The Library - What are you reading now?

by **cavedog** » Sun 7/10/11 8:24 pm

A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn

by **The Rube** » Sun 7/10/11 11:23 pm

Just finished The Game by Ken Dryden. Kinda slow, for pure hockey fans at best, for 3/4 of the book. That last 1/4 though...wow. If you've played any sort of sport, it really resonates. He ties it all up very nicely. Next up: The Final Call by Kerry Fraser (NHL ref). After that it's Manhunt: The 12 Day Chase For Lincoln's Killer, recommended to me by a friend who majored in history. I don't recall if I mentioned it, but Tough Guy by Bob Probert is an excellent read.

As you can tell, I'm not really into fiction books all that much. :oops:

by **Tee09** » Thu 7/14/11 12:02 am

Just read through an old Kiplinger's investment book written in 1999 that is full of what now looks like incredibly stupid advice. There's a chapter on buying mortgage-backed securities and Fannie Mae is touted as the sweetest thing ever. The general tone of the book ignores all the risks of debt and shows you how mathematically you can make the most money by taking out extra loans on your house to invest in other things. They rail against paying cash or getting a 15 year mortgage for a house, because you could be investing all that money instead if you got a 30 year loan. Anybody with a calculator could figure that out, assuming everything goes well. It never occurred to them that you may lose a job, the value of your home may decrease, maybe those mortgages the gov't is buying aren't going to get paid, etc.

I know hindsight is 20/20, but it was like a whole book's worth of talking to my finance major cousin who tells people it's better to lease a new car for the tax advantage. :ahhh:

Just now started Reckless Endangerment by Gretchen Morgenson and Joshua Rosner about the policies that led to the current situation. It's alright so far.

by **GopherHockeyFan** » Thu 7/14/11 12:23 am

The Rube wrote:Just finished The Game by Ken Dryden. Kinda slow, for pure hockey fans at best, for 3/4 of the book. That last 1/4 though...wow. If you've played any sort of sport, it really resonates. He ties it all up very nicely. Next up: The Final Call by Kerry Fraser (NHL ref). After that it's Manhunt: The 12 Day Chase For Lincoln's Killer, recommended to me by a friend who majored in history. I don't recall if I mentioned it, but Tough Guy by Bob Probert is an excellent read.

As you can tell, I'm not really into fiction books all that much.

Manhunt is a good read, really gets into a lot of the backstory that we didn't hear about in the history books/school.

by **The Rube** » Thu 7/14/11 12:42 am

GopherHockeyFan wrote:
The Rube wrote:Just finished The Game by Ken Dryden. Kinda slow, for pure hockey fans at best, for 3/4 of the book. That last 1/4 though...wow. If you've played any sort of sport, it really resonates. He ties it all up very nicely. Next up: The Final Call by Kerry Fraser (NHL ref). After that it's Manhunt: The 12 Day Chase For Lincoln's Killer, recommended to me by a friend who majored in history. I don't recall if I mentioned it, but Tough Guy by Bob Probert is an excellent read.

As you can tell, I'm not really into fiction books all that much.

Manhunt is a good read, really gets into a lot of the backstory that we didn't hear about in the history books/school.

That movie that was released in the past year...I was all confused. I mean, it was a group of sorts? Then my historian buddy mentioned the book and such. Yeah, great education. It wasn't a sole conspirator. Hm, thanks for teaching me that. :roll:

by **GopherHockeyFan** » Sat 9/24/11 12:13 am

I'm halfway through the millennium trilogy of Stieg Larsson (The girl who...). I was wondering if anyone has seen the movies and what your thoughts are. The books so far have been phenomenal.

by **Snowcool08** » Sat 9/24/11 1:56 am

GopherHockeyFan wrote:I'm halfway through the millennium trilogy of Stieg Larsson (The girl who...). I was wondering if anyone has seen the movies and what your thoughts are. The books so far have been phenomenal.

I have read the first one and saw the Swedish movie. As usual with movies adapted from books, they skipped a whole lot. There was still the main story, but some of the ancillary plot lines were completely non-existent. I would like to think that in the American adaptation the acting will be much improved. Also, in the previews, they already bring up events from the books that the Swedish movie skipped over. So there's hope for the American version.

by **Chris83** » Thu 11/24/11 3:27 pm

Just finished "11/22/63" by Stephen King. I found it to be an excellent read, and harkens back a bit to King's "old" style of writing, to me at least.

The Kennedy assassination and time travel/alternate realities are "passions" of mine, for lack of a better term, so tying them together was a winner idea. I'd give it a high recommendation.

by **GopherHockeyFan** » Thu 11/24/11 9:25 pm

Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson. Pretty interesting read. Really a fascinating guy. Truly a visionary. The fact that the the guy was an asshole and incredibly successful went hand in hand.

by **st8ofhockey** » Thu 12/22/11 11:41 am

A few hockey books on my coffee table this season:

- Just finished up "My Life in Hockey" by Jean Beliveau a few months back. Some really good perspective on the evolution of the game. The later chapters focus on his take on the current state of the league, which is pretty heavily biased from his experiences... but the guy hoisted the big silver thing way more than I ever will, so I should probably stfu

I'd definitely recommend the book regardless.

- About halfway through "The Great Expansion" by Alan Bass, which covers the 1967 expansion of the NHL. So far, it's very repetitive, and gets bogged down in individual opinions rather than big picture politics (an entire chapter is dedicated to newspaper editorials published in 1966). I'm definitely learning stuff from it, but I'm not gaining a historical perspective like I had hoped.

- Next on my list is "The Game" by Ken Dryden. Heard nothing but good reviews on it... Anyone on here read it?

- Gave the lady friend "Open Ice" by Jack Falla as an early Christmas gift, and from the sounds of it, it is an excellent read. I may have to borrow it in January

by **rowshkex** » Thu 12/22/11 12:54 pm

I'll bring my book discussion over here as well...

Recently finished "The Hunger Games" (the first book)--I was actually pretty impressed. It's simple writing, but it's engrossing.

2/3 done with "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer." If you want to learn about the history of oncology and cancer research, grab this one (I think it won a Pulitzer...).

by **Chris Eckes** » Thu 12/22/11 2:26 pm

Just about to start Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Really excited for it!

by **HockeyBum** » Thu 12/22/11 9:02 pm

Recently finished Al Worden's book "Falling To Earth", an autobiography of the Apollo 15 astronaut who was caught up in the postal covers scandal and fired from NASA. Fantastic book for any of you fellow space program nerds out there.

by **cavedog** » Thu 12/22/11 9:26 pm

The Steve Jobs book was interesting and worth a read. Now reading a biography of Ben Franklin by the same author. Next up after that is "In the garden of beasts"

by **The Rube** » Fri 12/23/11 12:22 am

Snowcool08 wrote:
GopherHockeyFan wrote:I'm halfway through the millennium trilogy of Stieg Larsson (The girl who...). I was wondering if anyone has seen the movies and what your thoughts are. The books so far have been phenomenal.

I have read the first one and saw the Swedish movie. As usual with movies adapted from books, they skipped a whole lot. There was still the main story, but some of the ancillary plot lines were completely non-existent. I would like to think that in the American adaptation the acting will be much improved. Also, in the previews, they already bring up events from the books that the Swedish movie skipped over. So there's hope for the American version.

Own the Swedish (extended) trilogy. Saw the American version. Awesome.

(check out the movie thread for more on the movies)

by **rowshkex** » Fri 12/23/11 1:00 am

Anyone listen to Mischke? He talked to a guy who was a biographer for Kurt Vonnegut, and I was just curious what people thought of either:

1) Slaughterhouse Five
2) And So It Goes (the biography)

by **sunbone** » Fri 12/23/11 12:03 pm

rowshkex wrote:Anyone listen to Mischke? He talked to a guy who was a biographer for Kurt Vonnegut, and I was just curious what people thought of either:

1) Slaughterhouse Five
2) And So It Goes (the biography)

I loved Vonnegut in "Back to School." :wink:

"Slaugterhouse Five" is one of my favorite books. The way he deals with such horrorific themes in an absurd, bizarre,and humorous way at times is fascinating. To a lesser extent I liked "Breakfast of Champions" but everything else Vonnegut wrote didn't do anything for me. Maybe to me it just couldn't live up to "Slaughterhouse Five."

by **Sioux/Bucky Hater** » Fri 12/23/11 12:13 pm

As many others have noted, Lone Survivor is excellent. Especially if you are an ultra conservative. Politics aside, we owe everything to our military. Thank you.

A guy at work has all of Vince Flynn's books. I am just about finished with the 4th one. I sometimes can't put them down. Very good stuff! Mitch Rapp is my hero.

by **HockeyBum** » Wed 1/04/12 12:18 am

Just finished reading "Getting Started" by Ron Hipp, who is my mom's cousin. The first half of the book tells the story of his (and my mom's) ancestors, who came from Europe in the late 1800's and settled in North Dakota. There is even a chapter about my great grandparents, which was very interesting to me. The second half is about his life growing up in small town ND in the 1950's.

Probably not a book you'll find at your local Barnes & Noble, but I thought I'd mention it anyway. I obviously know (or knew) several people mentioned in the book, so I'm biased, but I think it would be an interesting read even without the personal connection.

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/g ... d/16965516

by **dxmnkd316** » Wed 1/04/12 12:21 am

cavedog wrote:The Steve Jobs book was interesting and worth a read. Now reading a biography of Ben Franklin by the same author. Next up after that is "In the garden of beasts"

If you have any interest in Einstein or physics, you MUST read Einstein: His Life and Universe. Amazing book.

by **rowshkex** » Wed 1/04/12 1:12 am

I just finished up "Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer". Fantastic book--well written, informative, and actually quite hopeful in his outlook (he's a clinical oncologist). If you don't know much about cancer and want to, this is the book to read.

Starting: "Open Wound: The Tragic Obsession of Dr. William Beaumont". Apparently based on a true story, a fictionalized account of the relationship between Dr. Beaumont (famous in Michigan) and a patient, touching on the ethics of the relationship between physician and patient.

by **g_manpucker** » Wed 1/04/12 7:37 am

Well, I have never been much of a reader but this year I decided to make an honest effort to start so that I might influence my son in his reading endeavors. So I decided to make reading the Vince Flynn "Mitch Rapp" series of books because of a recommendation from my boss. I flew through "Transfer of Power" in 4 days and now I am half way through "The Third Option" so far in the last couple of weeks. The amazing thing for me is that I am remembering quite of bit of detail of what I've read, usually when I read magazines or papers there is quite a bit that I read think about it for a second and then forget about it. So far I'm enjoying doing this. I figure after this series I will hit up the Bourne Series from Robert Ludlum since it's kind of from the same mold.

by **Golden FE Ranger** » Wed 1/04/12 7:50 am

g_manpucker wrote:Well, I have never been much of a reader but this year I decided to make an honest effort to start so that I might influence my son in his reading endeavors. So I decided to make reading the Vince Flynn "Mitch Rapp" series of books because of a recommendation from my boss. I flew through "Transfer of Power" in 4 days and now I am half way through "The Third Option" so far in the last couple of weeks. The amazing thing for me is that I am remembering quite of bit of detail of what I've read, usually when I read magazines or papers there is quite a bit that I read think about it for a second and then forget about it. So far I'm enjoying doing this. I figure after this series I will hit up the Bourne Series from Robert Ludlum since it's kind of from the same mold.

Those books can really suck you in. They typically go at a frantic pace. Enjoy.

by **Handyman** » Wed 1/04/12 11:15 am

The Bourne books are great (well Identity and Ultimatum...I could not stand Supremacy and have yet to read the later books) but there are other books by Ludlum that are as good if not better. Apocalypse Watch was outstanding, The Matarese Circle and Countdown were a good pair of books and the Tristan Betrayal is one of my faves. I spent a summer basically only reading Ludlum so I am quite partial to his books. Be warned though, after 4 or 5 you can predict much of how the story will go

by **Hammy** » Wed 1/04/12 2:45 pm

I kind of enjoy Rock autobiographies. I go through them quickly because I enjoy music in general. I've recently read the ones done by Ozzy, Sammy Hagar, and Duff McKagan.

On my reading list now (books waiting to be read that I already own):

Steve Jobs biography
4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Linchpin by Seth Godin
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
22 Immutable Laws of Branding
Brain Bugs by Dean Buonomano

by **g_manpucker** » Wed 1/04/12 2:55 pm

Hammy wrote:I kind of enjoy Rock autobiographies. I go through them quickly because I enjoy music in general. I've recently read the ones done by Ozzy, Sammy Hagar, and Duff McKagan.

On my reading list now (books waiting to be read that I already own):

Steve Jobs biography
4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Linchpin by Seth Godin
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
22 Immutable Laws of Branding
Brain Bugs by Dean Buonomano

Rock autobiographies are also something I want to get into reading. Those 3 you listed are ones I want to read, as well as Motley Crue-The Dirt and Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx.

by **Aldy** » Wed 1/04/12 3:26 pm

Handyman wrote:The Bourne books are great (well Identity and Ultimatum...I could not stand Supremacy and have yet to read the later books) but there are other books by Ludlum that are as good if not better. Apocalypse Watch was outstanding, The Matarese Circle and Countdown were a good pair of books and the Tristan Betrayal is one of my faves. I spent a summer basically only reading Ludlum so I am quite partial to his books. Be warned though, after 4 or 5 you can predict much of how the story will go

Another author you might want to try is Fredrick Forsyth - The Day of the Jackal and The Odessa File are great spy novels.

by **Chris Eckes** » Wed 1/04/12 4:49 pm

I'm reading Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy right now. It is very very confusing, and I'm a pretty good reading comprehension guy.

by **Hammy** » Wed 1/04/12 5:12 pm

g_manpucker wrote:
Hammy wrote:I kind of enjoy Rock autobiographies. I go through them quickly because I enjoy music in general. I've recently read the ones done by Ozzy, Sammy Hagar, and Duff McKagan.

On my reading list now (books waiting to be read that I already own):

Steve Jobs biography
4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Linchpin by Seth Godin
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
22 Immutable Laws of Branding
Brain Bugs by Dean Buonomano

Rock autobiographies are also something I want to get into reading. Those 3 you listed are ones I want to read, as well as Motley Crue-The Dirt and Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx.

I read "The Dirt" a number of years ago. I liked it. It was told in an interesting format from their different perspectives (including their manager).

The three I mentioned above were all pretty solid. The good thing about rock biographies is they usually let it all hang out (including the bad stuff and that is what I find most interesting). The only thing that turned me off a bit was Sammy Hagar bagging on Van Halen when they finally went their separate ways. I mean, I'm sure Eddie was having issues and he probably was an a-hole when he was in the midst of it. But he's cleaned himself up and is back on track and Sammy continues to whine about them in the media now. Get over it dude. :bored:

But in general, I ended up liking the person behind the rock star in all of those books. Duff McKagan has a lot more depth to him than a lot of people probably realize. I think it is funny that Duff Beer in the Simpsons is named after him. :mrgreen:

by **NYC Gopher fan** » Sun 1/22/12 11:24 am

Has anyone read the Game of Thrones series? I watched the HBO show, now am reading the books. Holy cow, **** is getting real in book 3!

by **The Rube** » Sun 1/22/12 11:35 am

Finishing up "The Rise And Fall of Bob Goodenow and the NHLPA." Pretty good.

Bought Maddox's "The Alphabet of Manliness," "The Bro Code" by Barney Stinson, and "Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America" by Jeff Ryan. Also borrowed Tucker Max's "I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell" from a buddy.

Figured I needed some light reading after the last string of books I read. :wink:

by **Norm** » Sun 1/22/12 12:15 pm

3/4 thru The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Prof Langdon is deciphering a code in DC. Not as good as the first two books, but fun for me being we just went to DC for the first time and went to a lot of the same places.

by **g_manpucker** » Sun 1/22/12 12:36 pm

Well, my New Year's resolution has been going good. I have read 4 Vince Flynn books so far; Term Limits, Transfer of Power, The Third Option, and Separation of Power. I have also read The Boys of Winter and A Season on the Mat. I am continuing reading the Mitch Rapp books right now with Executive Power. I am going to take a short break after that. I haven't read 6 books in the last 15 years probably so this is pretty big for me!

by **davescharf** » Sun 1/22/12 12:51 pm

g_manpucker wrote:Well, my New Year's resolution has been going good. I have read 4 Vince Flynn books so far; Term Limits, Transfer of Power, The Third Option, and Separation of Power. I have also read The Boys of Winter and A Season on the Mat. I am continuing reading the Mitch Rapp books right now with Executive Power. I am going to take a short break after that. I haven't read 6 books in the last 15 years probably so this is pretty big for me!

At that point you might get into American Assassin next in the series. It's actually the prequel to Term Limits. Once you're read a few of his books I think you're safe to read how Rapp got started.

by **Hobey Baker** » Sun 1/22/12 2:05 pm

Harry Potter series w/ my daughter. We read a book and then watch the movie. We are on book 4 "goblet of fire". Daughter loves it. Pretty neat thing to share with her. Rowlings imagination is unbelievable.

Two that I have bought and need to read

1. Carte Blanche by Deaver .. James Bond 007 updated
2. 11/22/63 by King .. Man goes back in time to stop the Kennedy assassination

by **gopherhockeyfan7** » Sun 1/22/12 2:13 pm

davescharf wrote:
g_manpucker wrote:Well, my New Year's resolution has been going good. I have read 4 Vince Flynn books so far; Term Limits, Transfer of Power, The Third Option, and Separation of Power. I have also read The Boys of Winter and A Season on the Mat. I am continuing reading the Mitch Rapp books right now with Executive Power. I am going to take a short break after that. I haven't read 6 books in the last 15 years probably so this is pretty big for me!

At that point you might get into American Assassin next in the series. It's actually the prequel to Term Limits. Once you're read a few of his books I think you're safe to read how Rapp got started.

I'm in the middle of American Assassin right now. It's been pretty good so far.

by **Chris83** » Sun 1/22/12 2:19 pm

Hobey Baker wrote:Harry Potter series w/ my daughter. We read a book and then watch the movie. We are on book 4 "goblet of fire". Daughter loves it. Pretty neat thing to share with her. Rowlings imagination is unbelievable.

Two that I have bought and need to read

1. Carte Blanche by Deaver .. James Bond 007 updated
2. 11/22/63 by King .. Man goes back in time to stop the Kennedy assassination

My daughter would read each Harry Potter book to me and my wife as they came out, in the early years while she was still at home. tI was a great thing to do together and a wonderful memory.

I thought "11/22/63" was terrific. It reminded very much of the style King used in his earlier writing, which I loved.

by **Hobey Baker** » Sun 1/22/12 2:22 pm

Chris83 wrote:
Hobey Baker wrote:Harry Potter series w/ my daughter. We read a book and then watch the movie. We are on book 4 "goblet of fire". Daughter loves it. Pretty neat thing to share with her. Rowlings imagination is unbelievable.

Two that I have bought and need to read

1. Carte Blanche by Deaver .. James Bond 007 updated
2. 11/22/63 by King .. Man goes back in time to stop the Kennedy assassination

My daughter would read each Harry Potter book to me and my wife as they came out, in the early years while she was still at home. tI was a great thing to do together and a wonderful memory.

I thought "11/22/63" was terrific. It reminded very much of the style King used in his earlier writing, which I loved.

My daughter is 7. She is a great reader already (takes after her mom

). A few words here and there but she is cranking through it!!!

by **Hammy** » Mon 1/23/12 2:43 am

Hobey Baker wrote:Harry Potter series w/ my daughter. We read a book and then watch the movie. We are on book 4 "goblet of fire". Daughter loves it. Pretty neat thing to share with her. Rowlings imagination is unbelievable.

Two that I have bought and need to read

1. Carte Blanche by Deaver .. James Bond 007 updated
2. 11/22/63 by King .. Man goes back in time to stop the Kennedy assassination

Let me know how Carte Blanche is. I'm a big Bond fan and have been meaning to buy the book but I have about 4 other books I have to read before I could get to that

by **g_manpucker** » Fri 2/03/12 7:53 am

I recently read "Scarlet Ice", its about the 1994-95 Mankato West Scarlet boys hockey team and the death of one of the players to meningitis. That was during the meningitis outbreak here in Mankato that winter. For me it was interesting since my boss was a member of that team, so it was nice to get his perspective of that season and the events of that winter after reading it. One thing is for sure though after reading it you get a little hyper-aware of every fart or sneeze you have and wonder if you have something more going on. For instance my wife has been sick recently and was diagnosed with Pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardium of the heart, and after reading the book I am a little overbearing now. It is a good read and it's nice to read about how New Ulm choked against Mankato West in the playoffs that season. Give it a read.

by **GopherHockeyFan** » Wed 2/08/12 1:59 am

I finally finished all of the Harry Potter series at the behest of my 10 year old daughter. Pretty good story, I would have enjoyed the hell out of it if I was 12 but the whole fantasy wizard thing has passed by this old man

Now reading Green Monster by Rick Shefchik. Supposedly he was mentored by John Sandford, unfortunately like many things in life either you have it or you don't. The premise is great but the writing is not.

Some of you may remember Rick from his days at the St Paul Pioneer Press. The book caught my interest because of the local ties with Duluth and Minnesota. Too bad John Camp couldn't have passed on more of his magic!

by **Chris Eckes** » Wed 2/08/12 9:37 am

Just started Game of Thrones. Anyone who likes fantasy novels (LotR, Dune, Earthsea books) should read this. Really good writing and great story thus far.

by **Beauner** » Wed 2/08/12 11:29 am

GopherHockeyFan wrote:I finally finished all of the Harry Potter series at the behest of my 10 year old daughter.

I've been watching all the movies this week.
I only read the first 3.5 books when I was younger and got kind of sick of them, but the movies are very well done IMO. It doesn't hurt that Emma Watson turned into a stone-cold fox.

by **Kelly Red** » Wed 2/08/12 12:42 pm

The X Factor wrote:Just started Game of Thrones. Anyone who likes fantasy novels (LotR, Dune, Earthsea books) should read this. Really good writing and great story thus far.

I LOVED this series!! I'd never read any fantasy before and didn't know what to expect at all. Really fell for GOT and continued with the next 3. Waiting for Dances with Dragons to come out in paperback. Some of the few books I kept (I usually give away or sell at half Price Books) but this one I can see rereading. Right now I'm reading 2 books that are totally different: a fiction book Swamplandia by Karen Russell and a nonfiction book called Behind the Beautiful Forever by Katherine Boo. Behind is her story of the slums of India and the unbelievable life of the people who live there. So beyond our reality it's just staggering.

by **Chris83** » Wed 2/08/12 12:58 pm

Just started "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" and "Field of Schemes". I have "The Hunger Games" waiting for me at the library.

by **Snowcool08** » Wed 2/08/12 1:41 pm

I'm actually on the 3rd "Hunger Games" book right now. Despite being made for teenagers, they're not half bad. The first one is especially good. Can't wait for the movie.

by **Tee09** » Wed 2/08/12 2:07 pm

Kelly Red wrote:
The X Factor wrote:Just started Game of Thrones. Anyone who likes fantasy novels (LotR, Dune, Earthsea books) should read this. Really good writing and great story thus far.
I LOVED this series!! I'd never read any fantasy before and didn't know what to expect at all. Really fell for GOT and continued with the next 3. Waiting for Dances with Dragons to come out in paperback.

That's three glowing recommendations for this series I've seen/heard in the last day. I wasn't sure if I would like them, but based on this I will have to put them next on my list. Thanks.

by **Hammy** » Thu 2/16/12 7:39 pm

If I didn't have the attention span of a termite when it comes to reading, I'd probably read those GOT books. My GF likes them a lot. But they are too long for my taste. :mrgreen:

by **Gopher Fan 26** » Thu 2/16/12 8:02 pm

Tee09 wrote:
Kelly Red wrote:
The X Factor wrote:Just started Game of Thrones. Anyone who likes fantasy novels (LotR, Dune, Earthsea books) should read this. Really good writing and great story thus far.
I LOVED this series!! I'd never read any fantasy before and didn't know what to expect at all. Really fell for GOT and continued with the next 3. Waiting for Dances with Dragons to come out in paperback.

That's three glowing recommendations for this series I've seen/heard in the last day. I wasn't sure if I would like them, but based on this I will have to put them next on my list. Thanks.

I'll throw in a recommendation too. I'm halfway through Storm of Swords (3rd in the series) and really enjoying them. I have the next ones already so I can read straight through them.

by **Gopher Fan 26** » Thu 2/16/12 8:03 pm

Snowcool08 wrote:I'm actually on the 3rd "Hunger Games" book right now. Despite being made for teenagers, they're not half bad. The first one is especially good. Can't wait for the movie.

I read each one when they came out. First one was excellent, I personally thought the next too were disappointments. Still, definitely looking forward to the movie this spring

by **rowshkex** » Thu 2/16/12 8:33 pm

Tee09 wrote:
Kelly Red wrote:
The X Factor wrote:Just started Game of Thrones. Anyone who likes fantasy novels (LotR, Dune, Earthsea books) should read this. Really good writing and great story thus far.
I LOVED this series!! I'd never read any fantasy before and didn't know what to expect at all. Really fell for GOT and continued with the next 3. Waiting for Dances with Dragons to come out in paperback.

That's three glowing recommendations for this series I've seen/heard in the last day. I wasn't sure if I would like them, but based on this I will have to put them next on my list. Thanks.

Several people at one of the hospitals I work at are reading this series. Two of them have read the series at least twice. Every one of them loves it.

:shock:

by **rowshkex** » Thu 2/16/12 8:34 pm

Snowcool08 wrote:I'm actually on the 3rd "Hunger Games" book right now. Despite being made for teenagers, they're not half bad. The first one is especially good. Can't wait for the movie.

+1.

I loved the first book, but haven't gotten to the second one yet (damn you, education!).

My roommates and a few others will be seeing the midnight showing on release day for sure.

by **GopherHockeyFan** » Thu 2/16/12 8:46 pm

Kill Shot. Just another in a long line of kickass Mitch Rapp novels.

by **NYC Gopher fan** » Thu 2/16/12 10:28 pm

Gopher Fan 26 wrote:
Tee09 wrote:
Kelly Red wrote:
The X Factor wrote:Just started Game of Thrones. Anyone who likes fantasy novels (LotR, Dune, Earthsea books) should read this. Really good writing and great story thus far.
I LOVED this series!! I'd never read any fantasy before and didn't know what to expect at all. Really fell for GOT and continued with the next 3. Waiting for Dances with Dragons to come out in paperback.

That's three glowing recommendations for this series I've seen/heard in the last day. I wasn't sure if I would like them, but based on this I will have to put them next on my list. Thanks.

I'll throw in a recommendation too. I'm halfway through Storm of Swords (3rd in the series) and really enjoying them. I have the next ones already so I can read straight through them.

Book 3 is my favorite, and probably the most shocking so far. I'm on book 5 now.

by **Snowcool08** » Fri 2/17/12 12:14 am

rowshkex wrote:
Snowcool08 wrote:I'm actually on the 3rd "Hunger Games" book right now. Despite being made for teenagers, they're not half bad. The first one is especially good. Can't wait for the movie.

+1.

I loved the first book, but haven't gotten to the second one yet (damn you, education!).

My roommates and a few others will be seeing the midnight showing on release day for sure.

I'll be there as well. Midnight premieres are the best times to go see movies.

by **rowshkex** » Fri 2/17/12 1:21 am

Snowcool08 wrote:
rowshkex wrote:
Snowcool08 wrote:I'm actually on the 3rd "Hunger Games" book right now. Despite being made for teenagers, they're not half bad. The first one is especially good. Can't wait for the movie.

+1.

I loved the first book, but haven't gotten to the second one yet (damn you, education!).

My roommates and a few others will be seeing the midnight showing on release day for sure.

I'll be there as well. Midnight premieres are the best times to go see movies.

I've never been to one... I do have class the next morning at 11:15, but I figure, what the hell, it's just one night.

by **drmatthew21** » Fri 2/17/12 2:01 am

Anyone read anything by Erik Larson? Devil in he White City?

by **drmatthew21** » Fri 2/17/12 2:05 am

Hammy wrote:I kind of enjoy Rock autobiographies. I go through them quickly because I enjoy music in general. I've recently read the ones done by Ozzy, Sammy Hagar, and Duff McKagan.

On my reading list now (books waiting to be read that I already own):

Steve Jobs biography
4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Linchpin by Seth Godin
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
22 Immutable Laws of Branding
Brain Bugs by Dean Buonomano

Looking forward to the Steve Jobs biography...let me know what you think of that. I've heard that it is a solid read.

by **drmatthew21** » Fri 2/17/12 2:09 am

cavedog wrote:The Steve Jobs book was interesting and worth a read. Now reading a biography of Ben Franklin by the same author. Next up after that is "In the garden of beasts"

Have you read In the Garden of Beasts yet? I'd recommend Devil in the White City first. Larson's writing style is definitely different.

by **g_manpucker** » Fri 2/17/12 7:52 am

GopherHockeyFan wrote:Kill Shot. Just another in a long line of kickass Mitch Rapp novels.

I am just starting Protect and Defend, I just starting reading Flynn this year and as you can tell I have make some fast progress through his books. I start the book and can't put them down. I am looking forward to reading American Assassin and Kill Shot to see how things started for Mitch. I really didn't have a doubt that Kill Shot wouldn't be good.

by **davescharf** » Fri 2/17/12 10:05 am

g_manpucker wrote:
GopherHockeyFan wrote:Kill Shot. Just another in a long line of kickass Mitch Rapp novels.

I am just starting Protect and Defend, I just starting reading Flynn this year and as you can tell I have make some fast progress through his books. I start the book and can't put them down. I am looking forward to reading American Assassin and Kill Shot to see how things started for Mitch. I really didn't have a doubt that Kill Shot wouldn't be good.

I personally didn't find Kill Shot as entertaining as nearly every other one of his novels (just finished it last night) and I'm a huge fan. There's just something about that left me thinking 'meh' at the end of it.

I recently read Split Second by David Baldacci and every time I pickup one of his books I remind myself I should read him more. I enjoy his work quite a bit.

by **Kelly Red** » Fri 2/17/12 1:16 pm

drmatthew21 wrote:Anyone read anything by Erik Larson? Devil in he White City?

I've read Devil in the White City. It's very good and well written. Hard to believe it's a true story, you never hear about it. America's own serial killer like Jack the Ripper! I haven't read anything else by him, but your bringing it up makes me want to look at his other books, I think he also wrote something on Hitler?

by **davescharf** » Sat 5/12/12 11:32 pm

So I'm headed out on a business trip tomorrow and decided I'd look for something here since I'm up to date on my magazines and really prefer eBooks as much as possible. I have to say I'm very disappointed in the Hennepin Library system's eBook availability given the limited selection and minimal copies they have. I hope this continues to evolve.

That said, I'm going to give Forsyth's "The Cobra" a shot since it's the only one that looks standalone and they had it available without a wait list. I also found "The Scarlet Pimpernel" on a free eBook site that sounded really interesting to me.

by **Bash Brother** » Sun 5/13/12 11:15 am

Anything and everything by Bill Bryson

by **Hammy** » Mon 7/16/12 10:03 am

My GF's first book will be coming out via Simon and Schuster next April. She's a very good writer and should have a bright future. You can find her on Twitter (@RebeccaKanner)

The title of the book is "The Sinners and The Sea". I think it could be popular. The book is based off of the Noah's Ark story but it is not a religious book.

From a marketer's persepctive, the target market is probably women of all ages given the protagonist is a female and the story is about her trying to find her identity in the world.... but I think it is a good all around read for anybody interested in historical fiction. Hopefully my fellow GPLers will help support the local "up and coming" author too and not just the widely known big names that are already established in the writing world.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Sinners-Sea-U ... 1451695233

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Sinne ... 1451695236

by **The Rube** » Mon 7/16/12 9:13 pm

Finished all four of the Tucker Max books. Hilarious, but definitely not for everyone.

Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America by Jeff Ryan. Very educational on how Japanese business works, and how Nintendo carved their niche in the USA.

All 4 of the Chuck Klosterman books, but Fargo Rock City and Killing Yourself To Live are the only really worthwhile ones.

Finishing up "Cosa Nostra: A History Of The Sicilian Mafia" by John Dickie right now. Heavy read, and it only deals with Sicilian Mafia. It references the American mafia only when it's needed for the Sicilian story. Excellent read.

Then it's on to "Red Mafiya" by Robert Friedman (about Russian mafia) and "The Dragon Syndicates" by Martin Booth (about the Chinese Triads).

by **Hobey Baker** » Mon 7/16/12 9:49 pm

Book 5 Potter: Order of the Phoenix

by **davescharf** » Thu 7/19/12 10:00 pm

Golden FE Ranger wrote:
Kelor wrote:I just finished two fantastic books:

The Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell - Seriously this is top notch

Golf's Sacred Journey by David Cook - It came highly suggested and I now will do the same.

"Lone Survivor" is unbelievable. Marcus Luttrell is a true American hero and the story is one everyone should read. Rest in Peace Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, MOH winner Michael Murphy and the eleven SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers aboard the Chinook helicopter "Turbine 33" who attempted to rescue the SEALs.

For those interested, the book SEAL of Honor tells the life story of Michael Murphy and is a great read. A little trivia some might find interesting here: Although the mission the SEALs were on is often referred to in the media as Operation Redwing or Red Wing, the actual name was Red Wings as the commanding officer was an avid hockey fan. The follow on operation was named Operation Whalers.

Thank you very much for suggesting I read Lone Survivor. Just finished it earlier this week and there were a few nights where I couldn't sleep because I was either engrossed in it or I couldn't shut my brain off.

I never knew any SEALs personally and only had a few Special Forces acquiantences, but it takes a special breed to do that work and a level of heroism and dedication I could only hope I'd have if I had been trying to get into that line of work. The amount of determination and guts those guys have to do the work they do protecting us unlike anything most people will ever realize, so I'm glad people can write books like this (and kudos to the military for allowing it). I'll have to go find SEAL of Honor now too...and I must have missed that Murphy won the Medal of Honor.

For the person who also recommended Alan Faust, I read Night Soldiers too recently. Wasn't really getting into it at first but after about half the first chapter it really hit me and I loved it. I'll already looking for the other books in this series because he really is a great writer.

Next up is one of the Game of Thrones books. They're coming fast and furious through Hennepin County's ebook library...so fast I've had to return a couple others and go back to the end of the queue.

by **Golden FE Ranger** » Thu 7/19/12 10:38 pm

I am glad you enjoyed the book. I agree that it is amazing how dedicated the men of our SOF forces are. It goes without saying that I respect all those who serve in our armed forces, whatever the capacity. To be at the "tip of the spear" in the military takes a committment most of us will never know. Kudos to those who take that path.

by **psych** » Sat 8/18/12 3:58 pm

Just finished "Wherever I Wind Up" by former Twins pitcher and current Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey, a native son of Nashville. It is an absolutely incredible book that I definitely recommend reading if you have not done so already.

by **dxmnkd316** » Sat 8/18/12 4:05 pm

davescharf wrote:
Golden FE Ranger wrote:
Kelor wrote:I just finished two fantastic books:

The Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell - Seriously this is top notch

Golf's Sacred Journey by David Cook - It came highly suggested and I now will do the same.

"Lone Survivor" is unbelievable. Marcus Luttrell is a true American hero and the story is one everyone should read. Rest in Peace Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, MOH winner Michael Murphy and the eleven SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers aboard the Chinook helicopter "Turbine 33" who attempted to rescue the SEALs.

For those interested, the book SEAL of Honor tells the life story of Michael Murphy and is a great read. A little trivia some might find interesting here: Although the mission the SEALs were on is often referred to in the media as Operation Redwing or Red Wing, the actual name was Red Wings as the commanding officer was an avid hockey fan. The follow on operation was named Operation Whalers.

Thank you very much for suggesting I read Lone Survivor. Just finished it earlier this week and there were a few nights where I couldn't sleep because I was either engrossed in it or I couldn't shut my brain off.

I never knew any SEALs personally and only had a few Special Forces acquiantences, but it takes a special breed to do that work and a level of heroism and dedication I could only hope I'd have if I had been trying to get into that line of work. The amount of determination and guts those guys have to do the work they do protecting us unlike anything most people will ever realize, so I'm glad people can write books like this (and kudos to the military for allowing it). I'll have to go find SEAL of Honor now too...and I must have missed that Murphy won the Medal of Honor.

For the person who also recommended Alan Faust, I read Night Soldiers too recently. Wasn't really getting into it at first but after about half the first chapter it really hit me and I loved it. I'll already looking for the other books in this series because he really is a great writer.

Next up is one of the Game of Thrones books. They're coming fast and furious through Hennepin County's ebook library...so fast I've had to return a couple others and go back to the end of the queue.

eBook library?

by **Greyeagle** » Sat 8/18/12 6:48 pm

A friend at work gave me Dearly Devoted Dexter to read. Wow, what a great book!
Definitely going back to read the first in the series and the balance of the series......love it when I find a new series to read!

by **davescharf** » Sat 8/18/12 7:37 pm

dxmnkd316 wrote:
davescharf wrote:
Golden FE Ranger wrote:
Kelor wrote:I just finished two fantastic books:

The Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell - Seriously this is top notch

Golf's Sacred Journey by David Cook - It came highly suggested and I now will do the same.

"Lone Survivor" is unbelievable. Marcus Luttrell is a true American hero and the story is one everyone should read. Rest in Peace Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, MOH winner Michael Murphy and the eleven SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers aboard the Chinook helicopter "Turbine 33" who attempted to rescue the SEALs.

For those interested, the book SEAL of Honor tells the life story of Michael Murphy and is a great read. A little trivia some might find interesting here: Although the mission the SEALs were on is often referred to in the media as Operation Redwing or Red Wing, the actual name was Red Wings as the commanding officer was an avid hockey fan. The follow on operation was named Operation Whalers.

Thank you very much for suggesting I read Lone Survivor. Just finished it earlier this week and there were a few nights where I couldn't sleep because I was either engrossed in it or I couldn't shut my brain off.

I never knew any SEALs personally and only had a few Special Forces acquiantences, but it takes a special breed to do that work and a level of heroism and dedication I could only hope I'd have if I had been trying to get into that line of work. The amount of determination and guts those guys have to do the work they do protecting us unlike anything most people will ever realize, so I'm glad people can write books like this (and kudos to the military for allowing it). I'll have to go find SEAL of Honor now too...and I must have missed that Murphy won the Medal of Honor.

For the person who also recommended Alan Faust, I read Night Soldiers too recently. Wasn't really getting into it at first but after about half the first chapter it really hit me and I loved it. I'll already looking for the other books in this series because he really is a great writer.

Next up is one of the Game of Thrones books. They're coming fast and furious through Hennepin County's ebook library...so fast I've had to return a couple others and go back to the end of the queue.

eBook library?

Hennepin County library has a separate URL for digital media (eBooks, Audiobooks,etc.). It just always seems like I don't get anything on my request list for weeks then 3 of them show up in the same week.

by **dxmnkd316** » Sat 8/18/12 8:54 pm

So can anyone get in on that or does one need to be a resident of Hennepin County?

by **The Rube** » Sat 8/18/12 10:15 pm

Finished the Red Mafiya book. Wow, no wonder our banking is screwed up. The amount of money laundered by these guys through our banks....wow.

Started the Triads book....I thought the Cosa Nostra book I read earlier this year was complex. This, so far, is blowing that out of the water in complexity.

Also bought a book on the Five Families, recommended by a fellow who is also interested in organized crime history, and bought a book on the Zetas of Mexico (which apparently is considered a "textbook" by Amazon). Definitely looking forward to the latter as they are relatively new to the crime world.

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