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| Thread: Favourite Books ... |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 · «PREV / NEXT» |
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Maxym
Known Hero
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posted April 28, 2001 03:59 AM |
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Thanks Defreni 
That is probably more then i can take on the plane and helicopter with me, but hey I can pick and choose now 
And it seems a lot of people have taken a shine to this topic, I guess we don't have to be Heroes & Honor all the time
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jiels
Adventuring Hero
LFM C'thun, pst.
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posted April 28, 2001 07:41 AM |
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I have to second to Defreni and also recommend Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost. Both are excellent books with amazing imaginary scenes.
I think Douglas Adam's first book in his other series was called "The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul" and starred Dirk Gentley!? It has been years since I read them so I have probably forget the real name.
Did anyone else read Niven's tale of the Grendels? The first one I mean. I thought that was his best work and it is really annoying that I cannot even remember the name!!!
The only Russian author I have read is Dostoevsky. His The Grand Inquisitor and Brothers Karamazov are both really good. Are there any other Russians writers that you guys know of that are similar in style and content?
Shae, and all others interested, I am going to start a new thread about Heroes fiction in the Maps of a Feather forum. I hope to see you guys there!
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I miss my Ashjre'thul...
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Greiger
Tavern Dweller
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posted April 28, 2001 08:02 AM |
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Stephen R. Donaldson
Many great suggestions so far, but I'm a little suprised noone has mentioned Stephen R. Donaldson's "Thomas Covenant" trilogies. A must read IMO.
Also Melanie Rawn's "Dragon Prince" and "Dragon Star" trilogies are pretty good.
As far as classics, all I can sat is S. E. Hinton's "The Outsiders".
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Gobs0 in Zone
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Prometheus
Adventuring Hero
Knight of the Oracle
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posted April 28, 2001 09:06 AM |
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Research
If time is what you have then I have to throw my lot with Robert Jordan WoT. Got enough votes there I think. Wonderfully detailed narrative.
Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles were wonderful but i recently finished The Vampire Armand and found it a little boring. Nothing exciting really happened to this guy. All the other books are good.
Dean Koontz rocks. 99% of his books are an incredible ride. But, I think I just had to buy another one to erase the memory of "Seize the Night". I was disappointed. Now normally he seems to make the plot up as he goes and in his genre and with his writing style that works, but he never figured out what was going on in Seize the Night. So just dont buy that one.
I saw all the good mentions; Tolkien, Donaldson, Eddings, Pratchett...did anyone mention Zelazny? Read anything by Roger Zelazny. Chronicles of Amber are nice but his short story collections are masterful. Of course he passed a few years ago, making big fans like me sad. He even corraborated on several computer games, one of which "Chronomaster" was completed after his death. I don't think I ever finished solving Chronomaster.
I really enjoy Xanth novels. Piers Anthony keeps it light and quick.
Out of the fantasy genre, try anything by John Grisham or Graham Greene, or even Kurt Vonnegut.
Non-fiction try "A Civil Action" (the author lives in my town) or "Hometown" by Tracy Kidder, which is a book about my town. Shameless plugs for the local boys.
Enjoy your research!
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(Prometheus is a league commentator and Heroes veteran who is best known as the only player who has actually been dismissed by his own HEROES)
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Defreni
Promising
Famous Hero
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posted April 28, 2001 10:04 AM |
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Thx Jiels
Dirk Gently was precisely the name I couldnt remember, damn that guy is funny. And how Douglas Adams gets everything intertwined 100 pages after u heard about some bizarre thing is just wonderfull.
Maxym just to make ur back-pack even fuller
Richard P. Feynmann`s autobiography "Surely Your Joking Mr. Feynmann" is a funny and educational book. The guy won the Nobel prize for his discovery of Quantum electro Dynamics, but has also played in the Brazilian carneval, with the locals. And was commisioned to paint pictures for a snowhouse ;P He is my hero, and he got honor too.
Books not to read, everything by Hemmingway, his "Farewell to arms" is one of the most overrated books ever, and after I finished it, I had the same feeling in my mouth as I have when ive spend 5 hours playing a map. editor 
But in the same genre as "Shogun" is Sir Walter Scotts "Ivanhoe" I just mention that one in the context of honor
And I just finished Milan Kunderas "Laughable Lovers" I always read that one when I become single Sort of puts everything in perspective...
Defreni
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eliogabalus
Hired Hero
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posted April 28, 2001 11:39 AM |
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Robert Jordan...
Just got to warn all of you about Jordan's wheel of time series. It starts out nice, though perhaps not very original, however the later books are just like heroes chronicles: a weak product just to milk of its popularity. These books, starting from around 7th i think are BORING.
Too bad when commercial interests are more important than the art
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dEth8
Promising
Known Hero
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posted April 28, 2001 02:09 PM |
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Neil Gaiman
I think Neil Gaiman is a great writer, but I have not read him much accept for some of the comics he wrote. I am not into horror per se, but I read alot of the bound sandman stuff and the writing is what impressed me. Anyone have comments on any of his novels? Are they all horror or is there other stuff too?
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Defreni
Promising
Famous Hero
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posted April 28, 2001 06:30 PM |
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Hehee I can go on and on.
Forgot to mention Cervantes "Don Quixote" If u ever felt like uve been fighting a windmill, its prolly coz u have
The next books should be read in this order  Herodotus "Histories" Homer "The Iliad" and "Odysseus", just to brush up on ur classical education
I can also recommend Euripides of the 3 authors of all the great tragedies. Marcus Aurelius is also a funny guy, but hey Ive always been a sucker for Stoics
Defreni
(Who finally has a chance to recommend some good books, without being laughed at At least not in person)
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Shae_Trielle
Honorable
Famous Hero
of Heroes
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posted April 29, 2001 02:05 PM |
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Comics
I know this stuff is really daggy, but I like to draw a lot and when I was younger, I used to collect comics to help my drawing. (I never read them, EVER, I DON'T read those things, I just like the pictures in them!) Anyway, all of my old stuff is mostly image work, spawn, Gen13, Lobo, Pitt, WildCATS and quite a few other image titles too.
I lost interest in them when I couldn't afford to pay for my habit, but I occaisionally go back into the comic stores to have a browse. Spawn is still going strong, but the rest of them have fallen off. My drawing has fallen off too.
I guess there is a line between being an adult and being a child. I wonder where I crossed it, lol.
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jiels
Adventuring Hero
LFM C'thun, pst.
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posted April 30, 2001 04:37 AM |
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Edited By: jiels on 29 Apr 2001 22:40
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More books and stuff.
Deth, the only Neil Gaiman novel I have read is Good Omens which is co-authored with Terry Pratchett. Really (really) funny look at the apocalypse.
Donaldson fans should check out Reave the Just and Other Tales. Has some of Donaldson's best work in my opinion. Also really enjoyed his Gap Into series... But it is really hard to get past the first 2 books. Disturbing scenes and boring, the last three are really good and the ending more then makes up for it!
Zelazny, yeah! I just read Lord Demon. Really good book. Really cool...
Fans of the Roman Empire should look at Harry Turdledove's Krispos series. Hard to find these days though.
Defreni, so Hemmingway is overrated. You should take a Canadian lit class. It's Margarat Atwood this , and Atwood that. Newsflash! If your not a middle aged woman into new age ideas, you probably are not going to enjoy Atwood's work.
Again, I second Homer's Iliad. Is The Oydessy as good?
Comics! An underated art form. I was into comics when I was a kid and I still have 'em. I take them out every year or two and read them. Good times Fans of mature comics should check out Wagner's Grendel stuff. Hmmm, so much more to say but must go play heroes....
(psst Defreni! Your a stoic! uh oh, I'm a hedonist! )
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I miss my Ashjre'thul...
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Defreni
Promising
Famous Hero
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posted April 30, 2001 10:34 AM |
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Well Jiels
"Odysse" Isnt as good as the "Iliad" But hey its always fun to poke out a Cyclops eye, that is if u aint Stronghold urself
As far as comics go, I havent read them since I was a child, but for some huge fun theres always Bill Wattersons "Calvin and Hobbes" his Tenth anniversary book, where he comments on some of the best stripes is outstanding. And yup, ive had alot of classes at the University (Problem finding my minor) But one of my rules is to not take any form of lit, I always get disappointed.
Btw are u familiar with Robertson Davies, had a girlfriend once who recommended him only read "Murther and walking spirits" though, but okay book. Was wondering if I should read some more of him, and as he is Canadian u might now something Jiels
Defreni
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Tamanrasset
Hired Hero
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posted May 06, 2001 04:35 PM |
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Wellwell, here comes another oneīs thoughts on favorite authors. Seen Guy Gavriel Kay mentioned once, which in my opinion is far too little - IMHO heīs the best author out there, all categories:-) Especially like his Tigana and A Song for Arbonne.
Martin of course. Heavy books, just not because of their size, but oh so good, and you never know whatīll happen next. Nooneīs safe in his world:-)
Also, try anything you can find by Avram Davidson. Well, you probably wonīt be able to find much anything but a short story collection called "The Treasury of A D" though.
And then we have Elizabeth Haydon, found her Rhapsody quite enthralling, and the second book in the series is now out as well (named Prophecy, got to get it soon:-) ).
Hobbīs Liveship Traders:-) Didnīt really like book two, but read the third and last book til itīs end, 9 am.-)
Donaldson, yes. Not, IMHO, the Magic Mirror serie, but anything else.
WoT got back together with book nine. Wonder if heīll ever finish it before he dies though...:-)
Could go on and on I guess, but then I fear anyone reading this would get bored to death, so letīs leave the author-comments there.
Lastly, donīt know if itīs still active (pretty sure though), but for ppl interested in writing homm-stories thereīs the Lazy Dragon Inn, at http://www.pulseuser.com/lazydragon/
Tamanrasset
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Mocara
Famous Hero
what?
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posted May 06, 2001 05:29 PM |
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Hi Tam,
Where you been?
Pro is playing againg.
Get back here and play!!!
-Mocara
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al3x
Tavern Dweller
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posted May 06, 2001 07:02 PM |
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I have only one book for you
"DUNE" rulez ķ:Þ
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Tamanrasset
Hired Hero
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posted May 06, 2001 10:04 PM |
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Quote:
Hi Tam,
Where you been?
Working, is the sad truth... Iīll quit that on June 15īth though, and after a month in europe travelling by train (where Iīll hopefully be able to meet Sal IRL, and engage in a more RL-connected contest - he said heīd drink me under the table, and you can bet Iīd just love to make him eat up those words:-))) ) Iīll move in to a studentīs room and end my (selfvolunteered) break from net-abuse.-)
Pro is playing againg.
Great news (as it is to see that youīre also playing)! If heīs still playing in august I bet our roles will be reversed from last time he took a shortie on the h3-arena... Feel like Iīve forgotten more this last year then most players ever learn (no offense, anyone - I played more and longer then the majority as well...).
Get back here and play!!!
Iīd sure like to, but not quite yet Iīm afraid.-(
Tam, longing...
-Mocara
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pandora
Honorable
Legendary Hero
The Chosen One
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posted May 06, 2001 10:30 PM |
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hey Tam,
But do you remember how to fest?
Hope you can fit me it too! lol i think you still owe me an extra large game
I'll be watching for you on IM!
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Tamanrasset
Hired Hero
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posted May 07, 2001 02:24 AM |
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Of course.-) And I very well remember who it was that introduced this at that point very hesitating heroesplayer to that concept of playing, for which I was immediately grateful.-)
Be certain that Iīll play you again, on that xl (warmongers, or whatever it was called, right?.-) ) or any battlefest map or, for that matter, any other map you might wish!
Probably wonīt be around here much, except a weekend now and then while visiting my family, but hope to catch you whenever I am.
Cheers for now,
Tam
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Re-Animator
Adventuring Hero
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posted May 07, 2001 04:52 AM |
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Shae - we seem to have the same taste in books. The Dark Elf trilogy and Phantoms are two of my favorites.
No one here mentioned Terry Prachett. His early Discworld novels are hilarious parodies of typical fantasy books (The Colour of Magic, The Light Fantastic, and especially Guards!Guards!)
As far as comics - The Watchmen has to stand out as one of the greatest examples of that genre. Old Frank Miller Daredevils, Walt Simonson Thors, and Chris Claremont X-Men also rate as good reads.
For non-sci-fi fiction I'd have to go with Robert Harris's Fatherland - a mystery set in 1962 Nazi Germany. That was a great read.
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RexBibendi
Adventuring Hero
Yak of the High Mountain
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posted May 07, 2001 01:32 PM |
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Pratchett
Actually he was mentioned a few times... Well.. I say his best book is Men at Arms.. opinions?..
As to Adams' Hitchhiker.. If you liked the book and you like reading philosophy.. ..try out Peter Russell's "The Global Brain Awakens" .. It isn't really pure philosophy.. It has a lot to do with meta physics..
There are interesting parallells to be drawn..
- Rex Bibendi
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Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabris, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.
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Maxym
Known Hero
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posted May 08, 2001 06:13 AM |
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Pratchett: I think his best book so far was "Truth" it's one of the newest ones and it was head and shoulders above the rest. I am reading "Last Continent" now and it ain't that great
Good to hear that WoT 9, is good, althought i think i'll wait till few more come out and i will prolly reread the series.
And thanks for all the help guys and girls My book-stash is around 7 titles so far, and few more should be enough. But it would be good to see this thread to keep on going. I am sure most of us will read each other's recommendations
I have few more in the non-fiction area.
"Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins , a great book on evolution, so well written it can be enjoyed by people who have anly vague idea what evolution is, and evolutionary biology specialists.
and "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" by D. Dennet. A different take on same subject by a philosopher this time.
Ahh comics, I LOVE Calvin and Hobbes too as far as comic strips are concerned. In a larger comic i havn't read much but "Forever War" based on J. HAldeman's novel of same title is amazing, soo good in fact that it's much better then the book. Unfortunately i have never been able to find it in english (
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