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  Recommended Reading

  So, I know I started this whole thing on a terribly negative note, but what I'm trying to do at the moment is put together a Public Address Recommended Reading List. I'll winnow through the PAS thread and pull stuff out of there, but are there things people want to add or emphasise?

  Maybe at this time of year, too, recommendations for particular audiences - kids of particular ages, geeks, people who aren't big readers - and Haywood-style Christmas Spino.

  Emma H started this discussion 11 months ago (edited). ( reply )

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  Eddie C 

  Excellent. I was about to start a thread here on Christmas books - what books are you hoping to get for xmas / looking to give to particular groups/people for xmas, but I can put my thoughts here. will have a think and come back!

  posted 11 months ago. ( reply )

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  Jeremy A (edited)

  My xmas list has the Dilbert 2.0 book/cd on it, beyond that I've kinda given up asking for books from my whanau - unless I give them a totally specific shopping list, practically down to the ISDN, they cock it up. For example, for 3 xmases in a row I had books by Iain Banks on my list, for 3 xmases in a row I got books by Ian Rankin.
  So, I'd like books, but its safer to ask for vouchers and buy my own. There's a trilogy by Neal Stephenson prequelling Cryptonomicon that I'd like to get my paws on (not on the shelves of the local bookshops, so I'd have to get it online anyhow) I've heard mixed reviews, but I really, really like cryptonomicon, and I haven't disliked anything else I've read of his, so I'll give it a crack.
  I quite fancy a subscription to Baen Books' webscription, then I can get lots of e-books, since I've read thru their entire free library, and there's a lot of trilogies there I'd like to finish off (probably that was their cunnning plan - hook you in with the first book of the trilogy free).
  The browsing and choosing is half the fun.

  posted 11 months ago. ( reply )

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  Eddie C 

  Jeremy - I, too, need to read the Baroque cycle... I tried the first book, but it was even wordier that Cryptonomicon, with less brilliant Stephenson moments to offset said brilliance. I'm assured by friends that've finished the whole lot that the first book is in fact a very long "chapter 1", as it were, and things pick up in the 2nd two volumes. Its just 800-odd pages to wade through before I get there!

  Sorry Emma, threadjack over, my next post will be recommended reading!

  posted 11 months ago. ( reply )

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  Emma H 

  No apologies necessary, I don't believe threadjacks really exist. Discussions just naturally wander.

  The Baen Free Library is a killer, it's hooked me into a few things. Fortunately one of my best friends is the wife of the guy who runs Arty Bees Books in Wellington, so cheap pulp sci-fi/fantasy is always freely available.

  Have you guys read The Big U?
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_U
  I know Stephenson hates it, but I loved it. All my uni gaming-geek friends loved it. It's not a great work of literature but gods, it's fun.

  posted 11 months ago. ( reply )

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  Eddie C (edited)

  Yes, read it, loved it. Silly and fun. In a similar vein, I just today purchased Halting State, by Charlie Stross. World of Warcraft geek bank robbers. My boyfriend plays WoW somewhat obsessively, so this proves to be amusing. Also, ha - purchased from Matt at Busy Bees (Arty Bees' sister store). Wellington has zero degrees of separation. Oh the time I've wasted talking to him about skiffy, and the money I've spent at that shop!

  Oh, and an actual recommendation, based on what I just finished reading at 1 am this morning:

  Brain candy fantasy series with smarts (so a broad-based potential gifting audience!):

  The Tide Lords series by Jennifer Fallon. Fun characters, well plotted, well written, political intruige, and a really top drawer unexpected ending. I've liked most of the stuff she's written, but this is the best. The first book is The immortal prince, and I really, really enjoyed it.

  posted 11 months ago. ( reply )

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  Emma H 

  Ha, yes, Busy Bees, sorry, I still get which one is which mixed up. I shall mention this to Matt when he and Susan are down after Christmas.

  That Jennifer Fallon does sound great, I shall keep an eye open for that.

  For those with neices, nephews, friend's kids etc in the about 9-13 reading range, I'd heartily recommend Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams. Both my kids loved it, and the sequel Deeper. They're clever, engaging, lots happens, and they're not condescending.

  posted 11 months ago. ( reply )

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