Books: Suggestions, Reviews, Discussion

[HT_NSU]

Ok, I am a big fan of both the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series; but since both series have concluded, I've been searching for some new literature. I'm assuming I'm not alone, so I figured I'd start this thread so that we might be able to discover/discuss new things.

Just recently I've discovered the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. It's about a boy who discovers he's a "half-blood" and that his father is actually a Greek God. He is then brought to a camp where other "Half-bloods" are trained and sent out on quests.

I'm currently reading the first book of the series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and I'm really enjoying it.
http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245344026&sr=1-5

It's not on the same level as HP; but it's a fun, quick read and if you like Greek mythology it makes it even more enjoyable.

There are five books in the series, I believe; and I think it's worth giving the series a try. :thumbsup:

Anybody else reading anything interesting? :shrug:

[BeachGurl]

Right now I'm almost finished with book 3 of the Sookie Stackhouse aka Southern Vampire series. So far I love them. True Blood is loosely based off the books so there are a lot of obvious differences if you watch the show. So far there are 9 books... the most recent one came out last month.

But yeah, if you like the show and are into vamps then definitely check it out! :thumbsup:

[HT_NSU]

Right now I'm almost finished with book 3 of the Sookie Stackhouse aka Southern Vampire series. So far I love them. True Blood is loosely based off the books so there are a lot of obvious differences if you watch the show. So far there are 9 books... the most recent one came out last month.

But yeah, if you like the show and are into vamps then definitely check it out! :thumbsup:

I haven't seen the show, but all of my friends that watch it tell me I'd like it. I'm about to start subscribing to netflicks, so maybe I can start at the beginning (if it's available). I'll have to check out the books too! Thanks!

I'm also reading The Art of Walt Disney, which is a really good read for anyone who's into WD and art/animation. It's taking me a while to get through it only because It's huge and my free time it limited, but I'm really enjoying it.

[Bethan]

I'm also a bit fan of HP and a HUGE fan of the Twilight Saga and I'd recommend the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. It's the books that the Golden Compass film is based on, but as with most films the books are better!

(not as good as Twilight though!)

[peaches magee]

I am with all you guys in loving HP and Twilight. I am also just into the 3rd book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. (Angela, do you sense the New Moon feel to it? hehe)

I saw those Percy Jackson books and wondered how it was. I usually stay in the fantasy/ young readers section as you can tell. They are just more fun!
I can't get into adult stuff. Romance novels are lame, and espionage ain't my thing. hehe

[HT_NSU]

I am with all you guys in loving HP and Twilight. I am also just into the 3rd book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. (Angela, do you sense the New Moon feel to it? hehe)

I saw those Percy Jackson books and wondered how it was. I usually stay in the fantasy/ young readers section as you can tell. They are just more fun!
I can't get into adult stuff. Romance novels are lame, and espionage ain't my thing. hehe

I agree. I felt a little weird going into the "young adult" section when I went to buy my Twilights books, but it doesn't bother me as much anymore seeing as how so many other people my age and older are doing it too. 27's still young adult, right? :look:

[Joe]

I've just started reading Always Looking Up: The Adventure of a Incureable Optomist, Amazing Book!

---------- Post added at 09:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 PM ----------

I've just started reading Always Looking Up: The Adventure of a Incureable Optomist, Amazing Book!

[YETI PINTRADER]

I am reading Jurassic Park. It is really good so far, but I would probably enjoy it more if I hadn't already seen the movie.

[peaches magee]

I agree. I felt a little weird going into the "young adult" section when I went to buy my Twilights books, but it doesn't bother me as much anymore seeing as how so many other people my age and older are doing it too. 27's still young adult, right? :look:

I am just a bit ahead of you on age, and yeah you are right, we are still young! :thumbsup: :lol:


I've just started reading Always Looking Up: The Adventure of a Incureable Optomist, Amazing Book!

I have been wanting to get into this. I love Michael J. Fox and it seems like a great choice for some motivation/ inspiration. :thumbsup:

[HT_NSU]

Have any of you heard of these new "alternate universe" books? My brother was just showing me this one: http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Effects-Dark-J-C-Hutchins/dp/0312383827/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245985983&sr=8-1

It seems pretty cool. It comes with all of these authentic-looking documents like: credit cards, birth certificates, death certificates, photographs..etc. All of the stuff it comes with are clues that you need while reading the book. Also within the book are web addresses and phone numbers that really work and also give you clues.

It seems like a really cool way to be completely immersed in the story. I think I may have to read this book...after I finish reading the Percy Jackson series.

[BlakeMP]

Ah, Percy Jackson. You're welcome. :D I recently finished the entire series, and absolutely loved it. For those of you suffering Harry Potter withdrawal, it's a great new series to get into.

I've read the first Sookie Stackhouse book and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Never got around to the rest, but that's mostly because I've got mountains of books waiting to be read...

Twilight... HT lent me the first one and... yeah. I think I'm done with that series.

Personal Effects: Dark Art really was fantastic. If you're a horror or thriller fan, it's a great book with a whole new way to experience a novel.

[Homer S.]

[/QUOTE]I saw those Percy Jackson books and wondered how it was. I usually stay in the fantasy/ young readers section as you can tell. They are just more fun!
I can't get into adult stuff. Romance novels are lame, and espionage ain't my thing. hehe[/QUOTE]

Percy jackson is really good. I am almost done reading the fifth one. Deffinatly read them!

[BlakeMP]

Have you read The Demigod Files? It's the only piece of Percy Jackson lore I haven't gotten my hands on yet.

[Scarletwebslingr]

I kid you not, Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson is the funniest book you'll ever read! It's written for youngsters but it is so freakin' funny! I recommend it to anyone, any age.

[peaches magee]

Ah, Percy Jackson. You're welcome. :D I recently finished the entire series, and absolutely loved it. For those of you suffering Harry Potter withdrawal, it's a great new series to get into.


Trailer for the first Movie coming out next year 'The Lightning Thief'
Makes me want to read them now :)

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Percy-Jackson-Lightning-Thief-Trailer-13945.html

[Qsk50]

Saw the trailer, looks interesting.
Which is the first book in the Percy Jackson series?

[BlakeMP]

The Lightning Thief is first.

[peaches magee]

'The Lightning Thief' is the first so I am guessing they may be doing them all, if they are successful.

[BlakeMP]

'The Lightning Thief' is the first so I am guessing they may be doing them all, if they are successful.

No doubt. Everybody is looking for the next Harry Potter, after all. This is one of the few series I think is good enough to qualify, though.

[Qsk50]

That's what I will be shopping for tomorrow :clap:

[BlakeMP]

It's so worth it. I haven't gotten this totally into any series of novels since Harry Potter.

[HT_NSU]

I'm on the second book now, The Sea of Monsters. It was a little bit of a slow start for me at first, but totally worth it to keep going!

Blake, you got a link to that podcast we did talking about these books? Just in case anyone here is interested on our thoughts.

[BlakeMP]

I'm on the second book now, The Sea of Monsters. It was a little bit of a slow start for me at first, but totally worth it to keep going!

Blake, you got a link to that podcast we did talking about these books? Just in case anyone here is interested on our thoughts.

Well, since you asked... :D

Since HT brought it up, I co-host a comic book/pop culture podcast. A couple of weeks ago, since my co-host was out of town, I recruited her to join me and we talked about Percy Jackson and some other stuff. If you want to hear us chat about books for a half-hour, you can find it here: 2 in 1 Showcase Presents the Week in Geek #24: Percy Jackson and Personal Effects (http://twoinone.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=496130)

And as long as I'm plugging my podcast, I might mention you can find the complete archives of the show here: 2 in 1 Showcase Archive Page (http://blakemp.wordpress.com/2-in-1-showcase-episode-archives/).

[peaches magee]

Your Podcast logo has the Dharma Initiative logo in it??? Consider me a subscriber now sir :thumbsup:

[BlakeMP]

Your Podcast logo has the Dharma Initiative logo in it??? Consider me a subscriber now sir :thumbsup:

:lol:

We use that logo for our mid-week "Week in Geek" episodes, because (during the season) our conversation is usually dominated by Lost talk. We mainly talk TV, movies, and so on. Our weekend show is usually comic book-dominated, and as such, has an appropriate comic book-y logo.

[HT_NSU]

Blake, my idea got you a new subscriber....I'll expect my check in the mail soon.

[BlakeMP]

Blake, my idea got you a new subscriber....I'll expect my check in the mail soon.

I'll give you 25 percent of what I make on that episode.

[peaches magee]

Haha... looking forward to LOST talk. I am addicted to that show to the point that it is unhealthy.

[HT_NSU]

For any animation or art in general fans, I've just started reading Drawn to Life: 20 Years of Disney Master Classes (Vol. 1) edited together by Don Hahn using the lessons and hand outs of Walt Stanchfield who was an animator for Disney Studios and eventually taught classes there.

It's really good, very interesting and the visuals inside give you a great understanding of the techniques and principles each lesson talks about.

http://cedrichohnstadt.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/drawntolife.jpg?w=460&h=507

[HT_NSU]

I just finished reading Happy Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban. I've read it multiple times before, but this is the first time I've read it since the series concluded. I was surprised to see a little foreshadowing that I hadn't noticed before. This is why I love these books! Everytime you read it, something new catches your attention! YAY!

Now, to try to finish the 3 other books I'm currently reading..... I'm starting to think that maybe I should take them 1 at a time. Maybe I'd read faster that way? :shrug:

[Scarletwebslingr]

Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson! Seriously... everybody must read this book!

[peaches magee]

I need to go back and re-read the series. My hubs has all the audio books and he re-listens to them over and over. I have heard that when you go back there is so much more you pick up on that roll into the other books.

[HT_NSU]

I've been seriously thinking of turning to audible.com to download some books to my ipod to listen to on my commute to the office. I'm getting so backed up on my reading, it might be easier to have someone just read stuff to me. :lol:

[BlakeMP]

I've been seriously thinking of turning to audible.com to download some books to my ipod to listen to on my commute to the office. I'm getting so backed up on my reading, it might be easier to have someone just read stuff to me. :lol:

Audible is pretty good. I've listened to some of their stuff.

It would behoove me to mention, though, that there are a lot of free audiobooks available in podcast form from Podiobooks.com. A lot of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, but other genres as well. Including at least one book by someone you know... :whistles innocently:

[HT_NSU]

Audible is pretty good. I've listened to some of their stuff.

It would behoove me to mention, though, that there are a lot of free audiobooks available in podcast form from Podiobooks.com. A lot of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, but other genres as well. Including at least one book by someone you know... :whistles innocently:

I've read both of your books. Or are you talking about one that hasn't been published yet?

[HitchHikingGhostFangirl]

As for young adult books go:

Vampire Academy Series is really good. The fourth book just came out.

Audiobook (and also YA): Uglies Series is good to listen to (rest of the series is: Pretties, Specials, Extras) I listened to all of them and it almost made it more exciting since I had no way to look at the end.

[HT_NSU]

As for young adult books go:

Vampire Academy Series is really good. The fourth book just came out.

Audiobook (and also YA): Uglies Series is good to listen to (rest of the series is: Pretties, Specials, Extras) I listened to all of them and it almost made it more exciting since I had no way to look at the end.

Is the Vampire Academy Series what that new CW TV show is based on?

[HitchHikingGhostFangirl]

Is the Vampire Academy Series what that new CW TV show is based on?

No, the show's based on the books of the same name. Vampire Diaries. I have the first two of those books and started reading the first one, and it's not that great.

[HT_NSU]

No, the show's based on the books of the same name. Vampire Diaries. I have the first two of those books and started reading the first one, and it's not that great.

Ah, thanks. :doh: It's so hard to keep up with all of these vampire series that are coming out.

[HitchHikingGhostFangirl]

Ah, thanks. :doh: It's so hard to keep up with all of these vampire series that are coming out.

Yea, there are alot of vampire series out there. And I've read most of the YA ones. lol

I like my supernatural/paranormal series :)

[BlakeMP]

I've read both of your books. Or are you talking about one that hasn't been published yet?

I'm talking about A Long November. The one I need a new cover for to release as an eBook. :whistles again:

[Cosmos]

I'm still reading the Lost Symbol, but typically I take recommendations on new books from reviews in People and Entertainment Weekly. I've read a couple really good ones from their reviews. :thumbsup:

[HT_NSU]

I'm talking about A Long November. The one I need a new cover for to release as an eBook. :whistles again:

I know, I know, I'll try to get on that. When do you need it by again?

[BlakeMP]

I know, I know, I'll try to get on that. When do you need it by again?

Mid-Octoberish. Thanks!

[disneyfan168]

Im reading Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. Its fantastic! Anyone else read it?

[HT_NSU]

I haven't read any John Grisham....what's it about?

[disneyfan168]

I haven't read any John Grisham....what's it about?

Its about a Cleveland Browns quarterback who loses a big game for them and then all the fans and everyone in the sports industry hates him so he goes to play for a small team in a small town in Italy. Its a great book!

[HT_NSU]

Cool! Something like that might even encourage my husband to read. :lol:

[BlakeMP]

Cool! Something like that might even encourage my husband to read. :lol:

Let's not get crazy. :lol:

Only Grisham book I've ever read was Skipping Christmas. I liked it, but the courtroom drama stuff of most of his work doesn't really appeal to me.

[Scarletwebslingr]

I just picked up The Greatest Show on Earth, the latest book by Richard Dawkins. It's written to explain the ins and outs of the scientific theory of evolution and so far it seems compelling enough (true Dawkins form) but I've already read Why Evolution is True by Jerry Coyne and Only a Theory by Kenneth Miller earlier in the year and both were so incredibly solid in the facts that I'm a little worried The Greatest Show on Earth might just be a rehash of what others have already said but less effective. I'll let you know if it's a worthwhile read, at least over the other two.

[BlakeMP]

Currently reading Gregory Maguire's Lost. Man, I really wanted to love this book. Wicked was great, and the ties to A Christmas Carol made me very interested, but getting through this book is a downright chore.

[Cosmos]

So I got past the Lost Symbol. Phew, not worth it in my opinion. Too much hype to deliver. :look:

Now I've got a whole list to get started on. Anyone read Columbine? Heard it was interesting. It's the compilation of new stories and journal entries where they bring up some new theories on the shootings. :shrug:

[BeachGurl]

Okay. I need something new to read. Anyone have any suggestions for me? If you know me, you know what I like. :lol:

[taquazi]

Okay. I need something new to read. Anyone have any suggestions for me? If you know me, you know what I like. :lol:

Might not be your style but these books changed my life :)

The Holy Man by Susan Trott
and
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Super easy reads and great birthday gifts :lol:

[BlakeMP]

I just finished Ancestor by Scott Sigler. If you're into sci-fi thrillers, you need to pick this one up. A group of scientists are developing a new organism based on some ancient DNA in the attempt to create an animal with organs suitable for human transplantation. This being a thriller, things go wrong. Great fun, pretty violent (if you like that sort of thing, which I do) and some really well-developed characters. Give it a read.

[RVDjeep]

I just finished Ancestor by Scott Sigler. If you're into sci-fi thrillers, you need to pick this one up. A group of scientists are developing a new organism based on some ancient DNA in the attempt to create an animal with organs suitable for human transplantation. This being a thriller, things go wrong. Great fun, pretty violent (if you like that sort of thing, which I do) and some really well-developed characters. Give it a read.

Looks a lot like the Movie Splice that just came out

[BlakeMP]

No, no, I said "well-developed" characters.

:rimshot:

Actually, I didn't see Splice and except for that fact that it involves genetic engineering, I don't know anything about it. But unless Splice also involves people being hunted by forty carnivores the size of rhinos with the speed and ferocity of a lion on a frozen lake in Canada, I don't think there are too many similarities.

[RVDjeep]

Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson.

Very long but rewarding series (so far im reading book number 3) Some of the best fantasy i have read since George R.R. Martin.

Must read imo for any high fantasy fan.

---------- Post added at 01:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:20 PM ----------


No, no, I said "well-developed" characters.

:rimshot:

Actually, I didn't see Splice and except for that fact that it involves genetic engineering, I don't know anything about it. But unless Splice also involves people being hunted by forty carnivores the size of rhinos with the speed and ferocity of a lion on a frozen lake in Canada, I don't think there are too many similarities.

Lol indeed there none of that in splice :P

[nickphillips97]

Looks like no ones commented lately, I'll try to get it going again. I'm currently reading Kingdom Keepers 4 & Careless Love: The Unmaking Of Elvis Presley. Careless Love is volume 2 of an Elvis biography by Peter Guralnick. Good stuff.

[BlakeMP]

I'm reading Rick Riordan's Throne of Fire, second book in the Kane Chronicles. Good, but still not as good as his Percy Jackson stuff.

[Anders Limpar]

I'd highly recommend Disney War. Its a nonfiction book about Eisner's reign at Disney. It provides a lot of insight into what Eisner did right and what he did wrong. Its mainly about the movies and the tv side of things as opposed to the theme parks. I still found it very interesting despite being much more of a fan of the theme parks.

[CrustyJuggler]

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - If you like cars and dogs then you'll probably like this book. It's one of my all-time favorites.

I recently just finished Moneyball by Michael Lewis. I've been meaning to read it for years and am glad that I finally did. As a longtime baseball and Red Sox fan it's a very interesting read and covers the 2000-2003 period in baseball when the way teams were built started to transform.

[Hellsatyr]

The Morbidly Obese Ninja By Carlton Mellick III
It is a fun little novella following the story of Basu; a 700lbs ninja operating in Neo Tokyo, California.
Synopsis:
These days, if you want to run a successful company . . . you're going to need a lot of ninjas.
Neo Tokyo, California is a city built so high that none of its residents have ever seen the ground. It is a place where citizens cosmetically alter their bodies to look like Japanese anime characters. It is a place where ninja battles determine the fate of corporate business ventures. It is the home of Basu - a 700 pound killing machine who uses his grotesque excess weight as a deadly weapon.

Also, I can't help but recommend Battle Royale by Koushun Takami.
It takes place in an alternate timeline Japan in 1997. The totalitarian government of The Republic of Greater East Asia (which Japan is part of). Each year, 50 Junior High classes are picked to enter into The Program. The Program is a military research project that pits a class of junior high students against one another in a fight to the death. The government's objective in this project is to weed out an increase of westernization in Asia's youth and to create paranoia as to subvert any sort of uprising or insurrection from ever occurring. This is the tale of one junior high class of 42 students and how they are whisked away by the government to participate in this brutal "sport". The main character, Shuya, is an American rock & roll fanatic and uses Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" as a backdrop to the horrors of the program and his need to escape Japan.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ED3F1GGRL._SS500_.jpg

It is an excellent book. Every time I go to read I can't put it down and I end up blowing through its 600+ pages in a weekend.
It is violent and can be "disturbing" at parts, but I highly recommend it.

[tandedobbs]

I would hight recommend Gwen Cooper's "Homer's Odyssey" for all you animal lovers out there! She's amazing and the book will have you smiling the whole time!
It's about a blind kitten that she adopts and her life with him.
She also has a Facebook page and always replies to your posts/messages!
:love:

Here is her blog as well:
http://www.gwencooper.com/blog.php

[JasonD]

Also, I can't help but recommend Battle Royale by Koushun Takami.

One of my absolute favorite books.

[HitchHikingGhostFangirl]

The Morbidly Obese Ninja By Carlton Mellick III
It is a fun little novella following the story of Basu; a 700lbs ninja operating in Neo Tokyo, California.
Synopsis:
These days, if you want to run a successful company . . . you're going to need a lot of ninjas.
Neo Tokyo, California is a city built so high that none of its residents have ever seen the ground. It is a place where citizens cosmetically alter their bodies to look like Japanese anime characters. It is a place where ninja battles determine the fate of corporate business ventures. It is the home of Basu - a 700 pound killing machine who uses his grotesque excess weight as a deadly weapon.

Also, I can't help but recommend Battle Royale by Koushun Takami.
It takes place in an alternate timeline Japan in 1997. The totalitarian government of The Republic of Greater East Asia (which Japan is part of). Each year, 50 Junior High classes are picked to enter into The Program. The Program is a military research project that pits a class of junior high students against one another in a fight to the death. The government's objective in this project is to weed out an increase of westernization in Asia's youth and to create paranoia as to subvert any sort of uprising or insurrection from ever occurring. This is the tale of one junior high class of 42 students and how they are whisked away by the government to participate in this brutal "sport". The main character, Shuya, is an American rock & roll fanatic and uses Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" as a backdrop to the horrors of the program and his need to escape Japan.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ED3F1GGRL._SS500_.jpg

It is an excellent book. Every time I go to read I can't put it down and I end up blowing through its 600+ pages in a weekend.
It is violent and can be "disturbing" at parts, but I highly recommend it.

And I thank you for not being like most fans of it and doing the whole "it's better than the Hunger Games" thing.

[Hellsatyr]

And I thank you for not being like most fans of it and doing the whole "it's better than the Hunger Games" thing.

You are welcome. Well, see I have never read the Hunger Games, but from what I understand beside the whole child combat thing they aren't really similar.
However, that is were my niceness ends. Hahaha, having watched both movies I feel BR is the better watch while Hunger Games just builds me up only to not deliver, that is just my opinion though.


One of my absolute favorite books.

It really is such a good book. I should read it again sometime soon...but I have a lot on my backlog.