Past EED rants

Labels

Live leaderboard

Poker leaderboard

Voice of EED

Sunday 8 February 2009

EED Book Club - Reboot [DrDave]

Okay, I think it's fair to say that our first foray into mutual literary discovery was somewhat... ill-considered. Perhaps unwisely I said we needed to stray outside our comfort zones, but I didn't clarify how far exactly. Wuthering Heights, though undoubtedly worthy literature, was not a pleasant way to spend a month's worth of Sunday night baths. I don't think anyone would argue that we need to be quite that high-brow. Anyone disagree?

So I've consulted with the Crosshatch finest minds and come up with a bold new plan, an attempt to recover what I still think could be a good idea.

The same basic principle applies: we'll together read a book approximately once a month, and the book we read will be suggested by one of the club members. However, this time we'll relax any "rules" on genre, period, author or subject. You can even suggest a book you've read. Furthermore, instead of one choice a month, we'll pick from a pool of three suggested by three members. That way we don't necessarily end up with a book we feel compelled to read despite knowing we won't like it.

Looking at the original list, the next three members are:
  • Muz
  • Slim
  • Shedir

Could each of you suggest a book, and maybe give a short paragraph describing why you selected it? We'll then create a poll and decide which one to read. That sound good?

(Muz, you can stick with your original choice of The Time Machine if you want, or choose again with the relaxed constraints?)

22 comments:

  1. My book: Terry Pratchetts Nation. It's Pratchetts first published book after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and I think it shows. It's a much more reflective book, and if you've written Pratchett off as a lightweight or been out of the Discworld loop for ages, then this is a good re-introduction to what the man is now capable off. It's an easy, un-challenging read, but if you're not someone who picks up books aimed at kids, you might be surprised.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm going for something a bit more harrowing, "crimes and mercies" by James Bacque. During the allied occupation of Germany after 1945, millions of people died by a policy of starvation imposed by the occupying powers, the USA, the USSR, Britain and France. At the same time, Canada and the USA led by Mackenzie King and Herbert Hoover, began a food-aid program that fed hundreds of millions of people around the world, eventually including the Germans themselves. This strange story has never been told before.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm going to stick with my original choice of 'The Time Machine', by H. G. Wells. It's a classic, but classic sci-fi, so hopefully a little more in keeping with the clan's tastes...

    ReplyDelete

  4. OK due to price and the unremittingly tinhat depression inspiring book choice I've decided to change mine.

    www.amazon.com/Daemon-Daniel-Suarez/dp/0525951113/ref=pd_nr_b_1 - Daemon by Daniel Suarez.
    Technothriller, written with geeks in mind.

    Starred Review. Originally self-published, Suarez's riveting debut would be a perfect gift for a favorite computer geek or anyone who appreciates thrills, chills and cyber suspense. Gaming genius Matthew Sobol, the 34-year-old head of CyberStorm Entertainment, has just died of brain cancer, but death doesn't stop him from initiating an all-out Internet war against humanity. When the authorities investigate Sobol's mansion in Thousand Oaks, Calif., they find themselves under attack from his empty house, aided by an unmanned Hummer that tears into the cops with staggering ferocity. Sobol's weapon is a daemon, a kind of computer process that not only has taken over many of the world's computer systems but also enlists the help of superintelligent human henchmen willing to carry out his diabolical plan. Complicated jargon abounds, but most complexities are reasonably explained. A final twist that runs counter to expectations will leave readers anxiously awaiting the promised sequel. (Jan.)

    ReplyDelete

  5. fuckit I'm a fuckwit and keep making an arse of this, get me on the pills and fry my brain.

    1 flew over the cuckoos nest.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Okay, our three literary patsies have spent literal minutes in their studies, trawling their shelves of tomes, looking for that winning recommendation. The options are: Nation - Terry Pratchet [Slim] The Time Machine - H. G. Wells [Muz] One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kessey [Shedir]A fine body of work, I think you'll agree. But which will we be reading this month? Only time will tell...Polls not working, so please indicate your preference here. We'll count up in a couple of days.

    ReplyDelete

  7. One vote for Shedir's Cuckoo's Nest.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Not a bad choice there at all, in fact I'd read all three and enjoy them no doubt. But the only book on there that is going to rock off the hook is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. So voted.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Time Machine

    ReplyDelete

  10. Ok I am having a difficult time choosing but I am going with the Nation.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Another vote for nation!

    ReplyDelete

  12. You can't vote for yourself you daft twat!

    ReplyDelete

  13. Time Machine (Although I think I said I was a two month cycle dood)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Time machine (tho would be happy to read the other two at somepoint too!)

    ReplyDelete

  15. One flew over the cuckoo's nest

    ReplyDelete
  16. I vote for nation!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Nation is where I pitch my tent.

    ReplyDelete

  18. Cuckoo's Nest
    Admitedly it's the only one of the three I've already read but it's a fascinating book. Everyone should read it once.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Okay... Disregarding "Lesbub" and "Billox" votes, and assuming Shed and Muz voted for their choices respectively, the results are as follows: One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Next: 5 votes Nation: 3 votes The Time Machine: 4 votesBy virtue of the power invested in me by... erm, me... I declare One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest winner. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Don't forget when buying these old books.... http://www.abebooks.co.uk....

    ReplyDelete

  21. Doh! Didn't spot that the link hadn't posted!
    I meant to say "Don't forget about www.abebooks.co.uk when buying these old books.."..

    ReplyDelete