Very commendable what your doing!
I already train 8-10x a week and like my ‘chill out times’ 
Enjoy the books!
Koing
Read some Vonnegut, and some Pynchon (V. and Gravity’s Rainbow) if you’re up for a challenge.
[quote]florianopolis wrote:
I’m sure you’ve already read his stuff, but re-reading any of his books by our dear friend who recently passed, Kurt Vonnegut.
He was a cool man.
floripa[/quote]
I love Vonnegut’s stuff…but he’s a tough read!
[quote]Hanley wrote:
xtolgax wrote:
shockingly the guy who shits on catcher in the rye likes this pap.
I’m still waiting for Someone to explian what exactly is so great about Catcher In The Rye.
The guys who don’t like it have said why, but all the pseudo intellectuals have just looked down their noses at us un-educated and ignorant folk and told us it’s great.[/quote]
Holden Caulfield - period. It is the introspective look into Salinger’s main character and what he represents, believes and agonizes over throughout the book. This alleged “whiney twerp” struggles with the motives of “phony” individuals (mainly adults) throughout the book describing his contempt for anyone who would destroy the innocence of a child.
I can’t say I really blame those who don’t relate since it is probably why the book is one of the most controversial in history; if you’re Ted Nugent you probably won’t like the book.
My own personal regard for the book stems from what I think would be the ultimate path one can take in life - protecting children (and the innocence of), animals and all defenseless creatures that roam this planet…so as cheesy as it sounds, if you echo this sentiment I believe you will enjoy the book.
Some books you might like-
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Go Ask Alice by Anonymus
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keys
The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling
Deloris Claiborne by Stephen King
I only read about halfway down the 1st page, but here are my additions:
As someone said above, Keegan’s “History of Warfare” is PHENOMENAL. I loved every page of that book. He does get a little over the top on some of his commentary about present warfare/nucs (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you read it), but it’s an essential read in my mind.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend “Citizen of the Galaxy” by Robert Heinlein. Amazing sci-fi by one of the true masters. Great underlying commentary/themes in the book too. A lot deeper than it would look to be by the size of the book.
Also, “Stranger in a Strange Land” by Heinlein. If you intend on being an educated, literate man in the 21st century, this is a prerequisite for claiming that title. One of the top books of the 20th cent. Also a huge favorite.
Ah, and another book that kicks major ass–“Armor” by John Steakley. Great characters (2 of my favs), and a really great read. Unreal. Same kind of vein as Starship Troopers, Ender’s Game, and Halo Trilogy. Kinda. Great all around.
If you are at all interested in Celtic history or lore, anything by Stephen Lawhead is worth a read. It is fast reading and a nice break from using your head too much on Vonnegut or Caulfield.
Just about all the books recommended are worth a read, even those that are worthless are worth it if for any other reason than to have an opinion on it when someone asks.
[quote]Mousse wrote:
My own personal regard for the book stems from what I think would be the ultimate path one can take in life - protecting children (and the innocence of), animals and all defenseless creatures that roam this planet…so as cheesy as it sounds, if you echo this sentiment I believe you will enjoy the book. [/quote]
Fair point. I respect that…
THe incessent moaning from a well off kid who just self-loathes himself and has the most negative outlook on everything is just tiresome imo. Make sense?
“The power Of Intension” Dr. Wayne Dyer
“Into Thin Air” John Krakaur
“Conversations With God” Neal Donald Walsh
They may seem like odd choices, but they were the last three books I read. I had trouble putting them down.
Ok guys I’ll be dropping off the planet as of May 30th…officially
i already finished “fall of reach” and “world war z” …they were at the library
i couldn’t put fall of reach down took me less than a day to finish
but i go NUTS for halo so take that with a grain of salt. lollerskatez
i think i owe a few of you some PM’s so i’ll try to wrap that up this weekend
see you on the other side of summer.
[quote]Hanley wrote:
Mousse wrote:
My own personal regard for the book stems from what I think would be the ultimate path one can take in life - protecting children (and the innocence of), animals and all defenseless creatures that roam this planet…so as cheesy as it sounds, if you echo this sentiment I believe you will enjoy the book.
Fair point. I respect that…
THe incessent moaning from a well off kid who just self-loathes himself and has the most negative outlook on everything is just tiresome imo. Make sense?[/quote]
Absolutely. I’m coming to appreciate more and more why this book is controversially successful; you either side with him or against him and like or dislike the book. I attributed his poor outlook on life mainly to the loss of his younger brother, and I think that upon understanding the environmental conditions that created the character’s confusion I empathized with him, realizing his turmoil was the product of a chain of events that were out of his control.
Others could easily say he just wasn’t mentally tough enough, his family had money and he did act like a prick at times so wtf should they feel sorry for him.
I once saw a true story that stuck with me about this adorable little 9 year old girl that had been sexually abused her whole life and her mother finally went to prison but she couldn’t get foster care still three years later because she kept admitting in therapy sessions of her compulsion to sexually abuse other children.
So you can’t blame people for passing her over because there is no way in hell I would allow her to live in my home putting my children in danger of her actions, but I sure as hell felt sorry for her because it’s not her fault she ended up like that. I just have a real soft spot for kids that haven’t been dealt a fair hand in life.
‘On Writing’ by King is a good choice if you’re interested in becoming a writer in some way, shape or form. Gives some good tips on submitting your work and getting your foot in the door.
‘Catch-22’ was assigned to me for class. I never cared for books as assignments…much prefer to stroll the shelves at a bookstore and pick what interests me. BUT, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read.
‘Flow’ by Mihaly (last name is 91 syllables-Russian dude) is engaging. Talks about how everyone tries to rush thru their work/jobs/duties to get to their ‘free time’ when they should be trying to find ways to challenge themselves within/while at their jobs. Interesting ideas.
Also liked ‘Atlas Shrugged’ by Rand.
I think every American citizen should make Farenheit 451, Brave New World, and 1984 a part of their mandatory political education as well. Do not pass up on these.
mike
Catch-22 changed my life. It singlehandedly determined my career choice and future. To quote Mr. Heller himself: When I read something saying I’ve not done anything as good as “Catch-22” I’m tempted to reply, “Who has?”.
Speaking of Russian authors, anything by Asimov is good; I, Robot and the Foundation series are as good as science fiction gets.
[quote]Mikeyali wrote:
I think every American citizen should make Farenheit 451, Brave New World, and 1984 a part of their mandatory political education as well. Do not pass up on these.
mike[/quote]
Agreed, but especially Brave New World. More relevant every day. Definitely read it.
bump for the Christmas wish lists
[quote]nopal_juventus wrote:
Catch-22 changed my life. It singlehandedly determined my career choice and future. …[/quote]
Bombardier?
Anyone out there read Man is the Measure by Reuben Abel? It’s on my list, I’ve heard it’s pretty good.
So how did you come out on all this, Xen? That’s a lot of damn page turning!