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nicholbb

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Posts posted by nicholbb

  1. This is one of the few film versions of a book I would recommend (yes still read the book first as it will give you better insight), catch 22 would be the other one btw.

    The cast is great and they kept as close to the book as I think any film could do. It was made in the same area and at the same time the book was set, knowing that seemed to add an extra chill factor. :lol:

  2. Public thanks to BookJumper for suggesting Carrie, which I've just finished. It's a book which really drew me in and spoke to me. I'd recommend to everyone. I'd avoided before because I thought it was horror, it's not but it is disturbing.

  3. I've not read the book (something I now aim to correct, if for no other reason than the last chapter comments) but out of interest how good a job did the film do? From your review it seems to have been fairly close. How about putting it on a scale of Poor (e.g. Running man) Vs. best it could do considering the book (e.g. 1984). :D

     

    Thanks

  4. I mostly use the library, and buy books only once in a while. University books are expensive dammit, gotta save your money for them :smile2: But I don't mind. I find most of the books I'm looking for in the library (for free. ok,not completely free because of the fee you need to pay for the membership,but still - cheap), and if I can't find sth there and think I really need to read it, then I buy it.

     

    Yes Uni books were always a massive cost, I spent

  5. I used to buy all my books in independent bookshops.

     

    Then when online became so much cheaper I used lots of different sites (www.find-book.co.uk was a good place to start, not not all e-retailers are listed and it doesn't take into account the 3 for 2 deals.)

    Then I went back into bookshops as they started doing deals again. Then I got an eBook reader so I downloaded loads of out of copyright books and now the price of retail eBooks has dropped I'm buying them again.

  6. BookJumper, I would have said your reply was ott and snobbish in quoting your education, read books, etc, however the patronising cow deserved it:). You didn't get overly personal (except maybe the lady comment, but that was too funny to count) and answered her points.

     

    I read her second post as defensive and a little cowed. I think you won the war, acted with honour and made your family proud against impossible odds (sorry reading military sci-fi atm).

     

    I agree with the "don't feed the trolls" sentiment but I've had far worse reactions in real life. When something pushes buttons I find it's like a pool of bile in my stomach is stoked and the smack must out. :smile2:

  7. Yes I did see read your post and an audio book post (http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=78&highlight=audiobook). I was in two minds to post on one of these or start a new one.

     

    So I decided to go for new (in this area because Michelle 'The Boss' put her audiobook one here:)) but differentiate it by restricting to Story.

     

    On reflection that's not terribly clear or defined so I've edited my original to talk about narrated short stories (fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, etc).

     

    (if an Admin wishes to merge I have no problems with that)

  8. Does anyone listen to PodCasts with narrated short stories (fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, etc) that they'd recommend? If so what are they and what keeps you listening?

     

    I listen to a few including:

     

    The Drabblecast

    http://web.me.com/normsherman/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html

    This non kid friendly (well you'd best listen to them first) does odd and sometimes very wrong short stories. It's a mixture of Sci-Fi, Horror and strange fiction. The quality of the production is high, there is some subtle accompaniment of music and sound effects. The host (Norm Sherman) always keeps the introductions light and funny.

     

    There is normally a bit of odd news, a proper drabble (100 word story), a short story and a twabble (100 character story via twitter). Occasionally there is also some poetry and even a song.

  9. With me it is normally series that let things down.

     

    Frank Herbert:

    Dune = Fantastic

    God Emperor = sucky sucky :smile2:

     

    Laurell K Hamilton and Anita Blake:

    Guilty Pleasures = Fantastic

    Flirt = Oh God, someone stick blunt needles in my eyes :)

     

     

    Stephen R. Donaldson and The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant:

    First = WOW!!!

    Last = They were never written ... no listen to me ... they ... were ... never ... written ... Understand Me! :)

  10. I'm a rich girl who joined the Space Navy, although I'm currently an ensign I'm just marvellous at everything I do. Been stationed on a planet severely affected by natural disasters and just saved a number of people from drowning and spreading plague. :smile2:

     

    I'm also a wheelchair bound scientist, renowned for brilliance around the world. I'm trying to explain Times History in a Quick and understandable way. Unfortunately the idiot I'm explaining it to just doesn't seem to get it all, no matter how slowly I speak or how often I repeat myself. You know he'd do better not having a Guinness in hand every time I talk and I wish he'd stop whining about his head hurting.:)

     

    Finally I'm a cat who has just convinced 'my person' that we aren't all evil but the aliens made us do it :) (bit of a cheat as it's a short story PodCast)

  11. I always thought I remembered most plots if not every detail, then I reread some Eddings from my childhood and was shocked by how much I forgot (like the ending).

     

    I guess reading is a lot of information to take in, in a fairly short amount of time. Also gripping books tend to make me read longer so less likely to take it all in. I think they say after 15 minutes the amount of information you absorb drops, which is why they recommend short study periods with frequent short gaps between.

  12. I know this is an old thread but:

     

    I've just joined a library in the UK so can now borrow eBooks from the county, you may have similar options.

     

    It's not massively stocked but they are free.

    317 non fiction, 474 fiction. Some specific categories include (47 Sci-Fi, 6 horror, 77 computer, 125 mystery & thriller, 22 travel)

     

    Grabit thanks for the Baen books link, I'd come across it before but completely forgot about it. I liked the idea that it seems to be for new or less well known authors.

  13. I used to never quit a book regardless of how bad or unenjoyable because there was normally something there, if you look really hard.:D

     

    It was actually the cinema that changed my attitudes. I have an annual ticket and can see as many or few films as I like for a flat fee. Not thinking of it as paying I started seeing films I wouldn't normally and also left films I didn't enjoy. My first was Aviator (title couldn't keep my interest), King Arthur followed (not even for a virtually naked Keira Knightley), Elizabeth (Cate Blanchetts bum topped by not even being close to historical fact) and the dreadful Cloverfield spring to mind.

     

    Then I started doing the same with books, Dune (God Emperor) was the first, Twilight and even a Terry Pratchett (although I had read this one before).

     

    I actually feels a sense of achievement of being able to put down a book, pull the book mark out and sticking it on the charity pile (or deleting as Twilight was an eBook). I am an unforgiving critic, I won't go back to a book nor the rest of the series.

     

    This isn't criticism of the films and books above, it's just that they weren't meant for me. (Well okay criticism for Colverfield and God Emperor:)).

  14. Apologies for the Monster post. Having read all the discussion so far (was going to change my "what I'm reading" status to this thread) I wanted to address some points raised - I've tried not to repeat what's already been said or at least add something. It's a big thread so if missed something sorry.

     

    My eReader Background

    Firstly this thread is generally much like my feelings towards eBooks. I HATE THEM, well they

  15. The five would depend on the situation, is this general advice or is it like the Time Machine (film version) where he goes back to the Eloi with three books...

     

    Romeo and Juliet

    Just because it's a timeless story, well written and it puts Shakespeare in the list. I was tempted to put in the complete works but that would be cheating I think.

     

    Catch 22

    People seem to love this or just not get it. It's a funny book that mirrors the stupid situations people get themselves into because they don't question the rules.

     

    The Davinci Code

    No I'm not saying this is a great read from a style or well written point of view. However it definitely took the world by storm and it is a good story.

     

    Complete works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge

    Yes this is the complete works and so a cheat :) But it's also a book that reflects the period of its writing and help define the romantics and influenced the Gothic writings. As well as epic poems like The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Christabel and Kubla Khan (didn't like the last one) he had funny satirical poems too To a critic and The Devils Thoughts

     

    Stephen Kings On Writing

    Because I found it interesting and use its hints and tips for writing my reports and emails in work (no not my forum posts I'm afraid) :D

  16. From what you've read before may I suggest Robin Hobb Assassin series. It's about the illegitimate child of a prince and his life as he grows up and becomes an assassin.

     

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hobb#The_Farseer_Trilogy

    Assassin's Apprentice (1995)

    Royal Assassin (1996)

    Assassin's Quest (1997)

     

    If you like space military fiction (or haven't tried it) Elizabeth moon has some flowing stories, a bit like Eddings as in may not be the best written in the world and one series is fairly similar to another but the important thing is the quality of the story. I started with her Serrano series (Hunting Party).

     

    Finally if you want something with a little more depth and bite try Stephen Donaldson.

    Mordant's Need (two books in this Sword and magic fantasy):

    The Mirror of Her Dreams (1986)

    A Man Rides Through (1987)

     

    Sci-Fi - The gap series:

    The Gap into Conflict: The Real Story (1991)

    The Gap into Vision: Forbidden Knowledge (1991)

    The Gap into Power: A Dark and Hungry God Arises (1993)

    The Gap into Madness: Chaos and Order (1994)

    The Gap into Ruin: This Day All Gods Die (1996)

     

    Doorstep (and heavy) books by Donaldson are the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. This is three trilogies, starts with Lord Foul's Bane. It's about a man on the fringe of a community that ostracises him for his leprosy. Then he is transported to another world (or not he may just be insane) where he must fight an evil force with his magic.

     

    Hope that helps.

  17. Do you remember any of the names of the people or supermarket in the book?

     

    An alternative would be if you paid by card you might be able to ask the staff at WH Smith to track it down for you with the date/time? Although not sure they have that ability but sure they will if they can.

     

    Of if you left it in a hotel email them saying you'd just like the title (although a bit of a long shot).

  18. I did find the first 100 pages really hard going but I hope others are not put off by your experience.

     

    It's such a shame for me as an absolute lover of the book (I purchased the negatives so no literal proof of that) but if it doesn't float your boat it doesn't. (It's why I try not to comment on Twilight, I couldn't get past page 90 of that :lol: never mind, off topic)

     

    For me it highlights the complete insanity of war, bureaucracy of big business and is the perfect situations comedy. The part of Docs 'death' made me howl but the Major Major naming wasn't so funny as I know I'd do the same in his dads place.

     

    I think are two camps on this book, those that think Simon and Garfunkel split was worth it and those that don't :D

  19. I started reading them on my own about 7 or 8. But if you are reading them to a child I'm not sure it actually matters what age you start.

     

    The sentences flow and are fairly short, the characters are distinctive so lend themselves to their own voice and the stories are great enough to keep any adult engaged (just remember when they start to snore you should stop).

     

    Content can't be an issue if you compare them to the fairy tales.

     

    So I say go for it now :lol:

  20. Too late :D I didn't realise it was gonna be so small! I ordered it off Amazon expecting a normal sized book and I got something I read in one evening!

     

    Well hope Bullet will be better (size and quality) when out in June.

     

    I actually forgot to answer the original question. My name is nicholbb and I am a serial-a-holic.

    I don't know why I do it because a) I hate waiting for the next one to come out 2) When I read a fully finished series I end up sick of the style, after reading all one after the other.

    Dragon Lance (was my first)

    David Eddings (all of them)

    Robyn Hobb (assassin, fool, liveship trader)

    Elizabeth Moon (Vatta's War, Serrano)

    Acorna (on book 4 of 7)

    Ender (on 5 or 10)

    Dune (although was stopped by God Emperor and didn't finish)

    Blake (as above)

    T FLAC (I started this week and on second book now)

     

    List goes on and what's worse is I don't just buy the first book I buy the whole lot to date, costs a fortune but I don't have to break.

     

    Do same with TV too :lol:

     

    I am a weak, weak man

  21. Roald Dahl would be the first fantasy books for me at 6 or 7, although most children books are fantasy so maybe that's cheating slightly.

     

    Sword and magic books would the Dragon Lance sagas about 9 (although I used to listen Hobbit on vinyl from aged 5 so that would be my real introduction) .

     

    Sci-Fi was a bit later for me when I was about 10, I think it was Isaac Asimov foundation but not wholly sure.

     

    Horror, I've never read a horror book and not going to start. Closest I came to it was a James Herbert audio book about big rats that ate people.

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