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Post by thesensationaljt on Nov 29, 2018 0:22:48 GMT 1
Mine?
Henry Blofeld's "Over And Out". I always enjoyed the " dear old things" commentary talking about pigeons and red buses, so I was really looking forward to this book, especially as it had great reviews. The truth is, I didn't learn anything about any Juan. I know he had a bust up with Botham , but it wasn't mentioned. He was....well... so nice about every Juan.
It was rather pleasant..... no more. 7/10.
You do any better?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2018 14:10:51 GMT 1
This book was a recommendation by a friend of mine . I must admit I was a bit dubious but thought , why not , give it a try. It’s called “ Rivers of London “ by Ben Aaronovitch. The blurb calls it witty,imaginative and gripping , a perfect blend of CSI and Harry Potter. I’m glad I gave it a go , a very enjoyable read . This fantasy thriller is the first in a series and is followed by “Moon over Soho “ and “Whispers Underground “ which I will be reading next . For those who like John leCarre , one of my favorite authors, I highly recommend “ A Legacy of Spies “.
Happy reading .
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Post by tdk on Nov 29, 2018 14:22:08 GMT 1
Just about to start 'The Far Corner' by Harry Pearson. Fan's eye view of football in the North East in 1994-4 season
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Post by shrewder on Nov 29, 2018 14:38:24 GMT 1
Whilst some sports books are very interesting, most are not exactly literature masterpieces. Prefer fiction such as by William Boyd , Alan Furst, Sebastian Faulkes or Iain Banks etc.
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Post by venceremos on Nov 29, 2018 14:45:54 GMT 1
I started when I went to Crete last month and am still reading "The Pillars of Hercules" by Paul Theroux (Louis' dad), which he wrote in the 1990s and describes his journey around the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to Algeciras, which is only a few miles across the water. He travelled during the Balkan war, which reminds you that peace in Europe should never be taken for granted. He's a clever and critical travel writer - it's not a feelgood, sunshine travel book.
Yesterday I bought "Travelling In The Third Reich" which gives accounts of Germany between the wars and the rise of Nazism as seen through the eyes of foreign visitors there.
It has a brilliant opening, asking what you would do if a couple begged you to take their baby out of a country. This happened to one of the travellers in 1936 and the couple were Jewish. As the author says, without the benefit of hindsight, the most likely response would be to sympathise but say there was nothing you could do. The book tries to strip away the knowledge of hindsight, which inevitably influences how we think about Germany between the wars.
I also bought Max Hastings' history of the Vietnam War. That period of American history and politics has fascinated me and Vietnam was always on the news when I was growing up. I remember the shock of seeing the US military dumping helicopters in the sea as Saigon was being evacuated and the war lost. Hastings was a US correspondent back then so it should be a good account.
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Post by harmerhillshrew on Nov 29, 2018 16:26:45 GMT 1
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson.
Just finished reading this while sat by a pool in the sun. Really made me think and put a lot of things in life in a different perspective.
From the Back Cover
In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger shows us that the key to being happier is to stop trying to be “positive” all the time and instead to become better at handling adversity.
For decades we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. But those days are over. “**** positivity,” Mark Manson says. “Let’s be honest; sometimes things are ****ed up and we have to live with it.” For the past few years, Manson—via his wildly popular blog—has been working on correcting our delusional expectations for ourselves and for the world. He now brings his hard-fought wisdom to this groundbreaking book.
Manson makes the argument—backed by both academic research and well-timed poop jokes—that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to better stomach lemons. Human beings are flawed and limited—as he writes, “Not everybody can be extraordinary—there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault.” Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. This, he says, is the real source of empowerment. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties—once we stop running from and avoiding, and start confronting painful truths—we can begin to find the courage and confidence we desperately seek.
“In life, we have a limited amount of ****s to give. So you must choose your ****s wisely.” Manson brings a much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor. This manifesto is a refreshing slap in the face for all of us so that we can start to lead more contented, grounded lives.
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Post by tvor on Nov 29, 2018 16:39:47 GMT 1
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson, a very entertaining read.
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Post by zenfootball2 on Nov 29, 2018 16:56:30 GMT 1
i like murder mysteries ; Crime at Christmas by C.H.B Kitchin in brief dont waste your money it was very disappointing, just about to start Fatherland by Robert Harris with an alternative history .
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Post by haughmond on Nov 29, 2018 17:50:54 GMT 1
Sebastian Faulks is a favourite author of mine, Birdsong being my all time favourite book. Recently watched No Country for Old Men which I enjoyed, based on the book by Cormac McCarthy, so now starting his alleged classic, Blood Meridian. Also got Harper Lee’s Go set a Watchman, so have plenty to read. On the sports front hoping to get the latest effort by Zlatan Ibrahimovic just out? I think. Good reviews and much more than the usual bland offerings which are usually a chronicle of, “ I won this, then this, then moved to...” boring drivel.
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Post by cheggersdrinkspop on Nov 29, 2018 18:26:48 GMT 1
Some good choices there and anything by Paul Theroux or Bill Bryson gets my vote. They both make you want to get up, pack in your job, sell the house, see the world, and come back and write a cracking book about it all.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2018 18:48:00 GMT 1
Yesterday I bought "Travelling In The Third Reich" which gives accounts of Germany between the wars and the rise of Nazism as seen through the eyes of foreign visitors there. I've read this. Excellent book. Really chilling how people in this country and around the world where perfectly happy for National Socialism to evolve for various reasons and how utterly naïve some people were and how astute others were. Just finished Hue 1968 by Mark Bowden. A very good account of the pivotal battle in Vietnam. Good on the utter stupidity of the American high command and government. The book looks at the VC and NVA experience and the stupidity of their high command (mind you they won a strategic victory). As usual, it's the troops and civvies who suffer the most. Just reading Age of Decadence 1880-1914 by Simon Heffer. Just finished the good bit about the decline of the ruling classes, the rise of the middle-class and the increasing power of the Labour movement. Just about to start the bit on the decline of the Empire.
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Post by vixenshrew on Nov 29, 2018 18:58:46 GMT 1
Half way through Wolf Hall based mainly about Thomas Cromwell. Hard going in places; dog a dislike to it and ripped the spine off it. I like Sebastian Faulks and going ,to get Paris Echo on kindle for over Christmas. Probably return to wolf hall next summer.
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Post by venceremos on Nov 29, 2018 19:20:51 GMT 1
I forgot I'm also reading Wilko Johnson's autobiography, " don't You Leave Me Here".
The first half is really just for fans and anyone into music (esp Dr Feelgood, Ian Dury & the like) - I enjoyed it but it wouldn't have a wider audience. However, he then writes about his wife's death which blew me away - simply and honestly written and I found it incredibly moving. He was suddenly a man utterly lost in the universe. That part alone is worth recommending the book to non-musos.
I haven't yet got to his own illness, anticipated death and extraordinary recovery.
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Post by GlosShrew on Nov 29, 2018 20:54:22 GMT 1
Just about to start 'The Far Corner' by Harry Pearson. Fan's eye view of football in the North East in 1994-4 season This is a great read = one of the best books on footie around. His account of the moron at the Newcastle-Spurs game cracked me up!!
On the other side of the coin currently reading Martin Gilbert's definitive account of the Holocaust - horrifying!!
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Post by Salopfan99 on Nov 29, 2018 21:18:44 GMT 1
Mine?
Henry Blofeld's "Over And Out". I always enjoyed the " dear old things" commentary talking about pigeons and red buses, so I was really looking forward to this book, especially as it had great reviews. The truth is, I didn't learn anything about any Juan. I know he had a bust up with Botham , but it wasn't mentioned. He was....well... so nice about every Juan.
It was rather pleasant..... no more. 7/10.
You do any better? Just read this as well. Would agree with your assessment, just a pleasant read more than anything. Currently on ‘The Barcelona Way’ by Damien Hughes: all about the winning culture created at Barcelona and their academy. Would also highly recommend The Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steve Peters.
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Post by Mr Brightside on Nov 29, 2018 22:05:40 GMT 1
Split currently between Neil Warnock's The Gaffer: The Trials and Tribulations of a Football Manager (99p on Kindle Store) and Football's Coming Out: Life as a Gay Fan and Player by Neil Beasley and Seth Burkett (also 99p).
Next up is a good old fashioned paperback copy of Journeyman by Ben Smith, followed by Into The Black by Roland White (about the first Space Shuttle flight)
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Post by SeanBroseley on Nov 30, 2018 0:47:33 GMT 1
Dominic Hibberd's biography of Wilfred Owen
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Post by thesensationaljt on Nov 30, 2018 9:53:21 GMT 1
Next up is a good old fashioned paperback copy of Journeyman by Ben Smith.
He should have entitled it, "I wasted my talent". He comes across as an arrogant little s**t. Too good for "the likes of Shrewsbury". Although I have to say, the story about Tony Adams had me laughing out loud.
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Post by Mr Brightside on Nov 30, 2018 12:01:45 GMT 1
Next up is a good old fashioned paperback copy of Journeyman by Ben Smith.
He should entitled it, "I wasted my talent". He comes across as an arrogant little s**t. Too good for "the likes of Shrewsbury". Although I have to say, the story about Tony Adams had me laughing out loud.
Oh dear, that's not what I wanted to hear. Well, didn't he do well for himself...
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2018 12:27:17 GMT 1
Around the World in Eighty Record Stores by Marcus Barnes. A must for every vinyl junkie.
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Post by scooter on Nov 30, 2018 12:52:00 GMT 1
Just about to start 'The Far Corner' by Harry Pearson. Fan's eye view of football in the North East in 1994-4 season Terrific read
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Post by GrizzlyShrew on Nov 30, 2018 14:30:54 GMT 1
He should entitled it, "I wasted my talent". He comes across as an arrogant little s**t. Too good for "the likes of Shrewsbury". Although I have to say, the story about Tony Adams had me laughing out loud.
Oh dear, that's not what I wanted to hear. Well, didn't he do well for himself... It was an interesting read from what I remember, I guess having some part of it about his time with us made it a more interesting read though.
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Post by ssshrew on Nov 30, 2018 15:54:38 GMT 1
Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain (mother of Shirley Williams). I’ve been meaning to read it for years and this year’s commemoration has finally made me do it and I’m finding it excellent.
I’m looking forward to reading the sequel Testament of Experience detailing, I believe, her thoughts on the lead up to WW2.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2018 19:10:10 GMT 1
Just about to start 'The Far Corner' by Harry Pearson. Fan's eye view of football in the North East in 1994-4 season Terrific read Excellent read. This little peice makes me laugh although it helps if you can remember seeing some of the characters play. “ For a long while I thought my father was the only man in the north east who couldn’t kick a football properly . Then Newcastle signed Alan Gowling “. The Far Corner is one of the best football books ever written .
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Post by edgmond on Nov 30, 2018 22:02:11 GMT 1
Half way through Wolf Hall based mainly about Thomas Cromwell. Hard going in places; dog a dislike to it and ripped the spine off it. I like Sebastian Faulks and going ,to get Paris Echo on kindle for over Christmas. Probably return to wolf hall next summer. Definitely worth persevering with Wolf Hall. The writing is superb and you can't help siding with Cromwell, someone who most historians have portrayed as evil. His character is endlessly fascinating. If you do stick at it (or even next summer if you shelve it until then), I would suggest going straight on to the sequel, Bring Up The Bodies. There is a third and final instalment to come, but of course we know how that will end.....
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Post by vixenshrew on Nov 30, 2018 22:28:35 GMT 1
Half way through Wolf Hall based mainly about Thomas Cromwell. Hard going in places; dog a dislike to it and ripped the spine off it. I like Sebastian Faulks and going ,to get Paris Echo on kindle for over Christmas. Probably return to wolf hall next summer. Definitely worth persevering with Wolf Hall. The writing is superb and you can't help siding with Cromwell, someone who most historians have portrayed as evil. His character is endlessly fascinating. If you do stick at it (or even next summer if you shelve it until then), I would suggest going straight on to the sequel, Bring Up The Bodies. There is a third and final instalment to come, but of course we know how that will end..... Thanks I have got bring up the bodies and will definately return to Wolf Hall, so I can then move onto that after. I've read several books about the wars of the roses and the Tudor usurpers so I will be able to pick it up again and as you say Wolf Hall gives an interesting insight into Cromwell's life and his survival instinct. I may get them put on my kindle as I prefer this way of reading, it is easier to carry and it keeps your place. I didn't know about the third and final book, so I will keep an eye out for that to come out.
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Post by thesensationaljt on Dec 1, 2018 9:45:18 GMT 1
Oh dear, that's not what I wanted to hear. Well, didn't he do well for himself... It was an interesting read from what I remember, I guess having some part of it about his time with us made it a more interesting read though.
I'll tell you something, Grizz. I'll bet Smiffy ducks into a doorway if he sees Gary Peters coming down the road!
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Post by shropshirelad42 on Dec 1, 2018 12:44:24 GMT 1
Having recently finished the last book of The Clifton Chronicles - good story teller is Jeffrey Archer - I then diversified to Silas Marner, which was wonderfully written (George Eliot)with heaps of lovely 'Olde English'in it. Having read all of Wilbur Smith's novels a number of years ago, I still haven't come across a better 'adventure' writer, so I am now a few books in to reading them all again.
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Post by thesensationaljt on Dec 1, 2018 13:49:52 GMT 1
Excellent read. This little peice makes me laugh although it helps if you can remember seeing some of the characters play. “ For a long while I thought my father was the only man in the north east who couldn’t kick a football properly . Then Newcastle signed Alan Gowling “. The Far Corner is one of the best football books ever written .
I think I've got it in my pile to take on holly day. It's got to be better than We Are Sunday League, which rambled away to the extent that I binned it half way through.
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Post by WATR on Dec 2, 2018 23:27:41 GMT 1
Currently on "Fear on Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72", have absolutely no idea what is going, but you can't get better value journalism than big HST. Have also just finished a short read called "Kill All Normies" by Angela Nagle which is a pretty interesting look at online culture wars in relation to the rise of the far-right and over-sensitive liberalism.
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