What are you reading right now?

[roamer_1]

You're welcome, and thank you as well.

I think that style of storytelling grows out of leftist nihilism. It was prevalent in British SF of the 60s and 70s, well before it really started infecting science fiction and fantasy by US authors. Mainly because those British authors were already socialist, while there were still many non-socialist American writers being published up until the mid-to-late 90s. In my opinion, the leftists really took over the publishing industry and started pushing their ideology into what was being published in the mid-to-late 80s. You'll notice that's when they shifted away from science fiction and more towards fantasy, and also when they started favoring more female writers over male writers. They had to move towards more fantasy and away from SF, because most women preferred to write fantasy instead of science fiction, and their goal was to grow the number of women writers being published in this genre.

I can see that. Though I would submit that is really extends across all genres. The magic emphasized in scifi/fan probably makes in more apparent.

My research tends toward Biblical reckoning of other religions - and the occult and satanic stuff particularly... So you are kinda speaking to a parallel - And it makes it hard for me to be entertained by anything, as pretty much all of it winds up washing through my study filters

As to what to read, well, for the past 8 years or so I've mainly been reading Japanese light novels that have been translated into English. They aren't for everyone, but I've found many series that I have enjoyed reading. More recently, I have realized that even though I read a lot when I was in middle school and high school (basically, the 70s and early 80s) there was a lot published that I either missed or skipped, for whatever reason. So, I'm going back and reading pre-1990s stuff that I didn't read back then. For instance, I recently read "Ringworld" by Larry Niven, which was published in 1970 but which I had never read before. It's a classic SF novel, and I enjoyed reading it. I've recently picked up Kindle editions on sale of several other books from that time which I haven't read before, but which I soon will be reading.  Just as soon as I finish reading Volume 3 of "The Apothecary Diaries", one of those Japanese light novel series that I mentioned. 

You are the second person to recommend 'Ringworld' by Niven. I have a couple more to clean up in my Kindle after this series (Mistborn by Sanderson), but Ringworld is now very definitely in the rack. Thanks 

I will have to kick the tires on the Japanese stuff - That'sa whole nuther thing, but I will give it a whirl.

I can suggest that you try a Kindle Unlimited account - For 10 bucks a month I can read tons and tons for free. I could never keep up with my voracious appetite without it.

I am kinda in the same boat. I quit reading for pleasure when I put on cheaters.They so offended me that I just stopped.

Research is different. That is done sitting up at a desk where the reading glasses won't get fouled. So internet and white papers remained. But I didn't pick up a book for pleasure in well over a decade.

My fairly recent foray into ebooks changed my life. Adjustable font solved the cheater problem outright, and since then, little more than a year ago, I have read hundreds and hundreds of books. All for nothing but sheer pleasure. It has been such a joy for me. 

[Luis Gonzalez]

YUP. That stuff is right in my wheelhouse. You should try Gary Wayne's magnificent tome in two parts (soon to be 3) : 'The Genesis 6 Conspiracy'

 

Thanks! I'll do just that!

[DCPatriot]

That answer is astute and well thought out. Thank you. 

Yes, it's a valid thought... And why I like Louis L'Amour books so much. The good guy wins, and rides off with the fair maiden, into the sunset.

...

Loved 'Crossfire Trail' and 'Last Stand at Saber River' movies with Tom Selleck as the hero.

[Bigun]

Currently trying to get through Harvey Hugett's Musing Appalachia (Five Volumes).  I'm just starting on volume three. Then he has a new book out.



Harvey is a good friend now. Met him a few years ago and we hit it off because what he writes about is largely my life story.

[Ghost Bear]

I can see that. Though I would submit that is really extends across all genres. The magic emphasized in scifi/fan probably makes in more apparent.

My research tends toward Biblical reckoning of other religions - and the occult and satanic stuff particularly... So you are kinda speaking to a parallel - And it makes it hard for me to be entertained by anything, as pretty much all of it winds up washing through my study filters

You are the second person to recommend 'Ringworld' by Niven. I have a couple more to clean up in my Kindle after this series (Mistborn by Sanderson), but Ringworld is now very definitely in the rack. Thanks 

I will have to kick the tires on the Japanese stuff - That'sa whole nuther thing, but I will give it a whirl.

I can suggest that you try a Kindle Unlimited account - For 10 bucks a month I can read tons and tons for free. I could never keep up with my voracious appetite without it.

I am kinda in the same boat. I quit reading for pleasure when I put on cheaters.They so offended me that I just stopped.

Research is different. That is done sitting up at a desk where the reading glasses won't get fouled. So internet and white papers remained. But I didn't pick up a book for pleasure in well over a decade.

My fairly recent foray into ebooks changed my life. Adjustable font solved the cheater problem outright, and since then, little more than a year ago, I have read hundreds and hundreds of books. All for nothing but sheer pleasure. It has been such a joy for me. 

Oh yes, it no doubt extended across all genres and all of publishing really, all a part of the Communists' "march through the institutions". I mentioned SF/F specifically because that's all I read when I was younger and so that's where I noticed it happening. I didn't realize it at the time, but it probably is what contributed to my reading less back then, as I found fewer books/authors that I enjoyed reading. In the same time frame, publishers ended the Western genre (largely written by and for men) and the Mystery genre experienced the same shift that happened in SF/F, away from "hard/logical" storytelling and towards "soft/emotional" storytelling. I didn't (and don't) read many Mysteries, but I've read other people commenting on the same shift happening at about the same time. But anyway...

My wife had a Kindle Unlimited account, and made good use of it. I don't read enough to justify having one, as I deliberately limit myself to reading only 30-60 minutes per day. A single book of moderate length (not a doorstopper) can take me 1-2 weeks to finish. I limit myself that way because if I didn't, I wouldn't do anything but read, and I have other things that need doing. And Amazon runs enough Kindle sales that it's relatively easy to pick up something I find interesting at $1.99 or $2.99 on sale.

"Ringworld" was an interesting book, with a twist in the middle that changed the focus of the story. Larry Niven is a good writer, and has published a number of good stories. His collaborations with Jerry Pournelle are also top tier storytelling.

As for the Japanese light novels, they are not for everyone. Most of them are very "light" reading, written specifically for adolescent boys. Some touch on more adult topics or are focused more towards late teen/young adult men. And of course, all of them are written from a Japanese/Eastern mindset and culture, which can sometimes make it difficult for a Westerner to understand, or appreciate the storytelling. All of that can make it hard to figure out what series might appeal to a person. But, when you find a series or author that you like, you can usually figure on there being 10+ volumes to read, with some of the more popular series running for 30, 40, or 50+ volumes (not kidding).

I've worn glasses since I was 9, although I had to switch to bifocals a few years ago, and now I more often find myself peeking over the top or under the bottom edge of my glasses as I read (or just taking them off entirely). But I can appreciate how the adjustable text of e-readers can make it so much easier to read. I'm glad that you were able to rediscover a hobby that you enjoy. 

[Kamaji]

Right now?  Why, TBR, of course!

[roamer_1]

Loved 'Crossfire Trail' and 'Last Stand at Saber River' movies with Tom Selleck as the hero.

If you've never read Louis L'Amour, you're really missing out, @DCPatriot
I hardly have any books around here anymore, but I still have all my L'amour.

I can go into one of those books and just disappear for a few hours. No mind-bending, no fancy thinking. Just a great little predictable tale, usually with a happy ending.

I have read all of em, multiple times. Many times.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

The new testament. Really. Love it so far.

[libertybele]

The new testament. Really. Love it so far.

Usually before I go to sleep at night I read the gospel and Bible verse for the day - consisting of both old testament and new testament. There's a lot to understand and I read them more than once and sometimes it is still difficult to grasp the meaning.

[DCPatriot]

If you've never read Louis L'Amour, you're really missing out, @DCPatriot
I hardly have any books around here anymore, but I still have all my L'amour.

I can go into one of those books and just disappear for a few hours. No mind-bending, no fancy thinking. Just a great little predictable tale, usually with a happy ending.

I have read all of em, multiple times. Many times.

Thanks, @roamer_1   will have to check them out!   

[mountaineer]

I found a "read the Bible in a year" schedule online, and have done it 4 or 5 times now. Takes a lot of discipline, but certainly worth the effort!

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Usually before I go to sleep at night I read the gospel and Bible verse for the day - consisting of both old testament and new testament. There's a lot to understand and I read them more than once and sometimes it is still difficult to grasp the meaning.

I decided i knew too little about christianity, after watching a lot of roman history content, figured it was next in line. But it's been good stuff so far. And I watched Passion of the Christ, which I found very good.

[roamer_1]

Usually before I go to sleep at night I read the gospel and Bible verse for the day - consisting of both old testament and new testament. There's a lot to understand and I read them more than once and sometimes it is still difficult to grasp the meaning.

I am absolutely horrible at devotional stuff... Can't do it a piece at time... Just.can't.

I'll get a wild hair and go after a particular issue, and deep dive. I'll get a wild hair and read it end to end, all at once... But I ain't any good at verse-slinging or at devotionals. Just ain't my bag.   

[deb]

I found a "read the Bible in a year" schedule online, and have done it 4 or 5 times now. Takes a lot of discipline, but certainly worth the effort!

I’ve done the Bible in a year before, but found myself just reading to get it done. It started to feel like a chore.
I’m now doing a read the Bible in 3 years. It’s basically 1 chapter/day. I can ruminate what I’ve read.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

I’ve done the Bible in a year before, but found myself just reading to get it done. It started to feel like a chore.
I’m now doing a read the Bible in 3 years. It’s basically 1 chapter/day. I can ruminate what I’ve read.

I commute 40 minutes each day so, easy choice for me.

[mountaineer]

I’ve done the Bible in a year before, but found myself just reading to get it done. It started to feel like a chore.

Yes, that can happen. The 3-year plan makes sense.

[verga]

Yes, that can happen. The 3-year plan makes sense.

Father Mike's "Bible in a year" is Outstanding.

[Cyber Liberty]

Father Mike's "Bible in a year" is Outstanding.

I don't know if I can handle Revelations in that week between Christmas and New Years Day....

[Kamaji]

I commute 40 minutes each day so, easy choice for me.

Each way, or round trip?

[libertybele]

I don't know if I can handle Revelations in that week between Christmas and New Years Day....

Understandable.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Each way, or round trip?

Each way bro.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

I don't know if I can handle Revelations in that week between Christmas and New Years Day....

My bible reading tees it up during the month of December.

Right after I finish The Raven, biography of Sam Houston.

[verga]

I don't know if I can handle Revelations in that week between Christmas and New Years Day....

I understand

[mountaineer]

Some reading programs schedule the gospel accounts of Christ's birth for the advent season. The Revelation is read some other time. It doesn't have to be read in order, front to back. 

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Some reading programs schedule the gospel accounts of Christ's birth for the advent season. The Revelation is read some other time. It doesn't have to be read in order, front to back. 

Mine is not done in order that way as it is sprinkled differently throughout the year with portions of both Old and New Testament everyday. Tees off understandingly with Genesis in old and finishing off with Revelations at EOY.

[roamer_1]

Thanks! I'll do just that!

BTW, the GOAT in this line of thinking is a scholar named Michael Heiser... His books, The Unseen Realm particularly,  is what all the rest stems from. If he is too academic for you (he can be rather dry), Derek Gilbert is almost a direct accolyte:

The Great Inception
The Second Coming of Saturn
Last Clash of the Titans

[libertybele]

The new testament. Really. Love it so far.

I'm just about finishing up the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament.  I've read each section twice and slowly -- IMO more descriptive than Revelations.

[jafo2010]

Currently reading Bret Baier's book on Teddy Roosevelt and enjoying it. 

[jafo2010]

For those of you that are reading the Bible, and are interested in the spirituality of coming closer to Christ, I was exposed to a book years ago called The Urantia Book.  Supposedly, it was written by a Tibetan monk in English, who did not know English prior to the writing.  The explanation I received from the fellow I knew recommending it was if you could envision the Bible being a 1st grade reader of faith, and the teachings of Christ, The Urantia Book brings man to a 2nd grade level of conscienceness of Christ.  Most of the book is about Christ.

I had a client that had two forms of terminal cancer, one went completely away with shark cartilage, the other went into full remission, and he had become very spiritual at the time considering his dilemma, and he asked to borrow the book.  I gave it to him, and about 1.5 years later, I asked if he had read it.  He sprung from his chair like he was catapaulted across the room, snatched it from the book shelf and returned to his chair.

With a very serene look on his face he said, 'I have read most of this book, and I now know there is life after death'.  He moved me so much with what he said in those moments, I had tears running down my face.  It was perhaps the most moving conversation I ever had with anyone.

[mountaineer]

Having decided to incorporate classic literature into my usual reading regimen of crime novels, biographies and history, I most recently checked George Eliot's "Silas Marner" out of the library, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The very small print and intricate 19th century language take a while to muddle through, but it was a charming story.

[Cyber Liberty]

I have started rereading "The Law" by Bastiat, a tome recommended to me by my friend @Luis Gonzalez.

[Luis Gonzalez]

I have started rereading "The Law" by Bastiat, a tome recommended to me by my friend @Luis Gonzalez.

 

[roamer_1]

I have started rereading "The Law" by Bastiat, a tome recommended to me by my friend @Luis Gonzalez.

That's some heavy stuff. I haven't read Bastiat in decades. 

While I am probably considered to be a Burkean conservative, Bastiat is in there somewhere...

[Luis Gonzalez]

I have started rereading "The Law" by Bastiat, a tome recommended to me by my friend @Luis Gonzalez.

The Last Wire will be shuttering down for a week.

Gonna get Boat Drinks With Jimmy!

Taking Tolkien with me. Time for a reread.

[Kamaji]

The Last Wire will be shuttering down for a week.

Gonna get Boat Drinks With Jimmy!

Taking Tolkien with me. Time for a reread.

Which Tolkien?

[Luis Gonzalez]

Which Tolkien?

JRR Tolkien.

I have the LOTR and a book about JRR himself.

I’ve read the trilogy before. I think I want to know more about the man himself now.

[Kamaji]

JRR Tolkien.

I have the LOTR and a book about JRR himself.

I’ve read the trilogy before. I think I want to know more about the man himself now.

Sorry, I should have been clearer.  I meant which one(s) of JRR’s books were you going to read.

[Cyber Liberty]

Sorry, I should have been clearer.  I meant which one(s) of JRR’s books were you going to read.

Should be at least four.  No reading of The Lord of the Rings would be complete without reading The Hobbit first....

[libertybele]

The Last Wire will be shuttering down for a week.

Gonna get Boat Drinks With Jimmy!

Taking Tolkien with me. Time for a reread.

If you happen to run into Jimmy let us know. 

[libertybele]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrF4nF8VUb4&list=RDmrF4nF8VUb4&start_radio=1

[Kamaji]

Should be at least four.  No reading of The Lord of the Rings would be complete without reading The Hobbit first....

OTOH, there's Tolkien's nonfiction as well.

[Cyber Liberty]

OTOH, there's Tolkien's nonfiction as well.

I should take a look!

[Luis Gonzalez]

If you happen to run into Jimmy let us know. 

If I do, I think I'll be in deep doodoo.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Should be at least four.  No reading of The Lord of the Rings would be complete without reading The Hobbit first....

Read all of them a number of times, starting about 50 years ago.

I skim through them sometimes (come on! Does anyone really read all the troll songs?), which I may do again.

The movies were amazing entertainment, if you hadn't read the books and knew enough about them to demand that someone explain how in the world Orlando Bloom ended up in The Hobbit trying to get elven nooky.

[Bigun]

Read all of them a number of times, starting about 50 years ago.

I skim through them sometimes (come on! Does anyone really read all the troll songs?), which I may do again.

The movies were amazing entertainment, if you hadn't read the books and knew enough about them to demand that someone explain how in the world Orlando Bloom ended up in The Hobbit trying to get elven nooky.

You owe me a keyboard damn it! 

[Ghost Bear]

I should take a look!

If you want to take a really deep dive into Tolkien's Legendarium, I'll give a recommendation to Christopher Tolkien's 12-volume "History of Middle Earth", which reviews his father's work from his earliest writings in 1915 to his final essays done in the mid- to late-60s. Some of it can be tedious (analysis of multiple manuscripts with only minor differences between them...) but on the other hand, it can be fascinating to see how some key ideas evolved. And, how some ideas remained unchanged over nearly 50 years of writing.

[Luis Gonzalez]

... how some ideas remained unchanged over nearly 50 years of writing.

Yes.

That.

[Cyber Liberty]

Yes.

That.

You have a lead to explore, my good fellow!  Happy hunting!

[Luis Gonzalez]

You have a lead to explore, my good fellow!  Happy hunting!

We bought the drink package and the WiFi package.

We have a balcony.

I can do some serious reading while enjoying drinks with umbrellas.

Loading up the Kindle now. 

[Cyber Liberty]

We bought the drink package and the WiFi package.

We have a balcony.

I can do some serious reading while enjoying drinks with umbrellas.

Loading up the Kindle now.

Don't forget your charging cable!  Enjoy your break!