Jump to content

Pablo

Member
  • Posts

    155
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by Pablo

  1. Thanks for the birthday wishes Cat woman.

    I've not been on the forum for a while, hence the late response.

    Really appreciated them though.

  2. Thanks for the recommendations, but as a final point from me on the subject, I liked the fact that the movie didn't spell everything out, but rather allowed the viewer to contemplate. SPOILER ALERT: Also, there are aspects of the book I've heard about which I'm glad didn't make it into the film, For me the above points would only dirty a beautiful, if sad, tale. I know that the movie hints at these issues, but the scenes are vague enough to allow individual interpretation. For example, Similarily (damn word) Eli's intentions throughout the movie are also deliciously vague, something I'm led to believe is not the case in the book. No, the book would only destroy my own personal interpretation of the movie, I'm afraid. I appreciate your enthusiasm though, and I'm glad you enjoyed it in the written format. For me, I've got everything I want from the story.
  3. Thanks Guys. I know that the movie was adapted from the book, which is almost universally the case, but for me reading a book I had pre-conceived ideas about would be pointless. I would be visualising the movie whilst reading and that wouldn't do. As a final nail in the coffin (excuse the pun) I am also aware of some of the book elements that did not make it into the movie. For me a book has to be unknown territory.
  4. Although I'm reluctant to write about a movie here, I feel compelled to recommend 'Let The Right One In', to anyone interested in the possibilities of film. Never have I found a truer use for the word captivating. Unfortunately for me I tend not to read or watch adaptations (with rare exceptions) so it was always going to be which ever format I first consumed it in. I know the impact of the book will now be limited for me, but on the flip-side I have seen a special movie.
  5. Michael Marshall Smith - What you make it sounds like a good read, and I was just about to ask for suggestions for a book. Looks like I've found my next one. Thanks Chrysalis_stage.
  6. I know it's not the book you're looking for Skylark, but Drood by Dan Simmons is based in dickensian London, and is primarily concerned with a strange underground cult. Although it's not magical as such, it has great mystery and a strong supernatural bent.
  7. Interesting thread. When it came to reading at school I simply simulated the activity, whilst day-dreaming. It took finding the right books to convert me.
  8. I only believe in three things; Life, death and love. My reading choices generally reflect this.
  9. Disregard for nature. Hesitant drivers. Unoriginality.
  10. The Time Machine is, for me, one of four absolute classics to be found in H.G Well's 'The Science Fiction', along with 'The War Of The Worlds', 'The Island Of Dr Moreau' and 'The First Men In The Moon'. There's something timless about the style of writing, and each tale has a pleasingly retro feel to it. I can't recommend them enough to anyone interested in the likes of Ray Bradbury, or science-fiction in general.
  11. To be honest I wasn't entirely aware of the possiblities of historical fiction until I read Dan Simmons' The Terror. It's fair to say that there's a new genre filling in the spaces among my book shelves now. Elmore Leonard is worth a mention from me also, as I've never read any other crime offering before or since cruising through most of his collection.
  12. The only thing I have a time limit for is getting out of the bed for work at 4:15 in the morning. My reading is far too random and without warning.
  13. For a really nasty piece of work how about a sorceror (for want of a better term) that consumes other people's bodies by being in their presence and keeps the company of snake-like creatures made from his own feces and semen? He's called Kissoon and can be found in The Great And Secret Show and it's sequel, Everville, by Clive Barker.
  14. Thanks Inver. I'm pretty comfortable with this forum and it's a great way to get recommendations for new books. Other than that I use it for posting short stories.

    I thought you might be from Inverness judging by your user name. Close though. I stayed there for a few months a while back - all I remember was a place called Berlins which had happy hour every night.

    I'm from Tullibody, a small village in the central belt, by the way.

  15. It is really a quick recommendation of '...Hercules Barefoot...' but then, I knew someone like Ben wouldn't be able to resist showing off with a, considerably, longer book title. And, since no one has responded to the actual book in question, why don't we just go with the titles instead? Ta for the link Kell.
  16. 'The horrific sufferings of Hercules Barefoot, his wonderful love and his terrible hatred' is a real mouthful of a title, especially considering it adorns a book that can be read in a day or two. It's also a title that's been bandied around this forum for some time now, initially by BookJumper, but more recently by myself, so I felt obliged to offer my opinion of it since I've just finished reading it. So, to all those considering buying it/reading it, what can be said? Well, it's not perfect, as Guilia also atests, but then neither is this review. What it does have in its favour is an easy style of writing, some interesting anectdotes and a very likeable main character. It's downside is, for me, the occasional slowing of pace, especially in the last section, and also the somewhat patronising (for want of a better word) message of love it repeatedly delivers throughout. Other than this though, I'm pleased to say that it's a very enjoyable read. I just don't envy anyone asking for it in a bookstore. Probably better to order it online like I did.
  17. I'm a little embarrased by this, but I've never actually read a book written by a female author. There, I've said it, and I feel better already. In my mind there is a real stigma attached to female authors and their chosen genre's. I'm going to regret saying this, but all I associate with female writers is romance fiction. I know this is a narrow viewpoint (something I'm not known for) but it's the only one I have on the subject, until someone shows me otherwise. Any takers?
  18. I've got to admit that I have read The Silmarilion, and although I wouldn't recommend it, I can't say that I found it that bad. I think it looses a lot of readers due to the fact that it reads like a history lesson. I would like to add Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon to the unreadable pile though. I have now tried three times to read that book and, as before, I've gotten lost within the first fifty pages. What the _____ is going on in there Tom?! Hogfather by Terry Pratchett is the only book I've ever thrown in a bucket in disgust, and although I used to be a huge Elmore Leonard fan I left Bandits on a plane. I think it's far more annoying when a book is bad due to the amount of time you invest in it before you realise this fact.
  19. I'll be right over with some Kleenex.
  20. Although I can't think of any hot female authors, I would certainly settle for Kristen Hersh (singer/songwriter) or even better Shirley Manson from Garbage. Not only is she an absolute siren, but she's Scottish too. Shirley, if you're on this forum under a pseudonym - I'm yours! I've got to agree with peacefield on the Chris Cornell front. Now he's a good lookin' guy! I tell you, if I swung that way...
  21. I'm not sure what you're asking me naivion.

     

    It could just be me - I've had a bottle of red already!

  22. Hiya Giulia, just a quick message here to let you know that '...Hercules Barefoot...' has just arrived in the post. I've given up on Pynchon, so I'm going to get stuck into it tonight. I'll let you know what I think when I've finished it.

    Thanks again for the recommendation.

  23. Hi June, I'm going to take you up on your offer of "specialist writers sites" and any other sites/advice you may have to offer. It sounds very useful, and I appreciate the gesture.

    Thanks.

  24. What a funny image you've provided me with there!
  25. "I love this man" - BookJumper. Surely this Stoppard fella should be your response to the 'what author would you marry and why' thread? Having said that, I've googled him and he's got more than a touch of Tom Baker about him! Sorry BookJumper - This was going to be a serious post, but the wine just won't allow it! (Hic.)
×
×
  • Create New...