[img:$uid]http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://theknowledgeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ancient67.jpg&sa=X&ei=SlLNT4PNIcrWtAaD6d3yBg&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNGKyDsy4ly2NmhxxKOCcmiYJ5G6Pg[/img:$uid]

Since I'm in Greece, I thought I'd catch up on some mythology, but those gods were petty and it's starting to annoy me.

[img:$uid]http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://cdn103.iofferphoto.com/img3/item/475/474/342/a-game-of-thrones-5-audiobooks-george-r-r-martin-4e7a.jpg&sa=X&ei=uFLNT4iLG4XAswb21ZGyBg&ved=0CAkQ8wc4Cg&usg=AFQjCNE5kxXsvbl-NaiBmkir4sWcB6dhLg[/img:$uid]

Just cracked this one open.

[img:$uid]http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://i43.tower.com/images/mm114904759/memoirs-prague-executioner-josef-svatek-paperback-cover-art.jpg&sa=X&ei=CFPNT8DDO4HmtQbmxfTuBg&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNFMGgcqw2JWwxyK-832vWrqiPDhDg[/img:$uid]

About halfway through this one. It's based on the actual journal of an executioner from the 16th century. Pretty interesting.

[img:$uid]http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WCj8omckL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg&sa=X&ei=XVPNT-fPGojfsgbs6_DgBg&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNH4rK6_qVW1UfdUjA21BZ1cgKvS0g[/img:$uid]

For those of you who are into Shades of Grey, you should check out this series of books. The storyline is way more interesting and it should still satisfy your -uh- desires. In fact, even if you don't like Shades of Grey, you should check out the Kushiel books.

Those 'Shades of Grey' books (or 'that', not really sure), have made the news so much that I believe a lot of their popularity has to do with curiosity at the moment. There was multiple news stories about them online, in print, on the daytime talk circuit and on the nightly news. Both about how they're part of a new 'genre' and because they were banned, and then unbanned, at some libraries.

CallMeCarrie said:

Since I'm in Greece, I thought I'd catch up on some mythology, but those gods were petty and it's starting to annoy me.

What are you doing in Greece?

Where in Greece are you?

What's the atmospere like? I'm reading about companies retracting their solvants because they want to be prepared for an exit of European Union.

dJJ said:

CallMeCarrie said:

Since I'm in Greece, I thought I'd catch up on some mythology, but those gods were petty and it's starting to annoy me.

What are you doing in Greece?

Where in Greece are you?

What's the atmospere like? I'm reading about companies retracting their solvants because they want to be prepared for an exit of European Union.

I'm on Sifnos, currently during nothing but I will have to do some work towards the end of the month.

The atmosphere on the island is quiet. They have the elections on June 17th and I'm sure there will be protests to say the least, in Athens. I've heard that they think the elections will support the bailout, so they won't drop out of the EU. I've been told by the islanders that they are just now starting to feel a drop in tourism, so it took a couple years to impact them. I'm on a small island though. I'm not sure if it is the same for some of the more popular destinations.

Cerebus said:

Those 'Shades of Grey' books (or 'that', not really sure), have made the news so much that I believe a lot of their popularity has to do with curiosity at the moment. There was multiple news stories about them online, in print, on the daytime talk circuit and on the nightly news. Both about how they're part of a new 'genre' and because they were banned, and then unbanned, at some libraries.

New genre? Aren't they just glorified Harlequin romances?

You're reading them, aren't you?!?

BTW - I just finished Ender's Game...loved it.

CallMeCarrie said:

dJJ said:

What are you doing in Greece?

Where in Greece are you?

What's the atmospere like? I'm reading about companies retracting their solvants because they want to be prepared for an exit of European Union.

I'm on Sifnos, currently during nothing but I will have to do some work towards the end of the month.

The atmosphere on the island is quiet. They have the elections on June 17th and I'm sure there will be protests to say the least, in Athens. I've heard that they think the elections will support the bailout, so they won't drop out of the EU. I've been told by the islanders that they are just now starting to feel a drop in tourism, so it took a couple years to impact them. I'm on a small island though. I'm not sure if it is the same for some of the more popular destinations.

I'm afraid the Greecs haven't realized that the last elections were pivotal. I mean, even if this time they can form a governement who feels like adhering to EU standards, I'm afraid these elections are a little bit too late. The Greek government hasn't behaved in way that generates confidence that they will solve their problems.

I feel bad for the people. I hope their government will be able to loan money at the end of June, so they can pay at least some bills.

I fear the worst for them though. Other European countries don't feel like paying (aka giving) their millions to the Greeks again. Unfortunately Greece has lost sympathy. And with that, a lot of tourists from Europe. I feel bad the Greek people have to endure this.

Well, I hope you enjoy your time there.

Back to books

Did you ever read The Alienist by Carr? I really loved that one

CallMeCarrie said:

Cerebus said:

Those 'Shades of Grey' books (or 'that', not really sure), have made the news so much that I believe a lot of their popularity has to do with curiosity at the moment. There was multiple news stories about them online, in print, on the daytime talk circuit and on the nightly news. Both about how they're part of a new 'genre' and because they were banned, and then unbanned, at some libraries.

New genre? Aren't they just glorified Harlequin romances?

You're reading them, aren't you?!?

BTW - I just finished Ender's Game...loved it.

Oh-haha No

Not that I'm looking down upon them or anything. Anybody who picks up anything and reads it gets kudos from me. A book, no matter what kind it is, even better. You're still using your brain, expanding the world in your mind. I'm just a big fan of reading in general.

So, they're "erotic fiction", obviously. But that wasn't what I read this new genre was being called. It was something that moved it out of the "Harlequin Romance" area and into some kind of women empowerment thing. I guess its because even though some of the books involve some pretty heavy sexual elements (including things like BDSM), it's still being done by by women who are making choices to be in those situations and aren't doing so as a reward for a man who "rescued" them. Some shit like that. I can't remember what the exact words for it were, though.

Love Ender's Game. LOVE. IT. I battled with including it as one of my two favorite books. If you dug that one PLEASE give the next few books a try. They get progressively more challenging to read as they venture off into more philosophical and metaphysical weirdness. But if you can get through them they're very rewarding. The first sequel, 'Speaker For The Dead', won the same awards as 'Ender's Game'. At least it used to be the 'first' sequel. Card went and wrote a bunch of other books that fit in between the original releases in the series and is planning on writing even more, including some prequel stuff set before 'Ender's Game'. But if get the chance, give 'Speaker for the Dead', 'Xenocide' and 'Children of the Mind' a chance.

Do you know much about Orson Scott Card?

[Edited 6/4/12 18:58pm]

dJJ said:

CallMeCarrie said:

I'm on Sifnos, currently during nothing but I will have to do some work towards the end of the month.

The atmosphere on the island is quiet. They have the elections on June 17th and I'm sure there will be protests to say the least, in Athens. I've heard that they think the elections will support the bailout, so they won't drop out of the EU. I've been told by the islanders that they are just now starting to feel a drop in tourism, so it took a couple years to impact them. I'm on a small island though. I'm not sure if it is the same for some of the more popular destinations.

I'm afraid the Greecs haven't realized that the last elections were pivotal. I mean, even if this time they can form a governement who feels like adhering to EU standards, I'm afraid these elections are a little bit too late. The Greek government hasn't behaved in way that generates confidence that they will solve their problems.

I feel bad for the people. I hope their government will be able to loan money at the end of June, so they can pay at least some bills.

I fear the worst for them though. Other European countries don't feel like paying (aka giving) their millions to the Greeks again. Unfortunately Greece has lost sympathy. And with that, a lot of tourists from Europe. I feel bad the Greek people have to endure this.

Well, I hope you enjoy your time there.

Back to books

Did you ever read The Alienist by Carr? I really loved that one

Well I'll do all I can to at least support the economy while I'm here.

Never read The Alienist. Is it a summer read or a thinker?

Cerebus said:

CallMeCarrie said:

New genre? Aren't they just glorified Harlequin romances?

You're reading them, aren't you?!?

BTW - I just finished Ender's Game...loved it.

Oh-haha No

Not that I'm looking down upon them or anything. Anybody who picks up anything and reads it gets kudos from me. A book, no matter what kind it is, even better. You're still using your brain, expanding the world in your mind. I'm just a big fan of reading in general.

So, they're "erotic fiction", obviously. But that wasn't what I read this new genre was being called. It was something that moved it out of the "Harlequin Romance" area and into some kind of women empowerment thing. I guess its because even though some of the books involve some pretty heavy sexual elements (including things like BDSM), it's still being done by by women who are making choices to be in those situations and aren't doing so as a reward for a man who "rescued" them. Some shit like that. I can't remember what the exact words for it were, though.

Love Ender's Game. LOVE. IT. I battled with including it as one of my two favorite books. If you dug that one PLEASE give the next few books a try. They get progressively more challenging to read as they venture off into more philosophical and metaphysical weirdness. But if you can get through them they're very rewarding. The first sequel, 'Speaker For The Dead', won the same awards as 'Ender's Game'. At least it used to be the 'first' sequel. Card went and wrote a bunch of other books that fit in between the original releases in the series and is planning on writing even more, including some prequel stuff set before 'Ender's Game'. But if get the chance, give 'Speaker for the Dead', 'Xenocide' and 'Children of the Mind' a chance.

Do you know much about Orson Scott Card?

[Edited 6/4/12 18:58pm]

I've got Speaker for the Dead on my list to download once I'm done with a Game of Thrones. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next and I'm hoping poor little Ender gets out of his funky mood. That child needs a little happiness. I know nothing about Orson Scott Card. Is there something juicy to know?

I am fan of reading, too. And I have to admit that I love when there is a strong female lead character. I'd probably love Shades of Grey.

Just by coincidence right after I started reading I ended up doing some minor service (oil change, chassis lube) to a 1930 Rolls Royce she once owned

CallMeCarrie said:

dJJ said:

I'm afraid the Greecs haven't realized that the last elections were pivotal. I mean, even if this time they can form a governement who feels like adhering to EU standards, I'm afraid these elections are a little bit too late. The Greek government hasn't behaved in way that generates confidence that they will solve their problems.

I feel bad for the people. I hope their government will be able to loan money at the end of June, so they can pay at least some bills.

I fear the worst for them though. Other European countries don't feel like paying (aka giving) their millions to the Greeks again. Unfortunately Greece has lost sympathy. And with that, a lot of tourists from Europe. I feel bad the Greek people have to endure this.

Well, I hope you enjoy your time there.

Back to books

Did you ever read The Alienist by Carr? I really loved that one

Well I'll do all I can to at least support the economy while I'm here.

Never read The Alienist. Is it a summer read or a thinker?

I'm very proud of you! You sure do take care of the welfare of so many people! How's the uzo?

Alienist is great summer reader, as it's successor 'Angel of Darkness'.

And like everything by Sandor Marai. I really think Sandor Marai is a must read, can't die before you'v read his books.

I also like 'My summer with George' by Marilyn French.

Did you (or other orgers) have read Leighton Gage? Recommandable?

Cerebus said:

aardvark15 said:

[img:$uid]http://www.neilgaiman.com/works/images/AmericanGods_MassMarketPaperback_1185415388.jpg[/img:$uid]

This is on my re-read list. Love that damn book.

Because you guys recommended it, I bought it.

A man that I love saw it lying around and was thrilled I knew the author and read the book.

So, thank you for making me look good!

Unfortunately it wasn't enough to keep him.

Cerebus said:

CallMeCarrie said:

New genre? Aren't they just glorified Harlequin romances?

You're reading them, aren't you?!?

BTW - I just finished Ender's Game...loved it.

Oh-haha No

Not that I'm looking down upon them or anything. Anybody who picks up anything and reads it gets kudos from me. A book, no matter what kind it is, even better. You're still using your brain, expanding the world in your mind. I'm just a big fan of reading in general.

So, they're "erotic fiction", obviously. But that wasn't what I read this new genre was being called. It was something that moved it out of the "Harlequin Romance" area and into some kind of women empowerment thing. I guess its because even though some of the books involve some pretty heavy sexual elements (including things like BDSM), it's still being done by by women who are making choices to be in those situations and aren't doing so as a reward for a man who "rescued" them. Some shit like that. I can't remember what the exact words for it were, though.

Love Ender's Game. LOVE. IT. I battled with including it as one of my two favorite books. If you dug that one PLEASE give the next few books a try. They get progressively more challenging to read as they venture off into more philosophical and metaphysical weirdness. But if you can get through them they're very rewarding. The first sequel, 'Speaker For The Dead', won the same awards as 'Ender's Game'. At least it used to be the 'first' sequel. Card went and wrote a bunch of other books that fit in between the original releases in the series and is planning on writing even more, including some prequel stuff set before 'Ender's Game'. But if get the chance, give 'Speaker for the Dead', 'Xenocide' and 'Children of the Mind' a chance.

Do you know much about Orson Scott Card?

[Edited 6/4/12 18:58pm]

Well, I do support anything that helps feminism.

Even if it's horrible quality books.

CallMeCarrie said:

I've got Speaker for the Dead on my list to download once I'm done with a Game of Thrones. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next and I'm hoping poor little Ender gets out of his funky mood. That child needs a little happiness. I know nothing about Orson Scott Card. Is there something juicy to know?

I am fan of reading, too. And I have to admit that I love when there is a strong female lead character. I'd probably love Shades of Grey.

Depends on what you think is juicy. I do think it affects the way his books read once you know a bit about his personal life, religion and political views. All of which I have no problem with, even though I strongly disagree with him on some of them. I have respect for anybody who is willing to use their freedom of speech and not backpedal because their opinions may be seen as "unpopular". However, it's probably better if you just check out his Wiki page instead of me posting a few thousand words here that kill the thread.

Oh yeah?

Cerebus said:

CallMeCarrie said:

I've got Speaker for the Dead on my list to download once I'm done with a Game of Thrones. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next and I'm hoping poor little Ender gets out of his funky mood. That child needs a little happiness. I know nothing about Orson Scott Card. Is there something juicy to know?

I am fan of reading, too. And I have to admit that I love when there is a strong female lead character. I'd probably love Shades of Grey.

Depends on what you think is juicy. I do think it affects the way his books read once you know a bit about his personal life, religion and political views. All of which I have no problem with, even though I strongly disagree with him on some of them. I have respect for anybody who is willing to use their freedom of speech and not backpedal because their opinions may be seen as "unpopular". However, it's probably better if you just check out his Wiki page instead of me posting a few thousand words here that kill the thread.

Oh yeah?

For one thing, he's vehemently anti-gay. Like, actually believes that acts of gay sex should be against the law and prosecuted.

PunkMistress said:

Cerebus said:

Depends on what you think is juicy. I do think it affects the way his books read once you know a bit about his personal life, religion and political views. All of which I have no problem with, even though I strongly disagree with him on some of them. I have respect for anybody who is willing to use their freedom of speech and not backpedal because their opinions may be seen as "unpopular". However, it's probably better if you just check out his Wiki page instead of me posting a few thousand words here that kill the thread.

Oh yeah?

For one thing, he's vehemently anti-gay. Like, actually believes that acts of gay sex should be against the law and prosecuted.

You sure about that? He's vehemently anti-gay marraige and believes homosexuality is a sin, as do a great many people of faith. But I wasn't aware of that last statement being attributed to him. And I am actually looking for it right now.

OK... never mind. I found it. *sad sigh*

Laws against homosexual behavior should remain on the books, not to be indiscriminately enforced against anyone who happens to be caught violating them, but to be used when necessary to send a clear message that those who flagrantly violate society's regulation of sexual behavior cannot be permitted to remain as acceptable, equal citizens within that society.

The goal of the polity is not to put homosexuals in jail. The goal is to discourage people from engaging in homosexual practices in the first place, and, when they nevertheless proceed in their homosexual behavior, to encourage them to do so discreetly, so as not to shake the confidence of the community in the polity's ability to provide rules for safe, stable, dependable marriage and family relationships

Cerebus is going back to reading Harry Potter now. Where cool ass wizards can be gay and nobody cares.

Cerebus said:

OK... never mind. I found it. *sad sigh*

Laws against homosexual behavior should remain on the books, not to be indiscriminately enforced against anyone who happens to be caught violating them, but to be used when necessary to send a clear message that those who flagrantly violate society's regulation of sexual behavior cannot be permitted to remain as acceptable, equal citizens within that society.

The goal of the polity is not to put homosexuals in jail. The goal is to discourage people from engaging in homosexual practices in the first place, and, when they nevertheless proceed in their homosexual behavior, to encourage them to do so discreetly, so as not to shake the confidence of the community in the polity's ability to provide rules for safe, stable, dependable marriage and family relationships

Cerebus is going back to reading Harry Potter now. Where cool ass wizards can be gay and nobody cares.

Yeah.

I

Cerebus said:

OK... never mind. I found it. *sad sigh*

Laws against homosexual behavior should remain on the books, not to be indiscriminately enforced against anyone who happens to be caught violating them, but to be used when necessary to send a clear message that those who flagrantly violate society's regulation of sexual behavior cannot be permitted to remain as acceptable, equal citizens within that society.

The goal of the polity is not to put homosexuals in jail. The goal is to discourage people from engaging in homosexual practices in the first place, and, when they nevertheless proceed in their homosexual behavior, to encourage them to do so discreetly, so as not to shake the confidence of the community in the polity's ability to provide rules for safe, stable, dependable marriage and family relationships

Cerebus is going back to reading Harry Potter now. Where cool ass wizards can be gay and nobody cares.

Wow - ok. I don't think I can condone his anti gay views, but at the same time I am a little impressed that I didn't get an anti gay vibe AT ALL when reading Ender's Game. With as much societal and cultural/polical rhetoric that were thrown around in the first book alone, you would think that we'd at least get an inkling that he had such extreme views.

CallMeCarrie said:

I

Cerebus said:

OK... never mind. I found it. *sad sigh*

Cerebus is going back to reading Harry Potter now. Where cool ass wizards can be gay and nobody cares.

Wow - ok. I don't think I can condone his anti gay views, but at the same time I am a little impressed that I didn't get an anti gay vibe AT ALL when reading Ender's Game. With as much societal and cultural/polical rhetoric that were thrown around in the first book alone, you would think that we'd at least get an inkling that he had such extreme views.

And there's much more of what you picked up on in the later books. He's very pro-traditional Mormon family values. I think I knew about the stuff I posted above, too, but I put it out of my mind because I like the books so damn much. I did not, however, know about ANY of his political or religeous views when I first read the books, which was pretty much as they were being released. There's A LOT of his non-fiction op ed type stuff "out there" to be read, too. He seems like a very intelligent person, other than this one particular set of issues.

Just finished "The Language of Flowers".

In the process of reading "Quiet - The power of Introverts in a world that won't stop talking"

and "Beyond the Last Village, A journey of discovery in the Asia's forbidden Winderness".

Shanti0608 said:

"Quiet - The power of Introverts in a world that won't stop talking"

I'm not sure I buy the second class citizen, self-empowerment angle, but this sounds really interesting. I put it on my buy list.

Cerebus said:

Shanti0608 said:

"Quiet - The power of Introverts in a world that won't stop talking"

I'm not sure I buy the second class citizen, self-empowerment angle, but this sounds really interesting. I put it on my buy list.

I just grabbed it at the local library in the new book section. So far it has just explored some powerful humans that just happened to be introverts, like Rosa Parks.

I am still reading through the introduction section.

Shanti0608 said:

Cerebus said:

I'm not sure I buy the second class citizen, self-empowerment angle, but this sounds really interesting. I put it on my buy list.

I just grabbed it at the local library in the new book section. So far it has just explored some powerful humans that just happened to be introverts, like Rosa Parks.

I am still reading through the introduction section.

The Amazon page for it is huge. There's an interview with the author, a lot of review blurbs and a ton of customer reviews.

Cerebus said:

Shanti0608 said:

I just grabbed it at the local library in the new book section. So far it has just explored some powerful humans that just happened to be introverts, like Rosa Parks.

I am still reading through the introduction section.

The Amazon page for it is huge. There's an interview with the author, a lot of review blurbs and a ton of customer reviews.

Cool, I never pay too much attention to reviews.

I forgot, I have another one started sitting by my bed, "Through the Language Glass". I am fascinated with linguistics and language.

I am halfway through:

[img:$uid]http://www.charlaineharris.com/covers/deadlocked.jpg[/img:$uid]

Then I have this still sitting in the Amazon box:

[img:$uid]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4TvmqOMefI/T0RPvM3WzRI/AAAAAAABA-U/IrpMUexAzU8/s1600/1the-wind-through-the-keyhole.jpg[/img:$uid]

Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

Also the Artemis Fowl series with my 8 year old. I love kids books!

chocolate1 said:

Then I have this still sitting in the Amazon box:

[img:$uid]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4TvmqOMefI/T0RPvM3WzRI/AAAAAAABA-U/IrpMUexAzU8/s1600/1the-wind-through-the-keyhole.jpg[/img:$uid]

Let me know what you think of this one. I had a hard time getting through the last Dark Tower book and wondered if it jumped the shark. Which is a shame because they started ouit so interesting.

chocolate1 said:

I am halfway through:

[img:$uid]http://www.charlaineharris.com/covers/deadlocked.jpg[/img:$uid]

Then I have this still sitting in the Amazon box:

[img:$uid]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4TvmqOMefI/T0RPvM3WzRI/AAAAAAABA-U/IrpMUexAzU8/s1600/1the-wind-through-the-keyhole.jpg[/img:$uid]

Erin, you and I have to discuss 11/22/63... it took me FOREVER to read that one!

Oh!

I went to orientation at Barnes and Noble last night... I was hired for the summer (and beyond)...

While I was there, I saw:

[img:$uid]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515prbkEWlL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg[/img:$uid]

I saw him play back in November, and it was, uh, interesting.

I'm curious to hear what he has to say...

(as soon as my employee discount kicks in! )