Just finished "The Italian Secretary" by Caleb Carr. A new Sherlock Holmes story... It was OK, but not as good as "The Alienist". One of my all time favorites!
Seven Days in May. It was a book I had to read in high school. I loved it, and finally found a nice old hard cover edition of it about 5 years ago. It's one of the books I probably read once per year (along with 1984 and Favorite Son).
Originally posted by NickBockwinkelFanLast Book: Current Book: The Joke's Over by Ralph Steadman An autobiographical look at the artist's savage adventures with Hunter S. Thompson. (edited by NickBockwinkelFan on 2.12.06 0155)
How is that? I am a big fan of both Thompson and Steadman and every time I am in a book store I pass it up because I fear it would be boring and like a re-telling of the original HST stories that involved Ralph.
Originally posted by NickBockwinkelFanLast Book: Current Book: The Joke's Over by Ralph Steadman An autobiographical look at the artist's savage adventures with Hunter S. Thompson. (edited by NickBockwinkelFan on 2.12.06 0155)
How is that? I am a big fan of both Thompson and Steadman and every time I am in a book store I pass it up because I fear it would be boring and like a re-telling of the original HST stories that involved Ralph.
Ralph's perspective is interesting. Their relationship was constantly evolving and Ralph is very candid about their dynamic, both artistic and personal. It never feels like a re-run reading Ralph's viewpoints on the stories that we know so well. His writings really add more to the HST legend (just as the two volumes of published correspondence did). After the 1970's their relationship became more personal and the book deals with that in depth.
I enjoyed it.
The chapters are broken up into the separate adventures: Kentucky Derby 5/70 America's Cup 9/70 F & L in Las Vegas Summer '71 F & L on the Campaign Trail '71-'72 Watergate 7/73 Ali/Foreman in Zaire 10/74 etc.....
(edited by NickBockwinkelFan on 12.12.06 0314) "Well, you can't involve friendship with business. It has to be one or the other. It's either business or friendship, or hit the bricks!" --Life Lessons from Bobby the Brain Heenan WCW Uncensored 2000 preview
Generalissimo Takada's Energy Beverage Provides Maximum Nourishment!
Both books were not just well written but also extremely well researched, as the author took great pains to separate fact from legend, and to dispel several myths that have become accepted as history. Gehrig's biography gives you a real feel for who the man was (including such personality traits as his tightness with money and the strong bond he shared with his mother) while Opening Day tells just about all there is to know about what Robinson was going through in 1947; at home, on the field, in the clubhouse, and on the road. My only regret with Opening Day was that I wish Eig had expanded the book and given more details regarding Robinson's 1946 season with the Dodger's Montreal farm team. I believe it would have been interesting to compare and contrast Robinson's treatment in the minor league cities and towns to what he would experience the next year in the majors. It would also have been fascinating to learn more about the reaction of the Canadian baseball fans to Robinson, and how that compared with his experiences inside the United States. I highly recommend both books.
"Whether ours shall be a government of laws and not of men, is now for Congress, and ultimately, the American people." - Archibald Cox, upon being fired as Watergate special proscecutor by President Richard Nixon.
Wow, didn't know this thread existed. That said I just reread Poland by James A Michener. Of course you have to like his style, and maybe be of Polish decent like me, to really appreciate it but it was great stuff. Gotta read Texas next, what with having moved here.
Also read The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. I liked most of this book. I think his take that while we can't prove/disprove God we can at least use probability is simple but fits my way of thinking. His chapter relying a lot on memes was kinda hard to follow for me, but that could just be me being an idiot. Otherwise I always enjoy religious beliefs being put to scientific scrutiny, though his attitude here won't change anyone's beliefs. If you are an atheist you'll likely dig it. If you're religious he calls you and your God a lot of names so probably not.
Well, since I last posted, I discovered Vince Flynn and his books about CIA agent and assassin Mitch Rapp. Great action adventure thrillers. I am now caught up with them and am reading through Patrick Robinson's submarine books. I am also planning to read Bill Bennett's America: the last best hope two volume history set next.
(edited by AWArulz on 23.9.07 2110) http://myspace.com/awarulz We'll be back right after order has been restored here in the Omni Center.
Wow...I've read a lot since this thread last got updated, but the most recent thing I'm reading is Desperate Networks (The W at Amazon). Wow, they really don't know their asses from their elbows in network tv. Some fascinating anecdotes and stories about all the bad decisions mades by network higher ups.
Just finally got around to reading Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. Wow. It's not perfectly written by any means, but it's such a crazy look into chef culture. What crazy stuff goes on in kitchens, what things you should absolutely avoid eating and when, and tips for how to be a better cook. Just a great, quick read. Very highly recommended.
Finally got around to reading Mick Foley's "The Hardcore Diaries". It was ok, but wasn't as good as I was hoping it would be.
Just started reading "Bang Your Head: The Rise and Fall of Heavy Metal". Really brings back the memories of my youth.
After renting and watching the dvd "We Are Marshall"(great great movie), I ran out to the book store and bought "The Marshall Story". That is next on my reading list.
(edited by Kevintripod on 11.10.07 2153) "F*cking Chuck Norris."
Never argue religion, politics, wrestling or the merits of individual wrestlers--no one else will recognize you for the expert you obviously are and resent your insistence that you're right and they all have s**t for brains.