What are you reading?

[MOtorboat]

Not a novel, but...

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/05/23/magazine/joe-bryan-blood-forensics-murder.html?recId=152cH1GPwGou2asjSZcYLh8w9Dr&geoContinent=NA&geoRegion=NE&recAlloc=thompson_sampling&geoCountry=US&blockId=signature-journalism

[EastCoastBronco]

Marvel's graphic novels of Stephen King's The Gunslinger.
They are really well written and illustrated.
Why they didn't base the movie(s) on this chronology and series is beyond me.

[Poet]

Marvel's graphic novels of Stephen King's The Gunslinger.
They are really well written and illustrated.
Why they didn't base the movies on this chronology and series is beyond me.

I might pick those up.

[Hawgdriver]

I might pick those up.

Same. Thanks ecb. Happy belated, buddy.

[DanVan]

I am reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, and I am impressed!

[NightTrainLayne]

I am reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, and I am impressed!

Welcome to the board DanVan.

[Hawgdriver]

I mean, I could just set a sleep timer on my audiobook, too.

Update: I installed a tab sleep timer extension for Chrome and my dreams are back to normal.

I feel I've given you all a boon, a primer in how to generate some Del Toro-esque dreams if you ever have the hankering. Let Orwell's negative distopia narrate and imprison you in REM sleep.

[NightTrainLayne]

Update: I installed a tab sleep timer extension for Chrome and my dreams are back to normal.

I feel I've given you all a boon, a primer in how to generate some Del Toro-esque dreams if you ever have the hankering. Let Orwell's negative distopia narrate and imprison you in REM sleep.

You utilize audiobooks a lot? I never have "read" one that way.

But as I get older and have more demands on my time, I just don't have time to read vociferously like I used to. And now, when I finally get to the part of the day when I can read, I'll read a page and a half and find myself nodding off. It's supremely frustrating to a big reader like I used to be.

[BroncoJoe]

You utilize audiobooks a lot? I never have "read" one that way.

But as I get older and have more demands on my time, I just don't have time to read vociferously like I used to. And now, when I finally get to the part of the day when I can read, I'll read a page and a half and find myself nodding off. It's supremely frustrating to a big reader like I used to be.

This is me.

But - we only have one kid left at home now, so I'm hoping to get back into reading.

[Hawgdriver]

You utilize audiobooks a lot? I never have "read" one that way.

But as I get older and have more demands on my time, I just don't have time to read vociferously like I used to. And now, when I finally get to the part of the day when I can read, I'll read a page and a half and find myself nodding off. It's supremely frustrating to a big reader like I used to be.

Sadly, as much as I prefer text in many cases, I am reduced to audiobooks these days.

[MOtorboat]

I tried an audiobook twice, and I would miss large swaths of information because I'd be thinking about something else, or doing something else. I had to stick to text.

[Buff]

I tried an audiobook twice, and I would miss large swaths of information because I'd be thinking about something else, or doing something else. I had to stick to text.

I signed up for Audible this year with the hopes of getting back into books given my love of podcasts. I think I picked a shitty first book, lost interest, and now I just have like 6 unused credits because I forgot to cancel the subscription.

Any suggestions for non-fiction that is absolutely stellar?

[MOtorboat]

I signed up for Audible this year with the hopes of getting back into books given my love of podcasts. I think I picked a shitty first book, lost interest, and now I just have like 6 unused credits because I forgot to cancel the subscription.

Any suggestions for non-fiction that is absolutely stellar?

Alexander Hamilton (The source of the play).
The Last Night of the Yankees Dynasty (Buster Olney's book on the Game 7 in which the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees in 2001).
Heavier than Heaven (Curt Cobain bio).
Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy.

[Buff]

Alexander Hamilton (The source of the play).
The Last Night of the Yankees Dynasty (Buster Olney's book on the Game 7 in which the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees in 2001).
Heavier than Heaven (Curt Cobain bio).
Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy.

I read Heavier than Heaven in high school back when I still regularly read books. I think I'm looking for something a little weightier and a little more contemporary - though I do appreciate the suggestions.

[Valar Morghulis]

I read Heavier than Heaven in high school back when I still regularly read books. I think I'm looking for something a little weightier and a little more contemporary - though I do appreciate the suggestions.

12 rules for life. Jordan Peterson

[Poet]

12 rules for life. Jordan Peterson

That post makes me want to drink bleach!

[Valar Morghulis]

That post makes me want to drink bleach!

I want you to drink bleach

[Buff]

I want you to drink bleach

What did you like about the book?

[Poet]

What did you like about the book?

He's trolling you, Buff. Don't do this.

[Buff]

He's trolling you, Buff. Don't do this.

Wow here I am in here expressing some vulnerability and he just takes advantage of me.

[Poet]

Wow here I am in here expressing some vulnerability and he just takes advantage of me.

He's a beer-drinker, Buff. Just let me hold you and it will be okay. You can't trust Europeans, Buff.

[Poet]

I want you to drink bleach

If I was a real king this would land you in real trouble. Alas, I am just a fat Broncos fan on the internet.

[NightTrainLayne]

12 Rules for Life is a fine book. I'm about 2/3 of the way through it.

Peterson is not at all the monster campus Lefties want to make him out to be.

[BroncoJoe]

12 Rules for Life is a fine book. I'm about 2/3 of the way through it.

Peterson is not at all the monster campus Lefties want to make him out to be.

Yeah, but he is Canadian...

:couch:

[Poet]

12 Rules for Life is a fine book. I'm about 2/3 of the way through it.

Peterson is not at all the monster campus Lefties want to make him out to be.

I will relook at his work further, but man he's said some things that are beyond questionable, IMO.

[BroncoJoe]

I will relook at his work further, but man he's said some things that are beyond questionable, IMO.

So have you!

:drum:

[Poet]

So have you!

:drum:

I'm not a big time academic with a vast audience. I'm just me.

[MOtorboat]

I had never read The Old Man And The Sea.

I fixed that in one sitting this evening. Brilliant.

[Valar Morghulis]

I will relook at his work further, but man he's said some things that are beyond questionable, IMO.

Know your enemy king

[NightTrainLayne]

Know your enemy king

Surely King's enemy isn't reason. ;)

Most quick criticisms of Peterson have completely taken him out of context (which is easy to do with a guy who explores every nook and cranny of an issue) and turned him into something unrecognizable.

Valid criticisms basically boil down to, "he's just saying things other, smarter people already said hundreds of years ago." Which is true.

[Valar Morghulis]

Surely King's enemy isn't reason. ;)

Most quick criticisms of Peterson have completely taken him out of context (which is easy to do with a guy who explores every nook and cranny of an issue) and turned him into something unrecognizable.

Valid criticisms basically boil down to, "he's just saying things other, smarter people already said hundreds of years ago." Which is true.

Ok, I am confused. Why did people dislike him?

[NightTrainLayne]

Ok, I am confused. Why did people dislike him?

Quick answer: For lack of a better phrase, because he "thinks out loud", and will entertain and reject all kinds of notions as he works toward a solution/answer to a problem. Someone who does that opens themselves up to being taken out of context.

He also rejects vociferously the idea of "safe spaces" and all manner of groupthink.

Consequently, he doesn't have many allies in mainstream University campuses.

Maybe King87 can give a concrete example if he wants.

[Poet]

King87 is unable to provide any examples without crossing into P and R territory. He does think out loud, and that is a killer sometimes, which is unfortunate.

[NightTrainLayne]

King87 is unable to provide any examples without crossing into P and R territory. He does think out loud, and that is a killer sometimes, which is unfortunate.

Provocative is probably a good word for him.

I tend to like provocative guys/gals whatever side of whatever spectrum.

[Poet]

Law school has changed me a bit. Peterson is a modern philosopher, and I guess that's good. We need more prominent thinkers in the mainstream media.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

I had never read The Old Man And The Sea.

I fixed that in one sitting this evening. Brilliant.

It’s probably been 35 years since I read that book, and I can still remember being captured by it.

[Poet]

It’s probably been 35 years since I read that book, and I can still remember being captured by it.

Well, if a book captures you, you'd be a crappy whale for an old man to fish for. Or was that Moby Dick? Whatever. Water's water my man!

[aberdien]

Reaing materials for Dave if he would like to see Jordan Peterson through the lens of American politics:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-profound-sadness-in-jordan-petersons-antidote-to-chaos/2018/05/09/8e1be3a4-53bd-11e8-9c91-7dab596e8252_story.html?utm_term=.221b963efc84
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/feb/07/how-dangerous-is-jordan-b-peterson-the-rightwing-professor-who-hit-a-hornets-nest
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/03/05/jordan-petersons-gospel-of-masculinity
https://reason.com/archives/2018/06/13/jordan-peterson-vs-the-left
https://www.nationalreview.com/2017/06/jordan-p-peterson-self-help-guru-father-figure/

I have no opinion because it sounds boring to me.

[Poet]

Read John Rawls and just become ten times smarter, because that's the best philosophy that's realistic and grounded in reality.

[MOtorboat]

It’s probably been 35 years since I read that book, and I can still remember being captured by it.

Couldn’t put it down. Only took about 1:45 to read or so. I’m sure there are professors out there who’ve tried to bog it down with metaphor and other deeper meanings, but I’m guessing that Hemingway meant it just to be what it is, and that’s why I love his writing. Sometimes there aren’t deep meanings, allegories and metaphors. Sometimes shit just is.

[Valar Morghulis]

I know who peterson is, i have read some of his work and heard some of his youtube stuff.

i like him, i like his intelligence, but i disagree with about half of what he is famous for saying

i really enjoyed his second book, so much so, i might read maps of meaning

[aberdien]

Old Man and the Sea is my favorite fiction.

https://writingquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/Ernest-Hemingway-Quotes-Iceberg.jpg

"Hemingway said that only the tip of the iceberg showed in fiction—your reader will see only what is above the water—but the knowledge that you have about your character that never makes it into the story acts as the bulk of the iceberg. And that is what gives your story weight and gravitas." — Jenna Blum in The Author at Work, 2013

[Poet]

I know who peterson is, i have read some of his work and heard some of his youtube stuff.

i like him, i like his intelligence, but i disagree with about half of what he is famous for saying

i really enjoyed his second book, so much so, i might read maps of meaning

Here's a hot take - fifty years ago he would have struggled to, if he went the route of philosopher, struggled just to get published at all.

[Valar Morghulis]

Here's a hot take - fifty years ago he would have struggled to, if he went the route of philosopher, struggled just to get published at all.

well many of his ideas were kinda mainstream and "obvious" to the common man 50 years ago

[Poet]

well many of his ideas were kinda mainstream and "obvious" to the common man 50 years ago

I was being subtle in saying that we're ******* stupid these days. This is after I said it bluntly. Why did I do this?

Because that's just what I do.

Break down that philosophy.

But read John Rawls, please.

Also, I need something to read. Fiction. Something to make me feel hopeful.

[Valar Morghulis]

I was being subtle in saying that we're ******* stupid these days. This is after I said it bluntly. Why did I do this?

Because that's just what I do.

Break down that philosophy.

But read John Rawls, please.

Also, I need something to read. Fiction. Something to make me feel hopeful.

I don't read a great deal of fiction, sorry dude!

[Davii]

I was being subtle in saying that we're ******* stupid these days. This is after I said it bluntly. Why did I do this?

Because that's just what I do.

Break down that philosophy.

But read John Rawls, please.

Also, I need something to read. Fiction. Something to make me feel hopeful.

Ever read Turning Grace by J.Q. Davis?

[Valar Morghulis]

Ever read Turning Grace by J.Q. Davis?

Lol. I have!!!

[Poet]

Ever read Turning Grace by J.Q. Davis?

I feel as if I just bought this book online.

[Poet]

I'm fifty pages in, Davii. It's a fine book. I'll have to buy the hard copies and have your wife sign them.

[aberdien]

Getting rid of a bunch of books in my collection that i've read/will never read/will never need to reference.

Probably will narrow me down to about 25 books hopefully.

[Davii]

Getting rid of a bunch of books in my collection that i've read/will never read/will never need to reference.

Probably will narrow me down to about 25 books hopefully.

Three of those should be The Turning Series by the incomparable J.Q. Davis.

[Valar Morghulis]

Three of those should be The Turning Series by the incomparable J.Q. Davis.

I like to refer to the trilogy as amazing Grace

[Davii]

I like to refer to the trilogy as amazing Grace

Ohh! That’s going in an advert. (C) Val.

[Poet]

I’m about to finish the second half of the first book.

[Freyaka]

Three of those should be The Turning Series by the incomparable J.Q. Davis.

Lol... Your promotion in this thread is giving me a good laugh. I may have to just check the series out on Kindle Unlimited since it's available through there. I don't know that it'll be my style of book, but for the sake of Davii, I'll give it a shot :D

[Valar Morghulis]

Lol... Your promotion in this thread is giving me a good laugh. I may have to just check the series out on Kindle Unlimited since it's available through there. I don't know that it'll be my style of book, but for the sake of Davii, I'll give it a shot :D

buy the damn thing!!! buy 2 of each!!!

[Poet]

buy the damn thing!!! buy 2 of each!!!

Two!?!? I bought six!

[Valar Morghulis]

Two!?!? I bought six!

real friend real man

[Davii]

Two!?!? I bought six!

It’s a trilogy King, the laws of math require you buy three copies of each! 9!

[Poet]

It’s a trilogy King, the laws of math require you buy three copies of each! 9!

I'm sorry I let you down, sir. )=

[Davii]

I'm sorry I let you down, sir. )=

Do you plan on having children King? If so, you should invest in copies for them. I would advise a minimum of 9 copies of each book per possible child.

[Poet]

Do you plan on having children King? If so, you should invest in copies for them. I would advise a minimum of 9 copies of each book per possible child.

No kids.

[Davii]

No kids.

Nieces, nephews, kids living within 1000 yards of your primary residence?

[Poet]

Nieces, nephews, kids living within 1000 yards of your primary residence?

I'll have to do corporate law to keep up with this. )=

[Davii]

I'll have to do corporate law to keep up with this. )=

Perfect, perfect. You know, I believe that children are our future. Teach them well, let THEM lead the way.

[Poet]

Perfect, perfect. You know, I believe that children are our future. Teach them well, let THEM lead the way.

I never knew reading your wife's book would have such career and life changing ramifications for me.

[Davii]

I never knew reading your wife's book would have such career and life changing ramifications for me.

See? Don't you want that for ALL the kids King?

You're royalty, of course you do!

[Poet]

See? Don't you want that for ALL the kids King?

You're royalty, of course you do!

If I don't do civil rights work and just do corporate law for as much money as possible, I can give the kids the education they need because said education is these books.

It all makes sense now!

[Davii]

If I don't do civil rights work and just do corporate law for as much money as possible, I can give the kids the education they need because said education is these books.

It all makes sense now!

You're welcome!

[MasterShake]

Just finished Hillbilly Elegy by J.D Vance (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079L5DDB4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1). Fantastic book about how an entire culture is losing it's way and being forgotten and left in socioeconomic ruin. It's a reflection of the author, who grew up in the Appalachia region, and the people he grew up with and loves and also is frustrated by. A great examination of the working class and the working poor and how you can be a strong people but still need the strength to admit when things aren't working and wanting to find a better way instead of just being proud of coming from and staying in nothing. Heartbreaking and hopeful all at once, probably one of the most important and reflective books I've read in years.

[BroncoNut]

Jordan Peterson- 12 rules (or whatever)

[BroncoNut]

Just finished Hillbilly Elegy by J.D Vance (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079L5DDB4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1). Fantastic book about how an entire culture is losing it's way and being forgotten and left in socioeconomic ruin. It's a reflection of the author, who grew up in the Appalachia region, and the people he grew up with and loves and also is frustrated by. A great examination of the working class and the working poor and how you can be a strong people but still need the strength to admit when things aren't working and wanting to find a better way instead of just being proud of coming from and staying in nothing. Heartbreaking and hopeful all at once, probably one of the most important and reflective books I've read in years.

There's a book out there called the History of white trash. a co-worker had shown it to me and I've thought about picking it up. this sounds very similar.

[MasterShake]

There's a book out there called the History of white trash. a co-worker had shown it to me and I've thought about picking it up. this sounds very similar.

Never heard about that one but I will take a look. This book was really good though and I can't recommend it enough. Been on my shelf for a year and I regret putting it off so long. It's a culture I am not familiar with and it was a great examination of the how and why all the way up to the current issues with prescription drugs and extreme poverty. It's all at once a compliment and critical look at something he grew up in and escaped.

[BroncoNut]

Never heard about that one but I will take a look. This book was really good though and I can't recommend it enough. Been on my shelf for a year and I regret putting it off so long. It's a culture I am not familiar with and it was a great examination of the how and why all the way up to the current issues with prescription drugs and extreme poverty. It's all at once a compliment and critical look at something he grew up in and escaped.
white trash culture is really some creepy shit. Rednecks are cool, but whitetrash, even though they often have great weed, are a culture to be avoided imo.

[Hawgdriver]

Blockchain Revolution by Tapscott.

[elsid13]

Blockchain Revolution by Tapscott.

How do you like it? I'm also done with Grant by by ron chernow and i need something to read. BTW Grant is top notch.

[Hawgdriver]

How do you like it? I'm also done with Grant by by ron chernow and i need something to read. BTW Grant is top notch.

So far I like it. But I just encountered a bit of writing that makes me pause:


Propery rights are so inexorably tied to our system of capitalist demoncracy that Jefferson's first draft of the Declaration of Independence listed the inalienable rights of man as life, liberty, and the pursuit of property, not happiness. [citation] While those aspirational tenets laid the groundwork for the modern economy and society we enjoy in much of the developed world, to this day much of the world's population does not reap their benefits. Even though some progress has been made in the departments of life and liberty, a majority of the world's property holders can have their homes or their land seized arbitrarily by corrupt government functionaries, with the flick of a software switch in their centralized government property database...

I don't like all the supposition without citation.

It's a good philosophical yarn with practical use in light of a new technology that matters.

[Valar Morghulis]

Just finished the untethered soul.

Terrible.

A big bunch of esoteric nonsense with zero scientific evidence to support the whole premise.

[BroncoJoe]

Just finished the untethered soul.

Terrible.

A big bunch of esoteric nonsense with zero scientific evidence to support the whole premise.

So, right up your alley?

:heh:

[Freyaka]

Restarted the Wheel of Time series...Good bye rest of the year. I'll have that finished sometime in 2019.

[Nomad]

'Call of the Wild' My Escape to Alaska ~ Guy Grieve

I'm trying to start reading more. Hopefully this book peaks my interest.

[Hawgdriver]

Jack London! Kinda.

[Hawgdriver]

This weekend I was with my son at a Scouting thing for Webelos, I knew I'd need a book to pass the time, so I went to the local bookstore, Tattered Cover. It was fortuitous because one of the owners was working that location and he is a friend with similar tastes and he hooked me up with a friends and family discount (werd). I got more books than I meant to get before I went, but it's nice to support local bookstores that work hard on developing promising talent and do a decent job of curating better books. Well, I end up getting a book that was recommended to me by one of the college girls that works there, and that was a big mistake. The book is a YA tale called "Now I Darken" and it's described as both "think Game of Thrones, but with teens" and "unapologetically feminist" or something like that.

But I like to broaden my horizons (except where Beef is concerned. I do not feel comfortable broadening that much.)

So I got it, and now I'm stuck reading it. It's a good book but it's driving me up a wall because the protagonist chick is such a badass but wants the D so bad, but she hates dudes, at least hates that she's a girl (this is supposedly during the Ottoman Empire, and she's Vlad Dracuul's daughter), and her brother, the alt-protagonist, is the ultimate fairy and the book dwells on his 'struggle' way too much...but the writing, plot, and pacing are all first-rate. Character development is super thin. I am usually quick to DNF a book, but it's actually too good to DNF despite the millenial manifesto backdrop.

Bottom line, listen to the bookstore owner who likes the stuff you like, and not the college girl unless you are in an X-rated reading club with her. That seems so obvious now, looking back. Live and learn.

[Valar Morghulis]

This weekend I was with my son at a Scouting thing for Webelos, I knew I'd need a book to pass the time, so I went to the local bookstore, Tattered Cover. It was fortuitous because one of the owners was working that location and he is a friend with similar tastes and he hooked me up with a friends and family discount (werd). I got more books than I meant to get before I went, but it's nice to support local bookstores that work hard on developing promising talent and do a decent job of curating better books. Well, I end up getting a book that was recommended to me by one of the college girls that works there, and that was a big mistake. The book is a YA tale called "Now I Darken" and it's described as both "think Game of Thrones, but with teens" and "unapologetically feminist" or something like that.

But I like to broaden my horizons (except where Beef is concerned. I do not feel comfortable broadening that much.)

So I got it, and now I'm stuck reading it. It's a good book but it's driving me up a wall because the protagonist chick is such a badass but wants the D so bad, but she hates dudes, at least hates that she's a girl (this is supposedly during the Ottoman Empire, and she's Vlad Dracuul's daughter), and her brother, the alt-protagonist, is the ultimate fairy and the book dwells on his 'struggle' way too much...but the writing, plot, and pacing are all first-rate. Character development is super thin. I am usually quick to DNF a book, but it's actually too good to DNF despite the millenial manifesto backdrop.

Bottom line, listen to the bookstore owner who likes the stuff you like, and not the college girl unless you are in an X-rated reading club with her. That seems so obvious now, looking back. Live and learn.

Sounds like a battle faced by many young women.... The conflict between fighting against a system of patriarchy that keeps them within themselves, and a biological sexual urge towards their oppressors that they have no control over. And for the gay brother, never living up to the expectations out his father.

Add in the fantasy aspect of Dracula and I can see why it would be popular with an adolescent audience, especially if it is well written.

[Hawgdriver]

Sounds like a battle faced by many young women.... The conflict between fighting against a system of patriarchy that keeps them within themselves, and a biological sexual urge towards their oppressors that they have no control over. And for the gay brother, never living up to the expectations out his father.

Add in the fantasy aspect of Dracula and I can see why it would be popular with an adolescent audience, especially if it is well written.

Yeah, not much on the Dracula angle so far. It makes perfect sense, and I have no problem with it, it's more like the eternal old person/young person dichotomy. Been there, done that.

I also like that uncomfortable feeling a bit, because I like to think that nothing really gets under my skin in a certain sense. It's not true, but it's a game I play.

[aberdien]

How do you like it? I'm also done with Grant by by ron chernow and i need something to read. BTW Grant is top notch.

I listened to a podcast with Chernow about Grant and it made me want to buy the book. I just wanna wait for it to come out on paperback.

[elsid13]

I listened to a podcast with Chernow about Grant and it made me want to buy the book. I just wanna wait for it to come out on paperback.

It's on Kindle now and it's less then 10 bucks. It worth, especial the history after the Civil War.

[Freyaka]

Midway through The Great Hunt

https://img1.od-cdn.com/ImageType-400/2390-1/0CA/ADB/BF/%7B0CAADBBF-1AB7-4D8F-A343-BA2915D991F3%7DImg400.jpg

[EastCoastBronco]

Stephen King - The Stand (Complete and Uncut).
Haven't read it for 20 years or so.

[aberdien]

It's on Kindle now and it's less then 10 bucks. It worth, especial the history after the Civil War.
That shit is $20 on amazon bro.

If i'm gonna pay that much for a book it better be a physical copy.

[elsid13]

That shit is $20 on amazon bro.

If i'm gonna pay that much for a book it better be a physical copy.

Sorry, really thought it was around 10

[aberdien]

Sorry, really thought it was around 10

I got excited when you said that. Guess i'll wait!

[elsid13]

I got excited when you said that. Guess i'll wait!

Put it on your wish list. They will lower the cost if you keep on for month or so.

[BroncoJoe]

That shit is $20 on amazon bro.

If i'm gonna pay that much for a book it better be a physical copy.

Does your library have it? You can get books for free (21 days) from there. I use the app OverDrive.

EDIT: Just checked with my library - they have 9 copies with one available.

[Freyaka]

That shit is $20 on amazon bro.

If i'm gonna pay that much for a book it better be a physical copy.

It's funny, I think the exact opposite... I'd rather an ebook over paper in my hands any day.

[Valar Morghulis]

Moby's autobiography.

Pretty good.

[aberdien]

Does your library have it? You can get books for free (21 days) from there. I use the app OverDrive.

EDIT: Just checked with my library - they have 9 copies with one available.

Like I can finish that 1000 page book in 21 days.

[Hawgdriver]

Re-reading Andromeda Strain by Crichton. He got a lot right in this one, and I don't think he ever really topped it. He had better books, but this one had the best guitar solo so to speak.

[Freyaka]

Re-reading Andromeda Strain by Crichton. He got a lot right in this one, and I don't think he ever really topped it. He had better books, but this one had the best guitar solo so to speak.

You know, I've watched a ton of movies based off Crichton's work, but I've never actually read any of his books. The plot of that one sounds really interesting.

[Poet]

Fellowship! Just finished The Hobbit.

[Freyaka]

Fellowship! Just finished The Hobbit.

One of my all time favorites. If Brandon Sanderson hasn't gotten a new book out by the time I finish re-reading the Wheel of Time books, I may have to loop back to The Hobbit and LOTR books again.

[Tned]

Wanted something that didn't take any thought/effort to read, just mindless entertainment. I've heard people talk about the Jack Reacher series for a while, so got the first one. It's actually pretty good. I think there are like 22 more, so that will occupy me for a while if I don't get totally burned out on Reacher.

[CoachChaz]

Bought it 2 months ago, but finally getting around to reading 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson. I'm a bit of a psychology nerd, but this one is more entertaining and enlightening than most. Really good read so far.

[NightTrainLayne]

13314


BoomTown. Awesome book of Oklahoma City History. From before the landrun, through to the current city. It jumps back and forth between the history in chronological order with the 2012-13 OKC Thunder season (the infamous James Harden Trade season), and weaves a fun analogy between the sudden emergence of the City and the sudden appearance of the Thunder and their respective success.

OKC has such a rich, entertaining, and surprising History, and Sam Anderson does a great job of weaving it all together.

[CoachChaz]

13314


BoomTown. Awesome book of Oklahoma City History. From before the landrun, through to the current city. It jumps back and forth between the history in chronological order with the 2012-13 OKC Thunder season (the infamous James Harden Trade season), and weaves a fun analogy between the sudden emergence of the City and the sudden appearance of the Thunder and their respective success.

OKC has such a rich, entertaining, and surprising History, and Sam Anderson does a great job of weaving it all together.

Just spent my weekend hiking in SE OK.

[Valar Morghulis]

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker

Just a glorious book - i have read it before, but listening to the audiobook now on my morning runs.

[BroncoNut]

I started reading the God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. no comment as of yet. not far enough along.

[BroncoNut]

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker

Just a glorious book - i have read it before, but listening to the audiobook now on my morning runs.

this sounds kinda intriguing. I think I have always had an uncertainty or chronic fear of something

[Dapper Dan]

Eisenhower: In War and Peace by Jean Edward Smith

[MasterShake]

I am halfway through Empire of the Summer Moon (https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Summer-Moon-Comanches-Powerful-ebook/dp/B003KN3MDG) right now and I can honestly say it is one of the most fascinating books on history I've read in some time.

Essentially it is the story of the waning days of the wild west and what if finally took to drive out the last of the Comanche tribes and expand American settlements to the west. The focal point of the story is Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche Warchief, who was was literally a bridge between old and new worlds as the son of a Comanche man and a woman named Cynthia Ann Parker. Cynthia was actually abducted from her home at the age of 9 after most of her settlement was killed by the Comanches who were so powerful that they kept Americans, Mexicans, and the Spanish at bay for hundreds of years.

This is a hard read in that you get glimpses into historical accounts of the savagery at the time from the people who lived it via journals and other writings. These include things like mutilations and infanticide, often with all the gruesome details included. So don't expect to pick this up for light reading before bed. I have had to re-read several passages because they are so engaging and disturbing. It is hard to imagine that in the lifetimes of people we may have known (such as great-grandparents) that the world was still very much open and untamed as little as just over a century ago. This book was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and one of the easiest recommendations I can make for fans of history, or people playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and wondering about that era which admittedly made me look into books like this last week.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516UmhBQ8vL.jpg

[NightTrainLayne]

I am halfway through Empire of the Summer Moon (https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Summer-Moon-Comanches-Powerful-ebook/dp/B003KN3MDG) right now and I can honestly say it is one of the most fascinating books on history I've read in some time.

Essentially it is the story of the waning days of the wild west and what if finally took to drive out the last of the Comanche tribes and expand American settlements to the west. The focal point of the story is Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche Warchief, who was was literally a bridge between old and new worlds as the son of a Comanche man and a woman named Cynthia Ann Parker. Cynthia was actually abducted from her home at the age of 9 after most of her settlement was killed by the Comanches who were so powerful that they kept Americans, Mexicans, and the Spanish at bay for hundreds of years.

This is a hard read in that you get glimpses into historical accounts of the savagery at the time from the people who lived it via journals and other writings. These include things like mutilations and infanticide, often with all the gruesome details included. So don't expect to pick this up for light reading before bed. I have had to re-read several passages because they are so engaging and disturbing. It is hard to imagine that in the lifetimes of people we may have known (such as great-grandparents) that the world was still very much open and untamed as little as just over a century ago. This book was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and one of the easiest recommendations I can make for fans of history, or people playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and wondering about that era which admittedly made me look into books like this last week.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516UmhBQ8vL.jpg


Quanah Parker is an interesting "hero" (for many). Living most of my life in his neck of the woods, I have always been interested in his life. I'm always surprised that he is not more widely known. Everyone has at least heard of Geronimo or Crazy Horse. Not so much Chief Quanah Parker.

I might have to pick this up.

[aberdien]

Eisenhower: In War and Peace by Jean Edward Smith

This is one of my all-time favorites.

[aberdien]

I am halfway through Empire of the Summer Moon (https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Summer-Moon-Comanches-Powerful-ebook/dp/B003KN3MDG) right now and I can honestly say it is one of the most fascinating books on history I've read in some time.

Essentially it is the story of the waning days of the wild west and what if finally took to drive out the last of the Comanche tribes and expand American settlements to the west. The focal point of the story is Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche Warchief, who was was literally a bridge between old and new worlds as the son of a Comanche man and a woman named Cynthia Ann Parker. Cynthia was actually abducted from her home at the age of 9 after most of her settlement was killed by the Comanches who were so powerful that they kept Americans, Mexicans, and the Spanish at bay for hundreds of years.

This is a hard read in that you get glimpses into historical accounts of the savagery at the time from the people who lived it via journals and other writings. These include things like mutilations and infanticide, often with all the gruesome details included. So don't expect to pick this up for light reading before bed. I have had to re-read several passages because they are so engaging and disturbing. It is hard to imagine that in the lifetimes of people we may have known (such as great-grandparents) that the world was still very much open and untamed as little as just over a century ago. This book was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and one of the easiest recommendations I can make for fans of history, or people playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and wondering about that era which admittedly made me look into books like this last week.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516UmhBQ8vL.jpg

I own this book and have read bits and pieces, but I haven't been able to read it all the way through yet. Now i'm gonna have to find the time!

[Dapper Dan]

This is one of my all-time favorites.

It was hard to find a good Ike biography. This one looks to be the best. I’m enjoying it so far. He had always seemed like a great American.

[Hawgdriver]

Re-reading The Dog Stars by Peter Heller. I recommended it to chazoe a while back, we made a deal--he reads Dog Stars I read the Ty Cobb bio--never heard his thoughts. Re-reading it, I'm convinced it was a reasonable recommendation for that crusty dude. It's a McCarthy/Hemingway type book.

[Davii]

13346

Absolutely riveting.... :rolleyes:

[aberdien]

Priorities require that I read the Beastie Boys book before I read the Quanah Parker book.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91IQ3rOgM5L.jpg

Preordered it but have only just found the time to read it, so I'm only on page 50 but it's excellent so far. Ad Rock and Mike D both acknowledge that MCA was the brains so the book won't be as good without his perspective. But it's got a lot of good, interesting stuff in it. Exploring NYC life in the 80s, being teenagers, the punk scene, etc. Their voices come through really well which is awesome. Can't wait to get into the actual band stuff.

Also, it's a hefty price but worth the physical copy. Very well made, tons of pictures throughout. Impressive. Fans of Beastie Boys will enjoy, but fans of music in general should also get a good kick out of it.

[Freyaka]

I'm just still over here reading Wheel of Time....

Good lord what a long series it is. I forgot how long it was (especially since it drags like molasses in the middle)

[MasterShake]

I'm just still over here reading Wheel of Time....

Good lord what a long series it is. I forgot how long it was (especially since it drags like molasses in the middle)

Yeah it goes on for a Wheely Long Time.

Gotta check out that Beastie Boys book. Last good autobiography I read was Bruce Springsteen's. That man is a poet, probably the easiest book to read and the hardest to put down I've ever read in that genre.

[Hawgdriver]

I'm just still over here reading Wheel of Time....

Good lord what a long series it is. I forgot how long it was (especially since it drags like molasses in the middle)

Yeah, that's where hawg finished. About page 582 of book 6 or 7.

Shut the cover, said to myself, we are done here.

[Davii]

Yeah, that's where hawg finished. About page 582 of book 6 or 7.

Shut the cover, said to myself, we are done here.

Hahahahah. That just really made me laugh. I actually pictured you calmly shutting the book, putting your reading glasses on the end table, sighing, and saying exactly that before you pull your pipe from your smoking jacket.

[Freyaka]

Yeah, that's where hawg finished. About page 582 of book 6 or 7.

Shut the cover, said to myself, we are done here.

It does get better after that point and it finishes strong...I figure books 6 and 7 are for audiobooks only...

[JayTango]

None. Don't have much time nowadays.

[Freyaka]

None. Don't have much time nowadays.

Now I'm interested... 2 posts, neither interesting, where's the stuff that got this guy banned haha.

[Davii]

Now I'm interested... 2 posts, neither interesting, where's the stuff that got this guy banned haha.

Spammer, links to promotional spam sites in his signature and bio page. Not visible after a ban.

[Dreadnought]

"The Righteous Mind" by Jonathan Haidt, which I got for Christmas. IIR Mr. Haidt is NTL's boi, and I can see why. Its a fascinating book discussing the evolution of systems of morality. I'm not usually much of a psychology fan, but this is well worth the effort

[BroncoNut]

Just finished leadership down. Great classic.

[BroncoWave]

Just started Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan. Saw the movie a few months back which was excellent, now want to check out the book. So far so good.

[Freyaka]

http://www.fantasybookcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/TheBookOfM.jpg

[Hawgdriver]

Did you like it Frey? I started it but lost the thread.

[Freyaka]

Did you like it Frey? I started it but lost the thread.

I'm not finished yet, about 1/3rd of the way through. Enjoying it so far though it's a weird premise honestly...

[NightTrainLayne]

I am halfway through Empire of the Summer Moon (https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Summer-Moon-Comanches-Powerful-ebook/dp/B003KN3MDG) right now and I can honestly say it is one of the most fascinating books on history I've read in some time.

Essentially it is the story of the waning days of the wild west and what if finally took to drive out the last of the Comanche tribes and expand American settlements to the west. The focal point of the story is Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche Warchief, who was was literally a bridge between old and new worlds as the son of a Comanche man and a woman named Cynthia Ann Parker. Cynthia was actually abducted from her home at the age of 9 after most of her settlement was killed by the Comanches who were so powerful that they kept Americans, Mexicans, and the Spanish at bay for hundreds of years.

This is a hard read in that you get glimpses into historical accounts of the savagery at the time from the people who lived it via journals and other writings. These include things like mutilations and infanticide, often with all the gruesome details included. So don't expect to pick this up for light reading before bed. I have had to re-read several passages because they are so engaging and disturbing. It is hard to imagine that in the lifetimes of people we may have known (such as great-grandparents) that the world was still very much open and untamed as little as just over a century ago. This book was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and one of the easiest recommendations I can make for fans of history, or people playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and wondering about that era which admittedly made me look into books like this last week.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516UmhBQ8vL.jpg



I always forget to post in this thread.


I picked this up at Thanksgiving, and read through it pretty quickly.

It's an awesome read! Thanks for bringing it to my attention Shake.

Partly, I'm sure because I grew up in many different towns/cities all located within the huge boundaries of what was known as "Comancheria". So, when the author describes the different places/camps/battlegrounds I could quickly see them in my minds eye. "I've been there" kept on resonating with me throughout.

[EastCoastBronco]

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.
Really interesting read about one of the great game changers of our time.
I'm at the part now where he and Steve Wozniak are just starting Apple.

I've seen the movie that was based on this book and it's really well done.

[Hawgdriver]

The Big Sky by A. B. Guthrie, Jr. Dave you might like it.

[Valar Morghulis]

The Big Sky by A. B. Guthrie, Jr. Dave you might like it.

Tell me more Hawgington

[Hawgdriver]

Tell me more Hawgington

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2514443519?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

I'm about an hour in to the 14-hour audiobook. The first twenty or so minutes I thought 'Dave would want to know about this.' I should wait until I'm done with it, but give it a rip if you need an 'out west' fix.

[Valar Morghulis]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2514443519?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

I'm about an hour in to the 14-hour audiobook. The first twenty or so minutes I thought 'Dave would want to know about this.' I should wait until I'm done with it, but give it a rip if you need an 'out west' fix.

did you say out west?

Buying it now

[Valar Morghulis]

it is not on audible - so i bought another louis l'amour book

[Hawgdriver]

it is not on audible - so i bought another louis l'amour book

Ah bummer. You could try here:

https://www.dreamscapeab.com/audiobook/1737993/detail

[Hawgdriver]

Listened to a few true crime audiobooks lately. Some Ann Rule and just finishing this one about BTK.

[Hawgdriver]

I'm reading a book now called "Punished by Rewards (the trouble with gold stars, incentive plans, A+'s, praise, and other bribes)"

The author is a behavioral psychologist who tackles the deeply rooted premise that pervades our culture, that rewards are a good way to encourage or modify behavior. The gist of it is that extrinsic rewards smother and corrupt intrinsic motivation. You might begin to dislike something you used to like for its own sake once a reward is associated with it. Somewhat surprising is the fact that praise can too often put a damper on a child's natural inclination for a thing. I like books that tackle orthodoxy and convention, and make you realize how much you just accept the world around you without questioning it. It's the kind of book that questions a major premise of our culture, and find we have accepted this premise too long and too unthinkingly.

I'd enjoy chatting with Dave about this one.

[Valar Morghulis]

I'm reading a book now called "Punished by Rewards (the trouble with gold stars, incentive plans, A+'s, praise, and other bribes)"

The author is a behavioral psychologist who tackles the deeply rooted premise that pervades our culture, that rewards are a good way to encourage or modify behavior. The gist of it is that extrinsic rewards smother and corrupt intrinsic motivation. You might begin to dislike something you used to like for its own sake once a reward is associated with it. Somewhat surprising is the fact that praise can too often put a damper on a child's natural inclination for a thing. I like books that tackle orthodoxy and convention, and make you realize how much you just accept the world around you without questioning it. It's the kind of book that questions a major premise of our culture, and find we have accepted this premise too long and too unthinkingly.

I'd enjoy chatting with Dave about this one.

Yeah - i am a huge fan of praise and reward, but only when the effort genuinely deserves it.

Kid comes last in a race, but trained hard for it, is totally out of breath and ran it faster than they ever ran it before - reward the **** out of that
Kid comes last in a race but never tried, trained or cared - give them **** all
Kid comes first in a race but never tried, trained or cared - give them very little

Also, who delivers the praise and in what setting is also key - if i praise my 15 year old in front of her friends, it will put her off whatever i was trying to encourage with my praise

If a dick of a teacher praises in an insincere way - it will create disdain for the teacher

But if someone valuable to and respected by the child praises something, at the right time, the results can be litterally magic

[Valar Morghulis]

Also - there is a huge difference between incentives and bribes (from the book title) - bribes never work (in creating any long term change)

[Valar Morghulis]

So the short version is

I agree with the author but with some caveats and i hope she is not jsut being polemic without also acknowledging the benefits of doing it correctly

[Hawgdriver]

Also - there is a huge difference between incentives and bribes (from the book title) - bribes never work (in creating any long term change)

The shock factor of the book (hey, everyone likes an outrageous story) is in showing evidence of how praise is actually a bribe.

Here's an example.

They took a bunch of kids and asked them to try Kefir (flavored yogurt drink). Some kids, they just drank it/tried it. Others, they gave praise, 'oh good job, you finished it all!' Still others they said 'if you finish the whole thing, we'll give you a movie pass'.

The ones who drank the most Kefir were the movie pass group.

They followed up by having Kefir available a week or two later, and found out that the ones who received neither praise nor movie passes were the most likely to try the Kefir again, maybe drink more than they had before. The other two groups were much less likely to touch it.

[Hawgdriver]

So the short version is

I agree with the author but with some caveats and i hope she is not jsut being polemic without also acknowledging the benefits of doing it correctly

Sometimes it's best to just argue your side of the story as persuasively as possible. He'll make allowances for the value of Skinner ideology but you can tell he is a bit of a crusader for this topic. I can't say I blame him if it's true that most modern texts on the subject don't mention the measured effect of a reduction in intrinsic motivation after application of extrinsic rewards.

[Hawgdriver]

What I'm really enjoying is discussing the book with my son--we both listened to a bit on audiobook.

[Valar Morghulis]

The shock factor of the book (hey, everyone likes an outrageous story) is in showing evidence of how praise is actually a bribe.

Here's an example.

They took a bunch of kids and asked them to try Kefir (flavored yogurt drink). Some kids, they just drank it/tried it. Others, they gave praise, 'oh good job, you finished it all!' Still others they said 'if you finish the whole thing, we'll give you a movie pass'.

The ones who drank the most Kefir were the movie pass group.

They followed up by having Kefir available a week or two later, and found out that the ones who received neither praise nor movie passes were the most likely to try the Kefir again, maybe drink more than they had before. The other two groups were much less likely to touch it.

A bribe (For a specific incident or outcome)

If you do x, you will get y

Praise (should be a predictable and reliable pattern that is consistent)

Hey, you tried x, well done. What should we do now?

Or if they don't try it

Hey, you didn't try x today, maybe next time. Come on let's go.

The trick to effective praise is the ambivalence you show when the absence of praise is needed

[Valar Morghulis]

Also once kids learn reward is conditional, they won't do that thing without the reward..... That's well evidenced

[Valar Morghulis]

Lastly, too many people think kids need praise and reward for everything these days. So reward charts and stuff are massively over used

[aberdien]

Kohn's ideas on education have been influenced by the works of John Dewey and Jean Piaget. He believes in a constructivist account of learning in which the learner is seen as actively making meaning, rather than absorbing information, and he argues that knowledge should be taught "in a context and for a purpose."[11] He has written that learning should be organized around "problems, projects, and questions – rather than around lists of facts, skills, and separate disciplines."[12] Along with this belief, Kohn feels that students should have an active voice in the classroom with the ability to have a meaningful impact on the curriculum, structure of the room, and any necessary discipline measures.[13]

Kohn has been critical of several aspects of traditional schooling. Classroom management and discipline are, in his view, focused more on eliciting compliance than on helping students become caring, responsible problem-solvers. He has also denounced the effects of the test-driven "accountability" movement – in general, but particularly on low-income and minority students – arguing that "the more poor children fill in worksheets on command (in an effort to raise their test scores), the further they fall behind affluent kids who are more likely to get lessons that help them understand ideas."[14] More recently, Kohn has been critical of the place homework holds in the American classroom, noting that research does not support claims of any benefit from homework, academically or otherwise.[15]

Piaget is my homie.

I agree with the constructivist approach and support student-centered learning when possible, but I think there are limits to the student-centered theory of education.

I agree with his critique of modern schooling in general, including the testing and what not. I think compliance is an essential component of school though - teaching rules, norms, and etc of a given society/culture is a large function of public schooling.

I basically agree with his view on homework. I only give homework if I need an excuse to take some grades down a bit since many will not turn it in or finish it. The only value of homework usually IMO is if you are trying to prepare kids for the amount of homework they will receive in future grade levels.

I might read the book.

[Valar Morghulis]

if it's true that most modern texts on the subject don't mention the measured effect of a reduction in intrinsic motivation after application of extrinsic rewards.

I think that research is well evidenced. But as per my first post, the intrinsic motivation does not diminish because of the reward..... It's the conditions the reward was delivered in.

Ie if an association in the brain is made that drinking kefir is only useful if a cinema trip is on the cards

[Valar Morghulis]

Piaget is my homie.

I agree with the constructivist approach and support student-centered learning when possible, but I think there are limits to the student-centered theory of education.

I agree with his critique of modern schooling in general, including the testing and what not. I think compliance is an essential component of school though - teaching rules, norms, and etc of a given society/culture is a large function of public schooling.

I basically agree with his view on homework. I only give homework if I need an excuse to take some grades down a bit since many will not turn it in or finish it. The only value of homework usually IMO is if you are trying to prepare kids for the amount of homework they will receive in future grade levels.

I might read the book.

I love some piaget too. I prefer Skinner, Watson, bandura

Social Learning theory for me, when coupled with behaviorism and classical conditioning explains so much about the human condition imo

But, whatever theory floats your boat... Always remember it's only one theory, and no one theory explains us or our behavior!

[aberdien]

What is the verdict on sarcastic praise?

"Great job on not failing a quiz for the first time this year."

[Valar Morghulis]

Who is the author, hawgmeister?

[Valar Morghulis]

What is the verdict on sarcastic praise?

"Great job on not failing a quiz for the first time this year."

Lol

[aberdien]

Who is the author, hawgmeister?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfie_Kohn

[aberdien]

Five Reasons to Stop Saying “Good Job!”
https://www.alfiekohn.org/article/five-reasons-stop-saying-good-job/

[Hawgdriver]

One theory is based on identity and control--no one likes to be controlled (well, BDSM fetishes aside) and we all want to maintain our feeling of free will and choice and unique identity. To the extent that a reward is another entity exerting control to shape a person, we resist.

I'm in the praise camp but this book is making me question praise in a general way.

An absurdist position would be absolutely never giving praise. Idk, there might be something to it.

[Hawgdriver]

A bribe (For a specific incident or outcome)

If you do x, you will get y

Praise (should be a predictable and reliable pattern that is consistent)

Hey, you tried x, well done. What should we do now?

Or if they don't try it

Hey, you didn't try x today, maybe next time. Come on let's go.

The trick to effective praise is the ambivalence you show when the absence of praise is needed

Yeah, that sounds like praise as more of a love/affection gesture. Never can have enough of those. I think you hit on it with the ambivalence factor--it's not an explicit condition for acceptance.

[Valar Morghulis]

Hawg

That book was written in 93

That explains a lot. Although some of what he says may still be in the public psyche, and still poorly executed by schools and misunderstood by parents ..... In general most of his points are very much in line with my own studies.

So I would say, any one in the human development field in any capacity would agree... Testing is bullshit, homework is bullshit, over rewarding and praising for no real reason is bullshit...... But policy makers are too weak to fully implement his suggestions. The majority of which seem spot on to me. (From a quick Google search)

[Hawgdriver]

Hawg

That book was written in 93

That explains a lot. Although some of what he says may still be in the public psyche, and still poorly executed by schools and misunderstood by parents ..... In general most of his points are very much in line with my own studies.

So I would say, any one in the human development field in any capacity would agree... Testing is bullshit, homework is bullshit, over rewarding and praising for no real reason is bullshit...... But policy makers are too weak to fully implement his suggestions. The majority of which seem spot on to me. (From a quick Google search)

93??

We need to update our conventions, world! Twenty-five years and it's only gotten worse!

[Valar Morghulis]

An absurdist position would be absolutely never giving praise. Idk, there might be something to it.
Research would suggest that never giving praise would create one of two extremes, either they would always seek approval and never feel good enough and they will be needy af, or never try because they don't think they are good enough and they will be cold and aloof. So I wouldn't recommend it lol

[Hawgdriver]

Hawg

That book was written in 93

That explains a lot. Although some of what he says may still be in the public psyche, and still poorly executed by schools and misunderstood by parents ..... In general most of his points are very much in line with my own studies.

So I would say, any one in the human development field in any capacity would agree... Testing is bullshit, homework is bullshit, over rewarding and praising for no real reason is bullshit...... But policy makers are too weak to fully implement his suggestions. The majority of which seem spot on to me. (From a quick Google search)

Whew. Glad I'm not wasting time on bunk science.

Really though, what I am reading is new to me. And I think I know things! It feels like the lack of intrinsic motivation is a major factor contributing to societal well-being (or malaise), and the systems of education and even parenting are too entrenched in the pragmatism of extrinsic rewards. It feels like we have a lot of room to improve how we cultivate (actually, how we don't impede) intrinsic motivation.

[Valar Morghulis]

Whew. Glad I'm not wasting time on bunk science.

Really though, what I am reading is new to me. And I think I know things! It feels like the lack of intrinsic motivation is a major factor contributing to societal well-being (or malaise), and the systems of education and even parenting are too entrenched in the pragmatism of extrinsic rewards. It feels like we have a lot of room to improve how we cultivate (actually, how we don't impede) intrinsic motivation.

Yeah agreed.

We want them, to want to succeed. For them.

This is why having positive role models to look up to and be inspired by is so key

[Valar Morghulis]

And I think I know things! .

Lol, you do. You drink and you know things.

[Hawgdriver]

Lol, you do. You drink and you know things.

Not quite like MO tho. I can't duplicate that man's stature in this regard.

[Hawgdriver]

I have to apologize for geeking out on this book, but I just encountered a snippet I had to share.

The author shares a study in which two groups were asked to study a stack of index cards with vocab words on them. Each card had a different color, but this was irrelevant to what would be tested. One group would get a reward for how well they did on the test, the other group was offered no reward. The interesting find was that the 'no-reward' group did much better on being able to recall card color--something termed 'incidental learning'.

It reminded me of something I did in high school. I was motivated to be a scientist and wanted to plumb the mysteries of the universe, by my high school didn't have any higher level courses. I was a teacher's aide to our science teacher, and during this period I would often just read an old college chemistry book. I couldn't make much sense of it, and I was just kind of staring at it in bewilderment for the most part, trying to make sense of it. I'd had high-school chemistry but this stuff was truly bizarre. Every now and then I'd make some sense of it, but for the most part I felt like it was way over my head. I wasn't very systematic about it, either. I'd just find something that looked interesting. I didn't set myself to solving a bunch of chemistry questions, either, but sometimes you had to do a little math to understand what they were getting at in the text.

Ok, point being, when I got accepted to the Academy they gave us all entrance exams for placement, and one of those was in chemistry. Surprisingly, I scored the highest out of every single person there, and validated both semesters of my college chemistry requirement. I couldn't believe it, it came as a bit of a shock. When I look back at it now, the intrinsic motivation to just understand a mystery resulted in one of the best 'classes' I'd ever taken.

It makes me a bit sick at our education system now that I think about it.

[NightTrainLayne]

Research would suggest that never giving praise would create one of two extremes, either they would always seek approval and never feel good enough and they will be needy af, or never try because they don't think they are good enough and they will be cold and aloof. So I wouldn't recommend it lol

Forgive my ignorance, but would over-praising/always praising lead to similar extremes?

[Valar Morghulis]

Forgive my ignorance, but would over-praising/always praising lead to similar extremes?

yeah - totally. Most likely extremes would be:

Entitled asshat
Crumbles at the first point of failure

[NightTrainLayne]

yeah - totally. Most likely extremes would be:

Entitled asshat
Crumbles at the first point of failure

Both would stem from a lack of self-confidence in oneself correct? Their confidence relied on that praise rather than something they built up themselves, right?

Which is similar, in that both over-praising, and under-praising lead to a lack of self-worth.

Am I on the right track there?

[Valar Morghulis]

Both would stem from a lack of self-confidence in oneself correct? Their confidence relied on that praise rather than something they built up themselves, right?

Which is similar, in that both over-praising, and under-praising lead to a lack of self-worth.

Am I on the right track there?

Yeah, at least that's how I see it.

Kids need to also learn to trust their own internal feelings and not rely on external validation.

[Valar Morghulis]

I am now a third of the way through Lonesome Gods by Louis L'Amour

This is the second of his books i have read thanks to a recommendation by Hawg.

It is just glorious.

Think i might buy a bottle of bulleit rye this weekend, and possibly destroy a few fingers worth whilst reading some wonderful prose about the west

[Buff]

I have a 3.5 hour drive tomorrow - would like to download an audio book to listen to... Any great non-fiction recommendations?

[MOtorboat]

I have a 3.5 hour drive tomorrow - would like to download an audio book to listen to... Any great non-fiction recommendations?

Not an audio book, but have you tried Hardcore History pod?

[Buff]

Not an audio book, but have you tried Hardcore History pod?

Couldn't get into it - might give it another try.

[Valar Morghulis]

I have a 3.5 hour drive tomorrow - would like to download an audio book to listen to... Any great non-fiction recommendations?

The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker

The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

[BroncoJoe]

I have a 3.5 hour drive tomorrow - would like to download an audio book to listen to... Any great non-fiction recommendations?

Done with podcasts? Have you listened to all the Sword and Scale ones?

[Hawgdriver]

I have a 3.5 hour drive tomorrow - would like to download an audio book to listen to... Any great non-fiction recommendations?

Endurance by Lansing
Making of the A-bomb by Rhodes

[Buff]

Done with podcasts? Have you listened to all the Sword and Scale ones?

Yeah I still listen to those basically as soon as they come back against my better judgment... My podcast list is mostly tapped because I still listen to them so often - you should check out "Over my dead body" if you haven't already.

[Buff]

The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker

The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall


Endurance by Lansing
Making of the A-bomb by Rhodes

Can I be super needy/lazy and ask for a brief summary or why you found them interesting?

[Hawgdriver]

Can I be super needy/lazy and ask for a brief summary or why you found them interesting?

Endurance - about Shackleton's doomed voyage to the Antarctic. My dad had this Shackleton phase when I was in my late 20's and I rolled my eyes. Then I saw it on Hoopla (free audiobooks) and gave it a go. Glad I did. It's non-fiction that reads a bit like HP Lovecraft. Surreal, impossible conditions, and how a bunch of dudes handled it. Lansing's prose is excellent.

Making of the A-bomb - I was surprised at how compelling the book was--I couldn't put it down. Besides winning a bunch of awards (Pulitzer, NBA), the best push I can give is that it made me think about the possibility of the human race. Not in an apocalyptic sense, but in the triumphal sense. A bunch of people got together and thought and engineered and broke the ******* atom. What if another crisis arose and we needed to...idk...save the planet from humans, or destroy a meteor, or so on? To me it is the single most impressive feat of humankind, and this book does it justice.

[BroncoNut]

Just finished dark places by Gillian Flynn. Really good. Not sure what to read next. Kinda thinking American history

[Valar Morghulis]

Gift of fear.....a good insight into our subconscious ability to risk assess, yet this skill is drowned by our social condition of being polite

The psychopath test......a look into psychopaths in a light hearted way

Born to run...... About ultra running with indigenous people of the copper canyons

[aberdien]

Priorities require that I read the Beastie Boys book before I read the Quanah Parker book.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91IQ3rOgM5L.jpg

Preordered it but have only just found the time to read it, so I'm only on page 50 but it's excellent so far. Ad Rock and Mike D both acknowledge that MCA was the brains so the book won't be as good without his perspective. But it's got a lot of good, interesting stuff in it. Exploring NYC life in the 80s, being teenagers, the punk scene, etc. Their voices come through really well which is awesome. Can't wait to get into the actual band stuff.

Also, it's a hefty price but worth the physical copy. Very well made, tons of pictures throughout. Impressive. Fans of Beastie Boys will enjoy, but fans of music in general should also get a good kick out of it.

Finally finished this. Great stories. Cool dudes.

[Hawgdriver]

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

The most clever mystery book I've read this life, not finished yet, so won't recommend yet.

[Davii]

No name yet. The 4th book by JQ Davis.

[Hawgdriver]

No name yet. The 4th book by JQ Davis.

Do you know if her works are available on Hoopla?

[Davii]

Do you know if her works are available on Hoopla?

I do not! I've never actually heard of all this hoopla, I'll look into it though.

[Hawgdriver]

I do not! I've never actually heard of all this hoopla, I'll look into it though.

Audiobooks I can check out from library, it's a licensing thing. Not sure how the author monetizes, but I'd check it. It's probably reasonable to get a reader to make an audiobook if they aren't already.

[Davii]

Audiobooks I can check out from library, it's a licensing thing. Not sure how the author monetizes, but I'd check it. It's probably reasonable to get a reader to make an audiobook if they aren't already.

She is not. She is considering having hers turned into audio

[BroncoNut]

I started reading the Harry Potter books.

[Hawgdriver]

A friend strongly recommended Empire of the Summer Moon and Blood and Thunder. I have no doubt they are entertaining, but how are they relevant?

[aberdien]

A friend strongly recommended Empire of the Summer Moon and Blood and Thunder. I have no doubt they are entertaining, but how are they relevant?

History is relevant!

[Hawgdriver]

History is relevant!

I get that, but some history is more relevant than other history. Under-reported facts that I have discovered have reshaped my understanding of the world. They are important.

I don't see the same potential for re-shaping here.

[Hawgdriver]

Yeah, this review kind of sums up what I expected to find and why I won't mind missing it. I'll check it out if it comes up as an audiobook on Hoopla.


As a historian, I will rarely give a general or popular history more than 3 stars. Much the same way I will never say 'an historian'. And no matter the amount of research that goes into popular history, it hardly ever seems to merit so much praise. And that is because it answers no questions, asks no new questions, puts forth none of its own theories, and has no one singular hypothesis. This book, although a fantastic, sweeping history of the Comanche, it is not a work to be discussed as academic history.

The most irritating part of the book is... the history of Quanah Parker himself. The most bold and interesting history comes from the first half of the book, up until the introduction of the Hays Rangers.

What the book does is prove that the Comanche were, without a doubt, the most powerful tribe in American history. But this is not a new idea, as most historians would agree that the Comanche dwarfed all other horse tribes in the West in terms of accumulated wealth- an idea that, before the white man, was unknown to the Comanche. Once they mastered the horse, they ascended quickly from Gollum-like scavengers, a group of hyenas picking up the scraps of others, into the most feared Indians in America.

Part of the reason that Western Indian tribes were so feared comes from their lack of domesticity. They did not farm or keep animals for slaughter. They had to hunt on the plains and badlands because farming was not an option. The development of the land in the West around Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming etc was one of the reasons for the Dust Bowl, and by extension, the Great Depression. These lands were not fit for farming, and the plains tribes understood this. However, Americans flooded the land and used all the technology at hand to turn the l;and into life-bearing plots. But I digress. The Comcanche and Apache and Lakota and Sioux were far more aggressive in the West than thier Eastern counterparts due in fact to their need to hunt in order to sustain their way of life on the plains.

But this subject is never touched upon in this book. It never puts forth an actual hypothesis. It never answers questions, but instead gives us fact after fact. And while that is useful and entertaining, especially in this case, it does little to advance our actual knowledge of the 'why's'.

I do congratulate [EDIT] (the author of) this book for not balking at the violence inherent in the Comanche. Too often historians will shy away from the amoral acts of an Indian tribe in order to preserve the idea of a noble savage. In this, we are treated to detailed accounts of Comanche torture. Cutting off the toes, the fingers and genitals of Spaniards, Americans and other frontiersmen, and stuffing them into their owners' mouths was common practice. Letting hot coals burn through a captive's abdomen was another torture technique often applied. There seemed no end to their torture ingenuity. And Gwynne does not make this a symptom of Europeans in America. Gwynne does not say that this was a practice only developed after the Europeans came and brought war upon the land. Which is in fact a fallacy. War between tribes was never bloodless. It was never so pretty or noble. It was always petty and savage. And to think that the white devil unleashed something sinister within the Indian upon their arrival is no more than PC demonizing and pandering to the modern day tribes.

Overall, the book will give the average reader insight into the frontier they did not possess before reading it. It is filled with facts- like the development of the Colt, the relationship between Eli Whitney and Samuel Colt, the Hays Rangers, the torture techniques of Comcanches, the destruction of the Apaches, the transformation of the Comanche from the 1600's- that will entertain and often disgust. But all in all it is well worth the read.

[aberdien]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516e2oFbcKL.jpg

A candid autobiography. His voice comes through very well. Learned some cool stuff about Willie. He has lived an imperfect but admirable life. I also think it's pretty hilarious that he got banned for life from the Bahamas because he had some weed in his pocket and a few days later smoked weed on top of the White House.

[EastCoastBronco]

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly - Anthony Bourdain.
Really funny book about his climb to the top of the restaurant world.
Makes you sad that such a cool personality is gone.

[Hawgdriver]

Finished Shirer's book about Third Reich

Now Chernow's Titan

[Valar Morghulis]

Walden.

I wish I read this as a young man.

[SR]

I've been reading Blackhawk Down for some time now and need to wrap it up. Next up is "Panzram: A Journal Of Murder".

[aberdien]

I've read more books in the last month than i've read in like 2 years. Finished this one the other day:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51aziJb7SdL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[NightTrainLayne]

I've read more books in the last month than i've read in like 2 years. Finished this one the other day:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51aziJb7SdL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg



We had a new statue/shrine installed in our Church just a couple of months ago of Blessed Father Stanley Rother. There are several members of the Rother family in our Parish, which is a 15-20 minute drive from his home Parish.

The statue is very well done, and includes a 1st-class Relic. A piece of his rib bone in this case.

I've been trying to post pictures with this post for over a week now, but for some reason it won't post them after going through the upload process. Hopefully Davii can figure it out.

[NightTrainLayne]

14237





14238


I guess the images were too big.

[aberdien]

That's awesome. I'll be interested to see the center or some such thing that they're planning on building for him.

[NightTrainLayne]

That's awesome. I'll be interested to see the center or some such thing that they're planning on building for him.

They'll be breaking ground soon I think. It will be a tremendous campus/church/shrine.

[Hawgdriver]

Anyone ever read any China Mieville? Just bought Perdido Street Station. I think I might love it.

In the middle of this stupid trilogy that's annoying but too good to stop. NK Jemison. Or JK Nemison. I can't remember. Some novel ideas. Won the Hugo 3 consecutive years...still...jury is out for me.

I was looking forward to Stephenson's new book, but it's getting poo-poo'ed in reviews. Doesn't mean I won't like it.

On a side note, I heard that Rothfuss's novel just went to print.

[aberdien]

A heads up since we talked about this book in here once, the recently released bio of Ulysses Grant is on sale for the kindle. $1.99.

[EastCoastBronco]

Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
Really gritty, fun science fiction.
It's the first in a long series so I'm glad I'm enjoying it.

[Hawgdriver]

Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
Really gritty, fun science fiction.
It's the first in a long series so I'm glad I'm enjoying it.

The TV series is great, I keep meaning to read the books but #1 is never available at the library when I look.

[elsid13]

Big Data, Little Wars. A book using big data processes to do COIN. Very dry but interesting.

[Hawgdriver]

Big Data, Little Wars. A book using big data processes to do COIN. Very dry but interesting.

What's COIN?

btw, thanks for the Intelligence Matters suggestion.

[elsid13]

What's COIN?

btw, thanks for the Intelligence Matters suggestion.

counter-insurgency action. No problem on the IM podcast

[aberdien]

Recommend me 5 books.

[Hawgdriver]

On Writing Well - Zinsser
Capitalist N*gger (https://www.amazon.com/Capitalist-******-Chika-Onyeani/dp/0967846099/ref=asc_df_0967846099/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241983376253&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10421248759618140541&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028749&hvtargid=pla-571544629625&psc=1) - Onyeani
The Paypal Wars (https://www.amazon.com/PayPal-Wars-Battles-Media-Planet-ebook/dp/B004NEW0HA) - Jackson

That's approximately 5.

I'm reading Sanderson right now, because it's an entertaining frivolity.

[BroncoNut]

I'm reading some ancient history authored by a woman the name of (let's see if I get this right) something Wise Bauer. pretty heavy read. like reading game of thrones only it's (apparently real/took place) a lot of characters/kings/ wars and such

[Tned]

I am halfway through Empire of the Summer Moon (https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Summer-Moon-Comanches-Powerful-ebook/dp/B003KN3MDG) right now and I can honestly say it is one of the most fascinating books on history I've read in some time.

Essentially it is the story of the waning days of the wild west and what if finally took to drive out the last of the Comanche tribes and expand American settlements to the west. The focal point of the story is Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche Warchief, who was was literally a bridge between old and new worlds as the son of a Comanche man and a woman named Cynthia Ann Parker. Cynthia was actually abducted from her home at the age of 9 after most of her settlement was killed by the Comanches who were so powerful that they kept Americans, Mexicans, and the Spanish at bay for hundreds of years.

This is a hard read in that you get glimpses into historical accounts of the savagery at the time from the people who lived it via journals and other writings. These include things like mutilations and infanticide, often with all the gruesome details included. So don't expect to pick this up for light reading before bed. I have had to re-read several passages because they are so engaging and disturbing. It is hard to imagine that in the lifetimes of people we may have known (such as great-grandparents) that the world was still very much open and untamed as little as just over a century ago. This book was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and one of the easiest recommendations I can make for fans of history, or people playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and wondering about that era which admittedly made me look into books like this last week.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516UmhBQ8vL.jpg

I haven't read regularly in probably 8 or so years. Either working, on the internet or watching TV/movies. Keep trying to get back in to the habit of reading, so decided to look through here. This doesn't sound like a light read, but sounds pretty interesting.

I think I might try and alternate between some history/biographies and fiction (if I can find a few authors that really catch my attention).

[Tned]

A heads up since we talked about this book in here once, the recently released bio of Ulysses Grant is on sale for the kindle. $1.99.

Maybe the sale is over. I see a bunch of Grant books, but none for 1.99. Which book and was it any good?

[BroncoNut]

I haven't read regularly in probably 8 or so years. Either working, on the internet or watching TV/movies. Keep trying to get back in to the habit of reading, so decided to look through here. This doesn't sound like a light read, but sounds pretty interesting.

I think I might try and alternate between some history/biographies and fiction (if I can find a few authors that really catch my attention).

My decision to read it was based off of the MS review. Glad I did. Good read

[aberdien]

Maybe the sale is over. I see a bunch of Grant books, but none for 1.99. Which book and was it any good?

https://www.amazon.com/Grant-Ron-Chernow/dp/159420487X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=grant&qid=1566790194&s=gateway&smid=A6OCI3UNMG95Z&sr=8-1

I haven't started it yet, but it's by the guy who wrote the definitive bio on George Washington, so I'd be shocked if this one wasn't good.

[Tned]

https://www.amazon.com/Grant-Ron-Chernow/dp/159420487X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=grant&qid=1566790194&s=gateway&smid=A6OCI3UNMG95Z&sr=8-1

I haven't started it yet, but it's by the guy who wrote the definitive bio on George Washington, so I'd be shocked if this one wasn't good.

Thanks. Has treat Amazon reviews. I think I'm going to start with this, as the Empire of the Sun and Moon looks good, but heavy.

[aberdien]

Thanks. Has treat Amazon reviews. I think I'm going to start with this, as the Empire of the Sun and Moon looks good, but heavy.

Empire of the Sun and Moon is probably 3 times shorter, so technically much less heavy.

[Tned]

https://www.amazon.com/Grant-Ron-Chernow/dp/159420487X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=grant&qid=1566790194&s=gateway&smid=A6OCI3UNMG95Z&sr=8-1

I haven't started it yet, but it's by the guy who wrote the definitive bio on George Washington, so I'd be shocked if this one wasn't good.

Hmmm, could have sworn when I clicked on the link the other day (but didn't order it, because I have a different account for my kindle purchases), it was 1.99, but now it's 16.99 for the Kindle Version.

[aberdien]

Hmmm, could have sworn when I clicked on the link the other day (but didn't order it, because I have a different account for my kindle purchases), it was 1.99, but now it's 16.99 for the Kindle Version.

Yep...you missed the deal!

[Hawgdriver]

Oathbringer by Sanderson. Not nearly as good as the first two books in this series. Kind of a slog, really. He's contracting Jordan's disease.

[Hawgdriver]

I wish more fiction began like this:


The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents. We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far. The sciences, each straining in its own direction, have hitherto harmed us little; but some day the piecing together of dissociated knowledge will open up such terrifying vistas of reality, and of our frightful position therein, that we shall either go mad from the revelation or flee from the deadly light into the peace and safety of a new dark age.

Theosophists have guessed at the awesome grandeur of the cosmic cycle wherein our world and human race form transient incidents. They have hinted at strange survivals in terms which would freeze the blood if not masked by a bland optimism. But it is not from them that there came the single glimpse of forbidden aeons which chills me when I think of it and maddens me when I dream of it. That glimpse, like all dread glimpses of truth, flashed out from an accidental piecing together of separated things—in this case an old newspaper item and the notes of a dead professor. I hope that no one else will accomplish this piecing out; certainly, if I live, I shall never knowingly supply a link in so hideous a chain. I think that the professor, too, intended to keep silent regarding the part he knew, and that he would have destroyed his notes had not sudden death seized him.

[BroncoNut]

I wish more fiction began like this:

Man. This is a bit much. I'm really struggling with not spacing off while reading

[Hawgdriver]

Man. This is a bit much. I'm really struggling with not spacing off while reading

Try it this way.

XM9Z39D1yyI

[elsid13]

Oathbringer by Sanderson. Not nearly as good as the first two books in this series. Kind of a slog, really. He's contracting Jordan's disease.

Yeah, after the first two it felt like he didn't know where he wanted to take the story.

[Hawgdriver]

Yeah, after the first two it felt like he didn't know where he wanted to take the story.

Yeah, I didn't even bother to finish Oathbringer. Shame! First two were amazing.

[Hawgdriver]

Had no idea Dave was an author using the pseudonym John Lindqvist.

https://s26162.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/f7d0474e139790c50d828be1ee4aa3bf.gif

https://img.thriftbooks.com/api/images/l/700990a769c7cf2602b50b22b07d33d4c2dfb73e.jpg

[elsid13]

Yeah, I didn't even bother to finish Oathbringer. Shame! First two were amazing.

Try Miles Cameron's Red Night series. A lot darker then Sanderson, but stories are similar engrossing. Cameron also writes a lot of good historical fiction.

[Hawgdriver]

Try Miles Cameron's Red Night series. A lot darker then Sanderson, but stories are similar engrossing. Cameron also writes a lot of good historical fiction.

I'll take a look. Have you read Joe Abercrombie books? The Blade Itself is the first of a series.

[EastCoastBronco]

I wish more fiction began like this:

You ever read any F. Paul Wilson?
Look him up if you haven't.
You will love his stuff.

[Hawgdriver]

You ever read any F. Paul Wilson?
Look him up if you haven't.
You will love his stuff.

Thank you for the recommendation.

[BroncoNut]

Try it this way.

XM9Z39D1yyI

actually I reread it and it was more engrossing today. I think I will like the youtube link too but it is more than an hour long so I will have to save it for another time. in any event, thanks

[elsid13]

I'll take a look. Have you read Joe Abercrombie books? The Blade Itself is the first of a series.

Yes. I like Cameron better. But they have similar vain in their writing.

[EastCoastBronco]

Thank you for the recommendation.

Here's the link to his website.
It's got all the info you'll need.

https://repairmanjack.com/

[Hawgdriver]

Here's the link to his website.
It's got all the info you'll need.

https://repairmanjack.com/

Right away I tried to find a downloadable audio from the library. They had one title, but it was #2 in a series. It was called The God Gene I think.

Would you start with RJ#1? What about the Keep?

[EastCoastBronco]

Right away I tried to find a downloadable audio from the library. They had one title, but it was #2 in a series. It was called The God Gene I think.

Would you start with RJ#1? What about the Keep?

The Keep is one of my favorite books of all time and the rest of his stuff is really great.

Here's the order to read:


THE KEEP (Adversary Cycle)
REBORN (Adversary Cycle)
REPRISAL (Adversary Cycle)
THE TOMB (Adversary Cycle/Repairman Jack #1)
LEGACIES (Repairman Jack #2)
CONSPIRACIES (Repairman Jack #3)
ALL THE RAGE (Repairman Jack #4)
HOSTS (Repairman Jack #5)
THE HAUNTED AIR (Repairman Jack #6)
GATEWAYS (Repairman Jack #7)
CRISSCROSS (Repairman Jack #8)
INFERNAL (Repairman Jack #9)
HARBINGERS (Repairman Jack #10)
BLOODLINE (Repairman Jack #11)
THE TOUCH (Repairman Jack #12)
BY THE SWORD (Repairman Jack #13)
GROUND ZERO (Repairman Jack #14)
FATAL ERROR (Repairman Jack #15)
DARK AT THE END (Repairman Jack #16)
NIGHTWORLD (Adversary Cycle)

[MasterShake]

Just finished Flea’s (yes THAT Flea) memoir Acid For The Children and was really impressed. It’s not as breezy as Springsteen’s book I read last year, but it carries a greater emotional weight and a much more personal view into his life. From his early childhood in Australia to his street rat drug fueled days in the early 80’s L.A. music scene it paints the picture of a man who despite all his troubles and demons never turned his back on the beauty and passion that makes life worth living.

Great book for those who like good memoirs. I loved how most chapters in the nearly 400 pages are just a few pages long of stories or vignettes of a time in his life. Feels literally like reading a stream of consciousness at times.

[Valar Morghulis]

Have you read wonderland avenue?

Greatest rock n roll book I ever read

It describes the excess of the late 60s beautifully and makes me want to take a load of ludes

[MasterShake]

Have you read wonderland avenue?

Greatest rock n roll book I ever read

It describes the excess of the late 60s beautifully and makes me want to take a load of ludes

Will have to check it out. I like how honest Flea was in this book about the drugs he took and how they made him feel. He fully recognizes Heroin and Cocaine as synthetic demons but seems partial to beautifully laying out the wonders of marijuana and psychedelics! He also pulls some bullshit at the end where he talks about meditation and how you don't need drugs but I know what part he really wanted me to focus on!

One thing I kept doing in his book was stopping and looking at the locations in L.A. he mentioned on Google maps and checking out the streetview because he would give pretty good exact locations. It was easy to see the world he was painting and makes me really wish I could experience Southern California in the late 70's and early 80's. Maybe there is some kind of drug that will help me get an approximation of that.

[chazoe60]

I've been on a big of a graphic novel kick. I've read a couple Joker books and am reading The Killing Joke right now, it's probably only about a 45 minute read but I like to slow down and admire the art a little more so it takes longer than it should.

Ive ordered The Boys omnibus vol.1&2 from eBay based on my love of the show on Amazon Prime. So I'll start reading that when it gets here.

[Hawgdriver]

I've been on a big of a graphic novel kick. I've read a couple Joker books and am reading The Killing Joke right now, it's probably only about a 45 minute read but I like to slow down and admire the art a little more so it takes longer than it should.

Ive ordered The Boys omnibus vol.1&2 from eBay based on my love of the show on Amazon Prime. So I'll start reading that when it gets here.

The Boys is Ennis, right? He's such a master of the medium. Tell me what you think. I used to be addicted to graphic novels about 10 yrs ago or so.

[Hawgdriver]

Last one I almost got into was Transmetropolitan. I really need to resume that one. It's a Warren Ellis. I get him and Ennis confused at times.

[chazoe60]

I peg you as a Sandman fan, Hawg

[Hawgdriver]

I peg you as a Sandman fan, Hawg

Never read it. That's Neil G., right? For some reason I don't like him that much. He's ok, just a bit too...light in the loafers. Too much Proust, not enough McCarthy. Not a homo thing, more like a gravitas thing. Too whimsical.

[Poet]

I've been on a big of a graphic novel kick. I've read a couple Joker books and am reading The Killing Joke right now, it's probably only about a 45 minute read but I like to slow down and admire the art a little more so it takes longer than it should.

Ive ordered The Boys omnibus vol.1&2 from eBay based on my love of the show on Amazon Prime. So I'll start reading that when it gets here.

Our friendship is growing. The Killing Joke is so ******* good.