1. Dr. Doctor

    Dr. Doctor New Member

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    You guys - give me a book recommendation please?

    Discussion in 'Discussion of Published Works' started by Dr. Doctor, May 17, 2009.

    Recommend me a great book to read, of any genre. Preferably something a little more modern, preferably something not a part of any series. I'm not a huge fan of fantasy or whatever, but you can recommend it if it's unique and what not. I just need something to kick off my reading for the summer.

    Sorry if this isn't allowed. Thanks.
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    It's allowed, but you may have better luck with a more infornative thread title.
     
  3. hawkedup

    hawkedup New Member

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    A Confederacy of Dunces by John K. Toole.
     
  4. That Silly Welsh Guy

    That Silly Welsh Guy New Member

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    The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
    Lovely Bones - Alice Seabold
    Once Were Warriors - Alan Duff
     
  5. Dr. Doctor

    Dr. Doctor New Member

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    Alright, all of those look good! I think I'll go for Lovely Bones first.
     
  6. That Silly Welsh Guy

    That Silly Welsh Guy New Member

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    Excellent choice! You shan't regret it.
     
  7. WashingtonIrving

    WashingtonIrving New Member

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    I really enjoyed the White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, but opinions seem to vary.
     
  8. Agreen

    Agreen Faceless Man Contributor

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    The Plague by Albert Camus. One of the most powerful books I've ever read, beautifully written and deeply engaging.
     
  9. hawkedup

    hawkedup New Member

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    I've had this book on my shelf for a very long time but have never gotten around to reading it. I've loved everything else I've read by Camus, too.
     
  10. Rei

    Rei Contributor Contributor

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    My recommendation is to go to the section of the library that most interests you and, without looking, pull off a random book.
     
  11. A.J.Crowley

    A.J.Crowley New Member

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    Pick a genre that interests you and look up any big awards for that genre, and have a go at some of the winners.

    Books of short stories from different authors are also a good place to start.
     
  12. Dr. Doctor

    Dr. Doctor New Member

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    Not an option. I have fines there I don't want to pay, so I'll just be buying the book - I like doing that, too. I hate my library system anyway.

    The Plague by Camus...I liked The Stranger, so I'll probably get this too.

    I know. I just figured I'd get some input from people who loved reading, as it would yield some interesting suggestions. Which it clearly did.
     
  13. arron89

    arron89 Banned

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    Middlesex...Secret History....1984.....American Psycho....Frog King....Enduring Love...Maus (by Speigelman)....yeah.....anything on my bookcase :p
     
  14. JGraham

    JGraham New Member

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    State of Fear By Michael Crichton

    It is modern (2004) and a a good read. It is a science fiction novel with a slight back history on Global warming and how it is a conspiracy in a way.
     
  15. Sphi

    Sphi New Member

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    If you're into short stories, I highly recommend Flannery O'Connor.
    If you're not, you will be after you read her. XD
     
  16. Dr. Doctor

    Dr. Doctor New Member

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    Ohh, I read Wise Blood this year in school. Not bad at all, I enjoyed it after it picked up a bit.
     
  17. laurelin

    laurelin New Member

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    Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami.
     
  18. Eric Aiello

    Eric Aiello Member

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    I realize this is a bit late, but hey, you'll need some more books to read this summer! I highly recommend Cormac McCarthy's The Road. It's one of my top favorites. Fantastic book!
     
  19. Credulous Skeptic

    Credulous Skeptic New Member

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    That is the best book I've ever read!

    (OK, I didn't finish it all. But I know it is all good.)
     
  20. RomanticRose

    RomanticRose Active Member

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    Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn
     
  21. Igu Soni

    Igu Soni New Member

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    There's a couple of Indian writers I've been reading recently:
    Vikram Chandra
    Tarun J. Tejpal
    Both brilliant writers.
     
  22. Igu Soni

    Igu Soni New Member

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    I've been reading a couple of brilliant Indian writers lately: Vikram Chandra and Tarun J Tejpal
     
  23. Dr. Doctor

    Dr. Doctor New Member

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    Alright, picked up The Lovely Bones and am about 100 pages in so far. It's a strange, strange little book. I like the way it captures a whole range of normal human experiences in such a succinct and gritty, un-sappy manner. The characters are very human, very suburban.

    I find the book's concept of heaven disturbing - I sure as hell don't want a place like that when I die. But that's another thread.
     
  24. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Yeah, I wasn't sold on the novel's vision of the afterlife either. Still, it was an entertaining read, and the human perspectives were well crafted.
     
  25. Dr. Doctor

    Dr. Doctor New Member

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    Well, the concept works well within the story's boundaries, but it honestly sort of creeps me out a bit. It would be interesting to explore this concept in a story of its own.
     

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