Books!

[Guest]

I don't know if his "bandes dessinées" (or comic strip) where translated from French or not,

But if there are, you guys should definitely read Guy Delisle's books.

 

Shenzen, Pyongyang, Chroniques Birmanes and Chroniques de Jérusalem are fantastic humoristic, biographic and historic works.

 

A true life expression of an author who witnessed a wide variety of cultures with his own eyes.

[Yeah Way]

How did I not know this existed? 

 

Well, favourite book has to be "1984", by George Orwell, who's also my favourite author, along with Terry Pratchett. 

 

I'm currently reading the Haruhi Suzumiya light novel series, having recently finished Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy".

[Zalor]

having recently finished Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy".

 

Wow, I just finished the Inferno a few months ago for my Seminar course. I was about one of the only people in my class who actually read it instead of using the Sparknotes. -.- How was the Purgatorio and the Paradiso? I was told that those two works aren't as interesting as the Inferno.

[DawnWolf]

 

Well, favourite book has to be "1984", by George Orwell, who's also my favourite author, along with Terry Pratchett. 

Mmm yeah, I enjoyed that book. Actually that book was what originally got me into researching socialism and communism, which then lead into studying politics. 

 

Anyways if you guys enjoy high fantasy, I'd greatly recommend The Seven Realms series (in order: The Demon King, The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne, The Crimson Crown) by Cinda Chima. My favorite author and favorite book series of all time. Good combination of romance, action, politics, and most else of what you'll find in high fantasy.

 

Another recommendation is Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series, but these require some getting used to (not to mention they're adult romance/action) and the series is freaking huge (24ish books, took me three months to read them all). 

 

Currently reading The Mists of Avalon. I'm only about a fifth of the way through, but if you like Authorian lore (SABBBBBBBBBERRR) it's a good read.

[Yeah Way]

Wow, I just finished the Inferno a few months ago for my Seminar course. I was about one of the only people in my class who actually read it instead of using the Sparknotes. -.- How was the Purgatorio and the Paradiso? I was told that those two works aren't as interesting as the Inferno.

Purgatorio and Paradiso are both good as well. Inferno's better, sure: Virgil is a much better companion than Beatrice. But it's certainly not to an extent that warrants it being read (and even SOLD) on its own. It's probably because people lack the patience to read the rest, or because the other two acts aren't really necessary academic studies. You're missing out, if you enjoyed Inferno.

 

First time I read 1984 I got really depressed.  I mean, it's a good book, but geez, such a downer.  Poor Winston.  Hard to read the chapters near the end.

IKR? I cried at the end of "1984". ^^b Funnily enough, it wasn't until a few years later that I learnt just how much of a direct parody "1984" was of Stalin's USSR.

 

Mmm yeah, I enjoyed that book. Actually that book was what originally got me into researching socialism and communism, which then lead into studying politics. 

 

Anyways if you guys enjoy high fantasy, I'd greatly recommend The Seven Realms series (in order: The Demon King, The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne, The Crimson Crown) by Cinda Chima. My favorite author and favorite book series of all time. Good combination of romance, action, politics, and most else of what you'll find in high fantasy.

 

Another recommendation is Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series, but these require some getting used to (not to mention they're adult romance/action) and the series is freaking huge (24ish books, took me three months to read them all). 

 

Currently reading The Mists of Avalon. I'm only about a fifth of the way through, but if you like Authorian lore (SABBBBBBBBBERRR) it's a good read.

Ooh, sounds good. Might look into that "Seven Realms" series.

[Kurisu-Chan]

I'm not what we can call a bookworm, but i like reading sometimes, my favourite writer of all time is Jules Verne, i like his vision of science fiction, i also like his writing style.

 

"Les Misérables", from Victor Hugo, the feels, just the feels, the story of Jean Val Jean and Cosette, just beautiful.

 

The bourne trilogy, Some of Tom Clancy's work.

 

The Halo Books, as a fanboy.

 

The books from the Dumas dynasty.

Papillon, the true story of a french prisonner who was victim of injustice and sent to prison in la Guyanne, it's like Prison break but in a isle and in the past,and it's true story.

 

As you can read, my favourite genres are science fiction, adventure, a bit of romance mixed with feels and techno thrillers.

[Tenkuru]

My favorite novel is definitely Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria by EIji Mikage! 

[babiker]

Freaking Eragon. My personal first fantasy series. Recommend it to just about anyone looking for a good story, or characters, or... well, anything. I read all the books together about... over 20 times, no kidding. I had to burn the books to stop rereading them... though I suppose I'm just  a fanboyy...

And if you haven't watched star wars, all the more reason for you to read it. (people say the stories are very similar, to the point the it feels like a ripoff. I didn't watch star wars, of course )

[crunchytaco]

It's been awhile, but Ender's Game by Orson Scott, and all the follow up books and side-stories. I want to see a Visual Novel made out of them. Real life children actors are just shit.

 

Sword of Truth by by Terry Goodkind. If you like Fantasy, Heroics, Adventure and Romance read these. It's what got me into A Song of Ice and Fire.

 

Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay. Another great fantasy book.

 

Chronicles of the Black Company, Return of the black Company, Many Deaths of the Black Company by Glenn Cook. Highly regarded novels in the fantasy community. 

 

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapowski. Adapted on to become one of the best Western RPGs of the past decade. These are short stories written on Geralt of Rivia and his encounters with both human and monsters. Who are really the monsters though? If you like the book, play the games. 

 

 

Eternal Champion by Michael Moorcock. Not as good as I remembered it when I was younger. Story telling is a bit shoddy. Still contains compelling fantasy scenarios about a guy who wakes up and finds himself in a different heroes body each time. This book is the inspiration for Berserk's main character Gutts. 

[BookwormOtaku]

I have begun the monumental task of rereading The Wheel of Time series just so I'll know how it ends; I read the series back when I was in middle school until my freshman year of high school when I finished the current book at the time which I think was "Path of Daggers". Ended up dropping the series figuring I'd just pick it up again whenever it was finished...and I think many of you know how that turned out regarding the author. Now that the series has completed...I've pretty much forgotten 90% of what I read hence the reason I'm rereading. So far I'm enjoying rediscovering this series as the writing is better than I remember (though just as slow)...though so far any scene between Rand and Egwene is starting to get on my nerves and I think I felt the same way back when I was first reading this series.

[DimDito]

I can't bring myself to read, I get distracted quite easliy. I find it much easier to read visual novels since its music, art, and atmosphere sort of locks you in the immersion. But no, not books, I tend to lose myself mid-page and find myself re-reading an entire paragraph because of it.

 

Though I have read some nonetheless and my favorite would be The Song of Ice and Fire epic, particularly the first book.

[crunchytaco]

I can't bring myself to read, I get distracted quite easliy. I find it much easier to read visual novels since it's music, art, and atmosphere sort of locks you in the immersion. But no, not books, I tend to lose myself mid-page and find myself re-reading an entire paragraph because of it.

 

Though I have read some nonetheless and my favorite would be The Song of Ice and Fire epic, particularly the first book.

 

Aw, part of the fun of books is imagining the art and music inside your head that no human can draw (or compose) and no graphics card can process. I agree VN's make it a lot easier though. 

 

The Song of Ice and Fire TV series came very close to my imaginations though. 

[DimDito]

Aw, part of the fun of books is imagining the art and music inside your head that no human can draw (or compose) and no graphics card can process. I agree VN's make it a lot easier though. 

 

The Song of Ice and Fire TV series came very close to my imaginations though. 

Which is why I read very, very slowly. Visual is my strongest perceptive ability, when I read I try to imagine a good movie in my head. I can't read any other way, but it gets inevitably tiring to imagine everything. It's a good way to explore your imagination, but I'm a very detailed person so visualizing a scenario takes way longer than it should.

 

For instance, when it says "a parlor glamoured with flushed brick walls, an old wooden table and the stench of blood" I build the room in my head, along with the furniture. But then it says "James took a slow step into the darkness, cautiously, before he rests his eyes upon an old letter on the old table by the corner of the room." I need to reimagine the room so that the table is in the corner, because earlier on I imagined it to be in the center. This happens often and restructuring the scenario over and over again ruins the "cinematic experience". It's the little things that make it tedious.

 

On the other hand, a movie gives you a quick and definite outlook of the setting and characters. Moreover, it lets you explore the imagination of someone else, which may be full of things that you may never think of when you imagine the scenario by yourself. If there's another way to 'explore your imagination' other than visualizing it, you may enlighten my right now.

[Life]

I heard of a book called 'The Book Thief' If anyone has read it, is it a good book to read? I read books a lot so I don't mind if its overly long or anything. Just wondering if it's worth should picking up.

[crunchytaco]

Which is why I read very, very slowly. Visual is my strongest perceptive ability, when I read I try to imagine a good movie in my head. I can't read any other way, but it gets inevitably tiring to imagine everything. It's a good way to explore your imagination, but I'm a very detailed person so visualizing a scenario takes way longer than it should.

 

For instance, when it says "a parlor glamoured with flushed brick walls, an old wooden table and the stench of blood" I build the room in my head, along with the furniture. But then it says "James took a slow step into the darkness, cautiously, before he rests his eyes upon an old letter on the old table by the corner of the room." I need to reimagine the room so that the table is in the corner, because earlier on I imagined it to be in the center. This happens often and restructuring the scenario over and over again ruins the "cinematic experience". It's the little things that make it tedious.

 

On the other hand, a movie gives you a quick and definite outlook of the setting and characters. Moreover, it lets you explore the imagination of someone else, which may be full of things that you may never think of when you imagine the scenario by yourself. If there's another way to 'explore your imagination' other than visualizing it, you may enlighten my right now.

 

Well I imagine your reading must be rough

 

Narrator: ...A parlor glamoured with flushed brick walls, an old wooden table...you're reading ahead again aren't you? Every time I mention a table you start decorating my room like it's your own house. I definitely do not like my table here in the center. No, please put back it back in the corner.

 

DimDito: ...

 

Narrator: Hand me the cheese basket will ya.

 

And how do Japanese VN's resolve this restructuring problem of yours  ? VN's are not exactly a Disney riding experience. They are mostly still sprites and recycled backgrounds. Most of the visualization processes are still happening through texts. If you run into this problem with a textbook, you will likely run into this problem with VNs. If anything, I imagine it would be worse since VN's are arguably less descriptive in their use of languages than a classic textbook. They rely on low budget graphics and special effects; and underpaid voice actors which can be a crux later on if it cuts into the budget (which often is always the case.)

 

I don't have a problem with whatever medium the author chooses to conceptualize his ideas on. I am happy as long he finishes getting his point across. But I still like having the option of having my own imaginations from time to time though. Having a "definite outlook" on things often lock it into a fixed state.

 

I love English because it is one of the richest languages for literary in the world. The author's imagination is limited only by his versatility in it. I love an author who picks his words carefully without either skimping on details or going overboard with flowery and unnecessary descriptions. In the hands of a capable writer, the images in my mind are more vivid than any movie set or theme ride can offer. It is not only images that start to dance; but it also invokes each of my five senses alive. So if you are asking me if there are other ways to imagining than "visualizing", then I would start by seeing more with your mind's eyes if you had not. 

 

She entered very carefully, moving silently, floating through the chamber like a phantom; the only sound was that of her mantle brushing her naked skin... He did not move, did not stir. The girl flitted closer, threw off her mantle and slowly, hesitantly, rested her knee on the edge of the large bed. He observed her through lowered lashes, still not betraying his wakefulness. The girl carefully climbed onto the bedclothes, and onto him, wrapping her thighs around him. Leaning forward on straining arms, she brushed his face with her hair which smelled of chamomile. Determined, and as if impatient, she leaned over and touched his eyelids, cheeks, lips with the tips of her breasts... Her eyes, glimpsed when her face came close to his, were huge and dark as the eyes of a water nyph. Rocked, he sank into a sea of chamomile as it grew agitated and seethed.

 

H scenes have become the topic of parody around here, but I still enjoy them . Sex is very tasty if done right in an adult novel. I can not take them seriously though ever when the mood is not set by a strong writer. 

[Mr. Meogii]

I heard of a book called 'The Book Thief' If anyone has read it, is it a good book to read? I read books a lot so I don't mind if its overly long or anything. Just wondering if it's worth should picking up.

A really good Read! I read it a year ago.

[Life]

A really good Read! I read it a year ago.

Cool thanks! I'll check it out.

[mr0cheese]

Books? Oh, this is gonna be good. 

 

I'm a bookworm, I can't help it. Started with my mom reading those really old (Not really, since it was '98-'99ish) Disney book adaptations of movies like The Prince and the Pauper, Toy Story, Cinderella and the like to me as a toddler. I essentially BEGGED her to teach me how to read for myself, and I got to the point where I used to bring Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone to my Kindergarten class to read. 

 

Yeah, I was weird. Used to get in trouble in grade school for always reading in class.

 

Anyways, my favorite books are the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling (I can't help it, I LITERALLY grew up with those books), the entirety of the Deltora series by Emily Rodda, and the Circle of Magic series by Tamora Pierce.

 

Anything fantasy or having to do with magic (which is fantasy in itself, I suppose) is guaranteed to catch my interest.

[DimDito]

And how do Japanese VN's resolve this restructuring problem of yours  ? VN's are not exactly a Disney riding experience. They are mostly still sprites and recycled backgrounds. Most of the visualization processes are still happening through texts. If you run into this problem with a textbook, you will likely run into this problem with VNs. If anything, I imagine it would be worse since VN's are arguably less descriptive in their use of languages than a classic textbook. They rely on low budget graphics and special effects; and underpaid voice actors which can be a crux later on if it cuts into the budget (which often is always the case.)

 

I don't have a problem with whatever medium the author chooses to conceptualize his ideas on. I am happy as long he finishes getting his point across. But I still like having the option of having my own imaginations from time to time though. Having a "definite outlook" on things often lock it into a fixed state.

 

I love English because it is one of the richest languages for literary in the world. The author's imagination is limited only by his versatility in it. I love an author who picks his words carefully without either skimping on details or going overboard with flowery and unnecessary descriptions. In the hands of a capable writer, the images in my mind are more vivid than any movie set or theme ride can offer. It is not only images that start to dance; but it also invokes each of my five senses alive. So if you are asking me if there are other ways to imagining than "visualizing", then I would start by seeing more with your mind's eyes if you had not. 

 

She entered very carefully, moving silently, floating through the chamber like a phantom; the only sound was that of her mantle brushing her naked skin... He did not move, did not stir. The girl flitted closer, threw off her mantle and slowly, hesitantly, rested her knee on the edge of the large bed. He observed her through lowered lashes, still not betraying his wakefulness. The girl carefully climbed onto the bedclothes, and onto him, wrapping her thighs around him. Leaning forward on straining arms, she brushed his face with her hair which smelled of chamomile. Determined, and as if impatient, she leaned over and touched his eyelids, cheeks, lips with the tips of her breasts... Her eyes, glimpsed when her face came close to his, were huge and dark as the eyes of a water nyph. Rocked, he sank into a sea of chamomile as it grew agitated and seethed.

Visual novels do the thinking for me. Not all of them, but a whole lot. Some people might look down on this as being utterly lazy, but truth betold I am lazy and it's not something to be ashamed of. The best food are made the best cooks, and you most probably aren't one. Anyway, visual novels define among other things the characters, voices, settings, music, effects, despite being small they ultimately make up the overall tone. Most of the problems I have are thereby solved already, and some I figure out by myself from the tone. Sole description via text is still lacking compared to the background of a VN plus even more description from its text. Even so, there are still some VNs out there with poor narrative orientation. e.g. Rewrite.

 

So here lies exactly the problem, how much of the "author's point" comes across, and that depends on what media it's told through. I tend to miss a lot of things. Still, visual novels aren't as clear as motion picture, but that's just the way I like it. Like you, I enjoy using my imagination from time to time, and whatever the visual novel doesn't fix I'll just figure something out. It's not as tiring as a story told entirely through text, but it still leaves a lot to the imagination. Now that I think of it, that is most probably why I love visual novels.

 

And I love English as well. It's implemented brilliantly in my favorite series of books, but just as there are some things explained better through words, there are some other things explained better through imagery, and what I am is a lazy bum who prefers the latter. Visual novels and books can be just as thrilling as a Disney riding experience, thus the phrase "emotional roller coaster", so be sure to not underestimate the power of storytelling. 

 

I understand and respect all the book readers out there who choose to take the time to enhance their creativity by reading. That said, despite being lethargic, I'm actually a very creative person. But really, this media isn't suited for me. 

[crunchytaco]

Visual novels do the thinking for me. Not all of them, but a whole lot. Some people might look down on this as being utterly lazy, but truth betold I am lazy and it's not something to be ashamed of. The best food are made the best cooks, and you most probably aren't one. Anyway, visual novels define among other things the characters, voices, settings, music, effects, despite being small they ultimately make up the overall tone. Most of the problems I have are thereby solved already, and some I figure out by myself from the tone. Sole description via text is still lacking compared to the background of a VN plus even more description from its text. Even so, there are still some VNs out there with poor narrative orientation. e.g. Rewrite.

 

So here lies exactly the problem, how much of the "author's point" comes across, and that depends on what media it's told through. I tend to miss a lot of things. Still, visual novels aren't as clear as motion picture, but that's just the way I like it. Like you, I enjoy using my imagination from time to time, and whatever the visual novel doesn't fix I'll just figure something out. It's not as tiring as a story told entirely through text, but it still leaves a lot to the imagination. Now that I think of it, that is most probably why I love visual novels.

 

And I love English as well. It's implemented brilliantly in my favorite series of books, but just as there are some things explained better through words, there are some other things explained better through imagery, and what I am is a lazy bum who prefers the latter. Visual novels and books can be just as thrilling as a Disney riding experience, thus the phrase "emotional roller coaster", so be sure to not underestimate the power of storytelling. 

 

I understand and respect all the book readers out there who choose to take the time to enhance their creativity by reading. That said, despite being lethargic, I'm actually a very creative person. But really, this media isn't suited for me. 

 

No medium is superior to the other and what works for you works for me. We all wouldn't be here if we didn't share similar interest in VNs. I understand your viewpoint on books better now though. Thank you.

[Cofee]

I love books, it was fun to leave.

Right now I'm reading "Master and Margarita".

[BookwormOtaku]

Sword of Truth by by Terry Goodkind. If you like Fantasy, Heroics, Adventure and Romance read these. It's what got me into A Song of Ice and Fire.

 

 

That's another series I left hanging back in high school waiting for the final volume and need to finish (though I remember it way better than Wheel of Time). I don't want any specific details, but is the ending good? Also how is the sequel series?

[crunchytaco]

That's another series I left hanging back in high school waiting for the final volume and need to finish (though I remember it way better than Wheel of Time). I don't want any specific details, but is the ending good? Also how is the sequel series?

I would say it's not worth your time. Keep those good memories you had and avoid. Most people agree that the last volume is an outlet for Goodkin's political ramblings (Richard is used as a podium), with nothing happening in the books. He should learn from Orson Scott to separate your insane real life ideologies with your fictional ones so as to not ruin your characters. The author hadn't wrote a single good book after the volume before that I believe, including the sequel series you're referring to (which based upon reviews, I have no motivation to pick up.)

[krill]

my mom knowing hp lovecraft is my all time favorite writer bought me this for  my birthday this month i cant wait to get home crack it open an re-read all my old fave stories from the true master of cosmic horror and weird fiction. http://www.amazon.com/H-P-Lovecraft-Horror-Classics/dp/1435140370/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406008189&sr=1-4&keywords=h+p+lovecraft+hardcover

[arakura]

I really need to read more. I have quite a few sci-fi and fantasy books on my shelves, and WAAAAY more on a list on my computer, but I tend to watch anime, read manga, and read vns more often (but I need to read more because Dune is SOOO GOOD AND I'M SURE THERE'S SO MUCH MORE AMAZING STUFF WAITING FOR ME ON THE OTHER SIDE)