OT: What are you reading (not for school!)?

[GellaBella]

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Does he get to work in the space suits? oh man, it would scare the crap out of me to work on any whole, live, wt ebola... i draw the line at lentiviruses!

haha no (thank goodness), they study viral entry into cells, so they actually create pseudoviruses (ebola-HIV hybrids...sounds scary right?!) that are able to infect only a single time and then cannot replicate (the genome is only carrying GFP, so it's ebola glycoproteins on an HIV capsid, with GFP genome). So no special precautions needed 👍

 

[Bearby]

haha no (thank goodness), they study viral entry into cells, so they actually create pseudoviruses (ebola-HIV hybrids...sounds scary right?!) that are able to infect only a single time and then cannot replicate (the genome is only carrying GFP, so it's ebola glycoproteins on an HIV capsid, with GFP genome). So no special precautions needed 👍

very cool

 

[Minnerbelle]

haha no (thank goodness), they study viral entry into cells, so they actually create pseudoviruses (ebola-HIV hybrids...sounds scary right?!) that are able to infect only a single time and then cannot replicate (the genome is only carrying GFP, so it's ebola glycoproteins on an HIV capsid, with GFP genome). So no special precautions needed 👍

phew, i was getting a bit worried there (esp the fact that you were envious about it)! i did a similar thing with retroviruses that i made to carry different oncogenes which were also self-inactivated, though in my case it was the opposite. The gene it contained mattered, but not the entry. ebola-HIV hybrid sounds amazing though!

 

[Tator17]

But my favorite books have been Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

LOVED!!! 😍

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

HATED! And I never hate books. Ever. I couldn't find one redeeming thing about this book. Please please please tell me what you loved about it? I want to figure out why so many people passionately praise this book (which is why I picked it up) and why I so hated it.

 

[hollabackcat]

Just finished Ender's Game.

I'm pretty sure it made me a better person, aha. So amazing.

 

[lareinesoleil]

Just finished Ender's Game.

I'm pretty sure it made me a better person, aha. So amazing.

That book is life-changing 🙂

 

[primatevetjess]

Next up, I think I'll re-read the George RR Martin books so I can catch up and read the new (and final!) one of the series. But I think I need some more Terry Pratchett first. He's like a palette cleanser for me between serious, sad, intense thinking books.

I'm currently about half way through book 5, and it's just as amazing as the others. But FYI, it's not the final book. He has two more planned! 'The Winds of Winter' and 'A Dream of Spring' - no clue when either will be released, of course. I waited 4 years between books 4 and 5. But hopefully with the ever growing fan base and the huge popularity of the series, he'll be more motivated to complete them sooner rather than later!

 

[Ricegrad]

I'm currently about half way through book 5, and it's just as amazing as the others. But FYI, it's not the final book. He has two more planned! 'The Winds of Winter' and 'A Dream of Spring' - no clue when either will be released, of course. I waited 4 years between books 4 and 5. But hopefully with the ever growing fan base and the huge popularity of the series, he'll be more motivated to complete them sooner rather than later!

I really love these books! I read them all in 3 weeks, but I've been trying to resist buying the fifth, since the next book probably won't be published until 2015. The only thing that I dislike about the series is the fact that he waits SO LONG between installments. I don't understand why it took 4 years to publish book 5 when he already had the vast majority of it written before the 4th book was even published. Series that take forever to wrap up frustrate me, especially when I like them.

I'm about halfway through the His Dark Materials series right now. I just finished reading Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson, and I really liked it! It's a mystery about a woman who can't form new memories (think Drew Barrymore from 50 First Dates). So good if you like thrillers!

 

[Coquette22]

But I think I need some more Terry Pratchett first. He's like a palette cleanser for me between serious, sad, intense thinking books.

I am slowly getting through the entire Discworld series. The ones I haven't read so far are mainly because I can't seem to get my hands on them. I will reread his books over and over because I just love them. Though it broke my heart to hear about his diagnosis awhile back. 🙁

 

[Whyevernot55]

I am slowly getting through the entire Discworld series. The ones I haven't read so far are mainly because I can't seem to get my hands on them. I will reread his books over and over because I just love them. Though it broke my heart to hear about his diagnosis awhile back. 🙁

I have literally almost every book he's written, because I am a crazy person. Including the YA ones, with Tiffany Aching as the main character, even though I don't like them much. I am also slowly building up my Terry Pratchett collection on my Nook. 😀 I read them over and over, too - I always go back to a Discworld book in-between reading serious, sad, heavy-thinking books. I love that they're clever and funny without being difficult AND without being vapid. The man is a genius. And he's doing great things for raising funds for Alzheimer's research since his diagnosis.
/Terry Pratchett plug. But seriously, anyone who hasn't read him, should. 😉

 

[HelloNello]

I'm reading The Help, Smokin' Seventeen, and Animal Farm.

I loved Water for Elephants also.

 

[lareinesoleil]

I'm reading The Help, Smokin' Seventeen, and Animal Farm.

I loved Water for Elephants also.

I just finished The Help! I really liked it. I definitely want to see the movie.

 

[bluesails]

Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley. For all you equine enthusiasts, it's about the racing world, but more specifically, about the many kinds of people who get involved in it, from many different places. Just enough horsey stuff to keep me satisfied, too. 🙂

 

[GAgirl85]

I'm pretty sure that it's been mentioned but I just picked up The Hunger Games and I'm pretty much in love with it. I'd also recommend the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, Water for Elephants, and Jane Eyre. All fantastic reads.

 

[MadMagnolia]

I'm pretty sure that it's been mentioned but I just picked up The Hunger Games and I'm pretty much in love with it. I'd also recommend the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, Water for Elephants, and Jane Eyre. All fantastic reads.

AHHH HUNGER GAMES. An all-time favorite for me 🙂

I'm currently reading The Omnivore's Dilemma.... not the most fun bedtime read but definitely interesting. It's making me a little freaky about food.

 

[Breezyte]

Gotta agree about Terry Pratchett! I haven't read the disc world books forever! Going to get them on my kindle before I go to Florida! Any suggestions for a few of the reallygood ones? it's been forever!

 

[Lab Rat83]

James Harriot's "All Creatures Great and Small". I'm loving the book quite a bit and will be reading some of his other books after I'm done this one. I highly recommend this book for any of you who hasn't read it yet.

 

[Whyevernot55]

Gotta agree about Terry Pratchett! I haven't read the disc world books forever! Going to get them on my kindle before I go to Florida! Any suggestions for a few of the reallygood ones? it's been forever!

All of them? 😉 I tend not to like some of the early books as much. And it depends what characters you like. Death and Susan are awesome, if you like them then Hogfather is great (and a personal favorite). I love Monstrous Regiment, Fifth Elephant, and Thud (for Vimes). If you like the Ramptops witches, I like Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies, and Maskerade.

God, I AM going to end up naming all of them. I'm so not helpful. 🙄

 

[StartingoverVet]

Next up, I think I'll re-read the George RR Martin books so I can catch up and read the new (and final!) one of the series. But I think I need some more Terry Pratchett first. He's like a palette cleanser for me between serious, sad, intense thinking books.

I picked up the first book in the airport desperate for anything entertaining to read. They kind of seem like a costume drama fantasy series / soap opera, but somehow I have moved onto book 2 anyway. I seem to have a lot of time on my hands now.

 

[Coquette22]

And it depends what characters you like.

This. I'm not really a fan of the Witches storyline - Carpe Jugulum is probably my favourite of them, and I found myself cheering for the vampires. My favourites are the Watch and the Moist books. I like the Wizards, but I found the latest one (Unseen Academicals) sort of dragged its feet a little. There's also a handful of books that don't fit into any one category - Pyramids, Monstrous Regiment, Small Gods...

If I had to pick a top five (in no particular order!):
- The Truth
- Nightwatch
- Going Postal
- Making Money
- Thud

 

[drforwhiskers]

I'm currently reading "The Name of the Wind" It's really good so far

 

[scb44f]

James Harriot's "All Creatures Great and Small"

I'm reading it as well (though I read it when I was a kid). I haven't picked it up in a while as I'm also reading The Warm Bucket Brigade, about Vice Presidents. I need to work on my knowledge of US history (it's severely lacking... history was never my strong subject) and it was only $1.29 at Goodwill.

 

[PetPony]

I'm reading 'Gone with the Wind' right now.. 🙂

 

[HopefulAg]

I'm currently about half way through book 5, and it's just as amazing as the others.

Good. I've been avoiding reviews and what not for fear of spoilers, so I'm glad to hear it's a good book. I was a bit afraid he'd start dropping the ball once it went 'big', as so many other authors seem to have a knack for doing.

I just finished re-reading SoS today and will start re-reading FfC tomorrow. It's amazing just how much I've forgotten. Some parts are boring because I know what happens and others leave me wondering whether I even read that the first time.

 

[Angelus9]

Gotta agree about Terry Pratchett! .... Any suggestions for a few of the reallygood ones? it's been forever!

Reaper Man
Hogfather
Thief of Time

Would not re-read: Lost Continent, Color of Magic

 

[EllieGirl89]

Has anyone read "Unbearable Lightness" by Portia de Rossi? I've heard it's really good and I'm a huge fan of memoirs so I really want to read it. I'm just deciding whether to shell out the $10 to buy it on my mom's Kindle or wait until I can get to a library and find it there.

 

[tuckervet]

I'm reading 'Gone with the Wind' right now.. 🙂

I love love love that book! Hope you're enjoying it!!

 

[lareinesoleil]

Reaper Man
Hogfather
Thief of Time

Would not re-read: Lost Continent, Color of Magic

I've wanted to read Terry Pratchett ever since I read Good Omens (recommended for Gaiman fans as well) but there are sooooo many Discworld books - dumb question maybe, but do you have to read them in order?

 

[Nechochwen]

I'm out of what I brought to read 🙁

"The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
Loved the movie, may love the novel even better.

"The Sillmarillion" and "The Children of Hurin" by Tolkien
Gotta love some Tolkien

 

[Minnerbelle]

Animal Farm.

haha... my sister seriously thought that animal farm was literally about pigs taking over a farm...

and i thought i lived under a rock!

 

[Coquette22]

I've wanted to read Terry Pratchett ever since I read Good Omens (recommended for Gaiman fans as well) but there are sooooo many Discworld books - dumb question maybe, but do you have to read them in order?

Definitely not. You might miss one or two jokes, and there is a progression of time, but there's enough backstory in each to make sure you know what's going on.

I want to read Good Omens, I love Gaiman. I actually bought it in an airport and started to read it and then subsequently accidentally left the damn book on the plane. 🙄

 

[Whyevernot55]

I've wanted to read Terry Pratchett ever since I read Good Omens (recommended for Gaiman fans as well) but there are sooooo many Discworld books - dumb question maybe, but do you have to read them in order?

Nope! Pratchett is REALLY good about allowing each book to stand on its own, although you'll have a richer experience if you know the backstory for certain groups of characters. Don't worry - once you get started you'll read them all anyways! 😀

Coquette you haven't read Good Omens?! That was my first introduction to both Pratchett and Gaiman, and they're two of my favorite authors. It was just released in e-book format, too. So funny.

 

[GellaBella]

I feel like there are so many sci fi/fantasy lovers on here! I've never really gotten into that sort of genre, but I'm interested in reading some of these books that you guys are talking so highly of.

I would say my favorite genre tends to be more historical fiction or just history. I might stop by the library today to check out some of these "amazing" books you guys are raving about though 🙂

 

[Ausheya]

I would be reading Ghost Story by Jim Butcher, but I had it shipped to my home address and I won't be going home for another month! Sadness. It's already been like a year and a quarter or something, so I guess another month won't kill me....

 

[lareinesoleil]

I feel like there are so many sci fi/fantasy lovers on here! I've never really gotten into that sort of genre, but I'm interested in reading some of these books that you guys are talking so highly of.

I would say my favorite genre tends to be more historical fiction or just history. I might stop by the library today to check out some of these "amazing" books you guys are raving about though 🙂

I love historical fiction too! Sci-fi/fantasy and historical fiction are my two favorite genres (I also like YA 🙄). The Other Boleyn Girl really got me into historical fiction. Katherine by Anya Seton is fantastic. Any good recommendations?

OT, but I wish people called historical fiction "hi-fi". /endweirdcomment

 

[Whyevernot55]

I love historical fiction too! Sci-fi/fantasy and historical fiction are my two favorite genres (I also like YA 🙄). The Other Boleyn Girl really got me into historical fiction. Katherine by Anya Seton is fantastic. Any good recommendations?

OT, but I wish people called historical fiction "hi-fi". /endweirdcomment

We could so make that happen. I'm in.

Also, if you like fantasy AND hi-fi (teehee), you should check out Guy Gavriel Kay. A lot of his novels are a reaaaaaally cool blend of the genres. Like Tigana is, if you pay attention, very clearly resembles medieval Italy, Under Heaven is in Tang China, and Last Light of the Sun is Saxon England/the Vikings. Only it's all fantasied. They are totally awesome, although you had better be prepared for some seriously huge books so I tend not to recommend them unless I know someone is into that.

 

[lareinesoleil]

We could so make that happen. I'm in.

Also, if you like fantasy AND hi-fi (teehee), you should check out Guy Gavriel Kay. A lot of his novels are a reaaaaaally cool blend of the genres. Like Tigana is, if you pay attention, very clearly resembles medieval Italy, Under Heaven is in Tang China, and Last Light of the Sun is Saxon England/the Vikings. Only it's all fantasied. They are totally awesome, although you had better be prepared for some seriously huge books so I tend not to recommend them unless I know someone is into that.

Whoa, those books look incredible! I can't wait to read one 😀

 

[Whyevernot55]

Whoa, those books look incredible! I can't wait to read one 😀

They are SO GOOD. Tigana and The Lions of Al-Rassan are personal favorites - Under Heaven is the "big thing" right now, but I found I just couldn't relate to it as well as I'd hoped. I'll have to re-read it in a few months and see if I have a better connection with it then.

 

[Angelus9]

I love historical fiction too! ...Any good recommendations?

Ok, these are old, but in the hi-fi category 😀, what about James Michener? Not all of his stuff is my cup of tea, but he pretty much WAS hi-fi back in the day. I loved his book Chesapeake, and recommend that. (Probably because I love the Chesapeake Bay; maybe other people in other parts of the country like his other books better).

Another lovely, maybe not strictly in the same category, but a lot of fun for the mystery/history lovers, is Josephine Tey's The Daughter of Time.

And there's always The Killer Angels, about the battle of Gettysburg. Excellent. Caveat: After Michael Shaara died, his son Jeff Shaara continued writing the same type of book. They seem to be big hits but personally, I don't think they're worth reading and can't hold a candle to Killer Angels.

 

[laitmanvet]

For anyone who read The Help by Kathryn Stockett or Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, both really great (and very different) books, movies are coming out for both very soon. Sarah's Key is currently out in very limited release (NYC that I know of) and will open in more theaters (including Phila's Ritz theatres) this Friday. The Help will be released Aug 10th and will probably be more of a mainstream movie.
Again these are REALLY different books, but both captivating and amazing in their own ways and I highly recommend both. The Help is a more lighthearted story about racial tensions in Jackson, MS. Sarah's Key is a fiction story taking place around the non-fiction event of the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in 1942.

 

[lareinesoleil]

Hi-fi lovers: I almost forgot to mention my favorite hi-fi book (and one of my favorite books of all time, actually), which is James Clavell's Shogun. It's 1000+ pages, and I wasn't bored for one single page. Absolutely incredible.

 

[anjabryn]

"Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami ==brilliant and amazing.

 

[StartingoverVet]

Hi-fi lovers: I almost forgot to mention my favorite hi-fi book (and one of my favorite books of all time, actually), which is James Clavell's Shogun. It's 1000+ pages, and I wasn't bored for one single page. Absolutely incredible.

👍
Hard to go wrong with any of his novels. I particularly liked Tai pan as well.

 

[GellaBella]

Hi-fi lovers: I almost forgot to mention my favorite hi-fi book (and one of my favorite books of all time, actually), which is James Clavell's Shogun. It's 1000+ pages, and I wasn't bored for one single page. Absolutely incredible.

i almost got that from the library the other day. I remember trying to read it when I was very young, like 11 or 12, but I couldn't get into it then. It's kinda been on my list since then, as something i just HAVE to read, since I never finished it.

 

[StartingoverVet]

i almost got that from the library the other day. I remember trying to read it when I was very young, like 11 or 12, but I couldn't get into it then. It's kinda been on my list since then, as something i just HAVE to read, since I never finished it.

I have Sho-gun, noble house, and whirlwind of Clavell in my "personal" library. Stop by anytime, say hi to Athena and Zephyr and you can borrow the book from me. Much more convenient than the library blocks away!

 

[GellaBella]

I have Sho-gun, noble house, and whirlwind of Clavell in my "personal" library. Stop by anytime, say hi to Athena and Zephyr and you can borrow the book from me. Much more convenient than the library blocks away!

Deal 🙂 First I gotta get through the books I did end up checking out the other day 😛

ps. lets have dinner soon

 

[TheCattleman]

-Cattle Health Handbook (disease/virus recognition)

-Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin (had the great honor of having her as a professor, she is an amazing, genious woman)

-Humane Livestock Handling by Temple Grandin/Mark Deesing (for aide in drawing up plans for a cattle handling facility for my college campus)

-Merck Veterinary Manual (for familiarizing myself with feedlot cattle issues)

-Also reading over cattle E.P.D. manuals to further understand EPD value charts for Bull/Heifer sale profiles.

All these are for my own benefit and non-school related lol...a.k.a. I don't have much of a life hahah

 

[Tator17]

I'm not a sci-fi fan, though I will read some. But a lot of my friends are, so I thought I would share this (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/77140#longdescr) which would be of interest to sci-fi and fantasy fans. This is a free e-book containing sample chapters from 25 different recent or soon-to-be-published SF&F novels, including some writers I know from past experience are really good. A nice way of checking out a bunch of different novels to see which ones you want to read.

 

[StartingoverVet]

Deal 🙂 First I gotta get through the books I did end up checking out the other day 😛

ps. lets have dinner soon

Derailing thread: The "missus" gets back on Sunday. Give her a week to recover and then let's try dinner (again).

 

[LetItSnow]

Apparently, I'm reading the Harry Potter series now. Sigh.