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What are you reading now? vers. "So I don't end up being a fucking waffle waitress"

The Wheel of Time Series (again) by Robert Jordan


Back to the Dark Tower by Stephen King next, I get to collect all the books along the way this time though:)
 
Ever since I got my kindle I've been a huge bookworm.

Some of the standouts have been:

Porno by Irvine Welsh. One of my fav authors. A semi sequel to Trainspotting, and probably even better than it. His observations about people and culture are so canny and astute I often wonder about the author himself and where he fits amongst the characters he writes about.

Pictures of the Mind by Miriam Boleyn-Fitzgerald. Ever since reading 'The Brain That Changes Itself' by Norman Doidge I've been interested in neuro-plasticity and particularly its implications for addiction. This book contains lots of fascinating recent studies in this area and an interesting chapter on addiction.

Three Hundred Zeroes by Dennis Blanchard. About his hike of the Appalachian trail. I've already read Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' about the same subject so I did wonder whether another book on the same subject could hold me, but I really enjoyed this, and it's just further inspired me to do it myself one day!

I've such started on Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace.
 
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Kindle eh? I got a KOBO last xmas, which promptly broke and I got my $ back as borders didn't have any in stock at the time to replace it. And now Borders is f&*%*%^ed
 
^ Yeah Borders going down was a shock and disappointing, I've always loved browsing around in there. I thought some stores were sticking around though.

I've only ever used a kindle but I love it. I haven't had any problems whatsoever with it. The battery lasts for ages (at least a month) which meant I didn't have to charge it once while travelling, and the page is easy to read. I did my research before buying it (mainly on the BL e-reader threads ;)) and it seemed like the best one for me.
 
^^ Borders going down wasn't a shock for us in the industry because they lost their way long ago when the private equity groups took over and started rationalising everything. Hardly disappointing, in fact many were celebrating the downfall of the "evil empire".

However it is disappointing to hear you are loving your kindle. I guess the minister for small business may be right, and real bookshops may be well and truly fucked :(
 
I guess each to their own. I still buy books as I collect them, but there's no question that my kindle is much more portable and saves me a lot of money (and space). I go through books very quickly and I'd be disappointed to have to buy a new book every few days and leave it behind as when backpacking, it's not viable to carry around a library!
 
(sorry - had to clip your quote to make room here.) Yeaah, I read Infinite Jest when it came out but I forgot what it's about. I recall noting that DFW was a completely brilliant writer, but I couldn't find my groove. The multiple subplots somewhat irritated me, as they required flipping back for refreshers, further interrupting the flow. I have no regrets and am an outlier, but this was a hard wade that left me disappointed and feeling v. unhip. I just never got it. If you like NYC writers, I recommend Freedom, Jonathan Franzen's latest novel. (btw, he and Wallace and David Sedaris all used to hang tg in the local bar) Early reviews called Freedom the new Great American Novel and I was doubtful, but it was just that. The chapters tell each character's take on shared events. Don't groan at the length. The flow is tight, well-paced and consistently enjoyable I started over at the end to fix the plot in my head and reread the first third. Maybe someone will find it as engaging?
 
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^ I'm only halfway through atm, but so far so good. I've heard people say it top's "The 13th Valley" but we'll see.
 
^^ Borders going down wasn't a shock for us in the industry because they lost their way long ago when the private equity groups took over and started rationalising everything. Hardly disappointing, in fact many were celebrating the downfall of the "evil empire".

However it is disappointing to hear you are loving your kindle. I guess the minister for small business may be right, and real bookshops may be well and truly fucked :(

The thing I really liked about the Kobo was the 100 pre-loaded classics. Stuff I had always meant to read and had never got around to. I was/am still buying physical books (although mostly from book depository these days - so much much cheaper!!).

I think all the niche bookshops are safe, as well as shops with a reputation like Readings and so on. Second hand has always been a tough gig, but will probably manage interwebsville quite well - can maximise value from rare books crossing their paths by selling on web too. Mainstream chain stores however...
 
Bought Fear and Loathing in las vegas...lol
My first book I've read (going to read) in ages, so I thought I'd start off with something that will most likely interest me. I've read a few random pages and boy does it beat the shit out of the movie. :)
 
I was/am still buying physical books (although mostly from book depository these days - so much much cheaper!!).

I think all the niche bookshops are safe

Why do you think the "niche" shops are safe?

I can assure you that you aren't the only one shopping via the bookdepository, and niche bookshops are far from safe.
 
Well - it's the browse factor. I buy online when I know what I want. But I still get a kick out of wandering around in somewhere like Polyester, for example.
 
Higher & Higher - From drugs and destruction, to health and happiness by Jost Sauer

Have you ever wondered:
Whether marijuana can lead to harder drugs.
How come you feel immortal on speed.
Why acid trips can feel so good - or so bad.
Why total strangers bond on ecstasy.
Whether drugs can enhance your spirituality.
Why some antidepressants can make your depression worse.
Higher and Higher offers a fresh perspective on every aspect of drugs from addiction to repair. Using a new analytical approach that fuses Traditional Chinese Medicine and Energy Medicine, it shows you how to integrate past drug experiences into your life in a positive way. Learn how to reclaim the excitement and exhilaration drugs offer, through a unique mind - body - spirit workout.
Combining case studies with a candid account of Jost Sauer's own journey through drugs, depression and near self-destruction, to good health and freedom, Higher and Higher is in turn confronting, thought-provoking and informative.
This uplifting and accessible read takes you on a roller-coaster ride from the relentless pursuit of drug-induced highs to genuine wellness. This unique book, based on Jost Sauer's personal and professional experience, provides invaluable insights into the human need to feel good, and details a healthy and sustainable path for you to reach the ultimate high
.
 
Well - it's the browse factor. I buy online when I know what I want. But I still get a kick out of wandering around in somewhere like Polyester, for example.
That's cool, but personally, I don't think the part-time appreciation will be enough to keep Polyester (and other bookshops) around for you to wander around in.
 
I used to like borders because they were the only bookstore with a decent section on land and earth sciences, which is a main area of interest to me. I used to love just browsing around there and seeing what was new, which is harder and less satisfying online.
 
Bought Fear and Loathing in las vegas...lol
My first book I've read (going to read) in ages, so I thought I'd start off with something that will most likely interest me. I've read a few random pages and boy does it beat the shit out of the movie. :)

I found the book and the movie to be almost identical :\

Not a bad thing, both were great! :D

Now that this semester is just about over I'll soon be getting into The girl who played with fire . It's been a long time coming, will be good to read something other than a text book for a change!
 
Going back and trying to re-read all of Vonnegut's works, decided to randomly start with Bluebeard. I read through all his books from about 15-23 and i miss his voice. Also been reading The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh, and on the back back burner is "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" which i was reading when i was teaching ESL to a class of adults, but the class ended and i'm kinda meh'n out on it.
 
I used to like borders because they were the only bookstore with a decent section on land and earth sciences, which is a main area of interest to me. I used to love just browsing around there and seeing what was new, which is harder and less satisfying online.

I have had more than one person inform me that borders was their favourite bookshop because security was so lax - maybe that's the real reason they went out of business! 8)
 
Game of thrones by George R R Martin. Yes I've seen the HBO tv series adaption and if you have seen it and enjoyed it, the tv series does remain true to the book.
 
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