Getbig Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Forums

Getbig Main Boards => General Topics => Topic started by: garebear on May 01, 2012, 04:59:05 AM

Title: Best book you ever read
Post by: garebear on May 01, 2012, 04:59:05 AM
Mine would have to be 'Catcher in the Rye' and I'm not even a big fan of fiction.

Just curious what everyone would say.

Non-fiction is more than welcome. That's what I usually read.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: 240 is Back on May 01, 2012, 05:07:55 AM
if this author wrote a book, i'd buy it.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Stark on May 01, 2012, 05:07:56 AM
Hi Jerry this guy would like to have a chat with you...
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Lumberjack88 on May 01, 2012, 05:08:45 AM
This one is as non-fictional as it gets and one of my favorites:
(http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172641343l/202485.jpg)

I've read catcher in the rye, too, but I didn't really like it. What made this book so special for you?
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: garebear on May 01, 2012, 05:09:24 AM
It took me second, but I think I've got it now.

Are you referring to Conspiracy Theory?



Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: BigCyp on May 01, 2012, 05:31:35 AM
Anything by Philip K Dick
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dr.chimps on May 01, 2012, 05:37:59 AM
Cripes. Where to even start.  :-\
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: DK II on May 01, 2012, 05:39:47 AM
Cripes. Where to even start.  :-\

x2, LOL at all the people here that can pick one favorite book out of the 3 they have read in their lives.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Tito24 on May 01, 2012, 05:40:35 AM
i thought bodybuilders were illiterate
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: evser on May 01, 2012, 05:42:51 AM
a few off the top of my head, American Gods- neil gaiman, lord of the rings, The stand- stephen king, the alchemist-paulo cohelio sp*, the god delusion/ blind watchmaker- richard dawkins. so many books so little time
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dr.chimps on May 01, 2012, 05:46:44 AM
a few off the top of my head, American Gods- neil gaiman, lord of the rings, The stand- stephen king, the alchemist-paulo cohelio sp*, the god delusion/ blind watchmaker- richard dawkins. so many books so little time
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: ChristopherA on May 01, 2012, 05:47:13 AM
You know what I like about movies? No reading
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: garebear on May 01, 2012, 05:47:28 AM
Cripes. Where to even start.  :-\
I know it's a bit of a ridiculous question, but I thought it would be interesting.

Always on the lookout for something good.

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: garebear on May 01, 2012, 05:49:27 AM
You know what I like about movies? No reading
I love movies too.

Actually, one of my pet peeves is when someone says the book is always going to be better than the movie.

It's a shortcut to thinking and I don't think it's always true.

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dr.chimps on May 01, 2012, 05:53:20 AM
I know it's a bit of a ridiculous question, but I thought it would be interesting.

Always on the lookout for something good.
Well, if you haven't already, try Don Quixote. Sure, there are long boring stretches, but the story is stunningly original and entertaining. You want great writing, try the Russians. For sheer enjoyment, you can't go wrong with Treasure Island. Just too many books, too much criteria, and too many personal tastes to winnow the field to one book.    
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: GigantorX on May 01, 2012, 05:54:52 AM
Mine would have to be 'Catcher in the Rye' and I'm not even a big fan of fiction.

Just curious what everyone would say.

Non-fiction is more than welcome. That's what I usually read.

Never read it...as strange as that sounds.

I love the Dune series, specifically the first 2 books.

Ringworld, Mote in Gods Eye, Lucifer's Hammer, To Bear Any Burdern, Seige in the Clouds, American Gods, The Haj...oh and anything by Brett Easton Ellis.

And really anything written from a "leaders" perspective. Omar Bradley, Nixon and what have you.

Economics can be dry but I enjoy Friedman.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: ChristopherA on May 01, 2012, 05:56:42 AM
I love movies too.

Actually, one of my pet peeves is when someone says the book is always going to be better than the movie.

It's a shortcut to thinking and I don't think it's always true.


That's a bit from standup Jim Gaffigan. When people say "Oh the book was better." "You know what I liked about the movie? No reading." In many cases the book is better though dont you think?
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Stark on May 01, 2012, 06:18:07 AM
It took me second, but I think I've got it now.

Are you referring to Conspiracy Theory?





;)
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dr.chimps on May 01, 2012, 06:19:41 AM
That's a bit from standup Jim Gaffigan. When people say "Oh the book was better." "You know what I liked about the movie? No reading." In many cases the book is better though dont you think?
Hot. Pockets.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Grape Ape on May 01, 2012, 06:22:07 AM
Like Chimps/DK said, pretty tough to do.

I'll go with Cryptonomicon by Neal Stepenson.   It takes about 50 pages to get his style, but if it clicks with you, it's a fantastic story.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptonomicon
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: ChristopherA on May 01, 2012, 06:23:58 AM
Hot. Pockets.
LMFAO!! My fav standup today.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Irongrip400 on May 01, 2012, 06:24:25 AM
The Rise and Fall of the Third Riech. Seriously, everybody should read it.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The True Adonis on May 01, 2012, 06:27:10 AM
I cannot comment on the best book ever as I have not read them all yet.  However, I am reading Asimov`s Caves of Steel at the moment and it is wonderful.

I also recommend Burr by Gore Vidal and Lincoln by Gore Vidal.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: _bruce_ on May 01, 2012, 06:29:55 AM
Anything by Philip K Dick

Heavy
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: BigCyp on May 01, 2012, 06:30:09 AM
I cannot comment on the best book ever as I have not read them all yet.  However, I am reading Asimov`s Caves of Steel at the moment and it is wonderful.

I also recommend Burr by Gore Vidal and Lincoln by Gore Vidal.

You are such a raving homosexual.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: JasonH on May 01, 2012, 06:34:10 AM
I just like reading crappy paperback thrillers - I read for enjoyment and escapism and don't do any heavy shit.

I'll probably get slated for this but anything by Frederick Forsyth, especially Day of the Jackal. I've never read a bad FF book.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: BigCyp on May 01, 2012, 06:35:23 AM
Heavy

Yes, got into his work after watching bladerunner and wondering "Wow, who the fuck comes up with a plot like that!"
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dr.chimps on May 01, 2012, 06:35:40 AM
Like Chimps/DK said, pretty tough to do.

I'll go with Cryptonomicon by Neal Stepenson.   It takes about 50 pages to get his style, but if it clicks with you, it's a fantastic story.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptonomicon
Got two copies of that one. Fun book, despite it's size. Snow Crash is a bit of a mindfark, tho. Not sure I got all of that one.  
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Grape Ape on May 01, 2012, 07:01:28 AM
Got two copies of that one. Fun book, despite it's size. Snow Crash is a bit of a mindfark, tho. Not sure I got all of that one.  

Never read Snow Crash, but now I will since you posed it.   Will have it on the kindle in a few.

I did read the follow up trilogy to Crypto called the Baroque Cycle,  3 books, 900+ pages each.  The first one was an absolute chore, but they got really good after that.   All  takes place hundreds of years before Cryptonomicon.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: bigmc on May 01, 2012, 07:07:41 AM
every time people do books lists posters use it as an opportunity to try and look intellectual

most of the clowns on here couldn't finish a comic
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: BigCyp on May 01, 2012, 07:33:59 AM
every time people do books lists posters use it as an opportunity to try and look intellectual

most of the clowns on here couldn't finish a comic

Speak for yourself stud  ;D
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: bigmc on May 01, 2012, 07:34:39 AM
Speak for yourself stud  ;D

i only look at the pictures  8)
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dr.chimps on May 01, 2012, 07:38:23 AM
Never read Snow Crash, but now I will since you posed it.   Will have it on the kindle in a few.

I did read the follow up trilogy to Crypto called the Baroque Cycle,  3 books, 900+ pages each.  The first one was an absolute chore, but they got really good after that.   All  takes place hundreds of years before Cryptonomicon.
Got those on my shelf, as well, but haven't cracked them. Ananthem hasn't been touched, either. I heard good things about Reamde, but I don't know if I have the shelf space.  :-\      ;D  
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: BustinAss on May 01, 2012, 07:40:17 AM
I read encyclopedias and scientific stuff a lot.

other then that

1984, for whom the bells toll and coupe others
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Grape Ape on May 01, 2012, 07:45:38 AM
Got those on my shelf, as well, but haven't cracked them. Ananthem hasn't been touched, either. I heard good things and Reamde, but I don't know if I have the shelf space.  :-\      ;D  

If you do take a shot, be patient with Quicksilver.   It's really dry and wordy, and easily the least enjoyable of the series.  After that, all good.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: AlphaM on May 01, 2012, 07:48:06 AM
The book of Mirdad

best book in he world
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Glass Gorilla on May 01, 2012, 07:54:03 AM
The Republic by Plato
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Glass Gorilla on May 01, 2012, 07:54:46 AM
The book of Mirdad

best book in he world

Just read some reviews for that on Amazon.. Looks good all 5 star ratings.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: flipper5470 on May 01, 2012, 07:58:04 AM
Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole.  The book that spawned Forrest Gump was pretty good...a far more complex story than the 2D nonsense brought to the screen by Tom Hanks
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: CalvinH on May 01, 2012, 08:02:19 AM
Got those on my shelf, as well, but haven't cracked them. Ananthem hasn't been touched, either. I heard good things about Reamde, but I don't know if I have the shelf space.  :-\      ;D  


Hell,I don't know if I could even name a favorite series never mind a book!
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: El Diablo Blanco on May 01, 2012, 08:09:12 AM
Twilight, all the way twilight.

But to be honest, Bret Eston Ellis.  Love his books.  Those of you who watch American Psycho really need to read the book to see how deranged Patrick Bateman really was.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Ronnie Rep on May 01, 2012, 08:10:56 AM
Twilight, all the way twilight.

But to be honest, Bret Eston Ellis.  Love his books.  Those of you who watch American Psycho really need to read the book to see how deranged Patrick Bateman really was.
Sounds interesting!
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The Onion on May 01, 2012, 08:17:41 AM
Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole.  The book that spawned Forrest Gump was pretty good...a far more complex story than the 2D nonsense brought to the screen by Tom Hanks
Awesome book and one of my favorites. I've read i two times. I love the part when he's dressed as a pirate, selling hot dogs.  ;D

"Flow - The Psychology of Optimal Experience", by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and "The Science of Happiness", by Stefain Klein, are also two of my favorites.

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Mr. Magoo on May 01, 2012, 08:20:37 AM
The Republic by Plato

lmao you either don't read much or are young

fancy the totalitarian militaristic destruction of families presented in that book eh?  ::)
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: daddy8ball on May 01, 2012, 08:21:29 AM
By far the best book I have ever read. Don't take my word for it, read the reviews. Better than the best movie..and true...

http://www.amazon.com/The-Frontiersmen-Narrative-Allan-Eckert/dp/0945084919
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Straw Man on May 01, 2012, 08:27:16 AM
too many to list but this one springs to my mind first
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Mr. Magoo on May 01, 2012, 08:28:42 AM
too many to list but this one springs to my mind first

very good book. Talks about how happiness isn't valuable in itself.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Tito24 on May 01, 2012, 08:39:25 AM
"My Story" from Ron Avidan
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The Ugly on May 01, 2012, 08:44:26 AM
"House of Leaves" was pretty damn good.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: funk51 on May 01, 2012, 08:55:26 AM
too many to list but this one springs to my mind first
one of my favorites also along with 1984, american pscyho,the exorcist,arnold the education of a bodybuilder.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Cleanest Natural on May 01, 2012, 09:00:42 AM
You are such a raving homosexual.
indeed


my pick is Initiation by Elisabeth Haich
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: bigmc on May 01, 2012, 09:04:13 AM
indeed


my pick is living at home with mom in your thirties a guide

fixed
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The Ugly on May 01, 2012, 09:10:30 AM
Some others:

"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley
"Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad
"Tortilla Flat" by John Steinbeck (or any Steinbeck book, for that matter)
"2001: A Space Odyssey" by Arthur C. Clarke
"Breakfast of Champions" or "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
"Survivor" or "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk
"Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy

Too many to choose from, really.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: PJim on May 01, 2012, 09:23:20 AM
The Stand
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The Ugly on May 01, 2012, 09:26:03 AM
The Stand

Couldn't get through it, but I loved "The Green Mile." I dug how King released it in sections.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: PJim on May 01, 2012, 09:32:48 AM
Couldn't get through it, but I loved "The Green Mile." I dug how King released it in sections.

 I just love how epic the premise of the story is and the mad mission they have to go on.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The Ugly on May 01, 2012, 09:34:51 AM
I just love how epic the premise of the story is and the mad mission they have to go on.

King's fans all say it's his best, so I gave it a try as I used to really like the guy. Not so much anymore.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: El Diablo Blanco on May 01, 2012, 09:35:40 AM
The book of Mirdad

best book in he world

Is it a heavily religious book?
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: PJim on May 01, 2012, 09:42:45 AM
King's fans all say it's his best, so I gave it a try as I used to really like the guy. Not so much anymore.

Don't get me wrong, I like the vast majority of his work but not all.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: mik1111 on May 01, 2012, 09:50:11 AM
iliad
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Glass Gorilla on May 01, 2012, 10:10:07 AM
lmao you either don't read much or are young

fancy the totalitarian militaristic destruction of families presented in that book eh?  ::)

I actually had a class this semester focused entirely on this book. If I read it on my own I wouldn't have a quarter of the understanding of this book that I do now.

Obviously Plato proposes some rather radical ideas about how a city should be organized. However, I feel Plato's argument for the just life help's one discover a lot about oneself. Either way, flame on  :P :P
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Nirvana on May 01, 2012, 10:10:44 AM
Goosebumps, RL Stine
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Power on May 01, 2012, 10:53:25 AM
I love movies too.

Actually, one of my pet peeves is when someone says the book is always going to be better than the movie.

It's a shortcut to thinking and I don't think it's always true.



Well give an example then.  What movie has been better than the book?
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Thespritz0 on May 01, 2012, 10:57:02 AM
RFK must Die!
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dantelis on May 01, 2012, 10:57:48 AM


So many books, so little time. 

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The Ugly on May 01, 2012, 11:11:13 AM
Well give an example then.  What movie has been better than the book?

"The Shining" and "Shawshank Redemption"?
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: PJim on May 01, 2012, 11:35:32 AM
"The Shining" and "Shawshank Redemption"?

They have their merits in different ways. The Shining as a book is amazing because you really FEEL that the house itself is evil, that it is ALIVE. I will always love the film for Kubrick's steady-cam shots, NO director comes close to him for setting up such amazing shots. As for Shawshank, you can't have one without the other, but the film adaptation pips the post due to Freeman's narration.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The True Adonis on May 01, 2012, 11:43:21 AM
Awesome book and one of my favorites. I've read i two times. I love the part when he's dressed as a pirate, selling hot dogs.  ;D

"Flow - The Psychology of Optimal Experience", by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and "The Science of Happiness", by Stefain Klein, are also two of my favorites.


Whilst living in Mom`s basement.  True Getbigger.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Nirvana on May 01, 2012, 11:50:07 AM
(http://s3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/original_319609_DYtKRgRBYYPkdJSvWgRqLdagB.jpg)
(http://papertrail.candutch.ca/images/the_longest_day_book001.JPG)
(http://www.ascully.com/images/bluray/theexorcist/2.jpg)
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dantelis on May 01, 2012, 01:35:05 PM
I'm reading Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore right now.  He wrote a great book called Lamb:  The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's childhood pal.  It is a great book and a favorite.  Very funny, while still treating the story of Jesus life as a child and young man with respect.  More:  http://www.amazon.com/Lamb-Gospel-According-Christs-Childhood/dp/0380813815 (http://www.amazon.com/Lamb-Gospel-According-Christs-Childhood/dp/0380813815) 
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Raymondo on May 01, 2012, 01:53:58 PM
Well give an example then.  What movie has been better than the book?

Fight club made an excellent film.
The book is a steaming pile of shit (with interesting ideas) by a guy who, at that time, couldn't write to save his life.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The Ugly on May 01, 2012, 02:24:00 PM

The book is a steaming pile of shit (with interesting ideas) by a guy who, at that time, couldn't write to save his life.

I so disagree.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Mr Nobody on May 01, 2012, 02:33:05 PM
Walden Pond.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: OTHstrong on May 01, 2012, 02:54:37 PM
For a storyline,... THE ASSYRIAN by Nicholas Guild

Takes place in 600BC, if you like history, very good read, although a fictional plot many accurate historical events and gives you a good perspective of those days.


For Psychology,....  THE 48 LAWS OF POWER by Robert Greene

Brilliant, stoic like philosophy. Shows you how to conduct yourself with class, dignity and how to keep the edge on your side.


For manuscript and ancient text,... The book of Jasher and the book of Enoch

Some crazy battles in Jasher, very detailed accounts of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Story of The Watchers in Enoch - Fallen angels that procreated with human woman.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: clownbaby on May 01, 2012, 03:49:52 PM
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CiZ0u2NycjI/TNXC0df5LsI/AAAAAAAAAC0/xFopKAPyD-k/s1600/Blood+Meridian.jpg)
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dr.chimps on May 01, 2012, 03:54:54 PM
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CiZ0u2NycjI/TNXC0df5LsI/AAAAAAAAAC0/xFopKAPyD-k/s1600/Blood+Meridian.jpg)
Brilliant book. Author is notoriously averse to any public appearances, so only one of my McCarthy collection is signed.   :-\
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: King Shizzo on May 01, 2012, 03:56:50 PM
Goosebumps collection by R.L. Stine
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Raymondo on May 01, 2012, 03:58:00 PM
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CiZ0u2NycjI/TNXC0df5LsI/AAAAAAAAAC0/xFopKAPyD-k/s1600/Blood+Meridian.jpg)

I hated that fucking book when I first read it.

A few months later it was one of my favourites. It definitely grows on you and it's one of those books that you need to read supplemental material about in order to fully comprehend it. There are just to many themes woven into the main story.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: garebear on May 01, 2012, 07:59:46 PM
That's a bit from standup Jim Gaffigan. When people say "Oh the book was better." "You know what I liked about the movie? No reading." In many cases the book is better though dont you think?
I think the book is usually better. I just hate it when people say the book is always better without thinking about it.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: garebear on May 01, 2012, 08:03:21 PM
This one is as non-fictional as it gets and one of my favorites:
(http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172641343l/202485.jpg)

I've read catcher in the rye, too, but I didn't really like it. What made this book so special for you?
I can't quite put my finger on why I like it so much.

I just really like the stream of consciousness type writing it has as well as the coming of age.

I first read it at around twenty years old and still read it again every few years.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: tbombz on May 01, 2012, 08:18:28 PM
history of western philosophy by bertrand russel

complete short stories of ernest hemmingway
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: bighead on May 01, 2012, 08:18:53 PM
the bible... death of a salesman.. the great gatsby.. anything by stephen king.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: stuntmovie on May 01, 2012, 09:01:54 PM
Don Quixote. (Thanks, Doc!)

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. (First book I ever really enjoyed.)

The Carpetbaggers.

The Other Side ... no longer published. Regarding a Bishop's connection with his dead son.

All Leon Uris books.

All James Michner  books.

Dancing Wu Li Masters .... the simple (hah!!) explanation of QUANTUM MECHANICS which I still have difficulty understanding but can discuss it with QM professors pretty damn well after having read it five times. They seem to have the same difficulty as I have.







 




Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: stuntmovie on May 01, 2012, 10:20:56 PM
I never did finish reading Blood Meridian but I did hear about a possible movie script being written based on the book except that the book's ending was too controversial for the Hollywood movie studios.

What was that all about?
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The True Adonis on May 01, 2012, 10:31:05 PM
I never did finish reading Blood Meridian but I did hear about a possible movie script being written based on the book except that the book's ending was too controversial for the Hollywood movie studios.

What was that all about?
Judge Holden is an eternal and immortal character who displays devilish Gnosticism which is a common thematic within Americana Folklore, especially when dealing within the 19th Century.

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: bigjim on May 01, 2012, 10:32:28 PM
I hated that fucking book when I first read it.

A few months later it was one of my favourites. It definitely grows on you and it's one of those books that you need to read supplemental material about in order to fully comprehend it. There are just to many themes woven into the main story.

So you needed it to be explained to you homie?

Stick to comics and leave the big words to the big boys bro.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: basil on May 01, 2012, 10:38:18 PM
Do audio books count?
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: basil on May 01, 2012, 10:51:10 PM
No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod.  Great book by one of the greatest Canadian writers of our time.

Also anything by Farley Mowat.  Another Canadian :D and extraordinary writer, I might add.  He's great with both fiction and non-fiction.  He's just a natural storyteller. 
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: sync pulse on May 01, 2012, 10:55:13 PM
.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: bigjim on May 01, 2012, 10:57:18 PM
the bible... death of a salesman.. the great gatsby.. anything by stephen king.

The bible srs?

If you think that is good literature you need to read more. The bible from a litrature point of view is shit.

And as far as story wise maybe you should try the brothers grim if you like fairytails.   ::)
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: chris-a on May 01, 2012, 11:04:02 PM
anything by jack vance. a much un-recognised literary genius. even you americans don't know who he is...

cugel's saga or the lyonesse trilogy, id' never and have never, read anything like them
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: basil on May 01, 2012, 11:07:44 PM
Shakespeare is awesome stuff, but you have to read a few before you get the Victorian English down pat.  Thank good for the side notes that most Shakespearean works come with.  Bouncing back and forth b/w the side notes and the story can be time consuming, but after 3 or 4 stories you'll have 'er down to a science.  
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: stuntmovie on May 02, 2012, 12:03:47 AM
Thanks, TA, for your Blood Meridian comments but I have specific questions about that book which you might be able to respond to.

In fact I have specific questions regarding each of McCarthy's nooks that I am familiar with. (I hated the ending of  No Country for Old Men and was thoroughly depressed by The Road.

But I did sort of like All the Pretty Horses mainly because a friend of mine appeared in the movie version.

Not positive about this but I think I am offended by his writing because each of his writings are somewhat morbid with 'unfinished endings'....

and I think that's what persuaded me to never finish reading 'Blood'.

If I recall right, the kid/the man is killed by the judge in an outhouse but the author never explains the details except through some 'shocking' comments stated by the individuals who discover his dead body.

I guess my question is, "Why and how was he killed and what is the reason McCarthy 'skipped the details'?"

I'm gonna think about re-reading it.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Raymondo on May 02, 2012, 12:07:40 AM
I never did finish reading Blood Meridian but I did hear about a possible movie script being written based on the book except that the book's ending was too controversial for the Hollywood movie studios.

What was that all about?

I doubt Blood Meridian will ever be filmed. A few people have tried so far, including Ridley Scott who branded it "unfilmable".

If you want to see a film which is remarkably close to the aesthetics of "Blood Meridian" I suggested the underrated Australian "Western" film "The Proposition".
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: stuntmovie on May 02, 2012, 12:21:19 AM
RAY,Thanks! I remember when THE PROPOSITION was first released here in the US about six years ago and it got some damn good reviews, but I don't recall ever seeing it.

I'll look for it on my next Blockbuster visit.

Not related to this topic  but I gotta recommend a small film called BOY WONDER.  Good ending.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: stuntmovie on May 02, 2012, 12:24:45 AM
Damn good movie ... A young Brooklyn boy witnesses the brutal murder of his mother and grows up obsessed with finding her killer
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: James28 on May 02, 2012, 02:27:11 AM
So many lies posted here  :D You know who you are.

For good reads, try the Troy series by David Gemmell. A writer that can grip you in three words. It just made me ... wish I was there, alive at that time. Even though it's fiction.

Any book by David Gemmell really. Don't be put off that it's science fiction or historical fiction, it's extremely accessible and easy to read.

The Stieg Larsson trilogy. Incredibly shit in its translation but a good story nonetheless.

Primo Levi. Especially after I visited Auschwitz in 2010.

Many wonderful books and wonderful story tellers out there. It's beyond me why some people don't read.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: JasonH on May 02, 2012, 02:43:21 AM
Lots of intellectual Getbiggers here.

Nothing brings out the faux educational superiority than a good old book thread.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: TrueGrit on May 02, 2012, 02:48:18 AM
Papillon. Never enjoyed any book as much as I did that. Read it twice.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dr.chimps on May 02, 2012, 04:20:05 AM
Thanks, TA, for your Blood Meridian comments but I have specific questions about that book which you might be able to respond to.

In fact I have specific questions regarding each of McCarthy's nooks that I am familiar with. (I hated the ending of  No Country for Old Men and was thoroughly depressed by The Road.

But I did sort of like All the Pretty Horses mainly because a friend of mine appeared in the movie version.

Not positive about this but I think I am offended by his writing because each of his writings are somewhat morbid with 'unfinished endings'....

and I think that's what persuaded me to never finish reading 'Blood'.

If I recall right, the kid/the man is killed by the judge in an outhouse but the author never explains the details except through some 'shocking' comments stated by the individuals who discover his dead body.

I guess my question is, "Why and how was he killed and what is the reason McCarthy 'skipped the details'?"

I'm gonna think about re-reading it.
I'll take a stab at it, Stunt. McCarthy has got a reputation because he deals (I'm guessing, here) life and death, not romance or interior monologue stuff. He's been likened to Melville in this way, and that's not a bad comparison. For McCarthy, life is 'nasty, brutish and short' so when characters get killed off with no satisfying explanation, that is just how he sees the world: people live, and people die; good people die in bad ways, and bad people get away with murder. There's a lot of speculation about McCarthy and his work precisely because he rarely does interviews, readings etc. and prefers to let his books say everything. I suppose it will take his death to really sort out his literary posterity, and where and if he lies in the pantheon of American lit.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: jon cole on May 02, 2012, 04:21:26 AM
"light in august" william faulkner.

l've read hundred's of book, and faulkner is just a genius.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The True Adonis on May 02, 2012, 04:36:57 AM
I'll take a stab at it, Stunt. McCarthy has got a reputation because he deals (I'm guessing, here) life and death, not romance or interior monologue stuff. He's been likened to Melville in this way, and that's not a bad comparison. For McCarthy, life is 'nasty, brutish and short' so when characters get killed off with no satisfying explanation, that is just how he sees the world: people live, and people die; good people die in bad ways, and bad people get away with murder. There's a lot of speculation about McCarthy and his work precisely because he rarely does interviews, readings etc. and prefers to let his books say everything. I suppose it will take his death to really sort out his literary posterity, and where and if he lies in the pantheon of American lit.
Very astute analysis.

Life itself is irrelevant-what makes up our lives-the good-the bad-the evil is eternal.  Especially the evil.  The kid is irrelevant from the start with his gutter upbringing to his meaningless death.  The Judge, the embodiment of the cruel world, lives forever and is relevant as he-and what he represents will continue to eternity.

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The True Adonis on May 02, 2012, 04:39:18 AM
Whenever I read Blood Meridian, I get these two songs in my head:





Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The True Adonis on May 02, 2012, 04:42:40 AM
Stunt, you oughta play Red Dead Redemption.  Its plays like actively experiencing Blood Meridian.

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The True Adonis on May 02, 2012, 04:47:20 AM
One More for Blood Meridian  :D

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: CalvinH on May 02, 2012, 04:59:14 AM
Bernard Cornwell's-The Saxon stories is a great series.it tells the story of Alfred the Great and his descendants.


...it's fictional history at it's best 8)
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Tito24 on May 02, 2012, 05:08:52 AM
i thought bodybuilders only red books about bodybuilding and training
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: chris-a on May 02, 2012, 06:13:42 AM
Bernard Cornwell's-The Saxon stories is a great series.it tells the story of Alfred the Great and his descendants.


...it's fictional history at it's best 8)

ditto his king arthur series, rollicking good reads  ;D
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Mr. Magoo on May 02, 2012, 06:33:04 AM
Probably John Rawls, A Theory of Justice
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Grape Ape on May 02, 2012, 06:57:55 AM
Nothing brings out the faux educational superiority than a good old book thread.

I'm not seeing that here - just good discussion for a change.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: El Diablo Blanco on May 02, 2012, 07:06:57 AM
The bible. Great fiction short stories about spirits, magicians and con men.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: CalvinH on May 02, 2012, 07:47:34 AM
ditto his king arthur series, rollicking good reads  ;D

Yeah for sure.I started with the Richard Sharpe series 8) and went from there.


....The Starbuck series is great and I wish he'd continue it!
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: garebear on May 02, 2012, 07:50:03 AM
The bible. Great fiction short stories about spirits, magicians and con men.
with talking snakes!

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dantelis on May 02, 2012, 07:58:49 AM
Shakespeare is awesome stuff, but you have to read a few before you get the Victorian English down pat.  Thank good for the side notes that most Shakespearean works come with.  Bouncing back and forth b/w the side notes and the story can be time consuming, but after 3 or 4 stories you'll have 'er down to a science.  

I think you mean Elizabethan English.  Shakespeare is much better to see performed on stage than to read, since that was the original intent of his plays.  Still, very helpful to read before or after seeing a performance since many of the allusions and references and language are hard to understand when seeing it for the first time on stage.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: BigCyp on May 02, 2012, 07:59:39 AM
with talking snakes!



Yes, maybe we should read the hindu texts about fire monkeys and gods with 18 arms  ::)
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: bighead on May 02, 2012, 08:07:41 AM
The bible srs?

If you think that is good literature you need to read more. The bible from a litrature point of view is shit.

And as far as story wise maybe you should try the brothers grim if you like fairytails.   ::)
  A myth is not something that is neccesarily true, but eternally TRUE.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: George Whorewell on May 02, 2012, 08:14:07 AM
1984

A Confederacy Of Dunces ( funniest book I've ever read)

The story of O ( good jerk off material)

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: mik1111 on May 02, 2012, 12:17:40 PM
the bible, in particular the old testament is great literature. Superior, some said, to the greek and roman epics.... And you must admit, those prophets have great style... fuck, everyone knows eziquiel 25 17 --  ;D
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: The True Adonis on May 02, 2012, 12:33:12 PM
the bible, in particular the old testament is great literature. Superior, some said, to the greek and roman epics.... And you must admit, those prophets have great style... fuck, everyone knows eziquiel 25 17 --  ;D
::)
Garbage only to be used to wipes ones ass with.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: mik1111 on May 02, 2012, 02:08:46 PM
your ignorance is growing a legend status :)
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Raymondo on May 02, 2012, 02:25:19 PM
the bible, in particular the old testament is great literature. Superior, some said, to the greek and roman epics.... And you must admit, those prophets have great style... fuck, everyone knows eziquiel 25 17 --  ;D

That pulp fiction quote is largely fictional.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: stuntmovie on May 02, 2012, 03:56:11 PM
TA, DOc! Thanks for your comments once again on Blood Meridian.

I guess I'm the type of reader who 'gets' the story but not the 'message' that most good authors intelligently deliver.

I other words, I guess I'm more impressed by the " ...... and they lived happily ever after" stories.

Some other inquiries that some of you GetBiggers might be able to answer. .......

Who was the first author to use that 'happily ever after' line?

Which book was the first to start with , "Once upon a time."

Who was the first to open his/her book with, "It was a cold and windy night!"

Name the first 'monster' book.

What is the average percentage of Hollywood movies that are based on a published novel each year?

Who wrote "Dick and Jane""  And what was the little sister's name?

What is Superman doing on the first Superman comic cover .... and was it even called "Superman"?

What is the value of that comic book today?

Does Superman really fly or does he just have real powerful legs?

What comic book today is the most valuable among collectors?

What did Billy Barton used to say?
And then what happened?

In what movie did "DEN" appear? And what magazine?

How many comic books do you presently possess?

Do you still read comic books?

Yada, yada, yada.......
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: stuntmovie on May 02, 2012, 04:02:12 PM
Recently sold for 2.16 million dollars (US). Previously owned by Nicholas Cage I believe. Has any author's novel ever sold for anywhere near this price?
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dr.chimps on May 02, 2012, 04:08:37 PM
Who was the first to open his/her book with, "It was a cold and windy night!"
I think it's 'dark and stormy night,' and that would be the opening line of Bulwer-Lytton's novel 'Paul Clifford.' I only know this because there is an annual contest for bad writing in his name.    ;D
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: EH on May 02, 2012, 05:30:31 PM
Rich Dad, Poor Dad

... & #2, Security Analysis, Ben Graham.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Man of Steel on May 02, 2012, 05:35:43 PM
::)
Garbage only to be used to wipes ones ass with.

"I'm an outspoken atheist highly offended by the bible....grrrrr!!!"

LOL!!
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: EH on May 02, 2012, 05:41:10 PM
SHit... forgot about a couple...

#1 - 48 Laws of Power

#2 - Atlas Shrugged

#3 - Rich Dad, Poor Dad

#4 - The Art of Seduction

#5 - Security Analysis

#6 - The Inteligent Investor
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Cleanest Natural on May 03, 2012, 01:44:43 AM
My favs:


"Bodybuilding: a natural tale" by Gregg Groink

"200 ways to steam a mushroom" by The True Adonis

"My uncle, my surrogate nipple" by OneTimeHarmed

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: bighead on May 03, 2012, 09:46:16 AM
"I'm an outspoken atheist highly offended by the bible....grrrrr!!!"

LOL!!
   outspoken? do you have experience in debating that strong passion?
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: garebear on May 03, 2012, 09:48:54 AM
   outspoken? do you have experience in debating that strong passion?
My atheism is a strong passion.

What of it?

Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: stuntmovie on May 03, 2012, 09:54:25 AM
Thanks, DOC, for correcting my 'misquote'. I now feel like a complete jerk for making that error.

But I can correctly recite a lot of Shakespear's stuff whenever I am asked which is almost never.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: bighead on May 03, 2012, 09:54:55 AM
why so offended at the idea of creation? is it narcism?  do you feel anger at the fact that you could be as insignificant as horse shit? maybe god created us for entertainment, or as george carlin once said, because he didnt know how to get plastic and wants a plastic island.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Man of Steel on May 03, 2012, 11:17:39 AM
   outspoken? do you have experience in debating that strong passion?

I have a little bit yes. 
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: dantelis on May 04, 2012, 11:16:47 AM
Rich Dad, Poor Dad

... & #2, Security Analysis, Ben Graham.

If you like Rich Dad, Poor Dad, try The Wealthy Barber.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wealthy_Barber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wealthy_Barber)  Similar theme re: how to get rich with practical financial advice.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: DK II on May 05, 2012, 04:30:36 AM
I only read Shakespeare, Goethe, Schiller, Murasaki Shikibu, Sei Shonagon, Konfucius, Laozi, Miyamoto Musashi, Hammurabi, Plato, Aristoteles, Gaius Valerius Flacus, Marcus Valerius Martialis, Cicero, Seneca, simple stuff like this...

All in their original versions, of course. I never bother with translations.
Title: Re: Best book you ever read
Post by: Mr Nobody on May 05, 2012, 08:30:19 PM
The Three Little Pigs.