Currently struggling through Christopher Tyerman's massive 950-page history of the Crusades, God's War. I've never read such a detailed account of the Middle Ages, currently 300 pages in and the Second Crusade is about to kick off.
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This Week I'm Mostly Reading General Chat Golden Threads
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Weekly Reading Favorites Among Forum Members
The post is somewhat relevant but lacks depth and detail about the reading experience or insights on the book. It could be improved by encouraging more discussion or providing specific thoughts on the book's themes.
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constructive
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informational
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mixed
book recommendations
reading progress
favorite authors
book discussions
genre explorations
The thread opens with various members sharing what books they're currently reading, showing a mix of genres including classics, thrillers, and non-fiction. Many express enthusiasm about their reads, encouraging further conversation among the members.12
As the discussion progresses, readers reflect on books they've recently finished and offer their opinions. There's a notable exchange about popular titles and authors, with many recommending their favorites and sharing differing opinions on books they found overrated or disappointing.34
Toward the end of the thread, some members discuss upcoming reads and their expectations, while others express frustration with certain books or genres. Open questions about future book selections arise, indicating that the dialogue within the community is beginning to shift toward recommendations for future conversations.56
"A wonderful, elegant novel with humour and desperation."
"If it's as good as Unravelling Oliver I'll be very happy"
Verdict
Overall, the thread successfully generated a diverse conversation about reading habits and preferences. While some authors and titles sparked debate, there was a shared enthusiasm for reading that many participants embraced.
Yes, it is - there are 6 narrators in total. It's a complicated read, but the story is so good.
Excellent, cheers, I need to buy this. Would defo recommend As I Lay Dying if you haven't read it.
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The Ratline by Philippe Sands.
Excellent book, well worth reading.
Reading "The Barchester Chronicles" by Anthony Trollope, on the 5th book, "The Small House at Allington". I think the whole series is great and doesn't get the credit it deserves.
Recently read Le Carre "Tinker Taylor", good but complicated and also "The Constant Gardener", it was excellent as was the subsequent movie.
Recently read Le Carre "Tinker Taylor", good but complicated and also "The Constant Gardener", it was excellent as was the subsequent movie.
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Deleted member 63
Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife, Bart Ehrman
Looks at the ideas of Heaven and Hell in Christian thought and their roots in prior cultures (e.g. Greek, Jewish, Persian)
An interesting look at the history of an idea that has become a key image in Western culture and literature.
Looks at the ideas of Heaven and Hell in Christian thought and their roots in prior cultures (e.g. Greek, Jewish, Persian)
An interesting look at the history of an idea that has become a key image in Western culture and literature.
The Reckoning by John Grisham.
Set in the 1940s in the US, one prominent farmer kills the local pastor. The book centres around the motive of the murder as you know right from the outset that he committed the crime and is sentenced appropriately. Very interesting as normally I would read whodunnits so this was a refreshing change to the usual crime fiction novels I read.
Set in the 1940s in the US, one prominent farmer kills the local pastor. The book centres around the motive of the murder as you know right from the outset that he committed the crime and is sentenced appropriately. Very interesting as normally I would read whodunnits so this was a refreshing change to the usual crime fiction novels I read.
Gravity by Tess Gerritsen.
I have read her crime fiction novels but this is the first time I read her sci-fi novel, so wasn't sure what to expect.
I actually really enjoyed this, it centres around an experiment going horribly wrong on the ISS and NASA's attempts to save the surviving astronauts before they all perish to this contagion. However, the catch is that this contagion threatens all of humanity back on Earth and the Air Force don't want any of the astronauts returning home.
I have read her crime fiction novels but this is the first time I read her sci-fi novel, so wasn't sure what to expect.
I actually really enjoyed this, it centres around an experiment going horribly wrong on the ISS and NASA's attempts to save the surviving astronauts before they all perish to this contagion. However, the catch is that this contagion threatens all of humanity back on Earth and the Air Force don't want any of the astronauts returning home.
I've started The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins, author of American Dirt (which I also really enjoyed.) It's the story of a young traveller boy whose family decide to settle in a town for the children to go to school. It feels really authentic and well-researched. Definitely worth a read.
Finally finished "God's War: A New History of the Crusades". It took a while but well worth reading.
Started on "Hope and Prospects" by Noam Chomsky. Not far into it but good so far.
"This is a classic Chomsky work: a bonfire of myths and lies, sophistries and delusions. Noam Chomsky is an enduring inspiration all over the world to millions, I suspect, for the simple reason that he is a truth-teller on an epic scale. I salute him." – John Pilger
Started on "Hope and Prospects" by Noam Chomsky. Not far into it but good so far.
"This is a classic Chomsky work: a bonfire of myths and lies, sophistries and delusions. Noam Chomsky is an enduring inspiration all over the world to millions, I suspect, for the simple reason that he is a truth-teller on an epic scale. I salute him." – John Pilger
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