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I need a good book

Started by Lyrima, December 10, 2006, 02:10:03 PM

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Lyrima

Many of you helped me out back in February of this year with your book recommendations. I've always meant to bring that thread over here, so now I am.

Looking for a good book for the holidays? Here you go!
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Lyrima - EQ2, ESO, now Baldur's Gate 3
Lark - Storm Trooper SW:TOR
Kiaria - Warden EQ2, ESO
Tira l'Arc - Ranger/Healer HZ/ EQ2, ESO
Athen'a - TankArcher AC

Lyrima

 Kiaria
Druid of Saga
Healer of All
Posts: 961
(2/15/06 7:17 pm)
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ezSupporter
   I need a good book Need to read more, escape a bit. TV has been good, and goodness knows I love to head ig. But recently I am so tired, I just want a good book to curl up with at the end of the day.

In the past I've thoroughly enjoyed mysteries and SciFi/Fantasy. I'm kinda picky in that it has to be an attention grabber but nothing that will scare me. I have trouble enough with nightmares. Heh.

I like stuff with some character development too.

I'm 3/4 the way through Beloved, and it has been good, but honestly? Too challenging for my mindset when I get home. I want book candy. Something fun, entertaining, maybe a bit thought provoking.

Help?

Edit:

Thank you all! I'm going to make a list of the recommendations so all reading this will get good ideas :a

Melanie Rawn

Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weiss (not Dragonlance..anything else)

Illusions : The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah

Bridget Jones Diary

Harry Potter

The Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold (if you can find 'Cordelia's Honour' that's a great place to start **

The DaVinci Code
Angels & Demons (same main character as the DVC)
Deception Point
Digital Fortress

Magic Kingdom of Landover series by Terry Brooks

GTO : Great Teacher Onizuka

"Vinyl Cafe" short story collections by Stuart McLean **

"Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure" by Sarah McDonald

Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden

"Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

"Skinny Bitch" by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

"The Alchemist", "The Devil and Ms. Prym" and "The Valkyries" by Paolo Coelho

Honor Harrington series by David Weber - First book is called "On Basilik(sp) Station

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

The Bible

Terry Pratchett - Discworld series of fantasy humor

SF, you can hardly go wrong with Asimov or Niven

Anasi Boys and American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Or Stardust. Or Smoke and Mirrors. Or ANYTHING BY NEIL GAIMAN

Tad Williams

Orson Scott Card. 'Ender's Game'

Eddings is always good, easy reading - The Redemption of Althalus

Tad Williams the 'Memory, Sorrow Thorn' series is also good fantasy.

Terry Goodkind the 'Swords of Truth'

"Don Camillo" books by Giuseppe Guareshi**

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America / Barbara Ehrenreich

Beer and Circus: How Big-Time College Athletics is Ruining Undergraduate Education / Murray Sperber.

The Rule of Four

Ian Pears (The Instance of Fingerpost)

Robert Anton Wilson (Illuminati Trilogy)

Umberto Eco The Name of the Rose, Foucault's Pendulum, or his most recent Baudilino.

"In Death" series by JD Robb

Thud, Terry Pratchett's

Jack McDevvitt: Engines of God, Deep Six, Chindi, an Omega

Alexandre Dumas: The Count of Monte Cristo (unabridged)

Steven Brust: Any book at all. The Vlad Taltos / To Reign in Hell

David and Leigh Eddings: The Belgariad series

C.S. Friedman's Coldfire Trilogy (Black Sun Rising, When True Night Falls, Crown of Shadows

J.D. Robb's In Death

The Smoke Thief

Ian Banks - The Player of Games, Consider Phlebas and non SF: Wasp Factory or the Bridge

Ursula le Guin's Earthsea

Barbara Hambly's books

Terry Pratchett

The Pleasure of my Company by Steve Martin

Altered Carbon


** Surprise gifts and the ones I will read over Spring Break. Also some of the ones most intriguing to me :)
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Lyrima - EQ2, ESO, now Baldur's Gate 3
Lark - Storm Trooper SW:TOR
Kiaria - Warden EQ2, ESO
Tira l'Arc - Ranger/Healer HZ/ EQ2, ESO
Athen'a - TankArcher AC

Lyrima

 Namae Zero
$$60,000,000,000 reward
Dead or Alive

Posts: 2539
(2/15/06 7:59 pm)
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   Re: I need a good book Illusions : The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah ?

Kinda new age-y and sort of fantasy. It was written by the guy who wote Jonathan Livingston Seagull, if you ever heard of that one. Fun and thought-provoking. Entertaining is hard to judge.. it depends on your taste. Also a light read. You can pick it up and put it down every few pages, because the chapters are pretty short.

cataFV
Paragon of virtue
Saga Interior Decorator
Posts: 2007
(2/15/06 8:02 pm)
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   Re: I need a good book If you haven't read The DaVinci Code, I highly recommend it. Utter brain candy, no literary value whatsoever. But it's a gripping mystery, and he ends pretty much every chapter leaving you unable to wait to see what happens in the next chapter. His other 3 books are also pretty good brain fluff.

I tend to call them airplane reading -- entertaining stuff for when you're tired and don't really want to concentrate -- then again unlike most of you, my airplane trips usually last between 7 and 20 hours. :p Other airplane reading type books -- Bridget Jones Diary and the sequel are always good reading. Harry Potter, though I imagine you've read it. The Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold (if you can find 'Cordelia's Honour' that's a great place to start) - this is sort of space opera type SF&F, and a biggish series so lots to read if you do like it. The best thing is, all the books are standalones, no cliffhanger endings.

Namae Zero
$$60,000,000,000 reward
Dead or Alive

Posts: 2540
(2/15/06 8:11 pm)
Reply
   Re: I need a good book Could I corrupt you to the world of manga? Please?

Every person in a teaching profession should at least try GTO : Great Teacher Onizuka once their lives. Or they will be unfufilled. Honest. *crosses her fingers behind her back*

Edited by: Namae Zero  at: 2/15/06 8:12 pm
Grimaldo
YAR! YAR!
HUMP! HUMP!
Posts: 315
(2/15/06 8:46 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter
   Re: I need a good book I'd have to agree with Cata regarding Dan Brown. All his novels are entertaining reads. Definitely brain fluff -- not too taxing on the gray matter, but interesting and suspensful.

The DaVinci Code you've prolly heard of (if not, you've been under your rock for too long).
Angels & Demons (same main character as the DVC)
Deception Point
Digital Fortress

Definitely airplane books. In fact, the latter three were purchased by me at the airport bookstore on the way out of town. This is because on the rare occasions I travel for work, I inevitably forget to bring something to read. heh

Other good stuff: Magic Kingdom of Landover series by Terry Brooks (also writes the Shannara books). The first in the series is "Magic Kingdom for Sale -- Sold!" Easy on the brain and somewhat comedic supporting characters.

Kiaria
Druid of Saga
Healer of All
Posts: 962
(2/15/06 9:11 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter
   Re: I need a good book Illusions - read. years ago, along with A Bridge Across Forever :)

DaVinci Code - read. :) I'll give a try to his others. I know about them, but somehow have never picked them up. I did enjoy the Code and agree with all your comments.

Bridge Jones - read both of them

Harry - Cant seem to pick up the latest. I own it. I think it has migrated under my bed.

Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold (if you can find 'Cordelia's Honour' ) - Never heard of it! Yay! I'll look it up.

GTO - Hm. I'll go look at it now.

Terry Brooks, I've read them :)

I used to read. a LOT. Devoured books on a regular basis...you know what I've never read? What most consider 'classics' Not sure 'classics' fall under the guise of 'brain fluff' right?
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Lyrima - EQ2, ESO, now Baldur's Gate 3
Lark - Storm Trooper SW:TOR
Kiaria - Warden EQ2, ESO
Tira l'Arc - Ranger/Healer HZ/ EQ2, ESO
Athen'a - TankArcher AC

Lyrima

 cataFV
Paragon of virtue
Saga Interior Decorator
Posts: 2008
(2/15/06 10:07 pm)
Reply
   Re: I need a good book Oh oh! Here's another one you'll adore, and I'll bet you've never heard of him. Look up Stuart McLean. Check out some of his "Vinyl Cafe" short story collections. These are great, funny short stories about the owner of a second hand record shop in Toronto and his family - every one of them will have you laughing yourself silly and smiling as well. And because they're short stories, they're great for reading one or two before going to bed.

Aramaia
Spunky
Posts: 2495
(2/15/06 10:16 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book I tend to immerse in books at a very deep level, Harry Potter and Madeleine L'Engle being what I call afternoon snack books... Mostly I read Kundera, Neruda, Hesse and the likes... But for light reading I have a few that I've enjoyed quite a bit:

"Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure" by Sarah McDonald is my favorite light reading ever after HP and L'Engle... She's an Australian journalist who moved to India for two years because her boyfriend was stationed there, so she wrote her accounts in a novel and they're hilarious yet educational... Highly recommend it, it's great...

Others I liked:

"Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden... I consider this light reading with substance, enjoyed it very much...

"Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris... It's hilarious...

"Skinny Bitch" by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin... The book actually promotes a vegan lifestyle, it's just the way they word things that makes it hilarious and fun...

I also highly recommend "The Alchemist", "The Devil and Ms. Prym" and "The Valkyries" by Paolo Coelho... They may be a little intense, but they're short and he writes them so well you don't really have to ponder unless you want to...



Tanare
mighty and tough ranger
adorably cute
Posts: 120
(2/15/06 11:39 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book as someone who doesn't really read much sci-fi (but lots of fantasy) i've been hooked with the entire Honor Harrington series by David Weber. First book is called "On Basilik(sp) Station" i think the 9th or 10th volume of the series is out on hardcover now. Pretty much follows the career of naval officer who's name i'll keep secret so as to not ruin anything ;) in a time of increased tensions with a larger rival and later through the ongoing war.

WrynAB
Trouble? Me?
Keeper of Faedra
Posts: 1138
(2/16/06 8:32 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

The only book I've ever read more than once (about 5 times now) and laughed out loud every time I've read it. Just the right mix of slapstick and sacrilidge. HIGHLY recomend it.

Alwynn
Of Shadows and Song
Posts: 1098
(2/16/06 9:49 am)
Reply
ezSupporter

   Re: I need a good book The Bible.

Then we can talk about how you're a sinner.

Edited by: Alwynn at: 2/16/06 9:51 am
QuinceFlutterfoot
Of THE
Flutterfoot Circus
Posts: 160
(2/16/06 10:39 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book I'll recommend every book Terry Pratchett has put his name on. He is famous for his Discworld series of fantasy humor; I'm only partway through them and I'm totally hooked on his writing style and story crafting.

For more serious SF, you can hardly go wrong with Asimov or Niven.

LadyKementari
Prettiest
Posts: 425
(2/16/06 11:05 am)
Reply
   Re: I need a good book Anasi Boys and American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Or Stardust. Or Smoke and Mirrors. Or ANYTHING BY NEIL GAIMAN ZOMG HE IS A GOD AMONG MEN!

Tuppen Tangledroots
Happy Hobbit
Posts: 2340
(2/16/06 3:55 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book At the risk of offending...

    Quote:The Bible.



A good historical fantasy read.

((Edited to add the word "historical".))

Edited by: Tuppen Tangledroots  at: 2/16/06 3:56 pm
Alwynn
Of Shadows and Song
Posts: 1103
(2/16/06 3:57 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter

   Re: I need a good book SEE YOU IN HELL, SINNER! :nja :angel :nja

Tuppen Tangledroots
Happy Hobbit
Posts: 2341
(2/16/06 4:21 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book LOL.

:cow

:angel

P.S.

I just find the whole concept of sin to be....incomprehensible.

Right and wrong, I understand and believe in...but not sin.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Lyrima - EQ2, ESO, now Baldur's Gate 3
Lark - Storm Trooper SW:TOR
Kiaria - Warden EQ2, ESO
Tira l'Arc - Ranger/Healer HZ/ EQ2, ESO
Athen'a - TankArcher AC

Lyrima

 Namae Zero
$$60,000,000,000 reward
Dead or Alive

Posts: 2544
(2/16/06 4:50 pm)
Reply
   Re: I need a good book I believe in sin! I can even define it:

Given a complex number z = a + b i,
sin(z) = sin(a)cosh(b) + cos(a)sinh(b) i

There you have sin.

Edited by: Namae Zero  at: 2/16/06 4:52 pm
Tuppen Tangledroots
Happy Hobbit
Posts: 2343
(2/16/06 4:57 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book hehehe.

Tuppen Tangledroots
Happy Hobbit
Posts: 2344
(2/16/06 4:58 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book As for good books...

You ever read any Tad Williams?

QuinceFlutterfoot
Of THE
Flutterfoot Circus
Posts: 169
(2/16/06 5:14 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book

    Quote: I believe in sin! I can even define it:

    Given a complex number z = a + b i,
    sin(z) = sin(a)cosh(b) + cos(a)sinh(b) i

    There you have sin.



OMG, another math geek!

I have a BA and an MA in pure math. It is rare to find someone else who speaks the language. :)

DiceyReillyAB
Bone Tosser
Posts: 268
(2/16/06 5:19 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book *ignores the comments on the bible*

I have always loved anything by Orson Scott Card. 'Ender's Game' I will always recomend to anyone who hasn't read it yet. I can read and re-read that book countless times and it never stops being a great read. The book that was written later from the perspective of Bean, the 'second' in line to be the savior of the world was also great. He also wrote the novel that 'The Lost Boys' was based on as well as a few other novels that weren't strictly fantasy/Sci-Fi. One of which called 'Seventh Son' is a look at colonial America if folklore was actually true and people had 'knacks' that effected the world and how it worked.

Eddings is always good, easy reading.

Tad Williams the 'Memory, Sorrow Thorn' series is also good fantasy.

Terry Goodkind the 'Swords of Truth' another good series that grabs you right away.

That's all that I can think of that doesn't make you think to hard as you read it but that was also well written.

Edited by: DiceyReillyAB at: 2/16/06 5:21 pm
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Lyrima - EQ2, ESO, now Baldur's Gate 3
Lark - Storm Trooper SW:TOR
Kiaria - Warden EQ2, ESO
Tira l'Arc - Ranger/Healer HZ/ EQ2, ESO
Athen'a - TankArcher AC

Lyrima

 Namae Zero
$$60,000,000,000 reward
Dead or Alive

Posts: 2545
(2/16/06 5:38 pm)
Reply
   Re: I need a good book

    Quote:OMG, another math geek!

    I have a BA and an MA in pure math. It is rare to find someone else who speaks the language. :)



*smiles*

Yes, let us go live in sin() together, and sorry Imeriel, we're taking Tan() along with us. We kinda go together.

*grabs Tanuvan and Tanare*

Edited by: Namae Zero  at: 2/16/06 5:41 pm
Alwynn
Of Shadows and Song
Posts: 1105
(2/16/06 5:43 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter

   Re: I need a good book Why?

Cos()

<--genius

Jasyn Talyngard
Ale.
I need an ale.
Posts: 625
(2/16/06 6:25 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter

   Re: I need a good book Looks like a messy triangle.

cataFV
Paragon of virtue
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Posts: 2014
(2/16/06 6:43 pm)
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   Re: I need a good book I'm reading the Tad Williams trilogy right now, but I wouldn't really call it light reading -- definitely a good book, but there's a ton of names and places to remember, which doesn't make it ideal for reading just a little in the evenings when you're too tired to concentrate much.

I don't remember if Kiaria is Christian but if you have any interest in Christian fiction, I very strongly recommend the "Don Camillo" books by Giuseppe Guareshi. They're a bit old now but I see they've been republished lately and are available on Amazon. You might also find them in your local library or used book shop.

I'm NOT Christian myself and I actively disbelieve in any kind of god, so you can take this as a very strong recommendation because I generally avoid anything religious like the plague. These short stories are absolutely charming however. They're not cute, sweet, or preachy in the slightest and I think anybody from any faith can read them and enjoy them (myself being a case in point).

They're short stories about a priest in Italy (Don Camillo) around mid-century, when communism is just gaining a foothold in the country. Don Camillo is a big, strong man with a hot temper despite being a priest, and he strongly disagrees with communism. The leader of the local communist party and Mayor of the town is an equally strong and hot-tempered atheist called Peppone who believes Christianity and Communism are incompatible. The two constantly fight and resort to all sorts of tricks and schemes to best the other -- Don Camillo to convince Peppone to respect god and the church, Peppone to convince Don Camillo that Communism is the way of the future and that Christianity is standing in the way of progress. Don Camillo often treads a very fine line between defending the church and behaving inappropriately as a priest, and occasionally gets a reprimand from god for going too far, as well as whatever Peppone may have dealt him.

The stories are great satire on the follies of people in general, and very funny. I don't believe in god, but if I ever did discover I am wrong and there is a god, I would like him to be Don Camillo's god. The overall message is not anything preachy, but simply the basic goodness of people and the importance of tolerance and forgiveness.

So there's a very unusual recommendation from a devout atheist, but I really don't think anybody of any faith could read these short stories and not enjoy them. And those who actually follow Christianity may find them particularly enjoyable.

Gasp FV
Guest
Posts: 171
(2/16/06 9:43 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter
   Re: I need a good book Some random recommendations:

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America / Barbara Ehrenreich

A qualitative field observation of unskilled labor.

Beer and Circus: How Big-Time College Athletics is Ruining Undergraduate Education / Murray Sperber.

A uncomfortable look at undergraduate education in America.

If you're looking for Dan Brown clones, the publishers are rushing to publish all sorts of read-alikes. The Rule of Four (can't remember the author) is one of the better ones, while I'd avoid The Historian by Kostova at all costs. Better yet, go with the people who actually were writing these sort of books before Brown: Ian Pears (The Instance of Fingerpost), Robert Anton Wilson (Illuminati Trilogy) or even Umberto Eco The Name of the Rose, Foucault's Pendulum, or his most recent Baudilino.

QuinceFlutterfoot
Of THE
Flutterfoot Circus
Posts: 170
(2/17/06 9:11 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book

    Quote:Yes, let us go live in sin() together, and sorry Imeriel, we're taking Tan() along with us. We kinda go together.

    *grabs Tanuvan and Tanare*



Ooh, Tan() and ArcTan()! Be careful putting them together, though. Gotta watch out for the undefined points, we don't want to create a singularity.

WrynAB
Trouble? Me?
Keeper of Faedra
Posts: 1146
(2/17/06 9:13 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book This is what happens when Revenge of the Nerds meets real life, isn't it?

hehehe
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Lyrima - EQ2, ESO, now Baldur's Gate 3
Lark - Storm Trooper SW:TOR
Kiaria - Warden EQ2, ESO
Tira l'Arc - Ranger/Healer HZ/ EQ2, ESO
Athen'a - TankArcher AC

Lyrima

 Imeriel
Captain of the
Argent Minx
Posts: 390
(2/17/06 9:58 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book For the topic, Kiaria, try the "In Death" series by JD Robb for book candy. Very enjoyable.

As for the geekisms and Namae ... well, sin as ye will without me ... I'll just write a program to replace you all in my fantasies :p

#!/usr/games/perl

$SIG{'TOO_TIRED'}='cold_shower';

@clothes=('shirt', 'pants', 'underwear');

foreach $i (@clothes) {
unlink $i; # fsck bedroomfs to recover zombie clothes
} # later

@zones=('lips', 'chest', 'legs', 'crotch');

$idx = 2; # start with two minutes; each zone increases
# by one minute
$oral = 0; # this should be run-time configurable

foreach $i (@zones) {
$idx++;
unless ($i =~ /lips/) { # lip massage? I don't think so.
&rub(60*$idx, $i); # args are time-in-seconds, spot
}

unless ($i =~ /crotch/ && !$oral) {
&kiss(60*$idx, $i);
}

}

&mount; # expect to catch that TOO_TIRED signal
# here (if not earlier)

&screw; # catches SIGORGASM

# We made it!
&dismount;
&smoke;
return(0);

Namae Zero
$$60,000,000,000 reward
Dead or Alive

Posts: 2547
(2/17/06 10:26 am)
Reply
   Re: I need a good book Fine, fine! Be that way!

I guess I could create an Ime() function. Maybe you could be the mathematical relationship of a triangles perimeter to freshly brewed Starbucks hot chocolate. Then you can live in sin() with us.

Aramaia
Spunky
Posts: 2509
(2/17/06 10:52 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book OMG stop that you fr33ks!!!

When you mix numbers and letters and symbols it makes my ovaries hurt from all the confusion! THEY HURT!

*panics*

DrorAB
Guest
Posts: 80
(2/18/06 3:55 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book I just finished reading the Tad Williams trilogy that Cata is talking about, and it is quite a good read, yes. (It's actually 4 books though - The series is called: To Green Angel Tower).

I've moved onto the recent 4th book of the The Song of Ice and Fire which is also one of my favorite series, however, it is not for light reading particularly. There are many many characters that you have to remember, as the world is called the Seven Kingdoms and there are different Houses in each kingdom with many characters composing each House. It is an extremely delightful read though, and reminds me of my enjoyment of the beginning of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.

For a sci-fi / fantasy mix, you could try Tad Williams other 4-book series, Otherland. It takes place in the future where the internet is entirely virtual reality and about 3/4 of the book takes place in the VR worlds and 1/4 in the real world.

I just finished reading Thud, Terry Pratchett's latest book, and agree with others in saying he always has good fantasy / humour books to read. This last one was a bit more serious than his others, so there weren't as many laughs, but it was still interesting.





BerenFellhand
Guest
Posts: 19
(2/18/06 8:31 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book A few recommendations not already mentioned!

Jack McDevvitt: This guy writes pretty strictly sci-fi genre, and I think almost any of this crowd would lie his stuff. His novels are stand alones, though some do form a series through the life of a common protagonist. He also tends to look at various themes revolving around archaeology in the far future. He has a great chatacter, Prescilla "Hutch" Hutchins, who is featured in the novels Engines of God, Deep Six, Chindi, an Omega. (In order of their timeline.) I have also enjoyed every other book I have read of his, though I there are 3 or so I've not gotten to, but no stinkers yet!

Alexandre Dumas: The Count of Monte Cristo is my single favorite piece of 19th century classic literature. Teh challenge is to find an unabridged version...because without it you WILL miss the full flavor.

Steven Brust: Any book at all. The Vlad Taltos series is outstanding. My favorite however is titled To Reign in Hell. This is an alternate creation myth of sorts, revolving around teh war between the angels. This guy would have to work hard to write a bad book.

David and Leigh Eddings: The Belgariad series, and sequel the Mallorean series. This is fluff high fantasy fiction, but some of the main characters are so enjoyable to me that it's hard not to recommend.

Must run, I will try to think of a few more later!

Cheers,
Tavi/Beren

Edited by: BerenFellhand at: 2/18/06 8:32 pm
Gasp FV
Guest
Posts: 177
(2/19/06 3:43 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter
   Re: I need a good book

    Quote:I've moved onto the recent 4th book of the The Song of Ice and Fire which is also one of my favorite series, however, it is not for light reading particularly. There are many many characters that you have to remember, as the world is called the Seven Kingdoms and there are different Houses in each kingdom with many characters composing each House. It is an extremely delightful read though, and reminds me of my enjoyment of the beginning of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.



Martin is quite good, but be aware that if you start the series now you may have to wait a long time before it reaches a conclusion. The fourth book was in the neighborhood of two years late from its earliest availability date. Maybe George will find the going easier from this point, but it may be a decade or more before the last volume makes it into print if his recent history is any indication.

QuinceFlutterfoot
Of THE
Flutterfoot Circus
Posts: 180
(2/20/06 10:33 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book

    Quote:Alexandre Dumas: The Count of Monte Cristo is my single favorite piece of 19th century classic literature. Teh challenge is to find an unabridged version...because without it you WILL miss the full flavor.



/AGREE IN ALL CAPS!

Count of Monte Cristo is on my Top Ten Best Books Evar!!!!11!! ;-) Dumas FTW!!!!

DiceyReillyAB
Bone Tosser
Posts: 278
(2/20/06 10:40 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book I found a site (can't remember where now) that has the top Sci-Fi/Fantasy books of all time and Ender's Game by Card (my favorite) is number 5!

Oh and someone mentioned Eddings. He also has a 950ish page book that is actually NOT part of a series called The Redemption of Althalus which is again wonderful fluff book.

And I need to read more. I finished all the books in my house, including the unabridged version of Les Mis and the complete works of Jane Austin and now I am without reading material. I don't want something that I am going to devour though. (All the Harry Potter books and the Above Eddings books were 1 sitting reads for me). Need something denser but still compelling. Any ideas?

Imeriel
Captain of the
Argent Minx
Posts: 399
(2/20/06 10:51 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book Dicey ...

If you like some sci-fi flavor, as well as fantasy flavor, C.S. Friedman's Coldfire Trilogy (Black Sun Rising, When True Night Falls, Crown of Shadows) is excellent. Good story ... very thought provoking. One of my favorites. PoTan didn't favor it much, though, so it may be an acquired taste.

Namae Zero
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Dead or Alive

Posts: 2564
(2/20/06 11:01 am)
Reply
   Re: I need a good book Gerald Tarrant rules. *smiles*

I like all of C.S. Friedman's books, but most except for the Coldfire ones are sci-fi. She should write more fantasy, darn it!

Tanuvan1
Well there had better be
some damn pie!"
Posts: 461
(2/20/06 1:06 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book David Eddings for Fantasy...my favorite author.

I recommend The Belgariad Series followed by The Mallorean Series.

J.D. Robb's "..In Death" is my second favorite series. J.D. Robb is a penn name for Nora Roberts. Books are about a NewYork City Detective who's married to a Rich guy. Set in like 2160 so semi futuristic.

and for a Single Quick Read "The Smoke Thief" was also good. Story about dragons...can't go wrong with dragons....
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Lyrima - EQ2, ESO, now Baldur's Gate 3
Lark - Storm Trooper SW:TOR
Kiaria - Warden EQ2, ESO
Tira l'Arc - Ranger/Healer HZ/ EQ2, ESO
Athen'a - TankArcher AC

Lyrima

 Syllestrae FV
Candidate
Posts: 1191
(2/20/06 1:23 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book

    Quote:Count of Monte Cristo is on my Top Ten Best Books Evar!!!!11!! ;-)



I love his sandwiches.

So good with jelly!

- Syll

Hennac AB
Guest
Posts: 114
(2/21/06 3:09 am)
Reply    Re: I need a good book Adding my recommendations to the book pile..

Ian Banks is excellent for science fiction, although his most recent books have not been as good as his earlier ones. The Player of Games, Consider Phlebas are both very good. His non-science fiction is even better. Try the Wasp Factory or the Bridge, although the Wasp Factory is a very intense book.

I'd also recommend any of Ursula le Guin's Earthsea books, or Barbara Hambly's books.

If you want a lighter read...well, Terry Pratchett's stuff is good for that !
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Lyrima - EQ2, ESO, now Baldur's Gate 3
Lark - Storm Trooper SW:TOR
Kiaria - Warden EQ2, ESO
Tira l'Arc - Ranger/Healer HZ/ EQ2, ESO
Athen'a - TankArcher AC

Lyrima

 Gasp FV
Guest
Posts: 199
(3/3/06 1:25 am)
Reply
ezSupporter
   Re: I need a good book Another random recommendation:

The Pleasure of my Company by Steve Martin.

Very quick read - I got though it in 2 hours. If you look at a Barnes & Noble or the like you might find it remaindered. I did--$5 woohoo! Real sewn binding even!

It's about a OCD-stricken fella who's trying to fall in love.

Korg Ironhand
Guest
Posts: 1460
(3/4/06 6:13 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book Next on my list to read is a book a friend recommended to me called "Altered Carbon" (can't remember the author's name). It's sci-fi, but with a detective twist. One of the major points of it without giving anything away is a technology that can "download" and "transmit" people's minds/personalities, which fundementally changes the way people act towards issues like death, travel, cloning, etc. But the story is about a guy trying to figure out who "killed" him within the last six hours, or something like that. It actually sounds real good to me, so like I said, it's on my "next" list.


cataFV
Paragon of virtue
Saga Interior Decorator
Posts: 2098
(3/4/06 6:44 pm)
Reply    Re: I need a good book I read that one -- seem to recall it was enjoyable. Though I can't say I recall any details very clearly now.
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Lyrima - EQ2, ESO, now Baldur's Gate 3
Lark - Storm Trooper SW:TOR
Kiaria - Warden EQ2, ESO
Tira l'Arc - Ranger/Healer HZ/ EQ2, ESO
Athen'a - TankArcher AC

ElektroViking

Kiaria,
I just finished reading a great series from Nora Roberts Non-Romance selection.
The Circle Trilogy
1. Morrigan's Cross
2. Dance of the Gods
3. Valley of Silence

all in paperback. I highly recommend them..
EQ1: (league of shadows) Zaemai Solusekro, Bryars Bloodrose
EQ2: (Saga) Tanuvan, Ticki, Rizzle
SWtoR: (Dark Squadron) Darth Pernicious
GW2: (Saga) Rick Ratchyt(80), Ticki Tock(80), Duegar, Mystic Krull

DeeCaudill

Here's a nice young-adult/juvenile title:

Half Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer
Guybrarian