Topic: What are you reading?

[Frobozz]

That was a GREAT book.   A true MAN'S book!

[z_randy]

Just finished "Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster" by Jon Krakauer.  One word to describe this...damn...I usually don't like the true stories/biography type books but this one was written more like a novel.  Amazing what happened up there and the author goes into detail just how hard it is to climb Everest.

A bank of clouds was assembling on the not-so-distant horizon, but journalist-mountaineer Jon Krakauer, standing on the summit of Mt. Everest, saw nothing that "suggested that a murderous storm was bearing down." He was wrong. The storm, which claimed five lives and left countless more--including Krakauer's--in guilt-ridden disarray, would also provide the impetus for Into Thin Air, Krakauer's epic account of the May 1996 disaster.

By writing Into Thin Air, Krakauer may have hoped to exorcise some of his own demons and lay to rest some of the painful questions that still surround the event. He takes great pains to provide a balanced picture of the people and events he witnessed and gives due credit to the tireless and dedicated Sherpas. He also avoids blasting easy targets such as Sandy Pittman, the wealthy socialite who brought an espresso maker along on the expedition. Krakauer's highly personal inquiry into the catastrophe provides a great deal of insight into what went wrong. But for Krakauer himself, further interviews and investigations only lead him to the conclusion that his perceived failures were directly responsible for a fellow climber's death. Clearly, Krakauer remains haunted by the disaster, and although he relates a number of incidents in which he acted selflessly and even heroically, he seems unable to view those instances objectively. In the end, despite his evenhanded and even generous assessment of others' actions, he reserves a full measure of vitriol for himself.

This updated trade paperback edition of Into Thin Air includes an extensive new postscript that sheds fascinating light on the acrimonious debate that flared between Krakauer and Everest guide Anatoli Boukreev in the wake of the tragedy.  "I have no doubt that Boukreev's intentions were good on summit day," writes Krakauer in the postscript, dated August 1999. "What disturbs me, though, was Boukreev's refusal to acknowledge the possibility that he made even a single poor decision. Never did he indicate that perhaps it wasn't the best choice to climb without gas or go down ahead of his clients." As usual, Krakauer supports his points with dogged research and a good dose of humility. But rather than continue the heated discourse that has raged since Into Thin Air's denouncement of guide Boukreev, Krakauer's tone is conciliatory; he points most of his criticism at G. Weston De Walt, who coauthored The Climb, Boukreev's version of events. And in a touching conclusion, Krakauer recounts his last conversation with the late Boukreev, in which the two weathered climbers agreed to disagree about certain points. Krakauer had great hopes to patch things up with Boukreev, but the Russian later died in an avalanche on another Himalayan peak, Annapurna I.

In 1999, Krakauer received an Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters--a prestigious prize intended "to honor writers of exceptional accomplishment."  According to the Academy's citation, "Krakauer combines the tenacity and courage of the finest tradition of investigative journalism with the stylish subtlety and profound insight of the born writer.  His account of an ascent of Mount Everest has led to a general reevaluation of climbing and of the commercialization of what was once a romantic, solitary sport; while his account of the life and death of Christopher McCandless, who died of starvation after challenging the Alaskan wilderness, delves even more deeply and disturbingly into the fascination of nature and the devastating effects of its lure on a young and curious mind."

[Big daddy Eis]

Currently reading the Bible (figured i would read it while i was over here) and also "One Second After"  based n Randys recommendation.  Good Book.  I am also reading "To Try Mens Souls" by William Forstchen... a good book.  Here is the review on it:

After two bestselling series examining the Civil War and WWII, Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen have turned their sharp eye for detail on the Revolutionary War. Their story follows three men with three very different roles to play in history: General George Washington, Thomas Paine, and Jonathan Van Dorn, a private in Washington’s army.
The action focuses on one of the most iconic events in American history: Washington cross - ing the Delaware. Unlike the bold, courageous General in Emanuel Leutze’s painting, Washington is full of doubt on the night of December 25, 1776. After five months of defeat, morale is dangerously low. Each morning muster shows that hundreds have deserted in the night.
While Washington prepares his weary troops for the attack on Trenton, Thomas Paine is in Philadelphia, overseeing the printing of his newest pamphlet, The Crisis.
And Jonathan Van Dorn is about to bring the war to his own doorstep. In the heat of battle, he must decide between staying loyal to the cause and sparing his brother who has joined up with the British. Through the thoughts and private fears of these three men, Gingrich and Forstchen illu minate the darkest days of the Revolution. With detailed research and an incredible depth of military insight, this novel provides a rare and personal perspective of the men who fought for, and founded the United States of America

[z_randy]

Just finished the 4th book in the Starbuck Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell.  It was called "The Bloody Ground".  If you are a fan of historical fiction this series was excellent.  Hopefully he will come out with book 5 soon.

In this fourth, final, and rousing installment of Nathaniel Starbuck's Civil War adventures, Nate is given command of a punishment battalion: a motley collection of cowards, thieves, deserters, and murderers. Setting off to Join General Robert E. Lee's army, Starbuck's men reach Harper's Ferry in time to take part in Stonewall Jackson's capture of the Union garrison. From there, the regiment moves on to the legendary horror of Sharpsburg, beside the Antietam Creek, forever to be remembered as the bloodiest single day of the war. There, Starbuck and his troop will have their courage and commitment tested as never before.

[BigCöx]

As for what I'm reading, I recently picked up Halo: Evolutions, a collection of short stories set in the Halo universe, and for my birthday, my MiL gave me the new Stephen King book/booster chair "Under the Dome"

[BigCöx]

that was my first thought after I finished reading it, before I found out the rights had already been sold! There's supposed to be another manuscript they found after his death that was being cleaned up and released this year

[z_randy]

Pirate Latitudes was pretty good, it's supposedly being turned into a movie, with Spielberg directing or producing

I can definitely see it becoming a movie

[BigCöx]

Pirate Latitudes was pretty good, it's supposedly being turned into a movie, with Spielberg directing or producing

[z_randy]

Just finished "Pirate Latitudes: A Novel" by Michael Crichton.  Thought it was pretty good.  A good enjoyable read.

From one of the best-loved authors of all time comes an irresistible adventure of swashbuckling pirates in the New World, a classic story of treasure and betrayal.

The Caribbean, 1665. A remote colony of the English Crown, the island of Jamaica holds out against the vast supremacy of the Spanish empire. Port Royal, its capital, is a cutthroat town of taverns, grog shops, and bawdy houses.

In this steamy climate there's a living to be made, a living that can end swiftly by disease—or by dagger. For Captain Charles Hunter, gold in Spanish hands is gold for the taking, and the law of the land rests with those ruthless enough to make it.

Word in port is that the galleon El Trinidad, fresh from New Spain, is awaiting repairs in a nearby harbor. Heavily fortified, the impregnable harbor is guarded by the bloodthirsty Cazalla, a favorite commander of the Spanish king himself. With backing from a powerful ally, Hunter assembles a crew of ruffians to infiltrate the enemy outpost and commandeer El Trinidad, along with its fortune in Spanish gold. The raid is as perilous as the bloodiest tales of island legend, and Hunter will lose more than one man before he even sets foot on foreign shores, where dense jungle and the firepower of Spanish infantry stand between him and the treasure. . . .

Pirate Latitudes is Michael Crichton at his best: a rollicking adventure tale pulsing with relentless action, crackling atmosphere, and heart-pounding suspense.

[keetedw]

Thanks to Big Reds goodreads I am starting A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)
by George R.R. Martin . I have read all the Brandon Sanderson books which were good and I needed a new author to read.

Probably some of the best fantasy books ever written. I read them all once per year. If Martin dies before he finishes the series there will be a lot of freaked out people.

That happened to Robert Jordan and his Wheel of Time series.  I think he had his last one written, but he died before it was published...and there are supposedly 2 more in the series.

I've been reading some of Clive Cussler's stuff lately.  Mindless, but fun enough.

[z_randy]

Just finished "The Art Of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.  Liked it a lot.
 Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

Also just finished "Battle Flag" Book 3 of the Starbuck Chronicles by Nernard Cornwell.  Excellrnt  Started book 4.
Distinguished at the Battle of Cedar Mountain, Confederate Captain Nate Starbuck's career is jeopardized once again by the suspicion and hostility of his brigade commander, General Washington Faulconer. The outcome of this vicious fight drastically changes both men's fortunes and propels AX into the ghastly bloodletting at the Second Battle of Manassas.

Evocative and historically accurate, Battle Flag continues Bernard Cornwell's powerful series of Nate's adventures on some of the most decisive battlefields of the American Civil War.

[tusken10]

Carl Sagan's Cosmos

Great book. 

I've been reading a lot of Edward Lee lately.  Pretty wild stuff. 

Big fan of old Dean Koontz, anything by John Saul and Michael Crichton too!! 

[outlikealight]

Thanks to Big Reds goodreads I am starting A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)
by George R.R. Martin . I have read all the Brandon Sanderson books which were good and I needed a new author to read.

Probably some of the best fantasy bboks ever written. I read them all once per year. If Martin dies before he finishes the series there will be alot of freaked out people.

[z_randy]

Thanks to Big Reds goodreads I am starting A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)
by George R.R. Martin . I have read all the Brandon Sanderson books which were good and I needed a new author to read.

  I'm on book #3 of this series now.  The books are looong

[PFof2]

Thanks to Big Reds goodreads I am starting A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)
by George R.R. Martin . I have read all the Brandon Sanderson books which were good and I needed a new author to read.

[Adrian's Dad]

Carl Sagan's Cosmos

[z_randy]

I just finished - "A People's Act Of Love" by James Meek

In a remote Siberian village, amid a lawless, unforgiving landscape, lives Anna Petrovna, a beautiful, willfully self-reliant widowed mother. A mystical, separatist Christian sect, a stranded regiment of restless Czech soldiers, and an eerie local shaman live nearby, all struggling against the elements and great social upheaval to maintain a fragile coexistence.

Out of the woods trudges Samarin, an escapee from Russia’s northernmost prison camp, with a terrifyingly outlandish story to tell about his journey. Immediately apprehended, he is brought before the Czech regiment’s megalomaniac, Captain Matula. But the stranger’s appearance has caught the attention of others, including Anna Petrovna’s.

This stranger, his bizarre story—if it is to be believed—and the apparent murder of the local shaman quickly become a flashpoint for this village: temperatures rise, alliances shift, and betrayals emerge. Written with a commanding historical authority and remarkable grace, The People’s Act of Love is an epic of desire and sacrifice that leaves the reader utterly mesmerized through to the final heart-pounding pages.

Sounds interesting right?  I was completely lost for the first 2/3 of this book.  Then it started to fall into place and was a very depressing book.  This was on one of those "must read" lists you find online and well...it wasn't for me.

[outlikealight]

I'm reading a little Sci-fi right now - A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeil. It's Warhammer book.

Also started I, Sniper by Stephen Hunter. One of my all time favorite writers. Bob Lee Swagger kicking some more butt.

[Big daddy Eis]

I just finished "The Shack" and have started "Not a Good Day to Die: The Untold Story of Operation Anaconda" by Sean Naylor. 

Synopsis:
Command refused to commit the forces required to achieve total victory in Afghanistan. Instead, they delegated responsibility for fighting the war's biggest battle-one that could have broken Al Qaeda and captured Osama bin Laden-to a hodge-podge of units thrown together at the last moment.

At dawn on March 2, 2002, America's first major battle of the 21st century began. Over 200 soldiers of the 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain Divisions flew into Afghanistan's Shahikot valley-and into the mouth of a buzz saw. They were about to pay a bloody price for strategic, higher-level miscalculations that underestimated the enemy's strength and willingness to fight.

Now, award-winning journalist Sean Naylor, an eyewitness to the battle, details the failures of military intelligence and planning, and vividly portrays the astonishing heroism of these young, untested U.S. soldiers. Denied the extra infantry, artillery, and attack helicopters with which they trained to go to war, these troops nevertheless proved their worth in brutal combat and-along with the exceptional daring of a small team of U.S. commandos-prevented an American military disaster.

[Felix]

Right now I'm reading Agincourt, by Juliet Barker.  Got my B.A. in History, but with job and the deployments had kind of fallen out of reading history books, so this one seemed like a fairly easy read (despite the length of the book).  Pretty good book so far.

-Felix

[JacksDaddy]

I actually started reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was free for my Kindle so I figured I'd give it a try. I'm glad it has a dictionary built in because Sir Arthur is just a wee bit smarter than I am.

Who isn't?

    Just messin man...

Just finished reading Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.  Good, not great.  Teenagers book.  Trying to keep it simple for a 14 month old since I read to him.

[RobWenn]

I actually started reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was free for my Kindle so I figured I'd give it a try. I'm glad it has a dictionary built in because Sir Arthur is just a wee bit smarter than I am.

[z_randy]

Finished Book #2 in the Starbuck Series - "Copperhead" by Bernard Cornwell -Another excellent book.
The beloved Confederate Captain Nate Starbuck returns to the front lines of the Civil War in this second installment of Bernard Cornwell's acclaimed Nathaniel Starbuck Chronicles. It is the summer of 1862, and Nate has been bloodied but victorious at the battles of Ball's Bluff and Seven Pines. But he can't escape his Northern roots, and it is only a matter of time until he's accused of being a Yankee spy, pursued, and brutally interrogated. To clear his name, he must find the real traitor—a search that will require extraordinary courage, endurance, and a perilous odyssey through enemy territory.

Started book #3 called Battle Flag

[z_randy]

Just finished "Rebel" by Bernard Cornwell. As with most of his books I found it great.  This is book #1 in the Starbuck Series about the Civil War:

When Richmond landowner Washington Faulconer snatches young Nate Starbuck from the grip of a Yankee-hating mob, Nate is both grateful and awed by his idealistic rescuer. To repay his generosity, he enlists in the Faulconer legion to fight against his home, the North, and against his abolitionist father. When the regiment joins up, ready to march into the ferocious battle at Buff Run, the men are prepared to start a war . . . but they aren't ready for how they—and the nation—will be forever changed by the oaths they have sworn for their beloved South.

Just started book #2 called Copperhead

[Crucial Chase]

well as of this minute i'm reading posts on daddyplace.com but thats just me