what are you reading?

[drache]

oh no - I finished my book
it was "The Pilot's Wife" by Anita Shreve and I liked it a lot
I'm also in the midst of
Bartlett's "In Search of Reptiles and Amphibians"
Couturier's "The Hopes of Snakes - and other tales from the urban landscape"
"Hooked" - a collection of Buddhist writings
Greene's "Snakes - the Evolution of Mystery in Nature"
my favourite fiction books are
Bulgakov's "The Master and Margharita"
Suskind's "Perfume"
and Helprin's "A Winter's Tale"
in the mystery genre I really enjoy Nevada Barre, Dana Stabenow and Elizabeth George
I'm sure I'm leaving out a bunch
but what else can you turn me on to?

[CrazyHedgehog]

Going Postal by Terry pratchett

[lampy]

Just finished lindsey davis's Scandal takes a holiday. BTW going postal is a great pratchet book!

[RZL36]

Forever Conant's "Field Guide to Reptile and Amphibians." The just reread Nabokov's "Pale Fire." He was into butterflies, like we are snakes.

[sschind]

Well, since I don't have them in front of me I don't know the authors but I'll try to wing it.

Unfit for Command (about why John Kerry was unfit to be president)

last animals at the zoo (about captive breeding by zoos as an effort to save endangered species)

they were expendable (about PT boats in WWII)

from the bottom up (about Living Land & Water and the cleanup of Americas rivers.

Several Back Issues of Mad

[Loren]

Reptiles Magazine.:)

[Stefan-A]

The Turner Diaries. In case you are wondering, I'm not a sympathizer, I'm just curious what all the fuss is about.

[RZL36]

I wouldn't touch that s**t with someone else's hands. No offense, Stefan.

[Stefan-A]

And even if you ignore the theme, it's still s**t. Well, it was written for mental defectives.

[RZL36]

Can we use profanity on this forum?

[Stefan-A]

I don't think we should be talking politics either. ;)

[RZL36]

Hey, we are in the lounge. Politics is appropriate "lounge" conversation.

[KITKAT]

I am reading an entire series of books written by Carole Nelson Douglas. Unfortunately, she has not finished the series, and the decreased sales of books in recent years may mean that her publishing house won't allow her to finish.

I bought the books as an almost complete set, from ebay recently, after reading some of them out of order over the last couple of years. Now I am reading them in order! :rolleyes:

They are mysteries, with a lady named Temple Barr, who is a PR agent working in Las Vegas. Temple is dating/living with a magician named the Magnificent MAX. In the first book, a murder occurs, and MAX disappears without explanation. At about the same time, a black cat makes friends with Temple, and moves in with her by his own choice. His name is Midnight Louie.

Every book after that is based on Temple and Louie, who are confronted with a string of murders, and with Louie's help and subtle guidance, Temple gets involved in solving them. The sub-plot continues to involve Max, and a neighbor who moves in upstairs, Matt Devine, an ex-priest who is now learning the ways of life that he never experienced before becoming a priest.:cool:

Not exactly intellectual... but definately fun.

[reptileparadise]

reading "behavourial science" (spelling :s )
Have to read it for school, but I think its pretty interesting!

[enigma200316]

I haven't read anything but the last book of the Harry Potter series....:)

[sschind]

I almost forgot. I have "Ever Since Darwin" by Stephen J Gould in the tape deck of my truck. And when its not that its anything by Clive Cussler or John Grisham.

[zooplan]

Going Postal by Terry pratchett
does that mean you hate him, or love him?

[anji1971]

I haven't read anything but the last book of the Harry Potter series....:)

I haven't even had time to read the second last one yet!!!! I find that the last couple of years have been so busy with other things, my reading has been (sadly) put on hold. I find most of my reading nowadays is geared towards the kids. I read to them every night. My son is 12 so he is interested in some pretty neat stuff, even for me! We are currently trying to finish Emily Rodda's "Deltora Quest" series. It has three different parts, one (Deltora Quest) consisting of 8 books, the 2nd (Deltora Shadowlands) has 3, and the third (Dragon's of Deltora) has 4. We're on the first book of the third set, and even though they're written for young people, I must say I'm quite into them!:D
I also recently introduced Megan to "Anne of Green Gables", and of course, there's still the Harry Potter to catch up on. Pretty soon they won't be interested in storytime with mom anymore:( and I'll be able to go back to the world of grown-up books!!!!:rolleyes:

[CrazyHedgehog]

Anji. thats how I got into harry potter, reading to my son!! and I am afraid everything else got put on hold...and i made time to read Harry Potter! how sad am I?:o

[CrazyHedgehog]

does that mean you hate him, or love him?
Terry pratchett.. takes a bit of getting used to, an odd sort of sense of humour but happy light hearted reading! i like!!:)

[Stefan-A]

Forgot to mention that I'm also reading Tom Clancy's Without Remorse for the third time. :D In English, of course.

[drache]

I'm reading the Deltora books to Mikhaila at night
we are doing them out of sequence though - we've read the Dragons of Deltora (finishing the fourth one) and are going to start at the beginning after
I want to read The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman. Jeff and Mikhaila read that together and really liked it, so I'd like to read it before the movie comes out, but I can't find it.

[anji1971]

Rhea, have you read her other books, the "Rowan of Rin" series?? If Mikhaila likes Deltora Quest she'll enjoy those too. Emily Rodda writes fascinating stories! Another great book is 'Dragonrider' by Cornelia Funke. It's a long one though, but worth every word!:)

[adamanteus]

I'm reading Bill Bryson, "A Walk in the Woods" (again:rolleyes:)

[Stefan-A]

I'm reading Bill Bryson, "A Walk in the Woods" (again:rolleyes:)
That good, huh? ;)

[adamanteus]

It's the idea of walking the Appalachian Trail that really appeals to me. I hope to actually do it one day. Anyone want to join me?:D

[Stefan-A]

Sure, why not. :D

[adamanteus]

Sure, why not. :D

Great. I'll pick you up in half an hour!:rolleyes:

[drache]

make sure you bring snacks, James
I'll meet you over there
just tell me when you're getting on the boat

[stonyloam]

re-reading "sick Puppy" by Carl Hiaasen. Love all of his books!

[sschind]

James,

Have you read "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson. It's about his travels throughout Australia. I've read "A Walk In the Woods" or should I say I listened to it, and I would listen to it again. It was very good.

Since Stefan brought up reading books multiple times, I have read "the Hot Zone" by Richard Preston at least 6 times and it usually take me about 3 days to finish it. Nothing is new to me but there is something about ebola, and level 4 biohazards that fascinates me.

[zooplan]

The last book I´ve read was a Terry Pratchett (German translation), but now I´m only reading thamnophis.com

[Stefan-A]

Since Stefan brought up reading books multiple times, I have read "the Hot Zone" by Richard Preston at least 6 times and it usually take me about 3 days to finish it. Nothing is new to me but there is something about ebola, and level 4 biohazards that fascinates me.
I started reading that book in 1995 or -96 when the movie Outbreak came out, but I never finished.

[adamanteus]

James,

Have you read "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson. It's about his travels throughout Australia.

I've read most of Bill Bryson's books, but I don't think I've seen that one. I'll look for it, Steve.:)

[drache]

Can we use profanity on this forum?
just use common sense, be nice, and remember my daughter, the youngest member here, hears unspeakable things on the subway
last time this happened she was not happy about it

[adamanteus]

Can we use profanity on this forum?

I think we'd all prefer not to, Rich. Mild stuff, in context isn't so bad. But nothing too profane, please.:)

[RZL36]

hahah, okay James. I promise. Nothing bad.

The Pennsylvania part of the Appalachian trail is a bit west of me. If you do decide to do it, stop by. I'll buy you a beer.

[adamanteus]

The Pennsylvania part of the Appalachian trail is a bit west of me. If you do decide to do it, stop by. I'll buy you a beer.

I really do intend to do it one day... so I'll hold you to that, Rich!:D

[RZL36]

And I really intend to buy you a beer (or however many you want). :D

[i of the storm]

hahah, okay James. I promise. Nothing bad.

The Pennsylvania part of the Appalachian trail is a bit west of me. If you do decide to do it, stop by. I'll buy you a beer.

Ill do the same, the AT is about 30 minutes west of me (I'm in Charlottesville, Virginia). Ive crossed it with my jeep a few times, walked an hour or two of it. Different friends of mine have have done everything from day trips to week trips to almost the whole thing.

I just started "zen and the art of motorcycle maintainance"

[zooplan]

I´m going to reed some English garter books
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/IMG_4769.JPG
Thanks again to Rhea

[drache]

hey
is that the book with the garter that has the cricket in it's mouth?
you do kind of look like the birthday boy in the photo

I just started reading "the Amulet of Samarkand" by Jonathan Stroud because I haven't gotten to the library yet and it was laying around . . .
it's not bad, once one gets through the first couple of pages - I'm intrigued
but I'm planning to take my book list, generated from this thread, to the library, and take a look at some of your faves

btw - I also really liked reading
The Climb by Boukrev and Into Thin Air by Krakauer (back-to-back)
and more recently The Last Season by Eric Blehm (about the search for a missing park ranger)

[zooplan]

I ´ve found that picture in two books at all but have to say:
It looks like a fake.
I ´m still just wondering if the snake was still alive when the photo was taken, it is defenitly not trying to swallow the cricket.
I´m concerned that there are so many pictures used in different books although good pictures should be avaliable as a mass.

[Lulu Bennett]

has anybody read 'The Secret Garden'? it was my childhood fave alond with 'The Twits' and i have just recently found them again so i think they will be my project lol

[KITKAT]

has anybody read 'The Secret Garden'? it was my childhood fave alond with 'The Twits' and i have just recently found them again so i think they will be my project lol

The Secret Garden is always lovely.

Has anyone seen the movie, Miss Potter?

It is the life and romance of a well known author... a really great story, not childish stuff as I thought it might be...

[drache]

I love The Secret Garden

I totally got into a bunch of Enid Blyton when I was a kid, but they seem to be completely unknown in the US

I just started reading Freilandterrarien für Schlangen (free range terrariums for snakes) by Martin Hallmen - riveting!

Udo, DHL, and the USPS made X-mas come before Thanksgiving this year
and it came just when a little cheer was needed
so I have a lot to give thanks for

thanks Udo - I am floored
bis bald

[drache]

I just finished reading "the Life of Pi", by Yann Martel
what a great story
I was a little disappointed with the ending, and then I realized that it was appropriate

[Lori P]

I'm still working my way through the 4 bags of random books my sis and I picked up at the last library sale. LOL Sometimes it's so fun to just pick and choose and see what adventures you get!!!

[GarterGirl]

Drache and I have the movie of 'The Secret Garden'.

I love Roald Dahl books! I'm having a Roald Dahl birthday party.
Drache thought 'The Twits' was too disgusting. My 3 favorite I've read so far are 'The BFG', 'The Witches', and 'Matilda'.

[adamanteus]

I'm reading The 2008 French Wine Year Book.;)

[Sid]

I'm currently reading AutoCad 2007 and trying hard to get someting out of it:rolleyes:.

[CrazyHedgehog]

Drache and I have the movie of 'The Secret Garden'.

I love Roald Dahl books! I'm having a Roald Dahl birthday party.
Drache thought 'The Twits' was too disgusting. My 3 favorite I've read so far are 'The BFG', 'The Witches', and 'Matilda'.

Roald Dahl books are just the best!!!
I have just given my sons collection of them to a friend (hes 15 and has kind of grown out of them!!)
I am reading 'The science of Virtual Reality and virtual environments....and its very boring....:-(James, i am envious....I want to read your book!!)

[adamanteus]

Reading it is the easy part... it's the 'sampling' in order to form your own opinions that really takes the effort!.... but I try!:rolleyes:

[GarterGirl]

Roald Dahl books are just the best!!!
I have just given my sons collection of them to a friend (hes 15 and has kind of grown out of them!!)


Who could grow out of them?
Drache is 51. She reads them!

[Sputnik]

SSssh, you're not supposed to tell us your Mum's age! ;)

[GarterGirl]

She says it's ok! :rolleyes:

[Sputnik]

Well, that's alright then, lol. :)


We really like Roald Dahl, too. He sounds like the kind of person I would have loved to have known personally.

[GarterGirl]

It would be awesome to have known Roald Dahl. *day dreams* Ah.

[Sputnik]

My Ex-husband works for Dyson and he went out with one of the service engineers visiting customers. He got to the house of a lovely gentleman, somewhere near Bath, not far from here and had a wonderful chat with him. On his way out he spotted a photograph of said old gentleman on the wall, posing with the pig "Babe" from the film. So he said, "oh, you've met Babe" to which he got the reply... "Yeah, I wrote the book!" I was in stitches, I would have recognised Di[k King-Smith the moment he opened the door!

[adamanteus]

My Ex-husband works for Dyson !

He does? I thought he ran that shop we visited...:confused:

[Sputnik]

He did, James. But his business folded last year. That horrendous rain all summer long totally destroyed him! Funnily enough noone was in the mood for ice cream. :( So he went back to JD, who was more than pleased to have him back luckily.

[adamanteus]

That's a shame, this world needs more shops like that. But, as long as he's earning and he's happy........

[Stefan-A]

I'm currently reading Nietzsche's "On the Genealogy of Morality" and I just finished reading Ishmael Beah - A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier.

[ssssnakeluvr]

hmmmm...I'm reading Stephin King's Desperation.....

[enigma200316]

I'm reading, Eragon, and Eldest, by:Christopher Paolini.............:)

[drache]

Mikhaila and I opted out of Eragon and started Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

[GarterGirl]

I got kinda bored of Eragon.

[KITKAT]

I'm still reading the Midnight Louie series, by Carole Nelson Douglas. I have gone through Catnap, Pussyfoot, and the B - J titles... now I am reading Cat in a Kiwi Con. I think I am about half way through the titles she has written thus far in the series... maybe I will finish by June when school ends, and be ready for a more active life this summer!:D

[MoJo]

My boys and I loved Eragon and Eldest and are anxiously awaiting the third in the series!

I have just finished The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. I have to say that although these are considered children's books there is so much that most kids will miss. I feel I need to read them again to understand everything he was saying about organized religion and human nature.

[ssssnakeluvr]

I'm also reading the mammoth book of the best new horror #17...love good scary stuff!!!!!!

[SerpentGirl]

Right now, I am just kind of browsing through The Guinness Book of World Records 2008.

[enigma200316]

I got kinda bored of Eragon.


I admit its a little slow, but anything that has to do with mythical,magical,vampire, werewolf, and so on intrest me so I'll stick with....I don't how many movies I watched about vampires and stuff that are not so good but watched all the same.................:)

[GarterGirl]

I love magical stuff, but it's still a bit boring.

[Stefan-A]

I admit its a little slow, but anything that has to do with mythical,magical,vampire, werewolf, and so on intrest me so I'll stick with....I don't how many movies I watched about vampires and stuff that are not so good but watched all the same.................:)
Werewolves are okay, but magic and vampires are just so.. lame. :p I think I like science fiction more than fantasy, because it actually has to make sense. ;)

[drache]

is Stanilaus Lem considered scifi?

[enigma200316]

Werewolves are okay, but magic and vampires are just so.. lame. :p I think I like science fiction more than fantasy, because it actually has to make sense. ;)


well I do like SciFi also, but the mythical, and magical the most....I think:rolleyes:

[Stefan-A]

is Stanilaus Lem considered scifi?
I'd say so.

[GarterGirl]

ScFi is cool too, but I prefer magical and mythical stuff.... like Justin.

[enigma200316]

I think I should be reading the books instead being on here if I plan to finnish them..............:rolleyes:

[KITKAT]

One of my students told me this today:

Reading is knowledge

Knowledge is power

Power corrupts

Corruption is crime

Crime doesn't pay

Therefore, reading will make you broke.:rolleyes::D:rolleyes:

[GarterGirl]

One of my students told me this today:

Reading is knowledge

Knowledge is power

Power corrupts

Corruption is crime

Crime doesn't pay

Therefore, reading will make you broke.:rolleyes::D:rolleyes:

LOL!!!! :D:D:D

[enigma200316]

sounds pretty good to me............:D;)

[anji1971]

Now I have a good excuse for not reading anything lately.........:D

[drache]

oh darn
that's why I'm broke so much
and I really wanted an excuse to read more
isn't it supposed to make you smart too?
or was that just literate?

[GarterGirl]

Now I have a good excuse for not reading anything lately.........:D
You sure do! :rolleyes:

[anji1971]

oh darn
that's why I'm broke so much
and I really wanted an excuse to read more
isn't it supposed to make you smart too?
or was that just literate?

It is supposed to increase your smarts, but in my case, I can't retain a damned thing I read anyway so it really doesn't make much difference. I'll settle for just being literate, and let the really smart people tell me what I need to know!!:D

[codyy]

i hate reading and school work but my parents made me read a book monster,by frank peretti, and it wsa actually great.

[scorpio]

Hi,

I read every book that I can get between my fingers, exept crimes. I read books about animasl, math, philosophic, medicine and many romanes. I love Vampire Hunter D. I've read Volume 1, 2, 4 and 5, but it's difficult to get in germany.

[adamanteus]

I'm now reading 'The Curious Gardeners Almanac'.:)

[CrazyHedgehog]

This weekend, i am reading the unnofficial guide to secondlife.
(got to give it back on monday)

[adamanteus]

The book I was reading (The Curious Gardeners Almanac) is one of those books you kind of 'dip in' anywhere. I've left that now, and I'm reading '101 Things To Do In a Garden Shed'. Excellent!

[GarterGirl]

Drache and I are reading Inkheart. It's very interesting!!!

I'm reading The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More (by Roald Dahl).

[enigma200316]

I'm reading everyones post that I missed................:D;)

[Sputnik]

I'm reading '101 Things To Do In a Garden Shed'. Excellent!

Hide from your wife/husband
Secretly smoke
Hide dirty magazines
Keep a stash of chocolates
Breed mice
Keep your overflow reptile collection....

Those kinds of things? ;)

[Thamnophis]

I am reading (again) the novel The Regulators from Richard Bachman (pseudonym of Stephen King).
Best thriller/horror writer ever!

[CrazyHedgehog]

Who could grow out of them?
Drache is 51. She reads them!

Yes, but by giving them away, we have encouraged another young reader!!;)
(we were talking about Roald Dahl by the way!!)

[drache]

excellent idea
we have some boxes of Mikhaila's books, that haven't been unpacked from the move yet
I'm hoping that a large percentage of their content can go to encourage some other young readers

[Serpentine99]

I'm about to read the Iliad for a book report. I love Greek mythology, especially Achilles. Apparently its a good book so I'm excited to read.

[drache]

I remember that to be a good read

[Stefan-A]

I read the Iliad and the Odyssey in seventh grade. Mandatory reading, but I definitely didn't mind. :)

[Josh]

Its oh so quiet Shh Shh by lushlulu85 :D

[adamanteus]

Its oh so quiet Shh Shh by lushlulu85 :D

I don't have the time to read anything that long!:D

[Josh]

lol it really is a book!!!!!!

[Lori P]

ROFL Josh!!!

[Stefan-A]

Stephen Colbert: I Am America (And So Can You)

And I'm saving Pratchett & Gaiman's Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch for now.

[Snake lover 3-25]

I'm reading the sequal to Crank, Glass by Ellen hopkins, Crank is about 680 pgs and I read it in about 5hrs on a plane. Next on my list are Burned and Impulse also by Ellen Hopkins. I love her books... even if they are a bit "sick" as some may call it... :D

[adamanteus]

I'm currently reading 'Autecology of the Copperhead' (Fitch) and 'The Dong With The Luminous Nose' (Lear).

[anji1971]

I am actually reading something, for a change!! I just started in on 'The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America'. A present from my husband, who got tired of listening to me say "Hey, there's a new bird I don't recognise............wonder what it is????"

[enigma200316]

well the last thing I read was Eragon, and Eldest, by Chris Poalini and the 3rd and final ones comeing out in September '08 its called Brasingr and I would have to say a little slow starting but picked up and were actually pretty good......and to think he started writting Eragon when he was fifteen........:)

[Snake lover 3-25]

Some more of my fav. books are the PEEPS series and the Uglies series both by Scott Westerfeld. Also the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer.

[larean]

Darkmans, Nicola Barker: slightly weird, but I recommend it.

George Eliot a life, Rosemary Ashton: Basically very interesting (school).

1491, Charles Mann: About the Precolumbian Cultures of America. Very interesting
and beautiful.

[achoth]

if asked, i'd be hard-pressed to name a favorite book or genre of books. i tend to lean toward mythical and magical (just finished john morresey's iron angel trilogy), but i do love a good mystery (currently reading the chairman, a medical mystery by harry kraus), and an occassional biography isn't out of the question (also currently reading piper's biography of athanasius). i just plain love books!

[ssssnakeluvr]

just finished Desparation by Stephen King, now reading Watchers by Dean Koontz.

[CrazyHedgehog]

An Introduction to Game studies: Games in Culture, Mayra, F. (2008)

and believe me its better than the last which was...

Culture and Communication: The Logic by Which Symbols are Connected. An Introduction to the use of Structuralist Analysis in Social Anthropology. Leach E. (1997)

:(
oh for the time to read fun books!

[adamanteus]

I'm now reading 'situations vacant'!;)

[enigma200316]

just finished Desparation by Stephen King, now reading Watchers by Dean Koontz.


my wife loves Stephen King and has read like all of his books, and now she's into James Patterson books............:rolleyes:

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

just finished reading cell by Stephen King -Great book really gory

[drache]

plowed through Alfred Lansings "Endurance - Shackletons Incredible Voyage"
very hard to put down

[GarterGirl]

plowed through Alfred Lansings "Endurance - Shackletons Incredible Voyage"
very hard to put down
You've been talking about that book ever since you read it!

[ssssnakeluvr]

just finished reading cell by Stephen King -Great book really gory
I read that one last summer...very gory, good book too!

[Stefan-A]

So I set a new personal record on friday. I'm now officially reading six books at the same time.

Nietzsche: On the Genealogy of Morality
Stephen Colbert: I Am America (And So Can You)
Pratchett & Gaiman: Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
Richard Dawkins: The God Delusion
Sam Harris: Letter To A Christian Nation
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Infidel

[adamanteus]

Good for you, Stefan. I am currently reading... nothing at all.... my head is 'elsewhere'!:eek:

[Lori P]

I've been reading the Preston/Childs books... (Relic, Reliquary,Cabinet of Curiosities, Still Life with Crows, Brimstone...) for some reason, their writing totally gets me. Really enjoying them.

Last weekend I ran thru a Matthew Reilly book just because it was there... total crap writing... absolutey annoying and rubbish... and yet I couldn't put it down because the man does know how to keep the action going!! I was so annoyed that I kept reading!!! LOL

[drache]

I need something new to read
looking for something involving ice, glaciers, other very cold things, and survival against all odds - and it has to have credible depictions of deep psychological processes
but the writing has to be excellent too

[Lori P]

Preston and Child have one called Ice Limit, but I've not read it yet... I'll bet it fits the bill tho! I plan to read it when I'm done with this series...

[ssssnakeluvr]

I just finished Nightfall and other stories by Isaac Asimov...and am reading the Mammoth book of New Horror!! love scary stuff!!!

[adamanteus]

Just started re-reading Latifi's 'Snakes of Iran'. I'm taking it to Ireland with me (bedtime reading).:D

[Zephyr]

Stephen Colbert: I Am America (And So Can You)

LOL
Righteous Stefan. XD

[Snake lover 3-25]

yay breaking dawn -stephanie meyer- came out!!!!!! (now on page 657) lol

[Lexa]

Richard Dawkins: The God Delusion


I find Richard Dawkins too smug and aggressive to cope with. His philosophy seems to be "I'm right, you're wrong, and if you even think about believing in God then you're about as stupid as it gets - but all the same, I'm a cultural Catholic just in case something happens".

I'm just over halfway through Bill Bryson's A Short History Of Nearly Everything (and boy is it hard going - although I will henceforth be invincible in pub quizzes after reading it), and when that doesn't happen to be in the room, I read a page or two of Empress by Shan Sa.

I keep meaning to get around to Elizabeth Gaskell's North And South, because it's a good thing for me to read, but at the moment it's just sitting on my shelf looking at me, and I have quite a few others still to read as well...

[Lori P]

How about favorite re-reading books? Like, ones you can read over and over? I've only got a couple of those, but I'd have to say Herman Wouk's Don't Stop the Carnival is top on that list. Don't know why, just enjoy it to pieces.

[Stefan-A]

I find Richard Dawkins too smug and aggressive to cope with. His philosophy seems to be "I'm right, you're wrong, and if you even think about believing in God then you're about as stupid as it gets - but all the same, I'm a cultural Catholic just in case something happens".
He seems more smarmy than smug to me. :p I don't like his personality especially much, but I do agree with most of what he says.

If you think he's bad, try Christopher Hitchens. ;)

[Stefan-A]

How about favorite re-reading books? Like, ones you can read over and over? I've only got a couple of those, but I'd have to say Herman Wouk's Don't Stop the Carnival is top on that list. Don't know why, just enjoy it to pieces.

J.R.R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit.

Tom Clancy's Without Remorse, Red Storm Rising, Rainbow Six and Debt of Honor.

Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park.

Robert T. Bakker's The Dinosaur Heresies.

[count dewclaw]

More favorite re-reading books....

Peter S. Beagle The Last Unicorn

J. R. R. Tolkien The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit

Ursula K. LeGuin The Earthsea Trilogy

Stephen Lawhead Dream Thief

[Lexa]

Peter S. Beagle The Last Unicorn

I have to ask - is that The Last Unicorn as in the cartoon film of years ago, with Alan Arkin as some kind of wizard and a very dreary tone-deaf girl as the unicorn-turned-human? I watched it with a few mates a while ago as a nostalgia thing, I had no idea there was a novel...is it any good?

[count dewclaw]

Yes, the film was based on the book. The book is better in my opinion, although they did a fairly good job following the book.

[GartersRock]

Re-reading...
Anything by Ted Dekker
The Lord of the Rings
The Hobbit
...... I am SOOO bad at coming up with this kind of stuff off my head... I LOVE books... Way to many! ;)

[Stefan-A]

Time for another update. :D

Pratchett & Gaiman: Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
Salman Rushdie: The Satanic Verses
Richard Dawkins: The Ancestor's Tale
Joseph Conrad: Heart of Darkness (audiobook)

I still haven't gotten properly started with the Pratchett/Gaiman book and I just went and ordered 3 more.

[reptile3]

I get to read Children's Books... :D shel silverstein , dr seuss

My hubby reads, Stephen King,Dean Koontz, Tom Clancy - also audio books

I did read a book a friend sent to me...
Don't Call Them Ghosts

By Kathleen McConnell

[Garter_Gertie]

Oh! I didn't know this thread xsisted. Had I I would have put here the book by... Lisa Richardson? And now I can't remember the name.

The book I re-read, every fall, is "To Kill a Mockingbird."

I just finished "True Grace," by Wendy Leigh. I really liked it. It's about Princess Grace o'Monaco. She lived a much different life than I thought!

Tried reading "The Heretic's Daughter," and just couldn't get into it. I found it boring. Supposedly it's a "searing look at one of the worst periods in our [USA] history." Salem Witch Trails.

I've started "Quicksand" by Iris Johansen. Don't believe I've read her before.

And I've James Patterson's - who's writing I really enjoy - 6th and 7th Women's Murder Club books lined up to read. Didn't think I'd like the Women's Murder Club series as I'd read one years ago and didn't like it. But, I think it was the second book I read and in starting from get go - Number Two was NOT as good as one. I can understand why I didn't like it. Still didn't like it second time around after first reading "1st To Die."

Besides the 6th and 7th Women's Club Murder books from my boss, I've got lined up a Nevada Barr. I tried reading her years ago and didn't care for her. Will try again.

[Snake lover 3-25]

stephanie meyer: the Host

[ssssnakeluvr]

just finished Stephen King's The Mist, Despeeration, and Night Shift, am now reading the mammoth book of horror 16...

[Hornets23]

The bone people by keri hulme is a good one.

[Boots]

Hornblower and the Atropos by CS Forester.

Jason

[Lulu Bennett]

I hardly ever read as my attention span it to short to make it through a long book but i started reading Darren Shan : Vampire Blood Trilogy
and just when that gets interesting i get given Animal Farm by George Orwell.
After finishing these then i have just gotten interested in Richard Dawkins so i went out to buy The Selfish Gene.

[gregmonsta]

Just started to read the 'Conqueror' series by Con Iggulden. Based on the life of Genghis Khan. Gripping stuff!!! Really impressed by his style. Usually my head is burrowed in David Gemmel's heroic fantasies.

[Thamnophis]

I am halfway the latest Stephen King book, Duma. Great book!

[prattypus]

Even though they're in the store under young reader, I can't help but pick up the Redwall Series by Brian Jacques, and the Ender's storyline from Orson Scott Card

[zooplan]

I finished reading the German translation of "City of Baraboo" of Barry.B.Longyear yesterday.

[NikkiSixx]

I have read the mist, like my father, the twighlight series, and the host.... i wouldnt recamend the host it was very confusing to me.
Right now i am reading Vampire Diary, and the secret circle, both vampire books but very good. both by an L.J. Smith.:D

[count dewclaw]

Even though they're in the store under young reader, I can't help but pick up the Redwall Series by Brian Jacques, and the Ender's storyline from Orson Scott Card

Hehe, I got the Redwall series for my kids and then read them myself....

Lately I've been re-reading Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series.

[prattypus]

Just wish I could be an a-- kicking badger...

[count dewclaw]

Oh, I don't know...the otters are pretty cool!

[Stefan-A]

I got two new books today.

Charles Darwin: The Origin Of Species
Christopher Hitchens: God Is Not Great (How Religion Poisons Everything)

[Snake lover 3-25]

I have read the mist, like my father, the twighlight series, and the host.... i wouldnt recamend the host it was very confusing to me.
Right now i am reading Vampire Diary, and the secret circle, both vampire books but very good. both by an L.J. Smith.:D

really???? i loved it!!!!:eek:

[Hornets23]

I was thinking about reading The Origin of Species as well Stefan. I havent gotten around to it yet but it just seems like one of those books that I should have read.

[Stefan-A]

I was thinking about reading The Origin of Species as well Stefan. I havent gotten around to it yet but it just seems like one of those books that I should have read.
I felt the same way about it and it's the main reason why I bought it. There certainly are much more detailed and up to date books on evolution and natural selection (hardly surprising after 150 years), but it's still an important book.

[Garter_Gertie]

What I find myself reading over and over and reading most often is:

www.thamnophis.com (http://www.thamnophis.com)

LOL!!!

[adamanteus]

Coincidence..... My Mum has bought me 'The Origin of Species' for Christmas, so I'll be reading it soon too.

[NikkiSixx]

really???? i loved it!!!!:eek:
yeah it kinda confused me... i got like 3 chapters in. how far are you?

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol finished in 2 days:D i gets better:D i think i read all my books in 2 days...... every book of the uglies, and twilight series' they were all great!!!!:D

[Serpentine99]

just read 3 renaissance philosophy books and to kill a mockingbird and am now reading the grapes of wrath. only good book so far is mockingbird.

[adamanteus]

"Die Giftschlangen Europas, und Die Gattung Vipera in Afrika und Asien".

[jitami]

Love it when you throw a book title into Amazon and they give you an english description of a book written entirely in German... silly Amerikans :)

[adamanteus]

It has probably the best collection of Vipera photographs I have ever seen in one place..... excellent book.

[mtolypetsupply]

A friend just gave me "Steve and Me" by Terri Irwin. Poorly written/edited, but a good story if you can get past that.
:)

[Snake lover 3-25]

omg i can't wait to go see twilight the MOVIE!!!!!! it came out last night!!!!:eek:

[Lori P]

Has anyone read Ian Sansom? I just read the first of the library mysteries and laughed my bum off.

Shanley, I haven't read the Twilight books but hear they're very good-- I'll have to pick tehm up.

[Garter_Gertie]

just read 3 renaissance philosophy books and to kill a mockingbird and am now reading the grapes of wrath. only good book so far is mockingbird.

"Mockingbird" is my fav book. I don't know how many times I've read it. I always try to read it in the fall - when Scout's running in the ham costume...

Some trivia... Know who Dil was based on? Truman Capote. Yeah. What'sHerName grew up with him; they remained friends all their lives.

[Lori P]

I did not know that. I just picked up a biography on Truman Capote.

[Garter_Gertie]

Ohhhh. Sounds good, Lori. The biography. I think I'd enjoy that. What's the name?

I'm not reading anything right now. I go in spurts where I spend my entire weekend reading and polish off 1, 1.5, or 2 books a weekend. Then I get tired o'that and spend my time here, or playing with the snakes and fiddle-farting around with them.

I've not read a really 'good' book in awhile; but that biography of Princess Grace. Now that was good. Mostly been 'fluff' - murder mysteries and such.

[Lori P]

"Capote: A Biography" by Gerald Clarke. I haven't started reading it yet.

[adamanteus]

I just finished reading "The Woman in the Fifth", by Douglas Kennedy. It's a strange one! It made the UK best-sellers list though.

This evening I'm reading "Morphological Evidence for Taxonomic Partitioning of The Thamnophis elegans Complex".

[adamanteus]

Some of my favourite reading material!

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//541/medium/Books1.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//541/medium/Books2.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//541/medium/Books3.jpg

[Stefan-A]

Some of my favourite reading material!

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/shelfy1.jpg

Well, it's really just what I have with me right now. :D

[adamanteus]

I want to read The Satanic Verses...... just to see what the fuss was all about!

[Stefan-A]

I want to read The Satanic Verses...... just to see what the fuss was all about!
Exactly why I wanted to read it. :)

[adamanteus]

Don't know if you can read the titles.....?

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//541/medium/2008_1123garterpapers0013.jpg

...... but they're all works on Thamnophis.:)

[Stefan-A]

Don't know if you can read the titles.....?

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//541/medium/2008_1123garterpapers0013.jpg

...... but they're all works on Thamnophis.:)
Are they now.. :D


Don't forget to scroll right. Three columns, not all of them are on garters.



http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/articles.jpg

[adamanteus]

Scan and e-mail please, Stefan!:D

[Stefan-A]

Scan and e-mail please, Stefan!:D
All of them are available online. :)

[adamanteus]

Link please, Stefan!:D

[Stefan-A]

You've got the titles and the authors. :D

[adamanteus]

You mean I have to do my own Googling? But Stefan... you know I don't Google!

[Stefan-A]

You mean I have to do my own Googling? But Stefan... you know I don't Google!
You will learn, young padawan. :D

[adamanteus]

... you know I don't Google!

But for those of us that do........:D

CNAH PDF Library (http://www.cnah.org/cnah_pdf.asp)

[Stefan-A]

Indeed a good link to have. :)

[infernalis]

James - Thanks man!

Something of interest:D

Now I can set down the tech manuals for a while...

[Stefan-A]

Here's the rest of my very limited (non-digital) herp library, with the unidentified Chris Mattison book on top. Half of them are a waste of space, but they have pretty pictures.


http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/library2.jpg

[rockstar817]

Deltora Quest good book

[infernalis]

Does "Stream and river dynamics" qualify?

It was published by the New York state DEC for landowners on a flood plain.

Fascinating, Explains erosion, currents, eddys, Debris and problems induced by man.

[adamanteus]

I got exactly what I asked for this Christmas. My wife had in brought in from the US. It was right at the top of my Christmas wish list!

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//537/medium/2008_1225book0006.jpg

[infernalis]

Nice gift James.

[Stefan-A]

Nice.

I finally got properly started with The Origin of Species. After that one, I'll only have two books left to finish.

[Stefan-A]

I just ordered myself two new books, I hope they're serious.

Die Ringelnatter
Natrix natrix (L.)
Klaus Kabisch
Westarp Wissenschaften, 2004, ISBN: 9783894328306

Die Kreuzotter
Vipera berus
Hans Schiemenz;
Westarp Wissenschaften, 2004, ISBN: 9783894321512



The store didn't have this following book, but it seemed interesting. Does anybody know if it's worth buying?

Reptile and Amphibian Problem Solver: Practical and Expert Advice on Keeping Snakes, Lizards, Frogs and Other Reptiles and Amphibians, The
Practical & Expert Advice on Keeping Snakes & Lizards
Robert Davies & Valerie Davies
Voyageur Press (MN)
Published: 31.10.1997
ISBN: 9781564651945



Edit: I found another book I might like.

Venomous Snakes - Ecology, Evolution, and Snakebite
Roger S. Thorpe ; Wolfgang Wuster; Anita Malhotra
ISBN: 9780198549864

[adamanteus]

Stefan, I have Die Kreuzotter.... it's quite a good book with some good colour plates and habitat pictures, but it's all written in some foreign language!:rolleyes::D

[drache]

Reptile and Amphibian Problem Solver: Practical and Expert Advice on Keeping Snakes, Lizards, Frogs and Other Reptiles and Amphibians, The
Practical & Expert Advice on Keeping Snakes & Lizards
Robert Davies & Valerie Davies
Voyageur Press (MN)
Published: 31.10.1997
ISBN: 9781564651945

apparently out of print, but I found some pre-owned copies at a reasonable price
the reviews are pretty good, so I'll just get a copy and let you know what I think

[Stefan-A]

Stefan, I have Die Kreuzotter.... it's quite a good book with some good colour plates and habitat pictures, but it's all written in some foreign language!:rolleyes::D
Good to know. ;)

[Stefan-A]

apparently out of print, but I found some pre-owned copies at a reasonable price
the reviews are pretty good, so I'll just get a copy and let you know what I think
Thanks. I might be able to get my hands on a used copy myself.

[Lulu Bennett]

I have just read the twilight saga for the second time since xmas. went to see the movie the other day too :mad::mad::mad:
I went with a reasonably open mind because, in my honest opinion, a movie has never been quite as good as the book.
Still i don't think i could have prepared myself for the abomonation that Catherine Hardwicke claims to be a good rendition of Twilight.
Instead of feeling engrossed by the chemistry not only between Bella and Edward but between all the charicters, i was left feeling rather awkward and dismayed. Edward came across as an absolute arse instead of a gentleman and none of the charicters had chance to reach their full potential as the book was able to portray.
I am a huge fan of the books and feel cheated by Mrs Hardwickes 'stick and paste' interpritation of the amazingly intence and passionate story, yet all i can do is pray that somebody else takes over the directing for New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, if these are to be made.

[Snake lover 3-25]

i'm reading the twilight saga again too:) i totally agree with you about the movie.....

[Lulu Bennett]

I was sooo devistated about the movie but i have just discovered a new director IS taking over :D

[Snake lover 3-25]

sweet!!! hopefully this one read the book lol;):D

[Lulu Bennett]

haha fingers crossed!! I will personally track him down and back hand him if it is poo lol

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol ok but i'll hold you to it!!!:eek:

[Lulu Bennett]

OK lol, when does it come out in the US?? its late 09-early 10 over here for new moons release. They need some better actors too lol. Jacob for sure haha

[Snake lover 3-25]

yeah lol and seeing as the 2nd book is mostly about him........ that would really suck...:( no idea when it comes out here though i'll check:)

[Stefan-A]

Stefan, I have Die Kreuzotter.... it's quite a good book with some good colour plates and habitat pictures, but it's all written in some foreign language!:rolleyes::D
I got the book today. Seems very good, it's probably going to turn out be worth every cent I paid for it.

[ssssnakeluvr]

now reading Duma Key by Stephen King.....another good one!!!!!

[olive oil]

I LOVED Duma Key!!!
Where does he come up with this stuff?

[ssssnakeluvr]

one hell of an imagination!!!!!!

[Hornets23]

I just read Izzy and Lenore by Jon Katz. A lot of you would probably like it. I'm still working on The Origin of Species. Thats going a little slow. I'm also reading a few other books...The emotional lives of animals and The Science of Fear. All pretty interesting.

[guidofatherof5]

Just got this in last week. Finally, got a good price off Amazon.com
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/book.jpg

[indigoman]

steve just got the same book AMAZON .COM too.Really informative.

[guidofatherof5]

It truly is a good book. Can't seem to put it down.

[ssssnakeluvr]

yes....good book...got one myself!!!!! :cool:

[drache]

good book
one of my first garter books
now I have about fifteen

[guidofatherof5]

I have been wanting this book for a long time but can't afford it. I contacted our local library and to my surprize they said they would buy it and have it here within 2 weeks. This is going to be a long two weeks. Hope no one else plans on checking it out once it's in. I can get online renewals for about 6 months.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/book.jpg

[jitami]

Very cool Steve. Make sure to do a review for us once it's in :)

[Stefan-A]

I ordered Freilandterrarien Für Schlangen by Martin Hallmen few days ago. Haven't gotten it yet.

[drache]

I have it
it's a great book, useful in a couple of ways (it also weighs more than 8lbs and is more attractive than a brick)
it is really a medical text and I find my pre-meds come in handy, as well as Taber's and the Merck manual

[adamanteus]

When you get it, Stefan, I want to see every picture!

[Stefan-A]

When you get it, Stefan, I want to see every picture!
But then I would have to violate some copyrights. ;)

[adamanteus]

But then I would have to violate some copyrights. ;)

I don't mind.:)

[drache]

you already saw all the good ones, James

[adamanteus]

I know, Rhea.... but now I can't find them!:o

[adamanteus]

I just finished reading 'The Reader'. It's a rather good read really. I'm ready to read another one now. Really.

[guidofatherof5]

The last book I read was one of those "How to increase your memory" books. I never finished it. I set it down and don't remember where I put it:):D

[guidofatherof5]

I ordered Freilandterrarien Für Schlangen by Martin Hallmen few days ago. Haven't gotten it yet.

I wanted to buy this book, also. Not available in the US and not in english. I wanted it for the photos. Rhea was nice enought to send me a sample of them from the book. Now, I really want it.

[Stefan-A]

Ironically, I can't even set up any Freilandterrarien. The climate isn't the most favourable and I wouldn't have anywhere to put it.

[drache]

and when you can ask for your next high prized birthday gift, I very highly recommend this
Amazon.com: Snakes of the United States and Canada: Natural History and Care in Captivity: John V. Rossi, Roxanne Rossi: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Snakes-United-States-Canada-Captivity/dp/1575240319)
it is probably the best book on north american snakes
here's some other reviews too
STACKherpetology (http://www.krieger-publishing.com/natscience/herpetology/STACKherpetology/stackherpetology_46.html)
I saved up all my gift certificates and got a very good used copy, because my vet said I had to own that book, and he was right
I use that book a lot - much more than the Mader, because frankly - most of the animals I keep are north american snakes, and that book is a fantastic resource for husbandry, with an impressive 50 page section on thamnophis

[guidofatherof5]

I have been wanting this book for a long time but can't afford it. I contacted our local library and to my surprize they said they would buy it and have it here within 2 weeks. This is going to be a long two weeks. Hope no one else plans on checking it out once it's in. I can get online renewals for about 6 months.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/book.jpg

Picked this up last night. It's on loan from another library so I only get it for 3 weeks. No renewals.
Started looking through it. Much of it is over my head but it's also answering a lot of questions. Great chapter about Parasitology. Many photos for visual learners like me. I highly recomend it.

[Snake lover 3-25]

very neat!

[drache]

The store didn't have this following book, but it seemed interesting. Does anybody know if it's worth buying?

Reptile and Amphibian Problem Solver: Practical and Expert Advice on Keeping Snakes, Lizards, Frogs and Other Reptiles and Amphibians, The
Practical & Expert Advice on Keeping Snakes & Lizards
Robert Davies & Valerie Davies
Voyageur Press (MN)
Published: 31.10.1997
ISBN: 9781564651945
this was a while back and I did get the book back then . . .
I'd looked forward to it because I'd gotten Tetra's Freshwater Aquarium Problem Solver when I'd started out with fish, and found it very helpful
so when I first looked at this book I was quite disappointed - to the point where I just didn't know what to say about it
why?
their snake section, which is all of 18 pages long, is divided into three categories: Boas, Pythons, harmless snakes - end of story; yeah, nice photos
I just remembered that I was going to review this book, so I decided to get it over with and gave it another look for completeness sake
and now, here is what I think:
this is a great beginner book for someone who wants to know what they might be getting into with different reptile or amphibian pets
the photos and illustrations are quite good, the information is presented in a way that's easy to access for a beginner, and it's sound
it's even a good book for someone who already keeps some herp and wants just a quick look at what might be involved in keeping something else they saw - I might even use it like that
back to the snake section
in the Harmless Snakes section (8 pages, >45% pictorial) they cover: King Snakes And Milk Snakes, Corn And American Rat Snakes, Pine, Gopher And Bull Snakes, Western Hognosed Snake, Red-Sided Garter Snake, Dekay's Snake, Rough Green Snake, with a photo for each
interestingly they give two different hibernation temps for parietalis, depending on latitude of origin, but cover no other garters

[Stefan-A]

Good to know.

[Stefan-A]

I ordered Freilandterrarien Für Schlangen by Martin Hallmen few days ago. Haven't gotten it yet.
Got it today.

[drache]

nice book
do you read german?

[Stefan-A]

nice book
Very.


do you read german?
Yes. But I'd rather not use it myself, mein Deutsch ist schrecklich when I'm sober. ;)

[drache]

since you don't read and operate heavy machinery at the same time, you can drink when you read, right?

[Stefan-A]

since you don't read and operate heavy machinery at the same time, you can drink when you read, right?
I can read it, but I'm not especially good at forming sentences myself.

[greypilgrim]

"the world without us" by alan weisman

[adamanteus]

"Progressive Finger Picking Guitar Licks". Brett Duncan.

[adamanteus]

'Wuthering Heights', Emily Bronte........ I'd forgetten how difficult it is to read!:rolleyes:

[Stefan-A]

Got a new book today. It's in Swedish, but an approximate translation of the title would be: "The Shrinking Cod and Other Evolutionary Miracles", written by Katja Bargum and Hanna Kokko. I've only read the foreword so far, but it seems promising. One of the authors held a lecture at my university last week and that got me interested in buying the book.

Why am I sharing this, knowing that nobody else here can read it? Your guess is as good as mine. :D

[drache]

still interesting to hear what other members are reading
my light reading right now is "Cool Creatures, Hot Planet" by Marty Essen

[guidofatherof5]

Got a new book today. It's in Swedish, but an approximate translation of the title would be: "The Shrinking Cod and Other Evolutionary Miracles", written by Katja Bargum and Hanna Kokko. I've only read the foreword so far, but it seems promising. One of the authors held a lecture at my university last week and that got me interested in buying the book.

Why am I sharing this, knowing that nobody else here can read it? Your guess is as good as mine. :D

I think it's just an evil plot of some kind to mess with our heads. That's it, I'm going to learn how to read Swedish.:D Then I can borrow the book. Right, Stefan.:rolleyes:

[Stefan-A]

I think it's just an evil plot of some kind to mess with our heads. That's it, I'm going to learn how to read Swedish.:D Then I can borrow the book. Right, Stefan.:rolleyes:
If you do that, I'll buy you your own copy. :D

Finnish is also an alternative, it's currently available in both languages. ;)

[guidofatherof5]

Just started this. I'll have to read it when I have free time, should take about 5 years.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/new_book.jpg

[drache]

that looks like an interesting book

[adamanteus]

'Sun, Sand and Snakes', by Stephen Spawls.