perspective)
      • Use of Weapons
      • Excession
      1 vote
      1. eyehigh
        Link Parent
        After some digging, there seems to be a debate among readers torn between publication order and what is argued to be a more sensible order. Player of Games seems to always top the list of sensible...

        After some digging, there seems to be a debate among readers torn between publication order and what is argued to be a more sensible order. Player of Games seems to always top the list of sensible starts. Thanks for the heads up! Might have made a worse first impression of the work than it deserves.

        1 vote
  8. Sedasoc
    Link
    I've been reading Ancillary Justice, I'm enjoying it. The ending will determine if I pick up the other books I think. I finished On the Shoulders of Titans last week...I thought it got sort of...

    I've been reading Ancillary Justice, I'm enjoying it. The ending will determine if I pick up the other books I think.

    I finished On the Shoulders of Titans last week...I thought it got sort of pretentious in spots but it was over all a decent read.

    I picked up Will Wights the Travelers Gate trilogy and the Cradle Foundation trilogy for free yesterday so I guess that's my immediate upcoming, depending on how Ancillary Justice shakes out ha ha.

    1 vote
  9. [3]
    lucha26k
    Link
    I'm about to start Vacationland by John Hodgman. I just started listening to his podcast Judge John Hodgman which is really good, so I'm excited to read something from him.

    I'm about to start Vacationland by John Hodgman. I just started listening to his podcast Judge John Hodgman which is really good, so I'm excited to read something from him.

    1 vote
    1. [2]
      pocketry
      Link Parent
      I haven't made up my mind on Hodgman. His comedy style that I've seen on the daily show and a few other venues isn't quite my style. How would you describe his podcast?

      I haven't made up my mind on Hodgman. His comedy style that I've seen on the daily show and a few other venues isn't quite my style. How would you describe his podcast?

      1. lucha26k
        Link Parent
        The comedy style is the same. He plays a judge who solves disputes for people. The latest episode was a couple going to grad school in different states and deciding who should take the cats. But...

        The comedy style is the same. He plays a judge who solves disputes for people. The latest episode was a couple going to grad school in different states and deciding who should take the cats.

        But if you don't dig his style you probably won't dig the podcast, either.

        1 vote
  10. [2]
    toPDog
    Link
    I'm about a third of the way through Stephen King's latest, The Outsider. This one has more of a thriller mystery for now..anticipation building for the upcoming twist.

    I'm about a third of the way through Stephen King's latest, The Outsider. This one has more of a thriller mystery for now..anticipation building for the upcoming twist.

    1 vote
    1. Petril
      Link Parent
      Dude, do you like it so far? I'm approx 3/4 of the way through and I'm seriously hooked.

      Dude, do you like it so far? I'm approx 3/4 of the way through and I'm seriously hooked.

  11. [2]
    pyyric
    Link
    The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan again. I made it to book 7ish before, but then I had caught up to the author and kindof forgot about it. So I'm starting over.

    The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan again. I made it to book 7ish before, but then I had caught up to the author and kindof forgot about it. So I'm starting over.

    1 vote
    1. pocketry
      Link Parent
      I'm in the middle of it now! Kind of like you I read a few (3) about a decade ago and decided to pick it up again last year. I just started book 7 and really liked the last one. My friend says I'm...

      I'm in the middle of it now! Kind of like you I read a few (3) about a decade ago and decided to pick it up again last year. I just started book 7 and really liked the last one. My friend says I'm getting into the slow books, but it gets really good for the last couple when Sanderson comes in. Good luck on the endeavor. :-)

  12. [4]
    smit2300
    Link
    I'm a little over halfway through Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Been meaning to get into it on a tear of psychedelic literature for a while. This one is interesting because it's pretty completely...

    I'm a little over halfway through Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Been meaning to get into it on a tear of psychedelic literature for a while. This one is interesting because it's pretty completely contradictory to most psychedelic stuff you'll read (Timothy Leary, Terence McKenna, Huxley) and sort of just follows the origin of the free love movement and gives an idea of just how crazy it was when it started.

    1 vote
    1. [3]
      brett
      Link Parent
      Great book. Read it a few summers ago. Although I can't really say I remember the plot at all. I think I just fell in love with style of writing and the overall aesthetic of it all more than...

      Great book. Read it a few summers ago. Although I can't really say I remember the plot at all. I think I just fell in love with style of writing and the overall aesthetic of it all more than anything. It's my favorite title of a book ever.

      Did you start reading due to Tom Wolfe's death, or just because you've been reading psychedelic literature recently?

      1 vote
      1. [2]
        smit2300
        Link Parent
        Oh man this is actually the first I'm hearing of his death so definitely the latter, that's wild. I've only heard him mentioned briefly before and this is the first book of his I'm reading. I only...

        Oh man this is actually the first I'm hearing of his death so definitely the latter, that's wild. I've only heard him mentioned briefly before and this is the first book of his I'm reading. I only realized he wrote Bonfire from the inside cover of Acid Test. The aesthetic of the book is far and away the best part of the book though, just perfectly encapsulating the mood that the group on the bus gives off and the understanding that they all had around what was going on. Last summer I had time to get more into psychedelic literature though so I'm sort of continuing that since this was a book in the vein of the others I had read. Any suggestions for other books of this type or sort of more towards the thoughtful side of psychedelic literature?

        1. brett
          Link Parent
          Can't say I have any suggestions for you, unfortunately. I never really explored that genre further after reading it. I discovered it through the Modern Library's 100 Best Nonfiction list.

          Can't say I have any suggestions for you, unfortunately. I never really explored that genre further after reading it. I discovered it through the Modern Library's 100 Best Nonfiction list.

  13. compiler
    Link
    I like to have at least one technical and a non techinal book going at a time so i can switch them up based on how i am feeling. Currently reading: Kotlin in Action The rust lang book What doesn't...

    I like to have at least one technical and a non techinal book going at a time so i can switch them up based on how i am feeling.

    Currently reading:

    • Kotlin in Action
    • The rust lang book
    • What doesn't kill us

    On mobile right now so i didnt link any of the books. Might edit them out later

  14. [2]
    tegla
    Link
    Norwegian Wood by Murakami. First book from him, and i like his style a lot. He is great at painting images in my head.

    Norwegian Wood by Murakami.

    First book from him, and i like his style a lot. He is great at painting images in my head.

    1. flip
      Link Parent
      He is fantastic! I started with Norwegian Wood as well and have read many more, including most of the huge ones. Well worth the time.

      He is fantastic! I started with Norwegian Wood as well and have read many more, including most of the huge ones. Well worth the time.

      1 vote
  15. DollywoodVacation
    Link
    The Geography of Time, it's a cultural anthropological analysis of how different societies experience time and norms surrounding it, differently.

    The Geography of Time, it's a cultural anthropological analysis of how different societies experience time and norms surrounding it, differently.

  16. littletoyrobots
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    Just finished a reread of The Phoenix Project, and continuing the Stormlight Archives with Oath Bringer. I think French Children Don't Throw Food is next afterwards.

    Just finished a reread of The Phoenix Project, and continuing the Stormlight Archives with Oath Bringer. I think French Children Don't Throw Food is next afterwards.

  17. Pierce
    Link
    Insomnia - Steven King. Oldie but a goodie

    Insomnia - Steven King. Oldie but a goodie

  18. flip
    Link
    Just finished re-reading Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. Now continuing How to Build a Car by Adrian Newey, History of Scotland by Neil Oliver and looking for a third one to start.

    Just finished re-reading Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. Now continuing How to Build a Car by Adrian Newey, History of Scotland by Neil Oliver and looking for a third one to start.

  19. nogud
    Link
    Just restarted reading the second book in The Chronicle of the Fallers, A Night without stars, by Peter F. Hamilton. Not his best series, but I always like the scope of his stories and ideias on...

    Just restarted reading the second book in The Chronicle of the Fallers, A Night without stars, by Peter F. Hamilton. Not his best series, but I always like the scope of his stories and ideias on augmented humans.
    I actually interrupted reading the book for a few months because I tried comics for the first time, and found out there’s some really interesting stuff.

  20. ppsh41
    Link
    I've been slowly working my way through a book about Air Pollution in Los Angeles county. It's called smogtown. It's a good book, but the author is a little too artsy in their descriptions. Makes...

    I've been slowly working my way through a book about Air Pollution in Los Angeles county. It's called smogtown. It's a good book, but the author is a little too artsy in their descriptions. Makes it kind of hard to follow.

  21. ZaphodBeebblebrox
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    I have recently finished reading A Fire in Zion and I am currently reading Anathem.

    I have recently finished reading A Fire in Zion and I am currently reading Anathem.

  22. pocketry
    Link
    I recently subscribed to audible and like the variety it gives me. I'm able to spend some free time reading fantasy and other fun books, wheel of time is my current series. Since I have a long...

    I recently subscribed to audible and like the variety it gives me. I'm able to spend some free time reading fantasy and other fun books, wheel of time is my current series. Since I have a long commute, I'm able to listen to more non-fiction books that will hopefully make me a little better. I'm going to start listening to Checklist Manifesto next.

  23. ThirdSquid
    Link
    I'm reading The Fates Divide. It's the second book in an awesome new series by the author of divergent. I loved the first book and the second one is shaping up pretty well so far!

    I'm reading The Fates Divide. It's the second book in an awesome new series by the author of divergent. I loved the first book and the second one is shaping up pretty well so far!

  24. microfracture
    Link
    I recently finished Nora Robert's "The Obsession" and I am now currently reading her book called "The Liar". I never really read her stuff before dispite her popularity, but on a whim I grabbed...

    I recently finished Nora Robert's "The Obsession" and I am now currently reading her book called "The Liar".

    I never really read her stuff before dispite her popularity, but on a whim I grabbed them from the local library via OverDrive's Libby app (which I highly recommend) and I like the books thus far.

  25. Duke
    Link
    I'm reading The Idiot, but keeping track of the characters can get confusing at times. I had to put down War and Peace because I couldn't make sense of anything or recall anyones background...

    I'm reading The Idiot, but keeping track of the characters can get confusing at times. I had to put down War and Peace because I couldn't make sense of anything or recall anyones background history except for Pierre