What are you reading at the moment?

Review 5

1571303361639.png

Eric Berne's best book and now a classic. It remains an excellent book on transactional analysis. The book details why we do what we do, the choices we make, the behaviour patterns we follow. Insightful, explaining how the ideas we develop during childhood translate into adulthood and how they not only affect our relationships and therefore communication, but also our perceptions of our relationships. Berne asserts that the "script" (the theory of life scripts we inherit from our parents that are taking control of our lives without even knowing about them) each of us follows can be altered or changed. The book is an easy, engaging read and has been profound for many.

@Scotshave @Missoni @patw @Barry Giddens @Ferry-shave @Blademonkey @RussellR5555
 
The final reviews of this challenge - Review 6,7 & 8

Haruki Murakami IQ84 Books 1, 2 & 3

1571317111469.png

I have enjoyed all of Murakami's books, such a wonderful, laid back, chilled-out writer. Despite his simple, pictorial writing style his books just transport me to another world, they are so immersive and enthralling. IQ84 is his blockbuster book from 2011.

A complex story alternating between two main characters, a fitness instructor named Aomame whose name means green pea, and Tengo, a maths teacher and writer. Each enter a world dominated by a group of "Little People". The novel transforms itself from a fairy tale with kindly spirits into a love story. Throughout, there are references to Western music, literature, film, and philosophy, and Japanese culture is depicted as misogynistic and repressive.

A few choice Murakami quotes from IQ84:

“I'm a very ordinary human being; I just happen to like reading books.”

“Once you pass a certain age, life becomes nothing more than a process of continual loss. Things that are important to your life begin to slip out of your grasp, one after another, like losing teeth. And the only things that come to take their place are worthless imitations. Your physical strength, your hopes, your dreams, your ideals, your convictions, all meaning, or then again, the people you love: one by one, they fade away. Some announce their departure before they leave, while others just disappear all of a sudden without warning one day. And once you lose them you can never get them back. Your search for replacements never goes well. It's all very painful – as painful as actually being cut with a knife.”

“Everybody feels safe belonging not to the excluded minority but to the excluding majority. You think, Oh, I'm glad (that's) not me. It's basically the same in all periods in all societies. If you belong to the majority, you can avoid thinking about lots of troubling things.”


@Scotshave @Missoni @patw @Barry Giddens @Ferry-shave @Blademonkey @RussellR5555
 
The final reviews of this challenge - Review 6,7 & 8

Haruki Murakami IQ84 Books 1, 2 & 3

View attachment 48327

I have enjoyed all of Murakami's books, such a wonderful, laid back, chilled-out writer. Despite his simple, pictorial writing style his books just transport me to another world, they are so immersive and enthralling. IQ84 is his blockbuster book from 2011.

A complex story alternating between two main characters, a fitness instructor named Aomame whose name means green pea, and Tengo, a maths teacher and writer. Each enter a world dominated by a group of "Little People". The novel transforms itself from a fairy tale with kindly spirits into a love story. Throughout, there are references to Western music, literature, film, and philosophy, and Japanese culture is depicted as misogynistic and repressive.

A few choice Murakami quotes from IQ84:

“I'm a very ordinary human being; I just happen to like reading books.”

“Once you pass a certain age, life becomes nothing more than a process of continual loss. Things that are important to your life begin to slip out of your grasp, one after another, like losing teeth. And the only things that come to take their place are worthless imitations. Your physical strength, your hopes, your dreams, your ideals, your convictions, all meaning, or then again, the people you love: one by one, they fade away. Some announce their departure before they leave, while others just disappear all of a sudden without warning one day. And once you lose them you can never get them back. Your search for replacements never goes well. It's all very painful – as painful as actually being cut with a knife.”

“Everybody feels safe belonging not to the excluded minority but to the excluding majority. You think, Oh, I'm glad (that's) not me. It's basically the same in all periods in all societies. If you belong to the majority, you can avoid thinking about lots of troubling things.”


@Scotshave @Missoni @patw @Barry Giddens @Ferry-shave @Blademonkey @RussellR5555
Sounds wonderful! :) P.
 
Review 2
View attachment 48207


This is one of the few books that I immediately re-read after finishing and have returned subsequently. The last re-reading being in 2012/13 when I was based in Baghdad and part of an ex-pat, book reading club; there were not many entertainment options at the time!. Some will find the book shocking and indeed I think in some countries the book has been re-categorised as homoerotic fiction which denies the, holistic themes this book tackles. The book tells the story of a bi-racial, bi-sexual boy known as "Out in the Shed" or Shed who lives with his mother, a working woman, at the back of a brothel. Set in the American mid-west of the 1800's. The author Tom Spanbaur employs a "dangerous writing style" a style of fiction he himself has coined and advocated. He explains: "Dangerous writing means putting a piece of yourself in a work, going to the 'sore spot,' and discussing taboo topics, particularly sex and violence. It means writing for yourself, a concept that in the literary world was thought to make you go broke. It means exposing yourself to the tiger, not physically, but mentally." The book also features a writing style Spanbauer calls "going on the body" which has been described by others as involving the reader on a gut level. I will not give a plot synopsis but rather say that the book is a terrific read and at the very least will not leave you without some reaction. The Man Who Fell in Love with the Moon was a finalist for the 1992 Stonewall Book Award and won the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award. The book, has gone on to acquire cult status; being a slow burner at first, probably because of some of the themes, before achieving wilder acclaim; acclaim that I believe is entirely justified. I think the book will ahieve even greater recognition with the progress of time and that appears to be happening - a classic in the making for sure :).

@Scotshave @Barry Giddens @Ferry-shave @Missoni @Blademonkey @patw @RussellR5555
I was buying some books for myself tonight - I thought to re-read your review of this one - it had stuck in my mind - I have just ordered it - challenging yourself - with books - to a large extent - is why you ought to read - thank you - I.
 
I was buying some books for myself tonight - I thought to re-read your review of this one - it had stuck in my mind - I have just ordered it - challenging yourself - with books - to a large extent - is why you ought to read - thank you - I.
...delighted you took a risk on this one; let me know, as your time allows, if it was worth the risk...
 
More an acquisition; as I'm reading The Conquest of New Spain by Diaz (an endorsement from @Digimonkey). However, having been inspired by works such as The Old Ways (Macfarlane), I was drawn to this one. It has a cartological feel to it; looking at the landscapes that inspired works by M.R. James, Agernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen et al. According to the liner notes ‘It is a unique and elegiac meditation on grief, memory and longing, and the redemptive power of stories and nature.'

@Digimonkey, @Barry Giddens, @Missoni, @patw, @RussellR5555, @Blademonkey

27745FD3-D4F9-418A-89BF-926F44B7A656.jpeg
 
1572898295914.png

I never got near the 7 books in 7 days, but as a belated review I offer Under pressure: living life and avoiding death on a nuclear submarine.

I have had an interest in the Royal Navy and in the forces generally, for as long as I can remember. I was interested to see a book about the ‘Silent Service', written about the author's experiences, rather than a commentary on operations; this did not disappoint.

A relatively short book, where the author (Richard Humphrey's; a bookseller since he left the Royal Navy) walks through his basic recruit training, and his first posting, on a Boat (I forgot that submarines are referred to as boats) the Polaris sub HMS Resolution.

In my view, Under Pressure is a beautifully told story; Humphrey's skilfully and plainly shares his memories and experiences – it was clear that he found his time in the silent service physically and mentally demanding. Having spent 5 years on HMS Resolution before leaving “at the top of his game”, leaving on a high, seemed to be a good time to move on, to try new things (university).

I liked that the story started with a sense of purpose and determination; Humphrey was attracted to the Royal Navy and wanted to be and serve with the best – in that sense both his fellow sailors and working and surviving in one of the most complex machines man has ever built and operated.

Each chapter reads like a short story; an each is beautifully named; Chapter 16 ‘Porn', speaks for itself, what was the more shocking was that Das Boot, was shown on board, and was relatively popular!

I recommend Under Pressure; insightful, open, honest and above all a good view of humanity from the most secretive of worlds.

Now the winter nights are with us, I am going to make more of an effort to watch less TV and read more.

All the best,

Chris

@Digimonkey @Scotshave @Barry Giddens @Blademonkey @patw @RussellR5555 @Missoni
 
View attachment 48770

I never got near the 7 books in 7 days, but as a belated review I offer Under pressure: living life and avoiding death on a nuclear submarine.

I have had an interest in the Royal Navy and in the forces generally, for as long as I can remember. I was interested to see a book about the ‘Silent Service', written about the author's experiences, rather than a commentary on operations; this did not disappoint.

A relatively short book, where the author (Richard Humphrey's; a bookseller since he left the Royal Navy) walks through his basic recruit training, and his first posting, on a Boat (I forgot that submarines are referred to as boats) the Polaris sub HMS Resolution.

In my view, Under Pressure is a beautifully told story; Humphrey's skilfully and plainly shares his memories and experiences – it was clear that he found his time in the silent service physically and mentally demanding. Having spent 5 years on HMS Resolution before leaving “at the top of his game”, leaving on a high, seemed to be a good time to move on, to try new things (university).

I liked that the story started with a sense of purpose and determination; Humphrey was attracted to the Royal Navy and wanted to be and serve with the best – in that sense both his fellow sailors and working and surviving in one of the most complex machines man has ever built and operated.

Each chapter reads like a short story; an each is beautifully named; Chapter 16 ‘Porn', speaks for itself, what was the more shocking was that Das Boot, was shown on board, and was relatively popular!

I recommend Under Pressure; insightful, open, honest and above all a good view of humanity from the most secretive of worlds.

Now the winter nights are with us, I am going to make more of an effort to watch less TV and read more.

All the best,

Chris

@Digimonkey @Scotshave @Barry Giddens @Blademonkey @patw @RussellR5555 @Missoni
Looks good - on the list C. thanks - funny you should recommend this particular book - as I had just listened to an excellent radio treatment of the same subject - the show is called 'The Forum' - it broadcasts on the World Service - you can access their archive via the BBC app - the format is a bit like 'In Our Time' - take some experts and then they discuss the subject for an hour. It covers the history and development of the boats - strategic use and the experience of submariners. I think it would interest you - cheers - I.
 
Looks good - on the list C. thanks - funny you should recommend this particular book - as I had just listened to an excellent radio treatment of the same subject - the show is called 'The Forum' - it broadcasts on the World Service - you can access their archive via the BBC app - the format is a bit like 'In Our Time' - take some experts and then they discuss the subject for an hour. It covers the history and development of the boats - strategic use and the experience of submariners. I think it would interest you - cheers - I.

@Digimonkey

Iain, thanks - on BBC 4 now (started 21:00) good documentary on why people love submarine movies! Did you post your review of 'With the Jocks'? Apologies if I have missed it; looking forward to reading your review.

All the best,

Chris
 
Since my last post I've finished 61 hours by Lee Child. I enjoyed the book, it wasn't one of those books that you can't put down but it kept my interest alive.

I then went on to read Killing Floors by Lee Child. I think this is probably one of the best novels I've read by this author, at times I kept turning just one more page before I go to sleep while the clock screamed "it's 4am in the morning!!!!" :giggle:

I'm just starting to read Personal by the same author, Lee Child..... too early to comment though.
 
Back
Top Bottom