AR Book Club

[Dr. Insomniac]

Hmm. You just might not be a fan of repetition given A Christmas Carol's reputation. And Oliver Twist isn't particularly known for its subtlety. The thing about Dickens is that his protagonists usually aren't well-written, at all. So that might be why.

Now in books that people like, I read the Witch Hunters by Steve Lyons yesterday as part of my Doctor Who binge. Feels like a Hartnell story, but definitely shows when it was written in places. Also, the foreshadowing to future stories was pretty obvious.

[Avaitor]

His supporting characters usually are more interesting than the protagonists, yes. But I wouldn't add a single one to my favorites.

[Dr. Insomniac]

Also, as he was writing the books in serial format, and had to write the books to make sure the audience would remain large, it kind of shows how hodgepodge his style can get. So basically, he was his day's soap opera writer.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Ouch. Dickens hate makes me sad.

[Angus]

I've been reading Chris Jericho's second autobiography (Undisputed) and he sure packs a ton of pop culture references in his writing.

[Pharass]

Currently reading London Match, the final part in Len Deighton's first trilogy about Bernard Samson. Great espionage fiction, if you like the works of Le Carr? than I certainly recommend London Match as well as the previous books in the series.

[Avaitor]

I finally got to pick up a copy of A Game of Thrones a few days ago. To pass the time before I get to find the other books, I'm reading The Once and Future King.

It's funny, the Disney version of Sword in the Stone isn't too far off from the book at all. They just cut out a lot of filler.

[Angus]

It's kind of sad that I'm reading that Chris Jericho book and have to pull up Wikipedia every few paragraphs.

[Angus]

Was surprised that Ray Bradbury was still around until this week.  91 years old. RIP. same age as J.D. Salinger.

[Pharass]

I really should get around to read more Bradbury, can't believe I haven't read Fahrenheit 451 yet, just to name an example.

Currently reading White Jazz, the fourth book in James Ellroy's L.A. Quartet. I'm curious to see whether or not Dudley Smith finally gets his comeuppance in this one.

[Angus]

Hmm, I thought everyone had to read 451 in high school, not that I paid much attention to it, but it makes me wonder what's "required reading" these days.

[Avaitor]

The only book I can think of that was "required reading" was The Great Gatsby.

Which totally should be.

[Angus]

I caved in and bought those two B&N versions of The Complete Sherlock Holmes. I hope my head doesn't explode.

[Pharass]

I caved in and bought those two B&N versions of The Complete Sherlock Holmes. I hope my head doesn't explode.

Good for you, Angus. You can't go wrong with Conan Doyle.

Regarding Fahrenheit 451, I should perhaps point out that I'm Swedish and so did not attend an American high-school where I'd guess Fahrenheit 451 would be required reading. Although considering how universal it's themes are, I'm a bit surprised it was never brought up during my high-school years. At any rate I haven't read it, but I aim to fix that one day.

I've read Gatsbyhowever and I have to say that despite the prohibition era stuff and the mystery surrounding the main character it left me cold. I'm willing to give it another go though.

[Angus]

No prob. I'd probably have to read those high school books again since I really didn't have a clue the first time around.