Books - What are you reading?

Just finished Homage to Catalonia. Such an interesting comparison between what Orwell thought at the time in the main body of the text and then what he deduced on his return to ngland in the appendicies.

Just Kids by Patti Smith.
Remarkable book, beautifully written too

It's making me fell dizzy and nostalgic, beautiful.

Thanks.

Just finished Bradley Wiggins' 'On Tour'. You can get through it in about four hours as it's basically a diary, but it's really interesting and a great insight into life on the Tour de France. The photogrpahy that makes up a major part of the book is great, makes it a real 'coffee table' piece.

Want to ask for a cycling-related book and a novel for my approaching birthday but not sure what. Is Bikesnob any good? Or how about Millar 'Racing in the dark'?

Just finished Homage to Catalonia. Such an interesting comparison between what Orwell thought at the time in the main body of the text and then what he deduced on his return to ngland in the appendicies.

Great book. I have read it a dozen times since I studied it for A Level history, years ago. Love it.

Want to ask for a cycling-related book and a novel for my approaching birthday but not sure what. Is Bikesnob any good? Or how about Millar 'Racing in the dark'?

Millar's was ok but it was fairly bland in spite of the subject material I thought.

Enjoyed 'Sky's The Limit' recently - story of Brailsford and Co setting up the road team - and also 'Slaying the Badger' - excellently written story of the 86 Tour.

50 shades of grey. It's like soooooo good....

*ahem

Started a Pale Blue Dot by Sagan. I love Sagan.

Dracula... Loving it.

Strange- bought that yesterday!
Finishing off Phantoms in the Brain by Ramachandaran.
A book well worth reading.

Ok- so I know its not a book, but on YouTube currently there is a brilliant (IMHO) serialised adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
You may disagree, and give it a chance- because I think the first few episodes fall a little flat, but search 'Lizzie Bennet Diaries' on there...

Dracula... Loving it.

Don't care for novels, but that's my exception. One of my favourite books. There's a real chill wafting from the pages - a properly visceral read.

Dracula... Loving it.
great atmosphere and interesting structure. Loved it

50 shades of Chav - an exclusive extract:

*"As he approached with those pasty white arms hanging out of his Gola vest, his smile told me it was benefit day and I knew my velour tracksuit would be hanging off the lamp shade tonight." "It was Dwayne's birthday. I was preparing his special tea of Findus Crispy Pancakes and Pot Noodle. I would let him take me any way he wanted tonight. His favourite... position was what he called The Dogs of War. Where he took me from behind and played Call of Duty at the same time."

"Our 6 week anniversary was approaching. This would be my longest relationship without becoming pregnant. I thought of this as he lay on top of me making love. His skinny arms straddled my head like breadsticks either side of an orange. As I rubbed his whiter than white back I imagined every mole I felt was spelling out Braille for I love you"

"As I stood in line at the Job Centre thinking of reasons I couldn't work, a sweet smell drifted past my pig like nostrils. It was a mixture of weed, B.O and Lynx Africa. I turned around and there was Dwayne. Our eyes met and he was soon lifting me onto the wheelie bins behind the Iceland. He had tied up his Staffy to block the ally way so we wouldn't be disturbed. There was a tramp watching but it just added to the mystery. I knew it was love and my life would never be the same."

"My mum had told me to leave Dwayne many times due to the violence but I knew he loved me as he always took his rings off before he hit me. Tonight though he was in a foul mood, I had fucked his tea up after failing to de-frost his prawn ring I had nicked from farm foods. He picked up the power lead from my kids mega drive and whipped it across my doughy arse. It stung but I liked it. I shouted again again so he carried on. I thought my shell suit would rip into a million pieces. As I looked over my shoulder I saw his Weetabix toothed smile. He even had a semi on which was rare as the crack normally played havoc with his erections.*

Last night I tried to buy a book on my Kindle. All the books it recommended for me were based upon my recent downloads of cheap or free classics of ancient literature and philosophy. All a little too esoteric for my present mood. I need a good novel. Modern Booker standard. Last year I down loaded most of the Booker long list which was excellent. Looked through the top selling lists and really don't fancy mummy porn which is all that appears there. Any suggestions for good recent books greatly appreciated.

^ Lean on Pete

@cliveo - Richard Ford - the lay of the land

Just finished Outer Dark by Cormack McCarthy.

Bleak and strange, but I loved it.

Just finished 'embracing the ordinary' Michael Foley.
Enjoyable and perfect for when rain is rolling down Windows

Thank you. Will download those this evening.

Just started 'Sex lies and handlebar tape' proving to be very enjoyable so far!

Just finished Outer Dark by Cormack McCarthy.

Bleak and strange, but I loved it.

Outer Dark is a cracker isn't it.. Have you read much McCarthy?

I recommend Blood Meridian..

Currently engrossed in J. Fenby's bio of Charles De Gaulle.

Outer Dark is a cracker isn't it.. Have you read much McCarthy?

I recommend Blood Meridian..

I've read The Road, No Country for Old Men, Outer Dark and the very odd Sunset Limited.
I'll be purchasing Blood Meridian on your recommendation, probably along with other titles of his. He's definitely one of my favourites.

You'll love Blood Meridian then.. I've read his entire works to date and this is still the stand out book by far for me.

The Border trilogy is also fantastic.. In fact I don't think he's written a dud IMHO.

Tomorrow my e-book is out! A compilation of my blog stories. I hope all you Kindle types might download a copy an maybe even give me a review.

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