Polks Book Club

13»

Comments

  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited May 2010
    I am now slowly treading along in what I consider to be the best one-two-punch in written works on Pink Floyd:

    1) Sauceful of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Odyssey by Nicholas Schaffner
    2) Echoes: The Complete History of Pink Floyd by Glenn Povey

    Schaffner's work (particularly well written, by the way) is a biography that charts the band's evolution from the heady days of swinging London in the mid 60s up to the early 1990s whereas Povey's volume is more of a reference work (lots of great photos, recording dates and year-by-year set lists documenting each live performance are incorporated into the text).

    Anyone interested in knowing more about the evolution of the band and their music would benefit from these works.
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    polktiger wrote: »
    Angles and Deamon by Dan Brown was very good (again clearly fictional) but very exciting.

    I know it sounds childish but I do like the Harry Potter books[...] feel free to watch the movie and read the books since the movies leave about 1/2 of the story out after you get past the first 2.

    I haven't read Angels and Demons, but I thought that The Da Vinci Code was exciting and fun to read.

    I loved the Harry Potter books as well - read them out loud to my kids (2x).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    Strong Bad wrote: »
    Stephen King fan here.

    1. The Stand
    2. IT
    3. The Mist (short story in the book Skeleton Crew)

    I have the entire Gun Slinger 7 book series, just need time to dig into them.

    John

    i liked The Stand - the story stays with you. I thought that the end of the book, where things got fantastical, wasn't the best way to end an otherwise totally plausible story.

    I've read the first 4 or 5 Gunslinger stories, and liked them, but haven't felt motivated to go back to finish the series.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,184
    edited May 2010
    jakelm wrote: »
    Lord of the Rings.

    The Hobbit

    :rolleyes:

    X2 the Hobbit first,
    Then you'll want to read the others.:D
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    Fireman32 wrote: »
    Douglas Adams The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxie

    An all time great series. If you like it, try the Terry Pratchett Discworld books - I think that you'll like them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    jakelm wrote: »
    Lord of the Rings.

    The Hobbit

    Probably my all-time favorite books.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    zombie boy 2000 wrote: »
    Speaking of sci-fi..
    Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

    I'd like to hear more about this book - I read a book on novel writing by OSC, but never any of his books. Also, have you read more of this series?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    shack wrote: »
    Anything by Michael Crichton or David Brin (Sci-fi)

    I like Crichton, and think his book concepts are awesome, but somehow I always find the books kind of "sci-fi lite."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited May 2010
    Big Dawg wrote:
    I'd like to hear more about this book - I read a book on novel writing by OSC, but never any of his books. Also, have you read more of this series?

    I've read "Ender's Game" and the first sequel "Speaker for the Dead" a couple of years ago. I enjoyed "Ender's Game" which is why I read "Speaker". It got away from much of what I liked about the original book...too preachy I felt at the time. I may read the last three(?) at some point just too see where Card takes it.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited May 2010
    I think Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is next on my list. I've not dug into anything challenging in quite a while.
    2007 Club Polk Football Pool Champ

    2010 Club Polk Fantasy Football Champ

    2011 Club Polk Football Pool Champ


    "It's like a koala bear crapped a rainbow in my brain!"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,824
    edited May 2010
    Has anyone else read the recent Robin Hood Series by Stephen R Lawhead. I just finished the first one not too long ago.. very interesting take on the Robin hood legend. quite a bit different from the general movie continuity.
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    McLoki wrote: »
    If you are into Fantasy -

    The Sword of truth series by Terry Goodkind is very good.
    1st, 2nd and 6th books are my favorite.

    Michael

    I like this series too, although I thought that the first 5 or so books from The Wheel Of Time were better. Both series got off course, and obviously Robert Jordan passed away before it was concluded (although his wife is seeing it through to its conclusion). At least Goodkind gave this series a reasonable conclusion.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I keep a copy of the Kama Sutra next to the toilet.

    This is so wrong on so many levels.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    lanion wrote: »
    Best Fantasy Series ever:

    Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin first book is A Game of Thrones...

    this is for people who are sick of LOTR knockoffs. Very political. It reads like a historical fiction of European royal families but there are increasing fantasy elements as time goes on.

    YES! But, what has happened to him? He's writing other books, but not moving this series forward. After reading tens of thousands of pages in The Wheel Of Time series, only to have Jordan die before he was finished, I'm having trouble staying interested waiting years between installments.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    George Grand wrote: »
    Sgt. Rock
    Johnny Cloud, Navaho Ace
    Nick Fury & The Howling Commandos
    Mad

    Now those are books. Haven't thought about them in 30 years.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited May 2010
    Kenneth Swauger wrote: »
    Hello,
    Interesting thread. I'm half way through volume 2 of the Civil War by Shelby Foote. The siege of Vicksburg and the battle for Port Hudson are looming.
    Ken

    I've been wanting to read those since the Ken Burns series. I bet they are great reading.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Huck344
    Huck344 Posts: 453
    edited May 2010
    After watching "The Pacific" miniseries and reading the accompanying book, I think my next book will be "Helmet for my Pillow" by Robert Leckie. Has anyone read it?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited May 2010
    Huck344 wrote: »
    After watching "The Pacific" miniseries and reading the accompanying book, I think my next book will be "Helmet for my Pillow" by Robert Leckie. Has anyone read it?

    No, but I'm curious about that one as well. Certainly can't imagine that being anything less than one of those books you stay up WAY too late reading.
    2007 Club Polk Football Pool Champ

    2010 Club Polk Fantasy Football Champ

    2011 Club Polk Football Pool Champ


    "It's like a koala bear crapped a rainbow in my brain!"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • j allen
    j allen Posts: 363
    edited May 2010
    Big Dawg wrote: »
    I'd like to hear more about this book - I read a book on novel writing by OSC, but never any of his books. Also, have you read more of this series?

    Ender's Game was excellent. I also really liked Ender's Shadow, even though it's less a sequel and more a parallel book. (It's Ender's Game told from Bean's perspective) The other books in the series get a bit... out there.

    I've read some of his other novels, the titles of which I cannot remember at present, and, while entertaining, I thought they were lackluster as compared to the two I listed above. (I'm not too much of a tough guy to admit I got teary at the end of Ender's Shadow)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited May 2010
    I've read Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead and Xenocide. Though the latter two books were obviously more detailed and better written, they simply were not as entertaining as the first.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2010
    jflail2 wrote: »
    I think Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is next on my list. I've not dug into anything challenging in quite a while.

    A brilliant work, I own and have read several translations of this...required reading for military intelligence these days even in the U.S.

    Anyone interested in a fairly well-written popular work on China should take a look at China's New Confucianism: Politics and Everyday Life in a Changing Society by Daniel A. Bell. A good 'tonic' for Americans 'trying' to understand some of what is happening over here that is also well written.

    Bell is an American Professor teaching at one of China's best Universities here in Beijing (Qinghua University).

    Highly recommended for the state-side crowd!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • virtualdean
    virtualdean Posts: 286
    edited May 2010
    Big Dawg wrote: »
    YES! But, what has happened to him? He's writing other books, but not moving this series forward. After reading tens of thousands of pages in The Wheel Of Time series, only to have Jordan die before he was finished, I'm having trouble staying interested waiting years between installments.

    YES!! Well said...Jordan could have finished it but he was sidetracked with a prequel about Moraine (?)

    I bought the installment written by his succesor...I forgot his name.
    He decided to make the final book into 3 books.
    I only got through a 1/3 of it before I put it down.. Not because it was badly written but because...I"m ready for it to be concluded in a glorious way.
    Thats just me and my taste.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • virtualdean
    virtualdean Posts: 286
    edited May 2010
    shack wrote: »
    Since I just got back from vacation...I have a few more to add.

    0312536631.jpg

    I had never read any of Haldeman's SF novels. This is one of the best "short" (214 pages) SF novels I've read in a while. One of those "could not put it down till finished" books. I will certainly look for more of his work.

    0061929379.jpg

    Unfortunately this will probably be the last Michael Crichton book I will ever read (at least for the first time) since he died in 2008. He has been one of my favorite authors for quite some time and I have read all of his books. This manuscript was discovered after his death and published. Most of the book is classic Crichton...ie: fiction based on lots of factual data...but the ending fell flat for me. Almost like he wasn't quite finished with it. I would certainly recommend it for anyone interested in pirate lore in general and especially if you like Crichton's work.

    0765322307.jpg

    Another first time SF author for me. Like lots of SF it is a bit of a "morality play" and very interesting. The time frame of the book was the early 70's which was my college years, so the book had a great deal of recognition and relevance for me. I will also look for more of Silverberg's work.

    If you are looking for something new and have not read any of these books...I would not hesitate to recommend them all.

    Haldeman wrote two more books in that series..From where they are on the planet Middlefinger. Its okay but its not in the same class as Forever War.
    Another great war/scifi book is Armour (?) by a Mr. Steakley...As good as the Forever War.

    My all time favorite Fantasy series...is by Stephen Donaldson...The Thomas Covenant series...More than awesome. An emotional roller coaster...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited May 2010
    virtualdean wrote:
    Haldeman wrote two more books in that series..From where they are on the planet Middlefinger. Its okay but its not in the same class as Forever War.

    Because of "Forever War", I picked up "Accidental Time Machine", "Worlds" and "There is No Darkness" by Joe and Jack Haldeman earlier this week at the used book store. I think I paid less than $5 for the three (who needs a kindle and $15 electonic books :rolleyes:)

    I've started "Worlds" and I'm only a few chapters in...so far so good. One thing about Haldeman...he does like to write about sex...not graphic stuff...it's just a strong ongoing theme so far.
    virtualdean wrote:
    Another great war/scifi book is Armour (?) by a Mr. Steakley...As good as the Forever War.

    Thanks. I'll look into this one.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fatchowmein
    fatchowmein Posts: 2,637
    edited May 2010
    The Gettysburg Campaign: A Study in Command

    51jwi3xzR0L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg

    40% through it. Fascinating although I was on the Gettysburg tour and picked up the book at the souvenier shop (recommended as THE book on Gettysburg). May not have the same impact if you've never visited.

    http://www.amazon.com/Gettysburg-Campaign-Study-Command/dp/0684845695/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274368979&sr=1-10#noop
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited May 2010
    fatchowmein wrote:
    Fascinating although I was on the Gettysburg tour and picked up the book at the souvenier shop (recommended as THE book on Gettysburg). May not have the same impact if you've never visited.

    A few years ago I went to visit a couple of our Maryland Polkies and also went up to a car show at Carlisle PA. On my way home I spent an afternoon at Gettysburg. It is one of those places that one should take the time to see if at all possible. I did the tour on my own and stopped at all of the memorials. I would like to go again.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fatchowmein
    fatchowmein Posts: 2,637
    edited May 2010
    shack wrote: »
    A few years ago I went to visit a couple of our Maryland Polkies and also went up to a car show at Carlisle PA. On my way home I spent an afternoon at Gettysburg. It is one of those places that one should take the time to see if at all possible. I did the tour on my own and stopped at all of the memorials. I would like to go again.

    I hope you get a chance to go again. I took a one day tour but I believe it would take three days to see it all. Don't miss the building near the entrance with the diorama and light show. It gives a very good overview of what you're about to see when you're out there on the battlefield.

    http://www.gettysburgdiorama.com/
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter