What book are you reading?

[Zephro]

Well, I've been reading Ciaphas Cain, and while I did quite enjoy the first half of the novel, the gimmick of having a cowardly but accidentally competent Commissar begins to wear thin. The rationalization behind the things he does because of his self-serving nature begins to feel stupid as the novel progresses. Everything else about the novel is firmly mediocre, as if the writer expected that the lead character's unconventional nature would be enough to get the readers through the novels.

Try read Flashman which Cain is a poor rip off of (though which BL book isn't?). They work far better with the anti-hero as it's far better satire.

[squirrel]

Just finished The Fifth Witness by Mr. Michael Connelly. Turns out "the fifth witness" doesn't refer to witness no. 5, but to a witness who takes the Fifth Amendment Right. I learnt about the Fifth Amendment Right from an American drama, The Good Wife, the episode 1 of season 2. It is the right grant to the US citizen by the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution to refuse to, even being legally demanded to testify, comment on any issue that may risk incriminating himself. Interesting, I wonder if anyone outside the USA would know the meaning of "the fifth witness" only by looking at this title.

This is the 4th novel for the Lincoln Lawyer series, and the 2nd book in the series I've read. Great reading. Without risking for spoiler, I would say that the theme of this title is quite consistent with the 1st Lincoln Lawyer. The individuals who are tasked to maintain the judicial system are often corrupted, but the system itself is not. If you consider the bureaucrats to be incompetent and selfish jerks, they will surprise you when they turn the table to deliver the justice. No matter how many loop holes there are in the justice system, criminals will eventually be brought to justice.

[Theblazeuk]

I see. I only have the first omnibus and I really can't see myself getting to it at any point in the near future, let alone the rest of the series.

Well if you own it, you should give it a try. Probably surprise you - and plus what good is an unread book.

[Althea]

Well if you own it, you should give it a try. Probably surprise you - and plus what good is an unread book.

I will get to it, but it's in the lower half of my To-Read pile.

[LennyLeonardo]

Just finished The Hunger Games. Absolutely loved it. The writing style is fairly simple and is clearly aiming for the young adult audience, but you barely notice - the world is so comlex and involving, and it allows for a really fascinating critique of reality TV and what it's doing to us. But even if you're not into that, the whole Battle Royale on TV set-up is pure gold, and the characters are brilliant. Fivety squillion stars.

[Fumarole]

I've finally gotten around to Unseen Academicals. After that are I Shall Wear Midnight and two omnibuses from the W40K universe: Hammer of the Emperor and Enforcer. Those four should keep me occupied for quite a few weeks.

[westyfield]

Finished 1Q84 volume 1 and 2 the other day, gotta read 3 sometime.
Now reading Century Rain by Alastair Reynolds.
Seriously, look at this cover. LOOK AT IT. Damn that's a good-looking book.

[Dougal Mcfrugal]

Jockie - Surface Detail by Iain M Banks has a great deal about artifical afterlife(s). It's set within The Culture universe if you've read any of those,

[timeric]

I have just started the book Hunger games.

[LennyLeonardo]

I have just started the book Hunger games.

You're in for a treat my friend.

[Althea]

You're in for a treat my friend.

He's a bot/spammer.

[NathanH]

I just finished "1492: The Year Our World Began", which is an overview of the world in the 100 years or so up to that date. It was pretty good, although I didn't like the structure too much and occasionally got confused.

I have just started "Liberty's Exiles", which chronicles the experiences of Americans loyal to the British who had to leave after the War of Independence.

[LennyLeonardo]

He's a bot/spammer.

Really? How can you tell? I'm new to this forum lark.

[Althea]

Really? How can you tell? I'm new to this forum lark.

I looked at his profile.

[westyfield]

He's a bot/spammer.

It's weird though, he doesn't seem to be advertising anything. Perhaps it's some new spambot that tries to build up a reputation first, so it doesn't have the telltale 'first post recommendation' that we see so often.

[Althea]

It's weird though, he doesn't seem to be advertising anything. Perhaps it's some new spambot that tries to build up a reputation first, so it doesn't have the telltale 'first post recommendation' that we see so often.

Check his profile, you should see a signature field there.

Looks like he was a dumbass and unticked "Show your signature"

[squareking]

darix is the same, it appears.

I have a short stack of books either coming in or needing finishing.

Incoming -- my first foray into WH40k lit:

Eisenhorn omnibus
Ravenor omnibus

Queue:

An Essay on Typography
Red Mars

[Serenegoose]

He's a bot/spammer.

Wait.

Aren't you?

Perhaps this implication might put you in the mood to buy some cheap genuine italian bags ????

[Althea]

Wait.

Aren't you?

Perhaps this implication might put you in the mood to buy some cheap genuine italian bags ????

Uh, no. I'm a backpack kind of gal.

[Fumarole]

Incoming -- my first foray into WH40k lit:

Eisenhorn omnibus
Ravenor omnibus

Quite a good pick for a first time W40k list.