What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

[Elsebet]

Just finished "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" by Michael Chabon. I really enjoyed it but had to look up a lot of the comic book specific references. Before tackling this long novel I would recommend looking up a bit of the history and techniques of comic books and some of the famous names involved in the industry to enrich the experience. I will definitely try some of his other books, especially "The Mysteries of Pittsburgh" since I am originally from and now live near the city.

Almost finished with "White Noise" by Don DeLillo. I find this book kind of absurd and artsy and I'm not sure I'm getting the author's point entirely other than the obvious fear of death. It's an easy read (not like "The Sound and the Fury" or "Ulysses") but I will definitely have to read more about this book to make sure I understood what it was trying to convey.

[MP173]

Just finished "Slow Horses" by Matt Herron. Set in London with a group of misfit MI6 agents. Excellent book. Now an Apple TV series...unavailable to us as we do not view Apple TV.

At the end of the book was a short story - "The Last Dead Letter" which features one of the "misfits" Jackson Lamb in West Berlin before the fall of the wall. Only 38 pages and added to the "Slow Horses" as a bonus in the Delux Tenth Anniversary edition.

I am hooked...will read the others in the series.

Ed

[InvisibleAerobar]

Just finished "Slow Horses" by Matt Herron. Set in London with a group of misfit MI6 agents. Excellent book. Now an Apple TV series...unavailable to us as we do not view Apple TV.

At the end of the book was a short story - "The Last Dead Letter" which features one of the "misfits" Jackson Lamb in West Berlin before the fall of the wall. Only 38 pages and added to the "Slow Horses" as a bonus in the Delux Tenth Anniversary edition.

I am hooked...will read the others in the series.

Ed

I just couldn't get started on the book. In that vein, kinda similar to War & Peace, except I didn't even get as far.

But since you mentioned the Apple TV series, I might as well check that out. I liked Oldman as George Smiley, although in reality he's a tad too tall and angular to play the paunchy Smiley described in the novels.

[Blues]

Just finished "Slow Horses" by Matt Herron. Set in London with a group of misfit MI6 agents. Excellent book. Now an Apple TV series...unavailable to us as we do not view Apple TV.

At the end of the book was a short story - "The Last Dead Letter" which features one of the "misfits" Jackson Lamb in West Berlin before the fall of the wall. Only 38 pages and added to the "Slow Horses" as a bonus in the Delux Tenth Anniversary edition.

I am hooked...will read the others in the series.

Ed

I just couldn't get started on the book. In that vein, kinda similar to War & Peace, except I didn't even get as far.

But since you mentioned the Apple TV series, I might as well check that out. I liked Oldman as George Smiley, although in reality he's a tad too tall and angular to play the paunchy Smiley described in the novels.

Wait until you see how he looks in "Slow Horses". (He's brilliant.)

[yankees60]

I really enjoy Bernstein’s writing style and learn a lot from him.

“Rational Expectations: Asset Allocation for Investing Adults”, William J. Bernstein

Anything he writes is worthwhile reading.

As I have said many times he is one of four on my personal finance Mt. Rushmore.

[jginseattle]

Cleopatra. A Life, by Stacy Schiff.

[YeahBuddy]

On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service - Anthony Fauci

[yankees60]

On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service - Anthony Fauci

Looking forward to reading it at some future time.

[BradJ]

Just finished Malcom X’s autobiography. Now I’m reading Sometimes a Great Notion.

[JPM]

"Walk in my Boots" by James Patterson et al. Series of vignettes describing, in the soldiers' own words (probably edited), the soldiers' experiences of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. I was surprised at how many female soldiers were serving in combat roles in these wars. Patterson knows how to tell a story. Reading it pissed me off that our country sent these kids into harm's way with no realistic strategic goal to be achieved and no coherent plan to achieve much of anything apart from pointless tactical successes. Again. Those successes weren't always cheap.

[angelescrest]

How to Retire - by Christine Benz. I thought this would be good for total newbies, but thinking of the people I wanted to give this to, I feel like this is more intermediate level reading. At least the portfolio and investing part of it. The psychological chapters are straightforward.

[yankees60]

Just finished Malcom X’s autobiography. Now I’m reading Sometimes a Great Notion.

Almost certain I read the Malcolm X book in 1969 and was left with a favorable impression of it

[BradJ]

Just finished Malcom X’s autobiography. Now I’m reading Sometimes a Great Notion.

Almost certain I read the Malcolm X book in 1969 and was left with a favorable impression of it

He has some strong opinions that I can’t say I agree with, even in the slightest. That said, he’s a fascinating figure that stood for what he believed in while being open to change. I highly recommend you go back and watch some of his interviews and debates. It is absolutely wild how respectful people were to each other, even if their views were different.

[protagonist]

Just finished Malcom X’s autobiography. Now I’m reading Sometimes a Great Notion.

Almost certain I read the Malcolm X book in 1969 and was left with a favorable impression of it

He has some strong opinions that I can’t say I agree with, even in the slightest. That said, he’s a fascinating figure that stood for what he believed in while being open to change. I highly recommend you go back and watch some of his interviews and debates. It is absolutely wild how respectful people were to each other, even if their views were different.

I read it around the same time, and I also had a favorable impression at the time though I have no real recollection of the contents.
It would be interesting to re-read it as a white septuagenarian in the world of 2024 vs. a 17 year old who just returned from Woodstock. Thanks for the recommendation.

[jaqenhghar]

Just started reading The Golden Ghetto: The Psychology Of Affluence by Jessie O'Neill

[CWhea1775]

"The Edge of the Crazies by Jamie Harrison Book 1 of 5 in her Jules Clement series about a sheriff in Blue Deer Montana, at the foot of the Crazy Mountains. Apparently just reissued after several years. Billed as Mystery, Thriller, Suspense.

Well written with a story. I enjoyed it and generally recommend it. Her later books are available on Amazon, but not at my libraries. Language and situations are typical for modern novels."

She is Jim Harrison's daughter. He is one of my favorite authors and well worth a read if you like her work.

[Carol88888]

1) The day the Bubble Burst - a social history of the crash of 1929 (loved it! Tells the story through the main actors of the time like Jesse Livermore .Reads like a novel)

2)Elon Musk by Issacson

3) Sodom and Gomorah - volume 4 of Remembrance of Time Past by Proust which I am re-reading after 40 years.


4) Play it RIght: The Remarkable Story of a Gambler who Beat the Odds on Wall St. Young Indian man learns to count cards and win at blackjack and parlays that skill into getting hired by Lehman.

[nisiprius]

1) The day the Bubble Burst - a social history of the crash of 1929 (loved it! Tells the story through the main actors of the time like Jesse Livermore .Reads like a novel)...

Sensational. I loved it, too. A couple of things that stood out for me was that "stock tips from the shoeshine boy" was not figurative, there was a specific literal shoeshine boy who really did communicate stock tips... whom they interviewed. The other thing was that during one of the (last) run-ups, people flocked to (literal, physical) Wall Street just to be in the presence of the financial miracle.

And the book was written at the last possible time, when the people who had been involved in the crash were still alive to be interviewed.

[yankees60]

1) The day the Bubble Burst - a social history of the crash of 1929 (loved it! Tells the story through the main actors of the time like Jesse Livermore .Reads like a novel)

2)Elon Musk by Issacson

3) Sodom and Gomorah - volume 4 of Remembrance of Time Past by Proust which I am re-reading after 40 years.


4) Play it RIght: The Remarkable Story of a Gambler who Beat the Odds on Wall St. Young Indian man learns to count cards and win at blackjack and parlays that skill into getting hired by Lehman.

#2 is excellent.

[Dave55]

“The Cartel” by Don Winslow.

Dave

[MrNarwhal]

The Raven's Hat: Fallen Pictures, Rising Sequences, and Other Mathematical Games by Jonas Peters and Nicolai Meinshausen - I am enjoying this book although some of the math is dense for bedtime reading. The contrived "games" (I wouldn't attempt them at parties ) break up the book into a sequence of mathematical vignettes.

[cheesepep]

I purchased this off Amazon and am waiting for it to ship to me: Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637745273

This is in addition to my Rise of Walmart, Rise of McDonald's books (not actual titles, but you get the idea). I like books about various influential companies.

[ekid]

The Raven's Hat: Fallen Pictures, Rising Sequences, and Other Mathematical Games by Jonas Peters and Nicolai Meinshausen - I am enjoying this book although some of the math is dense for bedtime reading. The contrived "games" (I wouldn't attempt them at parties ) break up the book into a sequence of mathematical vignettes.

Do any of these have practical application?

[MrNarwhal]

The Raven's Hat: Fallen Pictures, Rising Sequences, and Other Mathematical Games by Jonas Peters and Nicolai Meinshausen - I am enjoying this book although some of the math is dense for bedtime reading. The contrived "games" (I wouldn't attempt them at parties ) break up the book into a sequence of mathematical vignettes.

Do any of these have practical application?

The games? Not really. The book actually includes some notes on variations for practical application but it's hard for me to imagine many people playing them for fun, unless they had a real interest in the underlying math. Maybe as a demonstration in a classroom environment.

The mathematical principles have applications. Such as use of Hamming codes in data transmission. The authors are statisticians and the content so far (I'm about 2/3 through the book) has a strong tilt towards combinatorics and probability.

[ekid]

The Raven's Hat: Fallen Pictures, Rising Sequences, and Other Mathematical Games by Jonas Peters and Nicolai Meinshausen - I am enjoying this book although some of the math is dense for bedtime reading. The contrived "games" (I wouldn't attempt them at parties ) break up the book into a sequence of mathematical vignettes.

Do any of these have practical application?

The games? Not really. The book actually includes some notes on variations for practical application but it's hard for me to imagine many people playing them for fun, unless they had a real interest in the underlying math. Maybe as a demonstration in a classroom environment.

The mathematical principles have applications. Such as use of Hamming codes in data transmission. The authors are statisticians and the content so far (I'm about 2/3 through the book) has a strong tilt towards combinatorics and probability.

I cannot DO statistics but I learned enough to respect them.
Games and game theory have surprising uses.

[littlerfish]

"The Mourner" by Richard Stark.

[MP173]

Just finished "Clawback" by J.A. Jance - new author for me. Not bad, will pull more of her's from the library.

Currently reading "In a Hard Wind" a McKenzie series novel, by David Housewright. In my opinion Housewright is one of the better "second tier" mystery authors and I do not mean any disrespect. He is in a level (IMHO) below Connelly, Connolly, Sandford, Lawrence Block, the late John McDonald, and a few others. Housewright is very good. McKenzie reminds me of Travis McGee (McDonald's main series) in that he takes on projects for friends (McGee was a "salvage consultant"). The series is set in Minneapolis/St. Paul and McKenzie is a retired, wealthy ex cop.

Ed

[PhoebeCoco]

"The Bright Sword" by Lev Grossman.

A story of King Arthur. Collum, a young man from the Outer Isles, travels to Camelot to join the Round Table. Unfortunately, Arthur has just died? disappeared? and the kingdom is ruined. Collum joins up with the remaining knights of the Round Table to try to save Britain.

Eh. I read lots of rave reviews of this book, so I expected more. But then, I'm not really a person who reads a lot of fantasy books.

It was very easy to read - despite it being over 600 pages, I finished it in 2 days. It has a lot of flow. But I didn't find any of the characters very interesting, and I thought that Grossman had a somewhat modern and cynical view of Camelot.

I remember reading "The Magicians" by Lev Grossman when it came out in 2009 - I loved it then but now I can't really remember what it was about.

[doobiedoo]

"Everyone Who Can Forgive Me is Dead" by Jenny Hollander. 2024.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/126 ... me-is-dead 3.28 stars

This is one of those slow-reveal books. The protagonist has a blocked memory due to traumatic stress from a murder-suicide while in grad school.
Nothing wrong with that, but not very original. There are lots of variations on it by many female authors.

The first 140 pages are slow. I almost gave up on it.
But the last 100 pages fly by and are very well-written.
If the first half of the book had been written like the last 100 pages, it would have been a hit.

It could be a very good movie with the right casting and director.
Because of the memory blackouts, there are several scenes that could be shot with different outcomes [and even killers].

1 always do wonder how a book Can be characterized as you did for it's 1st hundred 40 pages and then a complete different characterization for the last 100? This is not questioning your judgment. It is questioning the intent of the author.

I had the same question for the book's editor.
I get that the author is biased and invested in the characters, plot twists, etc.
But a good editor will not allow a sentimental author to get away with "lazy" writing.

[rockstar]

Finished The Drop by Dennis Lehane.

This is a fun read. It’s the same name as the movie, which was based on a short story called Dog Rescue. Lots of twists and turns. Nice fast read.

[jebmke]

"End of Story" by A J Finn. Only about half-way in. Like his previous book, need to be patient through the slow plot development.

[JD7]

Just finished "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life" by Alice Schroeder. I liked parts of the book but it went too much into his family life in my opinion. The book is over 800 pages and should have been half that size. At times I felt like I knew more about his wife than him. The author also describes him almost like a basket case that can't handle anything outside of business without the help of a female family member. I just find that hard to believe. I thought his shareholder letters were a much better read. I'm interested in any recommendations on books that cover how he analyzes a balance sheet or a company before buying.

[yankees60]

Just finished "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life" by Alice Schroeder. I liked parts of the book but it went too much into his family life in my opinion. The book is over 800 pages and should have been half that size. At times I felt like I knew more about his wife than him. The author also describes him almost like a basket case that can't handle anything outside of business without the help of a female family member. I just find that hard to believe. I thought his shareholder letters were a much better read. I'm interested in any recommendations on books that cover how he analyzes a balance sheet or a company before buying.

Your last sentence seems like Something that would have to be a must in a book about warren Buffett?

[black jack]

Recently stumbled across The Last Kingdom on Netflix, a lengthy (5 seasons plus) drama depicting the struggle between Saxons and Danes for control of England circa late 9th Century (Alfred the Great is one of the characters). The show was inspired by a series of historical novels by Bernard Cornwell, originally called The Saxon Stories/Chronicles, now renamed The Last Kingdom series. I binged the show, and am now bingeing the novels (seven down, six to go). Great stuff.

[belat]

I'm reading Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive and currently on book 2 (Words of Radiance). Good stuff! I'm a fan of fantasy and this series ranks right up there near the top for me. I love the world building and character building that Sanderson does. Wheel of time by Robert Jordan is still my favorite, and it is the book series that led me to become a fan of Brandon Sanderson as well since he finished off the Wheel of Time series after Robert Jordan passed away.

[doobiedoo]

Just finished "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life" by Alice Schroeder. I liked parts of the book but it went too much into his family life in my opinion. The book is over 800 pages and should have been half that size. ..
I thought his shareholder letters were a much better read.
I'm interested in any recommendations on books that cover how he analyzes a balance sheet or a company before buying.

I teach an OLLI class at Cal State Fullerton about Warren Buffett's Investing Methodology.
But you have to pay to be an OLLI member and attend in person.
https://olli.fullerton.edu/classes/econ ... odolgy.php

[Mr. Rumples]

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson

While I live and breath Virginia history, the Civil War holds my interest the least. But when a book by Larson comes out, it doesn't disappoint and it doesn't here.

[yankees60]

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson

While I live and breath Virginia history, the Civil War holds my interest the least. But when a book by Larson comes out, it doesn't disappoint and it doesn't here.

Thanks!

Added to my Amazon wishlist.

[jebmke]

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson

While I live and breath Virginia history, the Civil War holds my interest the least. But when a book by Larson comes out, it doesn't disappoint and it doesn't here.

Thanks!

Added to my Amazon wishlist.

Larson is good - I think I've read almost all of them. They aren't quite up to the level of Timothy Egan but close.

[jaqenhghar]

Just started A Technique for Producing Ideas by James Webb Young

[exodusing]

When We Cease to Understand the World, Benjamín Labatut, "non-fiction" novel about some science, particularly early quantum mechanics, and its consequences. Everything in it that I tried to verify appeared accurate.

It listed as a source Quantum, Manjit Kumar, on physics, especially the development of quantum mechanics and the Copenhagen Interpretation. This book took a lot of focus. Both well worth reading if the subject interests you.

[yankees60]

Just started A Technique for Producing Ideas by James Webb Young

Thanks! Just bought the Kindle version for only $1.89.

[jaqenhghar]

Just started A Technique for Producing Ideas by James Webb Young

Thanks! Just bought the Kindle version for only $1.89.

I enjoyed it quite a bit! A very quick read.

[ruralavalon]

Theodore Roosevelt, a Strenuous Life, by Kathleen Dawson.

This biography focuses more on Theodore Roosevelt's personal and family life than you find in most dobiographies of him. I found that interesting and informative, giving a more rounded view of TR.

Unfortunately the author goes far out of the way to find parallels and contrasts with progressive politics more than a century later. I found this distracting.

[JD7]

I teach an OLLI class at Cal State Fullerton about Warren Buffett's Investing Methodology.
But you have to pay to be an OLLI member and attend in person.
https://olli.fullerton.edu/classes/econ ... odolgy.php

If you ever allow for remote access, message me. I'd like to take the class but I couldn't be there in person.

[littlerfish]

"Somebody's Fool", by Richard Russo. 2023.

Third in Russo's "North Bath" trilogy about the ongoing adventures of various characters in a small and failing East Coast town.

UPDATE: finished it. Liked it a lot. Some strange characters, a love story, mild excitement towards the end of the book.

[doobiedoo]

"End of Story" by A. J. Finn. Only about half-way in. Like his previous book, need to be patient through the slow plot development.

"End of Story" by AJ Finn was very good. The last 50 pages were filled with plot twists, most of which I did not foresee.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202 ... d-of-story 3.1
“Life is hard. After all, it kills you.”

[BoomerSooner24]

Would highly recommend “The Small and the Mighty” by Sharon McMahon. Currently #1 NYT bestseller and an absolutely fascinating account of several unsung heroes who unquestionably shaped the course of American history. Phenomenal read.

[Finridge]

When We Cease to Understand the World, Benjamín Labatut, "non-fiction" novel about some science, particularly early quantum mechanics, and its consequences. Everything in it that I tried to verify appeared accurate.

The problem with this book is that it is a blend of fiction and nonfiction, and it's not obvious where the nonfiction stops and the fiction begins. There are no notes explaining what is true and what isn't, so if you care about this you have to spend a lot of time googling each item. I would not recommend this book for this reason.

[exodusing]

When We Cease to Understand the World, Benjamín Labatut, "non-fiction" novel about some science, particularly early quantum mechanics, and its consequences. Everything in it that I tried to verify appeared accurate.

The problem with this book is that it is a blend of fiction and nonfiction, and it's not obvious where the nonfiction stops and the fiction begins. There are no notes explaining what is true and what isn't, so if you care about this you have to spend a lot of time googling each item. I would not recommend this book for this reason.

That's why it's historical fiction and not non-fiction. If you want non-fiction, read non-fiction. I've never seen a work of historical fiction that identifies what is true and what is not.

I was impressed how accurate the verifiable parts of the book were, but that's hardly necessary for the genre. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_fiction