In The Library

red*light*special · #21 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 12:50

I love TKAMB, and in keeping with classics about birds, how about One flew over the cuckoos nest...
Re the reality of Da vinci, I still don't know if what he wrote about the painting of the last supper was true or not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesley

I am ashamed to admit that I thought the Da Vinci code was true. Mr L, the arch catholic had to explain gently that it wasn't.
An author I would recommend is Jodi Picoult. Every one of her books that I've read has been thought provoking as well as entertaining (altough TBH, she is getting a bit formulaic).
What about the old classics - To kill a mockingbird, of mice and men, Peyton Place etc. All are worth considering when thinking about buying a book. I've been dipping in and out of 'god is not great' by Christopher Hitchens, it's ok but not marvellous.

lesley · #22 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 12:54

According to Mr L, who is frighteningly clever, it was all made up. Cleverly and lucrativley made up, but made up none the less.
I am going to get the new Booker for Christmas, so looking forward to that.

red*light*special · #23 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 12:57

Even the bit about the extra hand?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesley

According to Mr L, who is frighteningly clever, it was all made up. Cleverly and lucrativley made up, but made up none the less.
I am going to get the new Booker for Christmas, so looking forward to that.

lesley · #24 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 12:58

Yes. Apparently, although he is an arch catlicker so may be considered biased when talking about the BVM and her boy.

fraser · #25 (**permalink**) 17-11-2008, 15:40

I can heartily recommend two trilogies from Conn Iggulden.

The first trilogy (Emperor) is based on the life of Julius Caesar, whilst the more recent books are centred on Genghis Khan (Conqueror). The books are a mix of fact and fiction with the latter being used as a means of delivering the former. If you've any interest in history or if you just appreciate a ripping good yarn, then give them a try.

BigD · #26 (**permalink**) 17-11-2008, 15:42

Are they pseudo realistic (ie not fantasy books) ? In which case I am interested. I am really interested too in the whole genre of alternative history, or what-if books which take a significant event in history and modify the outcome....

BigD

Quote:

Originally Posted by fraser

I can heartily recommend two trilogies from Conn Iggulden.

The first trilogy (Emperor) is based on the life of Julius Caesar, whilst the more recent books are centred on Genghis Khan (Conqueror). The books are a mix of fact and fiction with the latter being used as a means of delivering the former. If you've any interest in history or if you just appreciate a ripping good yarn, then give them a try.

BigD · #27 (**permalink**) 17-11-2008, 16:05

It's a lighter read, but you may be interested in Imperium or Pompeii, both stories of Roman intrigue by Robert Harris.

BigD

Quote:

Originally Posted by fraser

I can heartily recommend two trilogies from Conn Iggulden.

The first trilogy (Emperor) is based on the life of Julius Caesar, whilst the more recent books are centred on Genghis Khan (Conqueror). The books are a mix of fact and fiction with the latter being used as a means of delivering the former. If you've any interest in history or if you just appreciate a ripping good yarn, then give them a try.

hitmebabyonemoretime · #28 (**permalink**) 17-11-2008, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by red*light*special

I love TKAMB, and in keeping with classics about birds, how about One flew over the cuckoos nest...
Re the reality of Da vinci, I still don't know if what he wrote about the painting of the last supper was true or not.

i love TKAMB too, must've read it like 10 times when i studied it for GCE exams. can i change my nick to boo radley now?

Tilia · #29 (**permalink**) 17-11-2008, 23:05

If you like crime mysteries and at the same time want to learn a bit about Scandinavia and the Scandinavian psyche, I can warmly recommend Henning Mankells books. I saw now that BBC is making a series about Wallander, in Sweden but with British actors. Interesting concept.

Tilia · #30 (**permalink**) 17-11-2008, 23:09

I remember having to read TKAMB, the catcher in the rye, the great Gatsby, a traveling salesman and a dolls house - all during one year that I spent on an american high school as a teenager. Had I kept that rate up, I would truly have been an intellectual now :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitmebabyonemoretime

i love TKAMB too, must've read it like 10 times when i studied it for GCE exams. can i change my nick to boo radley now?