Introduction (General Book Club Discussion)

Discussion in 'TMB Book Club' started by Arkie Proud, May 2, 2012.

  1. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    TMB Book Club Master List (to be added to OP)
    06/2012 - 11/22/63 by Stephen King
    07/2012 - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
    08/2012 - Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
    09/2012 - Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
    10/2012 - Wool by Hugh Howey
    11/2012 - The Passage by Justin Cronin
    12/2012 - The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
    01/2013 - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
    02/2013 - Under the Dome by Stephen King
    03/2013 - The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson
    04/2013 - Crossers by Philip Caputo
    05/2013 - Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
    06/2013 - Inferno by Dan Brown
    07/2013 - The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen
    08/2013 - The Son by Phillipp Meyer
    09/2013 - The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
    10/2013 - Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
    11/2013 - Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
    12/2013 - The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
    01/2014 - Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut
    02/2014 - Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado
    03/2014 - The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
    04/2014 - The Amber Room by Steve Berry

    10/2014 - The Martian by Andy Weir
    11/2014 - In the Woods by Tana French
    12/2014 - Ghost in the Wires by Kevin Mitnick
    01/2015 - Revival by Stephen King
    02/2015 - The Time Travellers Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer
    03/2015 - ???

    08/2015 - Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
    09/2015 - The Stand by Stephen King
    10/2015 - Uprooted by Naomi Novik
    11/2015 - The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
    12/2015 - Off to be the Wizard by Scott Meyer
    01/2016 - Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
    02/2016 - A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James

    Genres

    Science-Fiction (9)
    Fantasy (6)
    Mystery (5)
    Contemporary (3)
    Non-Fiction (3)
    Historical-Fiction (2)
    Horror (2)
    Thriller (2)
    Satire (2)
    Dystopian (1)
     
    LKRFN88jp and Truman like this.
  2. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    I attempted to make you a moderator but it gave me an error message saying you don't have a verified email address.
     
  3. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    46 members in the group. way more than I thought
     
  4. KJROD20

    KJROD20 the ends will justify the means.
    Boston Red SoxBoston CelticsNew York RangersSeton Hall Pirates

    Man, I missed some interesting books during my ASOIAF read through.
     
  5. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    According to that list the only book I haven't read is The Girl on the Train (haven't read A Brief History yet but its not until February)

    But I also don't believe I read whatever book it was we were supposed to read last March, and now I can't remember what it was.
     
  6. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
    Staff Donor TMB OG

    Wtf. Let me see if I can fix it.
     
  7. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
    Staff Donor TMB OG

  8. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
    Staff Donor TMB OG

    Haven't read as many as I would have liked but I'm currently on my best streak (three straight!). That said, I have read a few of them (Girl on the Train, Revival, etc.) outside of the book club. Wish we had as many people as we did in the early days of the club.
     
    The Blackfish likes this.
  9. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    Done
     
    LKRFN88jp likes this.
  10. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    Hey where the fuck did my TMB Staff Member Banner go. I'm a mod here and on the GoT board. Used to have one and now its gone.

    THIS IS BULLSHIT.
     
  11. Gonff

    Gonff Prince of Mousethieves
    Donor
    Oklahoma SoonersMetal

    Didn't realize I had been added to the group.

    Looking at the genre breakdown, we need a western.
     
    RonBurgundy and Arkie Proud like this.
  12. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    First time I had looked at it in a while, there were 3 pending members I accepted and I think you were one.
     
  13. Gonff

    Gonff Prince of Mousethieves
    Donor
    Oklahoma SoonersMetal

    Yeah I was. Posted my username on one of the discussions for clarity
     
  14. RonBurgundy

    RonBurgundy Well-Known Member

    I've read 21 of the book club books including the last 7 not counting 3,000 page Stephen King books.
     
    The Blackfish likes this.
  15. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
    Staff Donor TMB OG

    Know February just started, but I always like throwing out ideas for the next book. Couple I have on my to-read list on Goodreads:

    The Power of the Dog - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26132896-the-power-of-the-dog

    The Art of Fielding - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10996342-the-art-of-fielding

     
    RegimentML likes this.
  16. KJROD20

    KJROD20 the ends will justify the means.
    Boston Red SoxBoston CelticsNew York RangersSeton Hall Pirates

    The Art of Fielding has been on my list for a while now.
     
    LKRFN88jp likes this.
  17. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    I've read TAoF and would skip it but it would probably be a popular pick. I gave it 3* but it seems most people like it better than I did.
     
  18. colonel_forbin

    colonel_forbin Well-Known Member
    Donor

    I'm almost halfway through Shantaram. This book is awesome.
     
    The Blackfish and Truman like this.
  19. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    Book is on my list. It's just so looooooong it scares me off.
     
  20. colonel_forbin

    colonel_forbin Well-Known Member
    Donor

    I highly recommend it. It doesn't read like a 900 page book. It's pretty quick moving, or at least interesting the whole time.
     
    Truman likes this.
  21. Gonff

    Gonff Prince of Mousethieves
    Donor
    Oklahoma SoonersMetal

    This is just an idea for future months (since I'm totally down with either of the suggestions for March) but I've been thinking about reading some of the old classics: Shakespeare, Homer, etc. Would that be something anyone else is interested in doing?

    Ideas would be A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Iliad, etc. (Though obviously not limited to those). I figure most people have some familiarity due to reading in school.
     
  22. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    Id much rather read Homer than Shakespeare. I hate reading shakespeare.
     
    RegimentML likes this.
  23. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    Im reading Morning Star right now. It's the third book in the Red Rising Trilogy. The series is great. It's probably in the YA genre, but it's not YA at all. It's like Ender's game meets a tiniest bit of hunger games meets Roman culture. It's all action. It's great and I love it.

    Someone read it.
     
    RegimentML likes this.
  24. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    Do we have a March book? Id suggest something, but - February was mine suggestion and I dont really have anything in mind.

    edit- forgot about LKRFN88jp suggestions. Im good with either.
     
  25. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
    Staff Donor TMB OG

    Either one sounds good to me. Anyone else have any other suggestions?
     
  26. Gonff

    Gonff Prince of Mousethieves
    Donor
    Oklahoma SoonersMetal

    The Art of Fielding sounds interesting to me but either is fine.
     
  27. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
    Donor
    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    Really enjoyed the cartel so I'll probably check out the power of the dog at some point, but I'm good with either for book club.
     
  28. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
    Donor
    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    ok, i've read the ones in bold (not always with the book club). i'm reading the red rising series now, then finishing the magic 2.0 series probably. if you had to pick 1 or 2 books here to recommend, what would it be?
     
    The Blackfish likes this.
  29. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    Amber Room for me.
     
  30. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    Lies of Locke Lamora or Shadow of the Wind definitely.
     
    RegimentML likes this.
  31. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    :meh: my 2nd least favorite book we've done after my choice that ended up being terrible Crossers
     
  32. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    I like Steve Berry. Better version of Dan Brown.

    Crossers and Keeper of Lost Causes were my least faves
     
  33. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    I agree he's a better Dan Brown, couldn't have said it better actually, just not my style of book.
     
    Truman likes this.
  34. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
    Donor
    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    awesome, thanks guys! just marked all 3 as to read. not a huge dan brown type fan like the The Blackfish, but the book sounded interesting. think shadow of the wind will be the first one.

    btw Truman, i read about 40% of the golden son yesterday. really enjoying it. hoping to finish tomorrow
     
    The Blackfish and Truman like this.
  35. Gonff

    Gonff Prince of Mousethieves
    Donor
    Oklahoma SoonersMetal

    I'm a Scott Lynch fanboy so I have to agree with Lies.
     
    The Blackfish likes this.
  36. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    I know Arkie Proud will back me up on SotW. Beautifully written book.
     
    RonBurgundy, laxjoe and Arkie Proud like this.
  37. Arkie Proud

    Arkie Proud The Dungeon Master
    Staff

    100% agree.
     
    laxjoe and The Blackfish like this.
  38. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    Remember when Arkie Proud participated and shit? Those were simpler times.
     
    RonBurgundy and Arkie Proud like this.
  39. Arkie Proud

    Arkie Proud The Dungeon Master
    Staff

    I haven't read a book from cover to cover in months. Been writing and goofing off.
     
    RegimentML likes this.
  40. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
    Staff Donor TMB OG

    What's March gonna be?
     
  41. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideIndianapolis ColtsBook Club

    Looking back through, The Art of Fielding was mentioned most so I'll make an executive decision and say that.
     
  42. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
    Donor
    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    started today. really enjoying it so far
     
    The Blackfish likes this.
  43. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    Started Shantaram today. Knocked out the first 5 Chapters. Still super early in the book, but liking it so far.


    For April - Ive made a couple suggestions lately, so if someone else wants to make a nomination, go for it. If not...

    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7937843-room

    Want to read it before I watch the movie. Supposed to be pretty good. :idk:
     
  44. Gonff

    Gonff Prince of Mousethieves
    Donor
    Oklahoma SoonersMetal

    I have no problem with Room. I liked the movie.

    I'll nominate something:

    Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer
    Pulitzer Prize winner for History

    I'm a bit of a Revolutionary War buff so this may be something better for a simple discussion thread, but I thought I'd bring it up. I've already ordered it so I'll be reading it either way.

    Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia.
    Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, George Washington--and many other Americans--refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined.
    Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many actors, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning.
     
    #394 Gonff, Mar 11, 2016
    Last edited: Mar 11, 2016
  45. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
    Staff Donor TMB OG

    I know I've been throwing in a bunch lately too, but I heard about this a couple weeks ago and it's on my to-read list now. Came out near the end of last year: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27239265-the-short-drop

    A decade ago, fourteen-year-old Suzanne Lombard, the daughter of Benjamin Lombard—then a senator, now a powerful vice president running for the presidency—disappeared in the most sensational missing-person case in the nation’s history. Still unsolved, the mystery remains a national obsession.

    For legendary hacker and marine Gibson Vaughn, the case is personal—Suzanne Lombard had been like a sister to him. On the tenth anniversary of her disappearance, the former head of Benjamin Lombard’s security asks for Gibson’s help in a covert investigation of the case, with new evidence in hand.

    Haunted by tragic memories, he jumps at the chance to uncover what happened all those years ago. Using his military and technical prowess, he soon discovers multiple conspiracies surrounding the Lombard family—and he encounters powerful, ruthless political players who will do anything to silence him and his team. With new information surfacing that could threaten Lombard’s bid for the presidency, Gibson must stay one step ahead as he navigates a dangerous web to get to the truth.
     
  46. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Missouri TigersSt. Louis CardinalsChicago BullsSt. Louis BluesEvertonBook Club

    Both of those look good, but being a history nerd, Washington's Crossing sounds awesome
     
    RegimentML likes this.
  47. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
    Staff Donor TMB OG

    I haven't read much about the Revolutionary War so I would definitely be down too
     
  48. Blackterno

    Blackterno Well-Known Member
    TMB OG
    Penn State Nittany LionsPhiladelphia Phillies

    Why can't we return the format we used to successfully use where we have 3-5 recommendations, start a poll, and let the majority make the monthly choice?
     
    #398 Blackterno, Mar 12, 2016
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2016
  49. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
    Staff Donor TMB OG

    I'm fine with this too, there's just not the participation like there used to be so that is the only problem. I remember polls for books that had 15+ votes. Feels like only five people are even reading the books now.
     
  50. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
    Donor
    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    Both of those sound good. I think for discussion purposes, the revolutionary war one would be better. When reading history books like that, I generally spend hours in Wikipedia and other places reading up on the events/people/time and that might lead to additional discussion. Idk