What are you reading?

Get Off My Lawn said:
I'm surprised you know Who Daltry is.. ;)
You can probably guess I'm a big Wjo fan, how was it?
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It was good, picked it up for only a few bucks at B&N, worth the fiver.

So Im bummed right now - a lot.
I had gotten the Man in the White Suit as a gift. And almost done with it, read some more yesterday actually. And now I cant find it.
I was talking to some former students at the coffee shop yesterday and Im wondering that I was distracted and left it behind.
I called the shop today, nothing, no one turned one in.
What makes it worse, I did something stupid - I happened to have gotten my new drivers license in the day that I started the book...so I used the old as my bookmark. It's still in there. F.
 
Good news, book found!
Apparently I'd taken it out in the soccer office and put it somewhere I dont usually place my things. Im stoked to have found it
 
If you're looking for just a good fun read and are into light sci-fi, laughs with a little adventure mixed in with a self proclaimed hillbilly as the main character then this is a good series of books.

There's about 20 books so far and it's holding up with all of them being entertaining.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Outpost-Dono...-text&sprefix=w+micha,digital-text,159&sr=1-5

Just finishing "Outpost" by W. Michael Gear - not bad story of intersteller colonization of a planet by a corporation that seems to be more powerful than governments (or may be the de facto government) and said planet's fauna and flora that kills many earthborn within the first year of arrival. I believe there are 5 in the series.
 
About a third into: "Power Play - Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century". Pretty interesting stuff. Until started reading this, I didn't know Musk wasn't the founder of Tesla. He started as a major investor and ended up ousting the person and his team that started the company.

I just finished: "The Quiet Zone" about Greenbank WV and the radio silent zone surrounding the observatory. Much more interesting than you might think.
 
Dang it Karl, you keep adding to my reading list. Been to Green Bank, gotta read…
 
Did ya'll know that Mark Twain went to France and researched a biography of Joan of Arc?

I'm up to her trial for heresy which was convened after a higher court had already found her not guilty. There were 62 prosecutors and she wasn't allowed any representative.
 
Spit Shine by Dennis Rogers. You may remember him as a News & Observer columnist. This book is about his enlistment in the Army in the 60s, boot camp, and lessons learned. It may be his best work.
 
I'm currently binge reading The Last Kingdom series (AKA The Saxon Stories) by Bernard Cornwell. I read the first four or five books when they came out but kind of lost track, now I'm checking them out online from the library and reading with the Kindle app.
 
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https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Beer-Run-Ever-Friendship/dp/0998686816

"In 1967, John (Chick) Donohue was a 26-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran working as a merchant seaman when he was challenged one night in a New York City bar. The men gathered at this hearth had lost family and friends in the ongoing war in Vietnam. Now, they were seeing protesters turn on the troops. One neighborhood patriot proposed an idea many might deem preposterous: One of them should sneak into Vietnam, track down their buddies in combat, and give each of them messages of support from back home, maybe some laughs - and beer."

Just finished it. If even only half the tale might be true, it was quite an adventure and if the whole thing happened as written, amazing!
 
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I finished listening to "Tropic Night" by Michael Gruber and have started on "Valley of Bones". They are part of a three book series about Jimmy Paz, a black Cuban-American detective on the Miami PD. The first story involved African witchcraft, sanitaria, and zombies. Any book where a Mauser Broom handle red 9 is used to shoot zombies is ok with me. "Valley of Bones" introduces a Bofers L/70 40mm AAA gun as a point of discussion. The author seems to have a good grasp of firearms and writes a compelling story.

"Jane Doe lives in the shadows under an assumed name. A once-promising anthropologist and an expert on shamanism, everyone thinks she's dead. Or so she hopes. Jimmy Paz is a Cuban-American police detective. Straddling two cultures, he understands things others cannot. When the killings start -- a series of ritualistic murders -- all of Miami is terrified. Especially Jane. She knows the dark truth that Jimmy must desperately search to uncover. As their lives slowly interconnect, Jane and Paz are soon caught in a cataclysmic battle between good and an evil as unimaginable as it is terrifying . . ." Tropic Night
 
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Trying again to make it past Book 6 or 7 in the Wheel of Time series. Currently at the beginning of The Dragon Reborn (Book 3). Sort of in lieu of watching the TV series.
 
rufrdr said:
https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Beer-Run-Ever-Friendship/dp/0998686816

"In 1967, John (Chick) Donohue was a 26-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran working as a merchant seaman when he was challenged one night in a New York City bar. The men gathered at this hearth had lost family and friends in the ongoing war in Vietnam. Now, they were seeing protesters turn on the troops. One neighborhood patriot proposed an idea many might deem preposterous: One of them should sneak into Vietnam, track down their buddies in combat, and give each of them messages of support from back home, maybe some laughs - and beer."

Just finished it. If even only half the tale might be true, it was quite an adventure and if the whole thing happened as written, amazing!
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It's now on my list. There's apparently a movie coming out, and PBR posted this video a few years ago.

 
A friend gave me The Demon in the Freezer, written by the same guy who wrote The Hot Zone. It's been a minute since I have been in the CBRNE game except for some teaching, so it's really blowing the dust of the neurons. It's non-fiction, about the use of viruses for germ warfare, does a deep dive in smallpox and anthrax.
 
"Imperial Grunts by Robert Kaplan: On the ground with the American military from Mongolia to the Philippines to Iraq, and beyond." Great read.
 
I pretty much don't buy books anymore unless I simply have to read it, and then I get it used on Amazon. My books come from the Wake County and L.A. County library (E books and audio books only) systems. I recently discovered that Wake county does inter-library loans. It isn't very obvious on the web-site but it is there. I requested two (Sword and Scimitar and Operation Tidalwave) that neither system has, and got them. One came from a community college in NC and the other from a library in Missouri! It is worth checking the inter-library catalog of your county library system.
 
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"The Shepherd" by Fredrick Forsyth. A novella about an RAF pilot lost on Christmas eve in a Vampire jet with no compass, no radio, and low on fuel. He's going to need a miracle to survive. An excellent story to read on Christmas eve.
 
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Bought the latest Larry Correia book last month, Monster Hunter Bloodlines. Inhaled it in a very short time, then read through the whole series because COVID had erased them from my memories. 11 novels and two short story anthologies. Now I'm ready for him to release another one.
 
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You've no doubt read bios of JMB, but this is a new one. It seems well-researched, and fleshes out some previous stories and corrects some others. Title notwithstanding, it doesn't have much technical detail on the guns themselves. The book gives an impression of Browning as a bit more business-oriented than others I've read, though he is still driven by making new stuff. It's an enjoyable read. Now I want to visit the museum in Ogden and see the original guns.
 
2020 Harley Service Manual

About two inches thick, boring as hell, but I paid $100 for it so I figure I’ll read it.

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Killing Patton by Oreilly
I read Killing the SS back at Thanksgiving and enjoyed it. Liking this one too.

Between the two I read Easter Rising...no time tonight to discuss it, but I dont really recommend that.
 
GoWolfpack said:
Bought the latest Larry Correia book last month, Monster Hunter Bloodlines. Inhaled it in a very short time, then read through the whole series because COVID had erased them from my memories. 11 novels and two short story anthologies. Now I'm ready for him to release another one.
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I got a signed copy of that from my brother when Correia visited Minnesota.

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I've got his original Monster Hunter International (Self-published!) version as well from when he was a total newbie waaaayyyy back in 2007 and not the titan of writing and ranting that he is today. Bless that man.

Edit - I love how he spends more time drawing the MHI symbol then he does his autograph.
 
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Atla said:
I got a signed copy of that from my brother when Correia visited Minnesota.

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I've got his original Monster Hunter International (Self-published!) version as well from when he was a total newbie waaaayyyy back in 2007 and not the titan of writing and ranting that he is today. Bless that man.

Edit - I love how he spends more time drawing the MHI symbol then he does his autograph.
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I wish I had gotten a copy of the self published version. I came to THR in 2009, just after that era ended.
I have several signed copies of his books but not this one.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Sebastian-Junger/dp/1982153415

"Freedom" by Sebastian Junger

"Throughout history, humans have been driven by the quest for two cherished ideals: community and freedom. The two don’t coexist easily. We value individuality and self-reliance, yet are utterly dependent on community for our most basic needs. In this intricately crafted and thought-provoking book, Sebastian Junger examines the tension that lies at the heart of what it means to be human.

For much of a year, Junger and three friends—a conflict photographer and two Afghan War vets—walked the railroad lines of the East Coast. It was an experiment in personal autonomy, but also in interdependence. Dodging railroad cops, sleeping under bridges, cooking over fires, and drinking from creeks and rivers, the four men forged a unique reliance on one another.

In Freedom, Junger weaves his account of this journey together with primatology and boxing strategy, the history of labor strikes and Apache raiders, the role of women in resistance movements, and the brutal reality of life on the Pennsylvania frontier. Written in exquisite, razor-sharp prose, the result is a powerful examination of the primary desire that defines us."

About a quarter of the way through it, excellent read.
 
Speaking of freedom:

"Vandenberg" aka "Defiance" by Oliver Lange

An old book (70s) about one middle aged man who just wants to be left alone who stands up to a Soviet occupation of the U.S. A bit dated and not the typical rising up of the masses type of story of this genre. Pretty thought provoking. I've read it over again at least 3x. For those with fantasies of a Red Dawn type of life, this book will make you think about such choices.


Sometimes available in libraries or on Amazon as used books.

A link to a review of the book: "The Best Novel Never Read" Warning: major spoiler in the review.

https://punchriot.com/?p=204

"The Soviets were enemy-one then and this novel portrays how easily they invade America due to a general lack of values amongst its population and a specific lack of leadership amongst its elected officials. The premise is that a few small skirmishes and the threat of extended violence convinces the leadership in Washington to turn over the country to the Soviets in order to avoid the pain and death of war–the implied question being, “Are some small lifestyle changes really worth dying for?”

The answer for the citizenry as well as the government is apparently, “No, it’s not.” Washington hands the keys over to the Red Menace that has adopted a smiling face and placating assurances, and the populace offers no real resistance or rebellion because, well, Why?"

https://www.amazon.com/Vandenberg-O...1&s=books&sprefix=Vanden,stripbooks,96&sr=1-1
 
Im reading In Order To Live, I cant tell you the author, it's some Korean name.
A girl's story about her early life/childhood in North Korea and then escaping at the age of 13.
So far it's good. And sad. And scary. North Korea really interests me because of how backwards it is, interesting stuff.
 
HMP...try this one:

An extraordinary insight into life under one of the world’s most ruthless and secretive dictatorships –
and the story of one woman’s terrifying struggle to avoid capture/repatriation and guide her family to freedom.

 
You fans of post apocalyptic fiction: have you read the classic "Alas Babylon"? Somewhat dated, especially regarding race relations (considering it was written in the late 50s) but still very interesting. A mid 30s scion of a once influential family, now living in shabby bachelorhood, is forced by circumstances to take charge of a small Florida town after a nuclear war. Yes there are lots of guns and no, there are no shuffling zombies attacking the survivors. The description of the dislocated tourists, adrift in Florida far from home made me think about those times when I've been far from home and what to do if some sort of massive dislocation to society occurred. One can carry only so much in a vehicle on a vacation.

“An extraordinary real picture of human beings numbed by catastrophe but still driven by the unconquerable determination of living creatures to keep on being alive.” —The New Yorker

" “Alas, Babylon.” Those fateful words heralded the end. When the unthinkable nightmare of nuclear holocaust ravaged the United States, it was instant death for tens of millions of people; for survivors, it was a nightmare of hunger, sickness, and brutality. Overnight, a thousand years of civilization were stripped away.

But for one small Florida town, miraculously spared against all the odds, the struggle was only just beginning, as the isolated survivors—men and women of all ages and races—found the courage to come together and confront the harrowing darkness.

This classic apocalyptic novel by Pat Frank, first published in 1959 at the height of the Cold War, includes an introduction by award-winning science fiction writer and scientist David Brin. "

https://www.amazon.com/Alas-Babylon-Pat-Frank/dp/0060741872
 
What's going on with so many folks BANNED?
Is there a run A muk section that folks do crazy stuff in?
I don't subscribe to the off topic romp a rooms .. Maybe that's where all the tequila shots are getting served?

REF: OP Bann-anna split.
 
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"Mimi and Toutou's Big Adventure"

Reportedly this true story of the WW1 battle of Lake Tanganyika in Africa was the basis for the book "The African Queen". A crackerjack adventure story featuring a hairbrained scheme to carry two gunboats from Cape Town to Lake Tanganyika by rail, river and overland to attack German gunboats and wrest control of the German colony away from the Imperial German army. Featuring one of those eccentric Englishmen that seem to pop up just when times are bleakest, and the plan can in no manner succeed. A fun read!

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https://www.amazon.com/MIMI-TOUTOUS...and+toutou+big+adventure,stripbooks,68&sr=1-2

"Although the title and the cover image of "Mimi and Toutou" are whimsical and some of the reviews are facetious, this is not a child's book. It is a real story; a carefully documented slice of WW1 history. College students and grown-ups will love it.

In April 1915, Europe was convulsed by war when the British Admiralty learned Germany was preparing to launch their ship, the Graf von Götzen, onto Africa's enormous Lake Tanganyika. An eccentric office-bound and seemingly incompetent British naval officer, Lt. Commander Geoffrey Spicer-Simpson, was given command of a handful of men and two very small gunboats and tasked with transporting them from England, through the jungles of the Belgian Congo, to fight off the Germans. Their true adventure story is wonderfully reminiscent of an Africa-based version of the Journals of Lewis and Clark.

The Mimi and the Toutou were assembled and launched just before Christmas 1915. Although the German ship, the Götzen, couldn't be directly attacked, Spicer-Simpson's capture of the Kingani and the sinking of the Hedwig that winter greatly weakened German naval power on Lake Tanganyika. For the action against the Hedwig, Spicer-Simson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 1 May 1916. Over the course of the expedition, three of his officers were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and twelve of his men were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

At the end of the book Spicer-Simpson is once again found in his office making up tall tales.

"Mimi and Toutou Go Forth" would be a great book to accompany a college-level World History Unit on the Scramble for Africa and/or a unit on World War One. Classify this book as a "strange but true" war story and enjoy!"
 
rufrdr said:
You fans of post apocalyptic fiction: have you read the classic "Alas Babylon"? Somewhat dated, especially regarding race relations (considering it was written in the late 50s) but still very interesting. A mid 30s scion of a once influential family, now living in shabby bachelorhood, is forced by circumstances to take charge of a small Florida town after a nuclear war. Yes there are lots of guns and no, there are no shuffling zombies attacking the survivors. The description of the dislocated tourists, adrift in Florida far from home made me think about those times when I've been far from home and what to do if some sort of massive dislocation to society occurred. One can carry only so much in a vehicle on a vacation.

“An extraordinary real picture of human beings numbed by catastrophe but still driven by the unconquerable determination of living creatures to keep on being alive.” —The New Yorker

" “Alas, Babylon.” Those fateful words heralded the end. When the unthinkable nightmare of nuclear holocaust ravaged the United States, it was instant death for tens of millions of people; for survivors, it was a nightmare of hunger, sickness, and brutality. Overnight, a thousand years of civilization were stripped away.

But for one small Florida town, miraculously spared against all the odds, the struggle was only just beginning, as the isolated survivors—men and women of all ages and races—found the courage to come together and confront the harrowing darkness.

This classic apocalyptic novel by Pat Frank, first published in 1959 at the height of the Cold War, includes an introduction by award-winning science fiction writer and scientist David Brin. "

https://www.amazon.com/Alas-Babylon-Pat-Frank/dp/0060741872
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Have you read On The Beach by Nevil Shute? I haven't but I've read about it. I have read two other books by Nevil Shute and really enjoy his writing. Not sure if I would enjoy this one due to the subject matter, but it's on my list
 
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