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read [2019/10/21 09:11]
neil
read [2020/05/07 03:05]
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 ====== Books I've Read ====== ====== Books I've Read ======
 +
 +===== 2020 =====
 +==== April ====
 +  * [[wp>The Peripheral]] by [[wp>​William Gibson]] - This had a really unique and interesting premise. ​ I found it a tad confusing at times though. ​ The dialogue annoyed me a little, but it (the dialogue) was well written I thought - natural, Tarantino-like. ​ I heard they'​re making a live action TV series on Amazon Prime, will be interesting to see.  I want to read some more Gibson.
 +==== March ====
 +  * [[wp>​Watch (novel)|Watch]] by [[wp>​Robert J. Sawyer]] - This was interesting,​ second book in the series. ​ I'll read the third.
 +==== February ====
 +  * [[wp>​Coalescent]] (Destiny'​s Children Book 1) by [[wp>​Stephen Baxter]] - I'm reading this for my sci-fi bookgroup. ​ The bookgroup topic is hive minds. ​ I'm 90% through this 400 page book and there has been almost no sci-fi at all.  Not happy. ​ If I didn't like the author I'd have stopped by now.  This better get good quick. ​ I guess I'm gonna have to read the trilogy now to find out why I read this first book.  Finished: It was an okay book, pretty much no sci-fi in it though.
 +
 +==== January ====
 +  * [[wp>​Pandemic]] by [[wp>​Scott Sigler]] - The third in the Infected series. ​ I enjoyed this.  The ending was a little poor, but I guess there wasn't much left to do after the first two books. ​ I would liked to have learned a little more about how the infection/​control worked - he focused on that more in the previous novels though. ​ Anyway, it was a fun horror scifi story. ​ I might look at some of his other books.
  
 ===== 2019 ===== ===== 2019 =====
 +==== December ====
 +  * [[wp>​Walkaway]] by [[wp>​Cory Doctorow]] - I normally like  reading Doctorow, but I found this book a little preachy and the terms like wiki and version control felt shoehorned in.  Overall it was interesting though. ​ I'll try to read some of his older stuff soon.
 +  * [[wp>​Singularity Trap]] by [[wp>​Dennis Taylor]] - I wanted to read this as soon as I heard about it (and because it was written by the Bobiverse guy).  I enjoyed it.  Some interesting ideas. ​ Was cool to see his transformation. ​ The ended seemed a little contrived, but overall, enjoyable book.
 +==== November ====
 +  * [[wp>​Salvation Lost]] by [[wp>​Peter F Hamilton]] - Fabulous opening scene/​chapter. ​ I enjoyed this, but not as much as his Commonwealth stuff. ​ Not as many new ideas as the worlds are pretty similar. ​ Will read the third one, when it comes out (in 2 years!).
 +  * [[wp>Old Man's War]] by [[wp>​John Scalzi]] - This was enjoyable, nothing really new though.
 ==== October ==== ==== October ====
   * [[wp>​Cage of Souls]] by [[wp>​Adrian Tchaikovsky]] - I enjoyed this, but it was much more fantasy than sci-fi. ​ Nowhere near as good as Children of Time, but decent. ​ I think I need to read some more sci-fi now though.   * [[wp>​Cage of Souls]] by [[wp>​Adrian Tchaikovsky]] - I enjoyed this, but it was much more fantasy than sci-fi. ​ Nowhere near as good as Children of Time, but decent. ​ I think I need to read some more sci-fi now though.
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 ==== July ==== ==== July ====
   * [[wp>​Saturn'​s Children]] by [[wp>​Charles Stross]] - Recommended by Matthew at my bookgroup. ​ As much as I like Charles Stross, I didn't really like this book.  It wasn't as complex as Accelerando but I found it hard to follow. ​ Partly because I just didn't care about the characters. ​ It actually picked up a little in the last couple of chapters, so I may read the others in the series. ​ Back burner for now though.   * [[wp>​Saturn'​s Children]] by [[wp>​Charles Stross]] - Recommended by Matthew at my bookgroup. ​ As much as I like Charles Stross, I didn't really like this book.  It wasn't as complex as Accelerando but I found it hard to follow. ​ Partly because I just didn't care about the characters. ​ It actually picked up a little in the last couple of chapters, so I may read the others in the series. ​ Back burner for now though.
 +  * [[wp>​Small Gods]] by [[wp>​Terry Pratchett]] - Read this for the fantasty bookgroup. ​ It was decent but very little happened. ​ Made me miss sci-fi.
 ==== June ==== ==== June ====
   * [[wp>​Children of Ruin]] by [[wp>​Adrian Tchaikovsky]] - This was an excellent sequel, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first - maybe it's more difficult to empathise with a mollusc mind than a spider mind, for me, for some reason but the book had some excellent ideas, and featured the creature I like that reminded me of the motiles from the Commonwealth Saga.   * [[wp>​Children of Ruin]] by [[wp>​Adrian Tchaikovsky]] - This was an excellent sequel, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first - maybe it's more difficult to empathise with a mollusc mind than a spider mind, for me, for some reason but the book had some excellent ideas, and featured the creature I like that reminded me of the motiles from the Commonwealth Saga.
 ==== April ==== ==== April ====
 +  * [[wp>​Revelation Space]] by [[wp>​Alastair Reynolds]] - I liked a few of the characters, but meh, 'twas ok.
   * [[wp>​Contagious]] by [[wp>​Scott Sigler]] - Enjoying this sequel so far.  Hive minds and aliens! Finished: Lotta fun.. Will read the third in the series soon.   * [[wp>​Contagious]] by [[wp>​Scott Sigler]] - Enjoying this sequel so far.  Hive minds and aliens! Finished: Lotta fun.. Will read the third in the series soon.
 ==== March ==== ==== March ====
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 ==== April ==== ==== April ====
   * [[wp>Old Twentieth]] by [[wp>Joe Haldeman]] - The synopsis attracted my attention - space travel and virtual worlds and I'd always meant to read more Haldeman after enjoying The Forever War.  After: I enjoyed it, I checked to see if there was a sequel and was disappointed there wasn'​t. ​ Some interesting ideas.   * [[wp>Old Twentieth]] by [[wp>Joe Haldeman]] - The synopsis attracted my attention - space travel and virtual worlds and I'd always meant to read more Haldeman after enjoying The Forever War.  After: I enjoyed it, I checked to see if there was a sequel and was disappointed there wasn'​t. ​ Some interesting ideas.
-  * [[wp>​Wake]] by [[wp>​Robert J Sawyer]] - Munro recommended this.  I enjoyed it (read it in two sittings) and will read the sequels (I felt it was just getting started when it ended). ​ I found a lot (most) of the dialogue irritating (overly simplistic/​forced to match the narrative), and I just don't think his writing style meshed well with me.  I wanted to keep reading though, so, jury is still out.+  * [[wp>​Wake]] by [[wp>​Robert JSawyer]] - Munro recommended this.  I enjoyed it (read it in two sittings) and will read the sequels (I felt it was just getting started when it ended). ​ I found a lot (most) of the dialogue irritating (overly simplistic/​forced to match the narrative), and I just don't think his writing style meshed well with me.  I wanted to keep reading though, so, jury is still out.
 ==== January ==== ==== January ====
   * [[wp>​Starquake]] by [[wp>​Robert L Forward]] - Enjoyed the first installment. ​ I've had the sequel on my wish list since Nov 2010.  Just realised I have a hard copy, it was a gift.  It's now December'​s bedside book.  Finished, this was pretty fascinating,​ the electromagnetism/​gravity stuff was a bit too in-depth, but all very interesting.   * [[wp>​Starquake]] by [[wp>​Robert L Forward]] - Enjoyed the first installment. ​ I've had the sequel on my wish list since Nov 2010.  Just realised I have a hard copy, it was a gift.  It's now December'​s bedside book.  Finished, this was pretty fascinating,​ the electromagnetism/​gravity stuff was a bit too in-depth, but all very interesting.
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 ==== July ==== ==== July ====
   * [[wp>The Giver]] by [[wp>​Lois Lowry]] - This had been on my list since September 2010, but a post on reddit "books that made you think wow" recently inspired me to go read it.  I enjoyed it more than I expected, I'd previously read nothing about the plot so even the title was unknown to me.  It didn't make me say wow though - maybe if I'd read it when I was 10 or so, before Fahrenheit 451 etc.  Not bad, but I probably won't chase down the rest of the quartet.   * [[wp>The Giver]] by [[wp>​Lois Lowry]] - This had been on my list since September 2010, but a post on reddit "books that made you think wow" recently inspired me to go read it.  I enjoyed it more than I expected, I'd previously read nothing about the plot so even the title was unknown to me.  It didn't make me say wow though - maybe if I'd read it when I was 10 or so, before Fahrenheit 451 etc.  Not bad, but I probably won't chase down the rest of the quartet.
-  * [[wp>A Feast For Crows]] by [[wp>​George ​Martin]] - Working my way through the series, enjoying it.+  * [[wp>A Feast For Crows]] by [[wp>​George ​RR Martin]] - Working my way through the series, enjoying it.
 ==== May ==== ==== May ====
-  * [[wp>A Storm of Swords]] by [[wp>​George ​Martin]] - Third book in the Game of Thrones series. ​ Looking forward to getting in to it.  Finished it; I enjoyed it as much as I expected to.  Was gonna have a break from the series but decided to continue on so I can hold a conversation with Helen without worrying about spoilers :-p+  * [[wp>A Storm of Swords]] by [[wp>​George ​RR Martin]] - Third book in the Game of Thrones series. ​ Looking forward to getting in to it.  Finished it; I enjoyed it as much as I expected to.  Was gonna have a break from the series but decided to continue on so I can hold a conversation with Helen without worrying about spoilers :-p
 ==== January ==== ==== January ====
   * [[wp>Day by Day Armageddon]] by [[wp>JL Bourne]] - I read this very quickly, enjoyed it, quite similar to a lot of other stuff I've read, but I will get to the sequel.   * [[wp>Day by Day Armageddon]] by [[wp>JL Bourne]] - I read this very quickly, enjoyed it, quite similar to a lot of other stuff I've read, but I will get to the sequel.
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   * [[wp>The Reality Dsyfunction]] by [[wp>​Peter F Hamilton]] - Despite numerous recommendations over the years, I've finally gotten around to reading Peter F Hamilton. ​ Seems interesting so far.  Just finished it, I really enjoyed it.  Lots of interesting ideas and technologies. ​ Will get the next few in the series.   * [[wp>The Reality Dsyfunction]] by [[wp>​Peter F Hamilton]] - Despite numerous recommendations over the years, I've finally gotten around to reading Peter F Hamilton. ​ Seems interesting so far.  Just finished it, I really enjoyed it.  Lots of interesting ideas and technologies. ​ Will get the next few in the series.
 ==== March ==== ==== March ====
-  * [[wp>The Psychopath Test]] by [[wp>Jon Ronson]] - Book for the March 2012, Skeptics book group. ​ Seems quite interesting. After: very readable book, makes me want to read some of the other \'​corporate psychopath\' books he mentioned. +  * [[wp>The Psychopath Test]] by [[wp>Jon Ronson]] - Book for the March 2012, Skeptics book group. ​ Seems quite interesting. After: very readable book, makes me want to read some of the other '​corporate psychopath'​ books he mentioned. 
-  * [[wp>​Ready Player One]] by [[wp>​Ernest Cline]] - Reading this for the March 2012, sci-fi book group. ​ Read this over a day or two, I really enjoyed it, it was a little cheesy, but I love that sorta stuff and couldn\'t put it down.  I got pretty much every non-music geeky reference, I could almost have solved that egg hunt myself :-p  It\'s definitely up there with the geekiest book I\'ve read, Wizardry Consulted :-p  I\'ll look out for the next book this guy does.+  * [[wp>​Ready Player One]] by [[wp>​Ernest Cline]] - Reading this for the March 2012, sci-fi book group. ​ Read this over a day or two, I really enjoyed it, it was a little cheesy, but I love that sorta stuff and couldn'​t put it down.  I got pretty much every non-music geeky reference, I could almost have solved that egg hunt myself :-p  It's definitely up there with the geekiest book I've read, Wizardry Consulted :-p  I'll look out for the next book this guy does.
   * [[wp>The Jaunt]] by [[wp>​Stephen King]] - Short story, interesting enough, was pleased to see he mentioned Bester.   * [[wp>The Jaunt]] by [[wp>​Stephen King]] - Short story, interesting enough, was pleased to see he mentioned Bester.
 ===== 2011 ===== ===== 2011 =====
 ==== December ==== ==== December ====
-  * [[wp>Zoo City]] by [[wp>​Lauren Beukes]] - November sci-fi bookgroup book.  Meh, it was okay.  I liked the general idea of the animalled, but didn\'t care much for the characters or setting, or that annoying pseudo South Afrikaans.+  * [[wp>Zoo City]] by [[wp>​Lauren Beukes]] - November sci-fi bookgroup book.  Meh, it was okay.  I liked the general idea of the animalled, but didn't care much for the characters or setting, or that annoying pseudo South Afrikaans.
 ==== October ==== ==== October ====
   * [[wp>​Contact]] by [[wp>​Carl Sagan]] - Sheesh, been on my list since 2003.  Reading it for the October Sci-fi bookgroup. ​ Finished it in less than a week.  I enjoyed the novel, the religious crap started to annoy me though. ​   * [[wp>​Contact]] by [[wp>​Carl Sagan]] - Sheesh, been on my list since 2003.  Reading it for the October Sci-fi bookgroup. ​ Finished it in less than a week.  I enjoyed the novel, the religious crap started to annoy me though. ​
 ==== August ==== ==== August ====
-  * [[wp>​Farnham\'s Freehold]] by [[wp>​Robert A Heinlein]] - I enjoyed this, read it on the way back from Orkney. ​ Felt like two different novels though; a survivalist story for half the novel, and then came the science fiction. ​ I read a first edition, it was almost 50 years old, looked new.+  * [[wp>​Farnham'​s Freehold]] by [[wp>​Robert A Heinlein]] - I enjoyed this, read it on the way back from Orkney. ​ Felt like two different novels though; a survivalist story for half the novel, and then came the science fiction. ​ I read a first edition, it was almost 50 years old, looked new.
   * [[wp>​Room]] by [[wp>​Emma Donoghue]] - This was quite an interesting book.  Read it on the Kindle for iPhone.   * [[wp>​Room]] by [[wp>​Emma Donoghue]] - This was quite an interesting book.  Read it on the Kindle for iPhone.
 ==== July ==== ==== July ====
   * [[wp>​Twisted Metal]] by [[wp>​Tony Ballantyne]] - Sci-fi book group book for July.  I enjoyed it.  Will try to read the sequels.   * [[wp>​Twisted Metal]] by [[wp>​Tony Ballantyne]] - Sci-fi book group book for July.  I enjoyed it.  Will try to read the sequels.
-  * [[wp>For The Win]] by [[wp>​Cory Doctorow]] - May 2011 book from the sci-fi bookgroup I\'m in.  It\'s okay, taking me a while to work through it though. ​ Quite an interesting read.+  * [[wp>For The Win]] by [[wp>​Cory Doctorow]] - May 2011 book from the sci-fi bookgroup I'm in.  It's okay, taking me a while to work through it though. ​ Quite an interesting read.
 ==== June ==== ==== June ====
-  * [[wp>A Game of Thrones]] by [[wp>RR Martin]] - Another novel that has been on my list since 2003.  I was expecting a lot more fantasy but I\'m enjoying it so far.  Just finished; it was a superb book.  Coincidentally I finished reading just in time for the TV series on HBO.  I will look out the sequels.+  * [[wp>A Game of Thrones]] by [[wp>RR Martin]] - Another novel that has been on my list since 2003.  I was expecting a lot more fantasy but I'm enjoying it so far.  Just finished; it was a superb book.  Coincidentally I finished reading just in time for the TV series on HBO.  I will look out the sequels.
 ==== April ==== ==== April ====
-  * [[wp>​Never Let Me Go]] by [[wp>​Kazuo Ishiguro]] - This was my first (legitimate) ebook purchase (Kindle for iPhone), though I\'ve been reading ebooks since the mid 90s.  I\'m reading this for the sci-fi bookgroup which I still haven\'t gotten around to attending despite having read half their selections. ​ I think I completely ruined the start of this book for myself by reading the first two lines of the synopsis on wikipedia. ​ Ho hum.  Meh, finished, it was mediocre. ​ Kinda reminded me of Spares by Michael Marshall Smith with all the interesting and exciting parts cut out.+  * [[wp>​Never Let Me Go]] by [[wp>​Kazuo Ishiguro]] - This was my first (legitimate) ebook purchase (Kindle for iPhone), though I've been reading ebooks since the mid 90s.  I'm reading this for the sci-fi bookgroup which I still haven'​t gotten around to attending despite having read half their selections. ​ I think I completely ruined the start of this book for myself by reading the first two lines of the synopsis on wikipedia. ​ Ho hum.  Meh, finished, it was mediocre. ​ Kinda reminded me of Spares by Michael Marshall Smith with all the interesting and exciting parts cut out.
 ===== 2010 ===== ===== 2010 =====
 ==== November ==== ==== November ====
-  * [[wp>​Dragon\'s Egg]] by [[wp>​Robert L Forward]] - Mentioned on some TV show, sounds interesting,​ life on a nova star. Just read this.  It\'s been on my list for six years. ​ I really enjoyed it, fascinating story and some really interesting ideas. ​ Definitely need to look for some more of Forward\'s novels.+  * [[wp>​Dragon'​s Egg]] by [[wp>​Robert L Forward]] - Mentioned on some TV show, sounds interesting,​ life on a nova star. Just read this.  It's been on my list for six years. ​ I really enjoyed it, fascinating story and some really interesting ideas. ​ Definitely need to look for some more of Forward'​s novels.
 ==== October ==== ==== October ====
   * [[wp>​Flow my Tears, The Policeman Said]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - Been on my list since 2004.  Was quite disappointed with this.  The first 70% of the book was quite interesting but the ending was pretty terrible. ​ Which seems to be what I usually find with Philip K Dick.  Oh well.   * [[wp>​Flow my Tears, The Policeman Said]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - Been on my list since 2004.  Was quite disappointed with this.  The first 70% of the book was quite interesting but the ending was pretty terrible. ​ Which seems to be what I usually find with Philip K Dick.  Oh well.
 ==== September ==== ==== September ====
   * [[wp>​Less Than Zero]] by [[wp>​Bret Easton Ellis]] - Been on my list since May 2003.  Kinda what I expected. ​ It was quite interesting.   * [[wp>​Less Than Zero]] by [[wp>​Bret Easton Ellis]] - Been on my list since May 2003.  Kinda what I expected. ​ It was quite interesting.
-  * [[wp>​Replay]] by [[wp>Ken Grimwood]] - Recommended on the Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List.  Been on my list since 2003, somebody mentioned it as \"a full life Groundhog Day\"​. ​ I love this book, probably in my top 15 of all time.  Fascinating idea, lovely story, well written. +  * [[wp>​Replay]] by [[wp>Ken Grimwood]] - Recommended on the Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List.  Been on my list since 2003, somebody mentioned it as "a full life Groundhog Day"​. ​ I love this book, probably in my top 15 of all time.  Fascinating idea, lovely story, well written. 
-  * [[wp>​Jonathan Living Seagull]] by [[wp>​Richard Bach]] - Fascinating little novella. ​ Been on my list for six years. ​ This should have been required reading in school. ​ Took about 20 minutes to read but I\'ll probably be thinking about it in years to come. +  * [[wp>​Jonathan Living Seagull]] by [[wp>​Richard Bach]] - Fascinating little novella. ​ Been on my list for six years. ​ This should have been required reading in school. ​ Took about 20 minutes to read but I'll probably be thinking about it in years to come. 
-  * [[wp>The Space Merchants]] by [[wp>CM Kornbluth]] - I didn\'t like the first part of this book, but as he arrives in the \'​Chicken Little\' factory it really began to pick up.  Interesting read.  It\'s fascinating that it introduced so many expressions into modern language, like \'​R&​D\', soyaburger, or \'​survey\' as a verb.+  * [[wp>The Space Merchants]] by [[wp>CM Kornbluth]] - I didn't like the first part of this book, but as he arrives in the '​Chicken Little'​ factory it really began to pick up.  Interesting read.  It's fascinating that it introduced so many expressions into modern language, like '​R&​D',​ soyaburger, or '​survey'​ as a verb.
 ==== August ==== ==== August ====
   * [[wp>Can Robots Be Human?]] by [[wp>​Peter Cave]] - I read this book in one sitting, in The Drake on Woodlands Road.  I was hoping for a lot more, but so much was glossed over and a lot of it was very tedious. ​ He also misused the word paradox at almost every opportunity. ​ Meh.   * [[wp>Can Robots Be Human?]] by [[wp>​Peter Cave]] - I read this book in one sitting, in The Drake on Woodlands Road.  I was hoping for a lot more, but so much was glossed over and a lot of it was very tedious. ​ He also misused the word paradox at almost every opportunity. ​ Meh.
   * [[wp>To Your Scattered Bodies Go]] by [[wp>PJ Farmer]] - This has been on my list for a long time.  I enjoyed it, will read the rest of the series.   * [[wp>To Your Scattered Bodies Go]] by [[wp>PJ Farmer]] - This has been on my list for a long time.  I enjoyed it, will read the rest of the series.
-  * [[wp>A Canticle for Leibowitz]] by [[wp>​Walter M. Miller]] - This was okay, I\'d have preferred not to have jumped around in time quite so much - I wanted to hear more about some of the particular characters, but it was a decent post apocalyptic novel.+  * [[wp>A Canticle for Leibowitz]] by [[wp>​Walter M. Miller]] - This was okay, I'd have preferred not to have jumped around in time quite so much - I wanted to hear more about some of the particular characters, but it was a decent post apocalyptic novel.
 ==== July ==== ==== July ====
   * [[wp>A Fall of Moondust]] by [[wp>​Arthur Clarke]] - This was okay.  A pretty tame plot.   * [[wp>A Fall of Moondust]] by [[wp>​Arthur Clarke]] - This was okay.  A pretty tame plot.
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 ==== March ==== ==== March ====
   * [[wp>​Gateway]] by [[wp>​Frederick Pohl]] - Enjoyed this book, read it over a day or so.  I want to know more about the Heechee though. ​ Will read the others in the series.   * [[wp>​Gateway]] by [[wp>​Frederick Pohl]] - Enjoyed this book, read it over a day or so.  I want to know more about the Heechee though. ​ Will read the others in the series.
-  * [[wp>The Colour of Magic]] by [[wp>​Terry Pratchett]] - I\'ve been meaning to read the Discworld series for years. ​ Enjoyed it, will read more I think.+  * [[wp>The Colour of Magic]] by [[wp>​Terry Pratchett]] - I've been meaning to read the Discworld series for years. ​ Enjoyed it, will read more I think.
   * [[wp>It Looked Good on Paper]] by [[wp>​Bill Fawcett]] - Mentioned on slashdot. ​ Christmas present from Hugh and Liz.  I enjoyed it.  Will try and look out for his other collections.   * [[wp>It Looked Good on Paper]] by [[wp>​Bill Fawcett]] - Mentioned on slashdot. ​ Christmas present from Hugh and Liz.  I enjoyed it.  Will try and look out for his other collections.
 ==== February ==== ==== February ====
   * [[wp>The Call of Cthulhu]] by [[wp>HP Lovecraft]] - Was expecting a lot more from this.  Maybe I need to be Victorian.   * [[wp>The Call of Cthulhu]] by [[wp>HP Lovecraft]] - Was expecting a lot more from this.  Maybe I need to be Victorian.
   * [[wp>​Invisible Monsters]] by [[wp>​Chuck Palahniuk]] - Reading as part of a new bookgroup. ​ It was an okay book, kinda interesting,​ not quite sure what it was trying to say though. ​ I could also have done without some of the repetition.   * [[wp>​Invisible Monsters]] by [[wp>​Chuck Palahniuk]] - Reading as part of a new bookgroup. ​ It was an okay book, kinda interesting,​ not quite sure what it was trying to say though. ​ I could also have done without some of the repetition.
-  * [[wp>The Stand]] by [[wp>​Stephen King]] - Reading as part of a new bookgroup. ​ Didn\'t realise it was so long.  It was a decent book and it made me appreciate how good the film adaptation was.+  * [[wp>The Stand]] by [[wp>​Stephen King]] - Reading as part of a new bookgroup. ​ Didn't realise it was so long.  It was a decent book and it made me appreciate how good the film adaptation was.
 ===== 2009 ===== ===== 2009 =====
 ==== December ==== ==== December ====
-  * [[wp>Do Polar Bears Get Lonely?]] by [[wp>New Scientist]] - I love these books, I\'ve read all the others but for some reason, I\'ve not written them down here.  If I could only read one type of book for the rest of my life, it\'d be books like these - I have a penchant for science trivia.+  * [[wp>Do Polar Bears Get Lonely?]] by [[wp>New Scientist]] - I love these books, I've read all the others but for some reason, I've not written them down here.  If I could only read one type of book for the rest of my life, it'd be books like these - I have a penchant for science trivia.
 ==== November ==== ==== November ====
-  * [[wp>​Deadly Friend]] by [[wp>​Diana Henstell]] - Just realised I\'ve seen the movie of this, it was dire. Book is kinda interesting though, if a bit ridiculous. ​ Not sure I liked the ending either. ​ Meh.  It was pretty much exactly what I expected. ​ Nothing worthwhile here.+  * [[wp>​Deadly Friend]] by [[wp>​Diana Henstell]] - Just realised I've seen the movie of this, it was dire. Book is kinda interesting though, if a bit ridiculous. ​ Not sure I liked the ending either. ​ Meh.  It was pretty much exactly what I expected. ​ Nothing worthwhile here.
 ==== September ==== ==== September ====
-  * [[wp>​Area 7]] by [[wp>​Matthew Reilly]] - It\'s been a month of guility pleasures ;-) +  * [[wp>​Area 7]] by [[wp>​Matthew Reilly]] - It's been a month of guility pleasures ;-) 
 ==== August ==== ==== August ====
-  * [[wp>​Supersense:​ Why We Believe The Unbelievable]] by [[wp>​Bruce M. Hood]] - Brights bookgroup selection. Meh, was pretty much what I expected. I hate the term \'​SuperBright\', plus I didn\'t agree with any of his examples, but then, I\'m not superstitious. I would wear the cardigan. ​+  * [[wp>​Supersense:​ Why We Believe The Unbelievable]] by [[wp>​Bruce M. Hood]] - Brights bookgroup selection. Meh, was pretty much what I expected. I hate the term '​SuperBright',​ plus I didn't agree with any of his examples, but then, I'm not superstitious. I would wear the cardigan. ​
 ==== July ==== ==== July ====
-  * [[wp>​Origin]] by [[wp>​Stephen Baxter]] - I liked this, but didn\'t enjoy it as much as the previous two in the series. I like Stephen Baxter\'s hard science approach though, I\'ll read more. +  * [[wp>​Origin]] by [[wp>​Stephen Baxter]] - I liked this, but didn't enjoy it as much as the previous two in the series. I like Stephen Baxter'​s hard science approach though, I'll read more. 
   * [[wp>​Pastwatch]] by [[wp>​Scott Orson]] - I enjoyed this, particularly the last third.   * [[wp>​Pastwatch]] by [[wp>​Scott Orson]] - I enjoyed this, particularly the last third.
   * [[wp>The Bell Jar]] by [[wp>​Sylvia Plath]] - Interesting. ​   * [[wp>The Bell Jar]] by [[wp>​Sylvia Plath]] - Interesting. ​
   * [[wp>The Survivalist:​ The Nightmare Begins]] by [[wp>​Jerry Ahern]] - The second book in my hedonistic apocalypse-fest.   * [[wp>The Survivalist:​ The Nightmare Begins]] by [[wp>​Jerry Ahern]] - The second book in my hedonistic apocalypse-fest.
-  * [[wp>The Survivalist:​ Total War]] by [[wp>​Jerry Ahern]] - Bit of a trashy read, but I enjoyed it, read it over two days. I\'m probably gonna work my way through the series.. Just googled.. Sheesh.. All twenty-six of them! +  * [[wp>The Survivalist:​ Total War]] by [[wp>​Jerry Ahern]] - Bit of a trashy read, but I enjoyed it, read it over two days. I'm probably gonna work my way through the series.. Just googled.. Sheesh.. All twenty-six of them! 
 ==== June ==== ==== June ====
   * [[wp>​God:​ The Failed Hypothesis]] by [[wp>​Victor J. Stenger]] - This was okay but nothing overly new presented, though I was interested to hear what he had to say about cosmic constants.   * [[wp>​God:​ The Failed Hypothesis]] by [[wp>​Victor J. Stenger]] - This was okay but nothing overly new presented, though I was interested to hear what he had to say about cosmic constants.
   * [[wp>​Hatchet]] by [[wp>​Gary Paulsen]] - This was okay, pretty much what I expected/​what it says on the tin. I particularly liked the beginning aboard the plane and the ending was well done I thought.   * [[wp>​Hatchet]] by [[wp>​Gary Paulsen]] - This was okay, pretty much what I expected/​what it says on the tin. I particularly liked the beginning aboard the plane and the ending was well done I thought.
   * [[wp>​Prey]] by [[wp>​Michael Crichton]] - This was a bit of a trash novel, I enjoyed it though. The software stuff was a little preachy.. all night coding sessions are getting so cliche. ​   * [[wp>​Prey]] by [[wp>​Michael Crichton]] - This was a bit of a trash novel, I enjoyed it though. The software stuff was a little preachy.. all night coding sessions are getting so cliche. ​
-  * [[wp>​Watchmen]] by [[wp>​Alan Moore]] - Meh, heard so much about this graphic novel. It was really built up in my mind. I bought an original 1987 edition, but flicking through the pages it never really grabbed my attention.. it\'s been sitting on my shelf for almost five years. I read it in one sitting - I didn\'t like it all that much - it didn\'t seem to have much depth. Maybe I should read a critique. It\'ll be interesting to see how they handle the film though.  +  * [[wp>​Watchmen]] by [[wp>​Alan Moore]] - Meh, heard so much about this graphic novel. It was really built up in my mind. I bought an original 1987 edition, but flicking through the pages it never really grabbed my attention.. it's been sitting on my shelf for almost five years. I read it in one sitting - I didn't like it all that much - it didn't seem to have much depth. Maybe I should read a critique. It'll be interesting to see how they handle the film though.  
-  * [[wp>Dr Bloodmoney]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - This was a pretty strange novel. I didn\'t like it all that much, couldn\'t really care about the characters. ​+  * [[wp>Dr Bloodmoney]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - This was a pretty strange novel. I didn't like it all that much, couldn'​t really care about the characters. ​
 ==== May ==== ==== May ====
   * [[wp>​Eleanor Rigby]] by [[wp>​Douglas Coupland]] - I enjoyed this. Everything Coupland writes is quite unique. ​   * [[wp>​Eleanor Rigby]] by [[wp>​Douglas Coupland]] - I enjoyed this. Everything Coupland writes is quite unique. ​
 ==== April ==== ==== April ====
-  * [[wp>​Heavy Weather]] by [[wp>​Bruce Sterling]] - Hmm.. this took me basically the whole month to read. I really didn\'t like it, ended up glazing over after every few pages. I\'m not that interested in weather and the descriptions were so painfully verbose. There were a couple of precocious ideas and the smart rope and pursuit vehicles were interesting though. ​+  * [[wp>​Heavy Weather]] by [[wp>​Bruce Sterling]] - Hmm.. this took me basically the whole month to read. I really didn't like it, ended up glazing over after every few pages. I'm not that interested in weather and the descriptions were so painfully verbose. There were a couple of precocious ideas and the smart rope and pursuit vehicles were interesting though. ​
 ==== March ==== ==== March ====
   * [[wp>​Consider Phlebas]] by [[wp>​Iain M Banks]] - I enjoyed this. Always been meaning to read more Culture novels.   * [[wp>​Consider Phlebas]] by [[wp>​Iain M Banks]] - I enjoyed this. Always been meaning to read more Culture novels.
-  * [[wp>The Black Cloud]] by [[wp>​Fred Hoyle]] - I liked this, though I wished I hadn\'t read any reviews, one gave away too much of the plot. The science aspect/​explanations were interesting. Was fun to see Hoyle push his anti-big bang theory toward the end :-p Originally recommended by Dawkins in a lecture.+  * [[wp>The Black Cloud]] by [[wp>​Fred Hoyle]] - I liked this, though I wished I hadn't read any reviews, one gave away too much of the plot. The science aspect/​explanations were interesting. Was fun to see Hoyle push his anti-big bang theory toward the end :-p Originally recommended by Dawkins in a lecture.
 ==== February ==== ==== February ====
   * [[wp>​Fast Food Nation]] by [[wp>​Eric Schlosser]] - Fascinating book. Should have read this sooner, I think Edward recommended it in like 2003.   * [[wp>​Fast Food Nation]] by [[wp>​Eric Schlosser]] - Fascinating book. Should have read this sooner, I think Edward recommended it in like 2003.
   * [[wp>The Machine Stops]] by [[wp>​E.M. Forster]] - Slashdot recommendation. Interesting story, quite prescient for 1909.   * [[wp>The Machine Stops]] by [[wp>​E.M. Forster]] - Slashdot recommendation. Interesting story, quite prescient for 1909.
-  * [[wp>​Children of the Dust]] by [[wp>​Louise Lawrence]] - This was ok, very similar to Brother in the Land, though this one seemed a little more \'soppy\', not that Brother in the Land wasn\'​t. ​+  * [[wp>​Children of the Dust]] by [[wp>​Louise Lawrence]] - This was ok, very similar to Brother in the Land, though this one seemed a little more '​soppy',​ not that Brother in the Land wasn'​t. ​
 ==== January ==== ==== January ====
   * [[wp>​Brother in the Land]] by [[wp>​Robert E. '​Bob'​ Swindells]]   * [[wp>​Brother in the Land]] by [[wp>​Robert E. '​Bob'​ Swindells]]
   * [[wp>The Sound of Laughter]] by [[wp>​Peter Kay]] - Christmas present from Liz. I enjoyed the book, read it in just a few sittings, there was quite a bit of crossover from his stand-up material though. ​   * [[wp>The Sound of Laughter]] by [[wp>​Peter Kay]] - Christmas present from Liz. I enjoyed the book, read it in just a few sittings, there was quite a bit of crossover from his stand-up material though. ​
   * [[wp>​Anansi Boys]] by [[wp>​Neil Gaiman]] - Christmas present from Vikki, really enjoying it so far.  Fascinating characters.   * [[wp>​Anansi Boys]] by [[wp>​Neil Gaiman]] - Christmas present from Vikki, really enjoying it so far.  Fascinating characters.
-  * [[wp>​Descartes\' Secret Notebook]] by [[wp>​Amir D. Aczel]] - Borrowed from Dick Henry. Interesting,​ I didn\'t know much of Descartes life. The book was terribly overly romantic though.  +  * [[wp>​Descartes'​ Secret Notebook]] by [[wp>​Amir D. Aczel]] - Borrowed from Dick Henry. Interesting,​ I didn't know much of Descartes life. The book was terribly overly romantic though.  
-  * [[wp>​Wish You Were Here]] by [[wp>​Mike Gayle]] - Borrowed this from Vik and read it in two sittings. It was certainly readable and I enjoyed it, but it\'s my least favourite of Gayle\'s work. It felt a little trite and the dialogue seemed pretty, for lack of a better word, malevolent. ​+  * [[wp>​Wish You Were Here]] by [[wp>​Mike Gayle]] - Borrowed this from Vik and read it in two sittings. It was certainly readable and I enjoyed it, but it's my least favourite of Gayle'​s work. It felt a little trite and the dialogue seemed pretty, for lack of a better word, malevolent. ​
 ===== 2008 ===== ===== 2008 =====
 ==== December ==== ==== December ====
   * [[wp>The Ringworld Engineers]] by [[wp>​Larry Niven]] - I enjoyed this. Always meant to read it after really enjoying Ringworld. Some fascinating imagery.   * [[wp>The Ringworld Engineers]] by [[wp>​Larry Niven]] - I enjoyed this. Always meant to read it after really enjoying Ringworld. Some fascinating imagery.
-  * [[wp>​Earth]] by [[wp>​David Brin]] - I enjoyed this. Not quite sure I was happy with the last quarter of the novel nor the final resolution, but it has some interesting ideas. Not to mention the whole \'World Data Net\', Brin describes this wonderfully,​ it was a pretty accurate prediction of the current state of our internet.  +  * [[wp>​Earth]] by [[wp>​David Brin]] - I enjoyed this. Not quite sure I was happy with the last quarter of the novel nor the final resolution, but it has some interesting ideas. Not to mention the whole 'World Data Net', Brin describes this wonderfully,​ it was a pretty accurate prediction of the current state of our internet.  
-  * [[wp>​Cloud Atlas]] by [[wp>​David Mitchell]] - Picked this up on a whim and really enjoyed it. I found one section a little hard to read (Sloosha\'s Crossin\' an\' Ev\'​rythin\' After - I\'m sure I counted seventeen apostrophes in one sentence) but really enjoyed the world Sonmi-451 lived in - I\'d like to see more of that. I\'m not 100% sure I got the overall message of the book, the interconnected aspect, I might go read some critical reviews. Will try to read some more David Mitchell.  +  * [[wp>​Cloud Atlas]] by [[wp>​David Mitchell]] - Picked this up on a whim and really enjoyed it. I found one section a little hard to read (Sloosha'​s Crossin'​ an' Ev'​rythin'​ After - I'm sure I counted seventeen apostrophes in one sentence) but really enjoyed the world Sonmi-451 lived in - I'd like to see more of that. I'm not 100% sure I got the overall message of the book, the interconnected aspect, I might go read some critical reviews. Will try to read some more David Mitchell.  
-  * [[wp>​Temple]] by [[wp>​Matthew Riley]] - Didn\'t enjoy this anywhere near as much as Ice Station, the first Riley book I read. Far too over the top (not that Ice Station wasn\'t) and just didn\'t engage me. Hasn\'t put me off the author when I\'m in the mood for something light though. ​+  * [[wp>​Temple]] by [[wp>​Matthew Riley]] - Didn't enjoy this anywhere near as much as Ice Station, the first Riley book I read. Far too over the top (not that Ice Station wasn'​t) and just didn't engage me. Hasn't put me off the author when I'm in the mood for something light though. ​
 ==== November ==== ==== November ====
   * [[wp>​Whit]] by [[wp>​Iain Banks]] - I liked this, Isis was a fascinating character. The ending seemed a little contrived, but it could have been worse.   * [[wp>​Whit]] by [[wp>​Iain Banks]] - I liked this, Isis was a fascinating character. The ending seemed a little contrived, but it could have been worse.
-  * [[wp>​Roderick]] by [[wp>​John Sladek]] - This was a strange book. I enjoyed it, there were some interesting ideas. The entire premise was a little shaky.. Roderick enroles in school - he has tank tracks, a square steel body and tries to convince everybody he is a robot - they all assume he\'s crazy and is a boy in a special iron lung.. then he starts to slowly replace parts of his body all the while trying to convince people he is a robot, but nobody believes him.. Also, there were numerous strange paragraphs of gibberish.. unconnected words and phrases.. I\'m not sure if that was to illustrate his mental processes but it was very frustrating. Anyway, worth a read. +  * [[wp>​Roderick]] by [[wp>​John Sladek]] - This was a strange book. I enjoyed it, there were some interesting ideas. The entire premise was a little shaky.. Roderick enroles in school - he has tank tracks, a square steel body and tries to convince everybody he is a robot - they all assume he's crazy and is a boy in a special iron lung.. then he starts to slowly replace parts of his body all the while trying to convince people he is a robot, but nobody believes him.. Also, there were numerous strange paragraphs of gibberish.. unconnected words and phrases.. I'm not sure if that was to illustrate his mental processes but it was very frustrating. Anyway, worth a read. 
 ==== October ==== ==== October ====
   * [[wp>​Hell Island]] by [[wp>​Matthew Reilly]] - Meh, kept me entertained. Pretty much the definition of an airport novel. ​   * [[wp>​Hell Island]] by [[wp>​Matthew Reilly]] - Meh, kept me entertained. Pretty much the definition of an airport novel. ​
-  * [[wp>The Five People You Meet in Heaven]] by [[wp>​Mitch Albom]] - Great book. I\'m gonna try to get hold of Tuesdays with Morrie.+  * [[wp>The Five People You Meet in Heaven]] by [[wp>​Mitch Albom]] - Great book. I'm gonna try to get hold of Tuesdays with Morrie.
 ==== September ==== ==== September ====
   * [[wp>Ice Station]] by [[wp>​Matthew Reilly]] - This was an unbelievable,​ unrealistic,​ over the top, mindless novel, not the sort of thing I normally read. I loved it though :-)   * [[wp>Ice Station]] by [[wp>​Matthew Reilly]] - This was an unbelievable,​ unrealistic,​ over the top, mindless novel, not the sort of thing I normally read. I loved it though :-)
   * [[wp>​Space]] by [[wp>​Stephen Baxter]] - I preferred Time to this book, but I still enjoyed it.    * [[wp>​Space]] by [[wp>​Stephen Baxter]] - I preferred Time to this book, but I still enjoyed it. 
-  * [[wp>​Wolves Eat Dogs]] by [[wp>​Martin Cruz Smith]] - I got this because I read (I think in slashdot) that it \"deals extensively with radiation and radiation poisoning\" - if I\'d know it was part of a (I assume, from the synopsis) detective series I might not have bothered - I\'ll give it a try though. Just read it, meh, it was alright, not what I was looking for though. ​+  * [[wp>​Wolves Eat Dogs]] by [[wp>​Martin Cruz Smith]] - I got this because I read (I think in slashdot) that it "deals extensively with radiation and radiation poisoning"​ - if I'd know it was part of a (I assume, from the synopsis) detective series I might not have bothered - I'll give it a try though. Just read it, meh, it was alright, not what I was looking for though. ​
 ==== August ==== ==== August ====
-  * [[wp>​East of Eden]] by [[wp>​John Steinbeck]] - It took me a while to get through this - not quite sure why - it was a superb book, might even be up there in my top ten. One of the few fiction novels I\'d consider reading again some day too. +  * [[wp>​East of Eden]] by [[wp>​John Steinbeck]] - It took me a while to get through this - not quite sure why - it was a superb book, might even be up there in my top ten. One of the few fiction novels I'd consider reading again some day too. 
 ==== July ==== ==== July ====
   * [[wp>​Down and Out In the Magic Kingdom]] by [[wp>​Cory Doctorow]] - I liked this, will try to read more of his work.   * [[wp>​Down and Out In the Magic Kingdom]] by [[wp>​Cory Doctorow]] - I liked this, will try to read more of his work.
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 ==== May ==== ==== May ====
   * [[wp>The Definitive Book of Body Language]] by [[wp>​Allan Pease]] - I was reading this for a small insight into some poker bluffing. It was okay, I guess I learned a lot of this information already elsewhere.   * [[wp>The Definitive Book of Body Language]] by [[wp>​Allan Pease]] - I was reading this for a small insight into some poker bluffing. It was okay, I guess I learned a lot of this information already elsewhere.
-  * [[wp>The Postman]] by [[wp>​David Brin]] - I enjoyed this, the idea behind the postman is fascinatingly complex. I\'ll get around to watching the movie soon I think.  +  * [[wp>The Postman]] by [[wp>​David Brin]] - I enjoyed this, the idea behind the postman is fascinatingly complex. I'll get around to watching the movie soon I think.  
-  * [[wp>The Amber Spyglass]] by [[wp>​Philip Pullman]] - Not that bad. Nothing special though. The reason I read this entire series was to find out about the wheeled creatures Dawkins made a reference to. There wasn\'t much about them really. I definitely enjoyed the first book in the series more than the second or third.  +  * [[wp>The Amber Spyglass]] by [[wp>​Philip Pullman]] - Not that bad. Nothing special though. The reason I read this entire series was to find out about the wheeled creatures Dawkins made a reference to. There wasn't much about them really. I definitely enjoyed the first book in the series more than the second or third.  
-  * [[wp>​Idlewild]] by [[wp>​Nick Sagan]] - I enjoyed this a lot. I\'ll definitely look out for the sequel. Reminds me a little bit of the Ender\'s Game series.  +  * [[wp>​Idlewild]] by [[wp>​Nick Sagan]] - I enjoyed this a lot. I'll definitely look out for the sequel. Reminds me a little bit of the Ender'​s Game series.  
-  * [[wp>The Life and Times of Thunderbolt Kid]] by [[wp>​Bill Bryson]] - I enjoyed this, it\'s only my second Bryson book (the other was A Short History of Nearly Everything),​ so I haven\'t actually read his main staple, the travel books yet. Next on my list.  +  * [[wp>The Life and Times of Thunderbolt Kid]] by [[wp>​Bill Bryson]] - I enjoyed this, it's only my second Bryson book (the other was A Short History of Nearly Everything),​ so I haven'​t actually read his main staple, the travel books yet. Next on my list.  
-  * [[wp>The Snow]] by [[wp>​Adam Roberts]] - This was a birthday present from Vikki. I chose it \'cause of the post apocalyptic aspect. I liked it.  +  * [[wp>The Snow]] by [[wp>​Adam Roberts]] - This was a birthday present from Vikki. I chose it 'cause of the post apocalyptic aspect. I liked it.  
-  * [[wp>The Subtle Knife]] by [[wp>​Philip Pullman]] - It was okay, not much of plot though, it certainly feels like a bridge between the first and third in the trilogy. I\'ll read the third one next though.  +  * [[wp>The Subtle Knife]] by [[wp>​Philip Pullman]] - It was okay, not much of plot though, it certainly feels like a bridge between the first and third in the trilogy. I'll read the third one next though.  
-  * [[wp>​Harrington on Hold \'em Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments,​ Vol. 2: Endgame]] by [[wp>Dan Harrington]] - This was okay, my end game needed work. I think I\'ll go back and read Vol 1 before moving to Vol 3 though. ​+  * [[wp>​Harrington on Hold 'em Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments,​ Vol. 2: Endgame]] by [[wp>Dan Harrington]] - This was okay, my end game needed work. I think I'll go back and read Vol 1 before moving to Vol 3 though. ​
 ==== April ==== ==== April ====
-  * [[wp>​Perdido Street Station]] by [[wp>​China Mieville]] - Slashdot recommendation - Got this back from Sandy after having left it at his flat for nearly a year. I\'m trying to figure out where I left off, think I got it. Just finished, it was a good sci-fi book, some fascinating characters in that strange world  +  * [[wp>​Perdido Street Station]] by [[wp>​China Mieville]] - Slashdot recommendation - Got this back from Sandy after having left it at his flat for nearly a year. I'm trying to figure out where I left off, think I got it. Just finished, it was a good sci-fi book, some fascinating characters in that strange world  
-  * [[wp>The Cutting Room]] by [[wp>​Louise Welsh]] - Somebody recommended this to me as \'a female version of Bukowski\' - it\'s certainly not that. I did enjoy the writing, though the whole premise was a little tame.  +  * [[wp>The Cutting Room]] by [[wp>​Louise Welsh]] - Somebody recommended this to me as 'a female version of Bukowski'​ - it's certainly not that. I did enjoy the writing, though the whole premise was a little tame.  
-  * [[wp>​Hound of the Baskervilles]] by [[wp>Sir Arthur Conan Doyle]] - I\'ve read this before - it\'s one of my favourite Holmes stories. I read it again in preparation for the Literati bookgroup next month, still as enjoyable. Reminds me strongly of the old audiobook I had when I was very young, damn scary hound howling noises (and there seemed to be a lot more running away from the hound on the moors). The theme was Ride of the Valkyries.  +  * [[wp>​Hound of the Baskervilles]] by [[wp>Sir Arthur Conan Doyle]] - I've read this before - it's one of my favourite Holmes stories. I read it again in preparation for the Literati bookgroup next month, still as enjoyable. Reminds me strongly of the old audiobook I had when I was very young, damn scary hound howling noises (and there seemed to be a lot more running away from the hound on the moors). The theme was Ride of the Valkyries.  
-  * [[wp>The Bridge]] by [[wp>​Iain Banks]] - I enjoyed this a lot. I\'ll definitely read more of Iain Banks (as well as his sci-fi alter ego), I\'ve only read The Wasp Factory to date, enjoyed that too. +  * [[wp>The Bridge]] by [[wp>​Iain Banks]] - I enjoyed this a lot. I'll definitely read more of Iain Banks (as well as his sci-fi alter ego), I've only read The Wasp Factory to date, enjoyed that too. 
 ==== March ==== ==== March ====
   * [[wp>The Eye of Sibyl Other Stories]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - Some interesting ideas but left wanting as usual.   * [[wp>The Eye of Sibyl Other Stories]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - Some interesting ideas but left wanting as usual.
-  * [[wp>​Just A Geek]] by [[wp>Wil Wheaton]] - Interesting book, I\'d like to read his other one, Dancing Barefoot.  +  * [[wp>​Just A Geek]] by [[wp>Wil Wheaton]] - Interesting book, I'd like to read his other one, Dancing Barefoot.  
-  * [[wp>​Principles of Economics]] by [[wp>​Peter Navarro]] - This was a lecture series handout, it was interesting,​ I\'ve added one of Navarro\'s books to my list.  +  * [[wp>​Principles of Economics]] by [[wp>​Peter Navarro]] - This was a lecture series handout, it was interesting,​ I've added one of Navarro'​s books to my list.  
-  * [[wp>​Slant]] by [[wp>​Greg Bear]] - I enjoyed this book, some interesting ideas - like a network of toilets that diagnose public health concerns - although I kind of found the overall plot lacking a bit of substance. I figured out this was the sequel to Queens of Angels, haven\'t read that yet, will add it to my list.+  * [[wp>​Slant]] by [[wp>​Greg Bear]] - I enjoyed this book, some interesting ideas - like a network of toilets that diagnose public health concerns - although I kind of found the overall plot lacking a bit of substance. I figured out this was the sequel to Queens of Angels, haven'​t read that yet, will add it to my list.
 ==== February ==== ==== February ====
   * [[wp>The Short Happy Life of the Brown Oxford and Other Stories]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]]   * [[wp>The Short Happy Life of the Brown Oxford and Other Stories]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]]
-  * [[wp>​Half of a Yellow Sun]] by [[wp>​Douglas Adams]] - This was a present from my mum in Christmas 2007. I decided to read it as a change from a lot of technical stuff I\'ve been reading recently. It was a great book, I felt completely drawn in from the very beginning - which I didn\'t expect from a book dealing with the Nigeria-Biafra war. +  * [[wp>​Half of a Yellow Sun]] by [[wp>​Douglas Adams]] - This was a present from my mum in Christmas 2007. I decided to read it as a change from a lot of technical stuff I've been reading recently. It was a great book, I felt completely drawn in from the very beginning - which I didn't expect from a book dealing with the Nigeria-Biafra war. 
 ==== January ==== ==== January ====
   * [[wp>​Bringing Down The House]] by [[wp>Ben Mezrich]] - Recommended by my mum, it was an interesting book. Really wants me to go look further at blackjack theory now.. :-p   * [[wp>​Bringing Down The House]] by [[wp>Ben Mezrich]] - Recommended by my mum, it was an interesting book. Really wants me to go look further at blackjack theory now.. :-p
   * [[wp>Ham on Rye]] by [[wp>​Charles Bukowski]] - Read this while I was boarding in France, it was a decent book. Was interesting to see his early years, though I prefered the weathered character.   * [[wp>Ham on Rye]] by [[wp>​Charles Bukowski]] - Read this while I was boarding in France, it was a decent book. Was interesting to see his early years, though I prefered the weathered character.
   * [[wp>The Darkness of Wallis Simpson]] by [[wp>​Rose Tremain]] - Novel for Dec bookgroup.   * [[wp>The Darkness of Wallis Simpson]] by [[wp>​Rose Tremain]] - Novel for Dec bookgroup.
-  * [[wp>​Miles and Me]] by [[wp>​Quincy Troupe]] - This was recommended alongside a number of other books (including The Dharma Bums and Unnberable Lightness of Being). I liked the novel. It was a little strange and I\'m not quite sure what I think of Miles. However, I\'ve gotten hold of two of his albums and plan to listen to them later. ​+  * [[wp>​Miles and Me]] by [[wp>​Quincy Troupe]] - This was recommended alongside a number of other books (including The Dharma Bums and Unnberable Lightness of Being). I liked the novel. It was a little strange and I'm not quite sure what I think of Miles. However, I've gotten hold of two of his albums and plan to listen to them later. ​
 ===== 2007 ===== ===== 2007 =====
 ==== December ==== ==== December ====
   * [[wp>The Unbearable Lightness of Being]] by [[wp>​Milan Kundera]]   * [[wp>The Unbearable Lightness of Being]] by [[wp>​Milan Kundera]]
-  * [[wp>​Rainbow\'s End]] by [[wp>​Vinge Vernor]] - Interesting book. Nothing really new though. A little contrived at times. ​+  * [[wp>​Rainbow'​s End]] by [[wp>​Vinge Vernor]] - Interesting book. Nothing really new though. A little contrived at times. ​
 ==== November ==== ==== November ====
-  * [[wp>​Harrington on Hold\'em: Volume I: Strategic Play]] by [[wp>Dan Harrington]] - Decent poker book. +  * [[wp>​Harrington on Hold'​em:​ Volume I: Strategic Play]] by [[wp>Dan Harrington]] - Decent poker book. 
-  * [[wp>The Dharma Bums]] by [[wp>​Jack Kerouac]] - This was okay, was expecting something more Bukowski-like but this was mellow in comparison, I couldn\'t be less interested in Zen or meditation at this stage of my life. +  * [[wp>The Dharma Bums]] by [[wp>​Jack Kerouac]] - This was okay, was expecting something more Bukowski-like but this was mellow in comparison, I couldn'​t be less interested in Zen or meditation at this stage of my life. 
 ==== October ==== ==== October ====
-  * [[wp>​Dance Dance Dance]] by [[wp>​Haruki Murakami]] - I enjoyed reading this book, but it annoyed me quite a bit. There were so many unanswered questions and things I\'d like to have known. I\'ll still be reading some more of Murakami\'s stuff though. ​+  * [[wp>​Dance Dance Dance]] by [[wp>​Haruki Murakami]] - I enjoyed reading this book, but it annoyed me quite a bit. There were so many unanswered questions and things I'd like to have known. I'll still be reading some more of Murakami'​s stuff though. ​
 ==== September ==== ==== September ====
   * [[wp>​South of No North]] by [[wp>​Charles Bukowski]] - A few great shorts in this collection.   * [[wp>​South of No North]] by [[wp>​Charles Bukowski]] - A few great shorts in this collection.
   * [[wp>The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat]] by [[wp>​Oliver Sacks]] - Fascinating book.    * [[wp>The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat]] by [[wp>​Oliver Sacks]] - Fascinating book. 
-  * [[wp>​Little Green Book]] by [[wp>​Phil Gordon]] - Borrowed this from thinker. Not the best poker book I\'ve read, the theories were fine, but I wasn\'t interested in reading a play-by-play account of how he\'d play particular hands only for him to indicate his play would change ​\'​depending on the table situation\', obviously. ​+  * [[wp>​Little Green Book]] by [[wp>​Phil Gordon]] - Borrowed this from thinker. Not the best poker book I've read, the theories were fine, but I wasn't interested in reading a play-by-play account of how he'd play particular hands only for him to indicate his play would change '​depending on the table situation',​ obviously. ​
 ==== August ==== ==== August ====
   * [[wp>The Eyre Affair]] by [[wp>​Jasper Forde]] - A recommendation from bigkev. I enjoyed the book, quite a surreal read.    * [[wp>The Eyre Affair]] by [[wp>​Jasper Forde]] - A recommendation from bigkev. I enjoyed the book, quite a surreal read. 
 ==== July ==== ==== July ====
-  * [[wp>The 5th Horseman]] by [[wp>​James Patterson]] - Vikki\'s dad gave this to me a while ago. It\'s a bit of a trashy novel but I enjoyed it, read it very quickly as well - it\'s one of those Da Vinci style novels, 137 chapters.. ​+  * [[wp>The 5th Horseman]] by [[wp>​James Patterson]] - Vikki'​s dad gave this to me a while ago. It's a bit of a trashy novel but I enjoyed it, read it very quickly as well - it's one of those Da Vinci style novels, 137 chapters.. ​
 ==== June ==== ==== June ====
-  * [[wp>​Time]] by [[wp>​Stephen Baxter]] - Read about it on Byte\'s booklist, sounds interesting.+  * [[wp>​Time]] by [[wp>​Stephen Baxter]] - Read about it on Byte's booklist, sounds interesting.
   * [[wp>​Hocus Pocus]] by [[wp>​Kurt Vonnegut]] - This was okay.    * [[wp>​Hocus Pocus]] by [[wp>​Kurt Vonnegut]] - This was okay. 
   * [[wp>If Chins Could Kill]] by [[wp>​Bruce Campbell]] - I love this guy. This was an excellent book.   * [[wp>If Chins Could Kill]] by [[wp>​Bruce Campbell]] - I love this guy. This was an excellent book.
-  * [[wp>​Fluke]] by [[wp>​James Herbert]] - This is a small paperback Vikki got me for my birthday, I\'ve been reading it when I\'m in the sauna. Haven\'t read any James Herbert for at least seven or eight years..  +  * [[wp>​Fluke]] by [[wp>​James Herbert]] - This is a small paperback Vikki got me for my birthday, I've been reading it when I'm in the sauna. Haven'​t read any James Herbert for at least seven or eight years..  
-  * [[wp>​Eccentrics]] by [[wp>​David Weeks]] - This, along with the Shakespeare tomb, is my \'​bathroom book\'. This was reasonably interesting. There was an interesting parallel between eccentrics in society and darwinism for the social organism. ​+  * [[wp>​Eccentrics]] by [[wp>​David Weeks]] - This, along with the Shakespeare tomb, is my '​bathroom book'. This was reasonably interesting. There was an interesting parallel between eccentrics in society and darwinism for the social organism. ​
 ==== May ==== ==== May ====
-  * [[wp>The Magic Goes Away]] by [[wp>​Larry Niven]] - This was an excellent book. I\'d like to read the others in the trilogy. I almost read this in one sitting, partly in the park and then later in the pub. I was worried reading it out doors though, my copy is a present from Vik, a signed first edition. There are some interesting parallels to be drawn between mana and our current natural resources. 2007-05-04. ​+  * [[wp>The Magic Goes Away]] by [[wp>​Larry Niven]] - This was an excellent book. I'd like to read the others in the trilogy. I almost read this in one sitting, partly in the park and then later in the pub. I was worried reading it out doors though, my copy is a present from Vik, a signed first edition. There are some interesting parallels to be drawn between mana and our current natural resources. 2007-05-04. ​
   * [[wp>​Slaughterhouse-Five]] by [[wp>​Kurt Vonnegut]] - This is the meetup.com bookgroup book for June. I enjoyed the style.   * [[wp>​Slaughterhouse-Five]] by [[wp>​Kurt Vonnegut]] - This is the meetup.com bookgroup book for June. I enjoyed the style.
   * [[wp>The Tenderness of Wolves]] by [[wp>​Stef Penney]] - This is the book for the Phoenix book group, May 2007. It was the 2006 Costa Book of the Year.. not sure who votes for that however.. It was a decent book, sometimes I felt that large parts could have been missed out completely though.   * [[wp>The Tenderness of Wolves]] by [[wp>​Stef Penney]] - This is the book for the Phoenix book group, May 2007. It was the 2006 Costa Book of the Year.. not sure who votes for that however.. It was a decent book, sometimes I felt that large parts could have been missed out completely though.
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 ==== April ==== ==== April ====
   * [[wp>The Divine Invasion]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - This was a fascinating premise.   * [[wp>The Divine Invasion]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - This was a fascinating premise.
-  * [[wp>The God Delusion]] by [[wp>​Richard Dawkins]] - Found this again after having lost it for a while. It\'s inspired me to add a whole load of new books to my wish list so far. Superb book.  +  * [[wp>The God Delusion]] by [[wp>​Richard Dawkins]] - Found this again after having lost it for a while. It's inspired me to add a whole load of new books to my wish list so far. Superb book.  
-  * [[wp>​High Fidelity]] by [[wp>​Nick Hornby]] - I like this book. Read it in almost one sitting (cat nap in between) when I couldn\'t get to sleep whilst staying at my parents over Easter. I wasn\'t sure if I\'d already read the book.. I\'ve read the screenplay and watched the movie so I couldn\'t quite remember. I enjoyed reading it though, I like the style. I have his other novel \'How to be Good\', Vikki got it for me, I\'ll read that soon. +  * [[wp>​High Fidelity]] by [[wp>​Nick Hornby]] - I like this book. Read it in almost one sitting (cat nap in between) when I couldn'​t get to sleep whilst staying at my parents over Easter. I wasn't sure if I'd already read the book.. I've read the screenplay and watched the movie so I couldn'​t quite remember. I enjoyed reading it though, I like the style. I have his other novel 'How to be Good', Vikki got it for me, I'll read that soon. 
 ==== March ==== ==== March ====
-  * [[wp>​Love Eternally]] by [[wp>​Deborah Wright]] - This was Vikki\'s book that I found in the bathroom, I\'m reading it on and off. Interesting idea, guy dies and becomes a ghost, has to learn what love truly is before he can \'pass on\'.  +  * [[wp>​Love Eternally]] by [[wp>​Deborah Wright]] - This was Vikki'​s book that I found in the bathroom, I'm reading it on and off. Interesting idea, guy dies and becomes a ghost, has to learn what love truly is before he can 'pass on'.  
-  * [[wp>​Selling The Wheel]] by [[wp>​Jeff Cox]] - I like the way this was presented, with a story. Didn\'t get much from it though.+  * [[wp>​Selling The Wheel]] by [[wp>​Jeff Cox]] - I like the way this was presented, with a story. Didn't get much from it though.
 ==== February ==== ==== February ====
   * [[wp>​Explorers of the New Century]] by [[wp>​Magnus Mills]] - This is the February sci-fi bookgroup novel, I enjoyed it.   * [[wp>​Explorers of the New Century]] by [[wp>​Magnus Mills]] - This is the February sci-fi bookgroup novel, I enjoyed it.
   * [[wp>​Jennifer Government]] by [[wp>Max Barry]] - This was a good book, I enjoyed it. The anti-virus virus was interesting. Was a birthday present from Vikki.   * [[wp>​Jennifer Government]] by [[wp>Max Barry]] - This was a good book, I enjoyed it. The anti-virus virus was interesting. Was a birthday present from Vikki.
   * [[wp>The Virgin Guide to Poker]] by [[wp>​Alex Tanner]] - The first in a series of books I plan to read before I go to my first live game on the 19th of this month. ​   * [[wp>The Virgin Guide to Poker]] by [[wp>​Alex Tanner]] - The first in a series of books I plan to read before I go to my first live game on the 19th of this month. ​
-  * [[wp>​Small Island]] by [[wp>​Andrea Levy]] - This is the Ottakar\'s bookgroup novel for Feb, I enjoyed it.  +  * [[wp>​Small Island]] by [[wp>​Andrea Levy]] - This is the Ottakar'​s bookgroup novel for Feb, I enjoyed it.  
-  * [[wp>​Stewie\'s Guide to World Domination]] by [[wp>​Steve Callaghan]] - This was a bit of a waste of time to be honest.  +  * [[wp>​Stewie'​s Guide to World Domination]] by [[wp>​Steve Callaghan]] - This was a bit of a waste of time to be honest.  
-  * [[wp>Why Don\'t Penguins Feet Freeze?]] by [[wp>New Scientist]] - I enjoyed this - I plan to look out for the other compendiums of the Last Word column. ​+  * [[wp>Why Don't Penguins Feet Freeze?]] by [[wp>New Scientist]] - I enjoyed this - I plan to look out for the other compendiums of the Last Word column. ​
 ==== January ==== ==== January ====
-  * [[wp>S is for Silence]] by [[wp>Sue Grafton]] - I recommended this to one of the bookgroups I\'m in because we couldn\'t decide on anything else and this was a book I recently noticed had spent the most time (or a lot of time) in the New York Times Bestseller List this year. after: This book was okay, but I didn\'t realise it was part of a huge crime series, otherwise I wouldn\'t have recommended it. It was interesting,​ and made me want to know what happened, however there were a few moments that reminded me of The Three Investigators or the Secret Seven, things happened too easy or conveniently for the main character..  +  * [[wp>S is for Silence]] by [[wp>Sue Grafton]] - I recommended this to one of the bookgroups I'm in because we couldn'​t decide on anything else and this was a book I recently noticed had spent the most time (or a lot of time) in the New York Times Bestseller List this year. after: This book was okay, but I didn't realise it was part of a huge crime series, otherwise I wouldn'​t have recommended it. It was interesting,​ and made me want to know what happened, however there were a few moments that reminded me of The Three Investigators or the Secret Seven, things happened too easy or conveniently for the main character..  
-  * [[wp>​Post Office]] by [[wp>​Charles Bukowski]] - I\'m glad I read Woman first. This novel didn\'t stir up the same feelings (and, hell, admiration) that Woman did. Though I enjoyed it.  +  * [[wp>​Post Office]] by [[wp>​Charles Bukowski]] - I'm glad I read Woman first. This novel didn't stir up the same feelings (and, hell, admiration) that Woman did. Though I enjoyed it.  
-  * [[wp>​Arthur & George]] by [[wp>​Julian Barnes]] - This is for January\'s Ottakar\'s bookgroup. - Just finished a few days before the group, this was an excellent book. It makes me want to read Doyle\'s autobiography (and more of Barnes\' books).  +  * [[wp>​Arthur & George]] by [[wp>​Julian Barnes]] - This is for January'​s Ottakar'​s bookgroup. - Just finished a few days before the group, this was an excellent book. It makes me want to read Doyle'​s autobiography (and more of Barnes'​ books).  
-  * [[wp>​Northern Lights]] by [[wp>​Philip Pullman]] - I read some great things about this trilogy as a whole (evolution creating a creature that utilizes seedpods for wheeled locomotion) looks good, enjoying this first book so far. Borrowed from my little sister. after: This was good, I\'m looking forward to the next two in the trilogy. ​+  * [[wp>​Northern Lights]] by [[wp>​Philip Pullman]] - I read some great things about this trilogy as a whole (evolution creating a creature that utilizes seedpods for wheeled locomotion) looks good, enjoying this first book so far. Borrowed from my little sister. after: This was good, I'm looking forward to the next two in the trilogy. ​
 ===== 2006 ===== ===== 2006 =====
 ==== December ==== ==== December ====
   * [[wp>For a Breath I Tarry]] by [[wp>​Roger Zelazny]] - Excellent short story.   * [[wp>For a Breath I Tarry]] by [[wp>​Roger Zelazny]] - Excellent short story.
   * [[wp>Z for Zachariah]] by [[wp>​Robert C. O'​Brien]] - This was a Christmas present from Vikki, she said it was one of her favourite books from school. It sounds like my favourite genre. Just finished it a few days after Vikki gave it to me, I enjoyed it. There were a couple of things that made me think, particularly,​ harvesting wheat, barley and other crops simply to keep the species from going extinct..   * [[wp>Z for Zachariah]] by [[wp>​Robert C. O'​Brien]] - This was a Christmas present from Vikki, she said it was one of her favourite books from school. It sounds like my favourite genre. Just finished it a few days after Vikki gave it to me, I enjoyed it. There were a couple of things that made me think, particularly,​ harvesting wheat, barley and other crops simply to keep the species from going extinct..
-  * [[wp>​Climbing Mount Improbable]] by [[wp>​Richard Dawkins]] - Another good book of Dawkins\'. The \'dance of the bees\' and it\'s evolution were particularly interesting. ​+  * [[wp>​Climbing Mount Improbable]] by [[wp>​Richard Dawkins]] - Another good book of Dawkins'​. The 'dance of the bees' and it's evolution were particularly interesting. ​
 ==== November ==== ==== November ====
   * [[wp>​Caves of Steel]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]   * [[wp>​Caves of Steel]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]
-  * [[wp>So You Want to be a Wizard?]] by [[wp>​Diane Duane]] - I listened to the unabridged audio book of this. It was interesting to see how many similarities exist between it and the Harry Potter series. It wasn\'t bad, I would have preferred to have read it as the voices were quite annoying. I simply don\'t like Kitt\'s mexican accent and Fred sounded like a retired chain-smoking drag queen. Interesting ideas behind magic and wizardry though. ​+  * [[wp>So You Want to be a Wizard?]] by [[wp>​Diane Duane]] - I listened to the unabridged audio book of this. It was interesting to see how many similarities exist between it and the Harry Potter series. It wasn't bad, I would have preferred to have read it as the voices were quite annoying. I simply don't like Kitt's mexican accent and Fred sounded like a retired chain-smoking drag queen. Interesting ideas behind magic and wizardry though. ​
   * [[wp>The Rest of the Robots]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]   * [[wp>The Rest of the Robots]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]
 ==== October ==== ==== October ====
-  * [[wp>Put What Where?!: Over 2,000 Years of Bizarre Sex Advice]] by [[wp>​John Naish]] - This was recommended somewhere, Vikki bought me it as a birthday present. after: Does what it says on the tin, but this book was pointless. I shouldn\'t have bothered. I have no real interest in all the mistakes and fallacies previously made by non-scientists. ​+  * [[wp>Put What Where?!: Over 2,000 Years of Bizarre Sex Advice]] by [[wp>​John Naish]] - This was recommended somewhere, Vikki bought me it as a birthday present. after: Does what it says on the tin, but this book was pointless. I shouldn'​t have bothered. I have no real interest in all the mistakes and fallacies previously made by non-scientists. ​
   * [[wp>​Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About]] by [[wp>Mil Millington]] - I've been subscribed to Mil's mailing list for a long while and bought this for Vikki, always meant to read it myself too. after: Enjoyed it. I didn't really click with Pel though..   * [[wp>​Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About]] by [[wp>Mil Millington]] - I've been subscribed to Mil's mailing list for a long while and bought this for Vikki, always meant to read it myself too. after: Enjoyed it. I didn't really click with Pel though..
   * [[wp>​Cal]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]   * [[wp>​Cal]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]
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   * [[wp>​Left To Right]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]   * [[wp>​Left To Right]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]
   * [[wp>The Instablity]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]   * [[wp>The Instablity]] by [[wp>​Isaac Asimov]]
-  * [[wp>​River Out of Eden]] by [[wp>​Richard Dawkins]] - Only the second of Dawkin\'s book that I\'ve gotten around to reading (after the Blind Watchmaker). I\'m going to track down The Selfish Gene and read that before getting his new book, The God Delusion. Fascinating writer.  +  * [[wp>​River Out of Eden]] by [[wp>​Richard Dawkins]] - Only the second of Dawkin'​s book that I've gotten around to reading (after the Blind Watchmaker). I'm going to track down The Selfish Gene and read that before getting his new book, The God Delusion. Fascinating writer.  
-  * [[wp>​Minority Report]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - Been meaning to read this for a while. Didn\'t realise it was so short. The book entitled Minority Report is actually a collection of his short stories. I\'ve decided to list them here individually as I read them so I can keep track of which of his stories I\'ve actually read. The book was okay. Meh.  +  * [[wp>​Minority Report]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - Been meaning to read this for a while. Didn't realise it was so short. The book entitled Minority Report is actually a collection of his short stories. I've decided to list them here individually as I read them so I can keep track of which of his stories I've actually read. The book was okay. Meh.  
-  * [[wp>​Rautavaara\'s Case]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]]+  * [[wp>​Rautavaara'​s Case]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]]
 ==== September ==== ==== September ====
-  * [[wp>​Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World]] by [[wp>​Haruki Murakami]] - This was the September 2006 bookgroup novel. I enjoyed it, very surreal. There were a few parts I\'m not sure I understood. Thought it was a new novel (read it in one night, because I hadn\'t got around to it and the bookgroup was looming) but no, 1985.  +  * [[wp>​Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World]] by [[wp>​Haruki Murakami]] - This was the September 2006 bookgroup novel. I enjoyed it, very surreal. There were a few parts I'm not sure I understood. Thought it was a new novel (read it in one night, because I hadn't got around to it and the bookgroup was looming) but no, 1985.  
-  * [[wp>The Perfect Store: Inside Ebay]] by [[wp>​Adam Cohen]] - This has been recommended in a list of \'books entrepreneurs should read\', though I\'d always planned to get around to reading this (along with a few other dotcom success stories). Coincidentally,​ I bought this on ebay. +  * [[wp>The Perfect Store: Inside Ebay]] by [[wp>​Adam Cohen]] - This has been recommended in a list of 'books entrepreneurs should read', though I'd always planned to get around to reading this (along with a few other dotcom success stories). Coincidentally,​ I bought this on ebay. 
 ==== August ==== ==== August ====
-  * [[wp>​Nice Cup of Tea and a Sit Down]] by [[wp>​Stuart Payne]] - I enjoyed this book, it wasn\'t anything like I expected (I was expecting more of a story, this is actually notes of dunking biscuits, sitting down and the history of biscuits) - actually I\'m not sure why it made my list - I\'ve never heard of www.nicecupofteaandasitdown.com. It was a 24th birthday present from Vikki. Got through it very quickly and learned some tea and sitting down related trivia.  +  * [[wp>​Nice Cup of Tea and a Sit Down]] by [[wp>​Stuart Payne]] - I enjoyed this book, it wasn't anything like I expected (I was expecting more of a story, this is actually notes of dunking biscuits, sitting down and the history of biscuits) - actually I'm not sure why it made my list - I've never heard of www.nicecupofteaandasitdown.com. It was a 24th birthday present from Vikki. Got through it very quickly and learned some tea and sitting down related trivia.  
-  * [[wp>We Need to Talk About Kevin]] by [[wp>​Lionel Shriver]] - This is the August 2006 Ottakar\'s book group novel. Not bad, kept my attention.  +  * [[wp>We Need to Talk About Kevin]] by [[wp>​Lionel Shriver]] - This is the August 2006 Ottakar'​s book group novel. Not bad, kept my attention.  
-  * [[wp>​Soul of a New Machine]] by [[wp>​Tracey Kidder]] - It was listed among a list somewhere of books all geeks should read. It\'s interesting. after: I liked this book, it\'s old now, written around the time I was born but still an interesting book. I feel like a learn a little about management too, mushroom management.  +  * [[wp>​Soul of a New Machine]] by [[wp>​Tracey Kidder]] - It was listed among a list somewhere of books all geeks should read. It's interesting. after: I liked this book, it's old now, written around the time I was born but still an interesting book. I feel like a learn a little about management too, mushroom management.  
-  * [[wp>​Ringworld]] by [[wp>​Larry Niven]] - Jamie recommended this, but it\'s a classic I\'ve been meaning to read for ages, didn\'t realise it wasn\'t already on my wish list. Got it as a 24th birthday present from Vikki. after: Good book, the author uses the phrase ego-smashing to describe the view afforded by the ringworld to it\'s inhabitants at night. Fascinating idea, fascinating book.  +  * [[wp>​Ringworld]] by [[wp>​Larry Niven]] - Jamie recommended this, but it's a classic I've been meaning to read for ages, didn't realise it wasn't already on my wish list. Got it as a 24th birthday present from Vikki. after: Good book, the author uses the phrase ego-smashing to describe the view afforded by the ringworld to it's inhabitants at night. Fascinating idea, fascinating book.  
-  * [[wp>​Rich Dad, Poor Dad]] by [[wp>​Robert Kiyosaki]] - One of those cult self-help books, the first of a bunch I plan to read. The book was kinda interesting although some of his advice included ​\"Join the marines, or a religious order\" to learn discipline and signing up to these pyramid style schemes to learn marketing. Hmm.. I\'ve read he is a repetitive writer, so I read the abridged version and still thought it was repetitive. ​+  * [[wp>​Rich Dad, Poor Dad]] by [[wp>​Robert Kiyosaki]] - One of those cult self-help books, the first of a bunch I plan to read. The book was kinda interesting although some of his advice included "Join the marines, or a religious order" to learn discipline and signing up to these pyramid style schemes to learn marketing. Hmm.. I've read he is a repetitive writer, so I read the abridged version and still thought it was repetitive. ​
 ==== July ==== ==== July ====
   * [[wp>A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian]] by [[wp>​Marina Lewycka]] - This is the July 2006 Ottakars book group novel. Not sure what I thought of it. I think I liked it, it kept my attention either way.   * [[wp>A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian]] by [[wp>​Marina Lewycka]] - This is the July 2006 Ottakars book group novel. Not sure what I thought of it. I think I liked it, it kept my attention either way.
   * [[wp>The Man in the High Castle]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - I liked this, interesting novel.   * [[wp>The Man in the High Castle]] by [[wp>​Philip K Dick]] - I liked this, interesting novel.
-  * [[wp>The Witches of Chiswick]] by [[wp>​Robert Rankin]] - This was a present from my dad at Christmas. The idea was interesting,​ but the writing was awful. Tedious nonsense, it seemed like Rankin was trying for a surreal Douglas Adams feel but I didn\'t think he pulled it off at all. +  * [[wp>The Witches of Chiswick]] by [[wp>​Robert Rankin]] - This was a present from my dad at Christmas. The idea was interesting,​ but the writing was awful. Tedious nonsense, it seemed like Rankin was trying for a surreal Douglas Adams feel but I didn't think he pulled it off at all. 
 ==== June ==== ==== June ====
-  * [[wp>All Fun and Games Until Somebody Loses An Eye]] by [[wp>​Christopher Brookmyre]] - Emma bought me a signed copy of this last year because I love using the expression in the title. I hadn\'t got around to reading it yet, partly because I didn\'t really know what it was about. It is our bookgroup book this month. I loved it. I got to about page five and it reminded me of Jagged Alliance: female mercenary computer hacker, I thought ​\'cool\'. It\'s also based on some characters from Lanarkshire and Glasgow, so I liked some of the local references.  +  * [[wp>All Fun and Games Until Somebody Loses An Eye]] by [[wp>​Christopher Brookmyre]] - Emma bought me a signed copy of this last year because I love using the expression in the title. I hadn't got around to reading it yet, partly because I didn't really know what it was about. It is our bookgroup book this month. I loved it. I got to about page five and it reminded me of Jagged Alliance: female mercenary computer hacker, I thought '​cool'​. It's also based on some characters from Lanarkshire and Glasgow, so I liked some of the local references.  
-  * [[wp>The Lovely Bones]] by [[wp>​Alice Sebold]] - I think Vikki bought this as a present for me, she has read it already though. Looks interesting - it was mentioned in the foreword to one of my favourite books, The Time Traveller\'s Wife.  +  * [[wp>The Lovely Bones]] by [[wp>​Alice Sebold]] - I think Vikki bought this as a present for me, she has read it already though. Looks interesting - it was mentioned in the foreword to one of my favourite books, The Time Traveller'​s Wife.  
-  * [[wp>​First Meetings in the Enderverse]] by [[wp>​Scott Orson Card]] - Vikki bought this for my 24th birthday. I love the Ender series so it was interesting to read the original short story and hear a bit more about Ender\'s parents. I couldn\'t get to sleep one night so read the whole thing in one sitting.  +  * [[wp>​First Meetings in the Enderverse]] by [[wp>​Scott Orson Card]] - Vikki bought this for my 24th birthday. I love the Ender series so it was interesting to read the original short story and hear a bit more about Ender'​s parents. I couldn'​t get to sleep one night so read the whole thing in one sitting.  
-  * [[wp>The Da Vinci Code]] by [[wp>Dan Brown]] - Where do I start with this. It\'s been on my list for more than two years. I\'m surprised I hadn\'t got around to reading it yet. I enjoyed it, though I was expecting more contravesy after all I\'ve heard about it. I\'ll be checking up on all the \'facts\' soon. +  * [[wp>The Da Vinci Code]] by [[wp>Dan Brown]] - Where do I start with this. It's been on my list for more than two years. I'm surprised I hadn't got around to reading it yet. I enjoyed it, though I was expecting more contravesy after all I've heard about it. I'll be checking up on all the '​facts'​ soon. 
 ==== May ==== ==== May ====
   * [[wp>By His Bootstraps]] by [[wp>​Robert A Heinlein]]   * [[wp>By His Bootstraps]] by [[wp>​Robert A Heinlein]]
   * [[wp>The Algebraist]] by [[wp>​Iain M Banks]]   * [[wp>The Algebraist]] by [[wp>​Iain M Banks]]
   * [[wp>​Under The Skin]] by [[wp>​Michel Faber]] - This was our bookgroup book this month. I liked this book.   * [[wp>​Under The Skin]] by [[wp>​Michel Faber]] - This was our bookgroup book this month. I liked this book.
-  * [[wp>How to Walk in High Heels]] by [[wp>​Camilla Morton]] - Vikki has left this in the bathroom, so I\'m slowly reading it whenever I\'m in there, ahem. +  * [[wp>How to Walk in High Heels]] by [[wp>​Camilla Morton]] - Vikki has left this in the bathroom, so I'm slowly reading it whenever I'm in there, ahem. 
 ==== April ==== ==== April ====
   * [[wp>21 Ways to Build a High Profit Business]] by [[wp>​Brian Tracey]] - Just a random choice in my effort to read a host of business books, this is common sense babble ​   * [[wp>21 Ways to Build a High Profit Business]] by [[wp>​Brian Tracey]] - Just a random choice in my effort to read a host of business books, this is common sense babble ​
 ==== March ==== ==== March ====
-  * [[wp>​Player of Games]] by [[wp>​Iain M Banks]] - Good book, I think I\'ve liked everything I\'ve read of Banks\' so far, will try to read more+  * [[wp>​Player of Games]] by [[wp>​Iain M Banks]] - Good book, I think I've liked everything I've read of Banks' so far, will try to read more
 ==== February ==== ==== February ====
-  * [[wp>​Alien 3 Screenplay]] by [[wp>​William Gibson]] - Didn\'t know he had even written this first rejected first draft, it was ok, far better story than the actual Alien 3 at least. +  * [[wp>​Alien 3 Screenplay]] by [[wp>​William Gibson]] - Didn't know he had even written this first rejected first draft, it was ok, far better story than the actual Alien 3 at least. 
-  * [[wp>​Women]] by [[wp>​Charles Bukowski]] - My first Bukowski book.  Read this as part of the Ottakars book group. Really enjoyed it, I\'m trying to get hold of some of his other novels and his poetry.+  * [[wp>​Women]] by [[wp>​Charles Bukowski]] - My first Bukowski book.  Read this as part of the Ottakars book group. Really enjoyed it, I'm trying to get hold of some of his other novels and his poetry.
 ==== January ==== ==== January ====
   * [[wp>I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream]] by [[wp>​Harlan Ellison]]   * [[wp>I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream]] by [[wp>​Harlan Ellison]]
-  * [[wp>The Last Question]] by [[wp>Issac Asimov]] - Interesting short story, referenced in a slashdot article dealing with google and the singularity+  * [[wp>The Last Question]] by [[wp>Isaac Asimov]] - Interesting short story, referenced in a slashdot article dealing with google and the singularity
   * [[wp>How To Walk In High Heels]] by [[wp>​Camilla Morton]]   * [[wp>How To Walk In High Heels]] by [[wp>​Camilla Morton]]
-  * [[wp>​Lives of the Monster Dogs]] by [[wp>​Kirsten Bakis]] - Referenced in a novel I read recently, can\'t remember which. Sounds good. after: I ended up reading this as the first book in the Ottakar\'s book group I joined, I enjoyed it. +  * [[wp>​Lives of the Monster Dogs]] by [[wp>​Kirsten Bakis]] - Referenced in a novel I read recently, can't remember which. Sounds good. after: I ended up reading this as the first book in the Ottakar'​s book group I joined, I enjoyed it. 
 ===== 2005 ===== ===== 2005 =====
 ==== December ==== ==== December ====
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   * [[wp>​Basic Rights: Information for Young People in Scotland]] by [[wp>Bob Stead]]   * [[wp>​Basic Rights: Information for Young People in Scotland]] by [[wp>Bob Stead]]
   * [[wp>The Dilbert Future]] by [[wp>​Scott Adams]]   * [[wp>The Dilbert Future]] by [[wp>​Scott Adams]]
-  * [[wp>The Time Traveler]] by [[wp>​Audrey Niffenegger]] - A present from Vikki, never heard of it before, but just started the first two chapters, it seems like I\'ll enjoy it. after: One of the best books I\'ve ever read +  * [[wp>The Time Traveler]] by [[wp>​Audrey Niffenegger]] - A present from Vikki, never heard of it before, but just started the first two chapters, it seems like I'll enjoy it. after: One of the best books I've ever read 
 ==== October ==== ==== October ====
   * [[wp>​Through the Looking Glass]] by [[wp>​Lewis Carroll]]   * [[wp>​Through the Looking Glass]] by [[wp>​Lewis Carroll]]
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   * [[wp>Red Prophet]] by [[wp>​Scott Orson Card]]   * [[wp>Red Prophet]] by [[wp>​Scott Orson Card]]
   * [[wp>​Seventh Son]] by [[wp>​Scott Orson Card]] - Excellent book, looking forward to getting into this series, the main character is cool.   * [[wp>​Seventh Son]] by [[wp>​Scott Orson Card]] - Excellent book, looking forward to getting into this series, the main character is cool.
-  * [[wp>The Wasp Factory]] by [[wp>​Iain Banks]] - I enjoyed this book, very gothic, delightfully wicked, and nice twist. I\'m making a point to read more of Iain Banks. ​+  * [[wp>The Wasp Factory]] by [[wp>​Iain Banks]] - I enjoyed this book, very gothic, delightfully wicked, and nice twist. I'm making a point to read more of Iain Banks. ​
 ==== June ==== ==== June ====
   * [[wp>The Hitchhiker'​s Guide To The Galaxy]] by [[wp>​Douglas Adams]] - Bought this for Vikki to read before the movie comes out, thought I'd refresh my memory too   * [[wp>The Hitchhiker'​s Guide To The Galaxy]] by [[wp>​Douglas Adams]] - Bought this for Vikki to read before the movie comes out, thought I'd refresh my memory too
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   * [[wp>​Cyborg]] by [[wp>​Martin Caidin]] - This is the book on which The Six Million Dollar Man was based. Should be interesting. ​   * [[wp>​Cyborg]] by [[wp>​Martin Caidin]] - This is the book on which The Six Million Dollar Man was based. Should be interesting. ​
   * [[wp>​Super Toys Last All Summer Long]] by [[wp>​Brian Aldiss]]   * [[wp>​Super Toys Last All Summer Long]] by [[wp>​Brian Aldiss]]
-  * [[wp>​Robots and Empire]] by [[wp>Issac Asimov]] - Bought this in Nantwich after James\' wedding to read in the car on the way home. Battled through it a little, I find some of the dialogue frustrating. That is, unnecessarily aggresive and condescending.  +  * [[wp>​Robots and Empire]] by [[wp>Isaac Asimov]] - Bought this in Nantwich after James' wedding to read in the car on the way home. Battled through it a little, I find some of the dialogue frustrating. That is, unnecessarily aggresive and condescending.  
-  * [[wp>​I,​Robot]] by [[wp>Issac Asimov]] - Bought this in Nantwich after James\' wedding to read in the car on the way home. +  * [[wp>​I,​Robot]] by [[wp>Isaac Asimov]] - Bought this in Nantwich after James' wedding to read in the car on the way home. 
   * [[wp>​Linux Server Hacks]] by [[wp>Rob Flickenger]]   * [[wp>​Linux Server Hacks]] by [[wp>Rob Flickenger]]
 ==== May ==== ==== May ====
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 ==== August ==== ==== August ====
   * [[wp>​Tik-Tok]] by [[wp>​John Sladek]] - Apparently a parody of Asimov'​s 3 Laws.  Sounds fun.   * [[wp>​Tik-Tok]] by [[wp>​John Sladek]] - Apparently a parody of Asimov'​s 3 Laws.  Sounds fun.
-  * [[wp>​Second Foundation]] by [[wp>Issac Asimov]]+  * [[wp>​Second Foundation]] by [[wp>Isaac Asimov]]
   * [[wp>​Foundation]] by [[wp>​Issac Asimov]]   * [[wp>​Foundation]] by [[wp>​Issac Asimov]]
   * [[wp>​Foundation and Empire]] by [[wp>​Issac Asimov]]   * [[wp>​Foundation and Empire]] by [[wp>​Issac Asimov]]
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   * [[wp>Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance]] by [[wp>​Robert Pirsig]] - Excellent book, famous, has to be read.  There is a sequel which I'll have to get hold of.   * [[wp>Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance]] by [[wp>​Robert Pirsig]] - Excellent book, famous, has to be read.  There is a sequel which I'll have to get hold of.
   * [[wp>​Computer Crimes & Capers]] by [[wp>​Issac Asimov]] - Waste of time, most ideas are preposterous.   * [[wp>​Computer Crimes & Capers]] by [[wp>​Issac Asimov]] - Waste of time, most ideas are preposterous.
-  * [[wp>The Difference Engine]] by [[wp>multi multi]] - Was looking for a good cyberpunk book to escape into, this is set in the 19th century, good book, but not his usual metaverse stuff.+  * [[wp>The Difference Engine]] by [[wp>William Gibson]] and [[wp>​Bruce Sterling]] - Was looking for a good cyberpunk book to escape into, this is set in the 19th century, good book, but not his usual metaverse stuff.
 ==== June ==== ==== June ====
   * [[wp>Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus]] by [[wp>​John Gray]] - Popbook, had to be read.   * [[wp>Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus]] by [[wp>​John Gray]] - Popbook, had to be read.
read.txt · Last modified: 2023/11/08 11:14 by neil