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Book Shelf

A place to exchange suggestions of good reads.

Network Leader: Jessica Bahr

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Andries Vienne Just finished reading 'Making History' by Stphen Fry for the fifth time, and still amazed and at times surprised with the skillful fashion in which he draws you in, schocks you and throwns you out ...MoreJust finished reading 'Making History' by Stphen Fry for the fifth time, and still amazed and at times surprised with the skillful fashion in which he draws you in, schocks you and throwns you out of the book, never to be quite the same as you were.

1 day ago from Book Shelf

Kirk Kittell I'm reading _A Short History of Nearly Everything_ by Bill Bryson, a non-scientist's wander through all kinds of science. I like it so far. I'm an engineer by training, so it's a bit humbling to ...MoreI'm reading _A Short History of Nearly Everything_ by Bill Bryson, a non-scientist's wander through all kinds of science. I like it so far. I'm an engineer by training, so it's a bit humbling to concede that Bryson knows more technical trivia and history than I do.

Last week, after a recommendation from a friend, I read Bryson's _A Walk in the Woods_, a story about his (partial) hike of the Appalachian Trail. Funniest book I've ever read -- highly recommended.

6 days ago from Book Shelf

Kaite Welsh: Oh, I'd like to read that! I've just started working for a science charity, and I have an arts background so it might be really useful to read it.
4 days ago

Nicholas Cloud Finished Paul Graham's book "Hackers and Painters", now on to "Speaker for the Dead" by Orson Scott Card. I've decided to alternate between fiction and nonfiction to keep myself balanced.

1 week ago from Book Shelf

Jeffrey Hulten recommended this

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Nicholas Cloud: @Cameron, "Hackers and Painters" is a collection of some of his earlier essays. It's subtitled "Great Ideas from the Computer Age", and it's ...More@Cameron, "Hackers and Painters" is a collection of some of his earlier essays. It's subtitled "Great Ideas from the Computer Age", and it's really just him exploring the idea that software development is more like creative disciplines (like painting) than engineering disciplines. All of the essays are great, but the one that probably got me thinking most was "Taste for Makers" (http://www.paulgraham.com/taste.html), in which he examines what constitutes good design from a more philosophical standpoint. I love his writing; I highly recommend the book.
1 week ago

Richard Weiner: I've read most of the Ender books and highly recommend them. Speak is definitely very different as Ender is an adult in this book (even though he ...MoreI've read most of the Ender books and highly recommend them. Speak is definitely very different as Ender is an adult in this book (even though he thought like an adult in the first one) I would make sure to read them in order "Ender's Game", "Speaker for the Dead", "Xenocide", "Children of the Mind". Card also released "Ender In Exile recently which I've been told takes place between books 1 and 2 and then you have the shadow books which focus on other characters. Hope you enjoy them
1 week ago

Limari Colón Hi guys! I'm super excited and wanted to share with you: http://www.limaricolon.com/

1 week ago from Book Shelf

Niki Nachappa C G Just finished "The Reluctant Fundamentalist". I found read interesting but the monologue a little taxing. That apart the end was rather abrupt. Content wise i do understand and appreciate the ...MoreJust finished "The Reluctant Fundamentalist". I found read interesting but the monologue a little taxing. That apart the end was rather abrupt. Content wise i do understand and appreciate the author's insight into such radical transformations of personality. I'm happy i read the book :)

9 weeks ago from Book Shelf

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N: Did you read his first novel 'Moth Smoke'? I much prefer it. I think it was startingly good for a first novel.
1 week ago

Mehnaz Thawer: oh no, i' haven't! perhaps I should add it to the ever-growing list...
1 week ago

Sal Pellettieri Please check out my review of 'Speak like Churchill, Stand like Lincoln' at: www.entertheblog.com

1 week ago from Book Shelf

Jason Drohn Don't know if it's already been mentioned, but "Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior" was a great book.

6 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Lori Fagerholm: Ever check out "Stumbling on Happiness" by Daniel Gilbert? Another cool book on why we do what we do.
4 weeks ago

Clare Joyce: There are a lot of interesting books about human irrationality, particularly from the Behavioral Economics perspective. I'd recommend The ...MoreThere are a lot of interesting books about human irrationality, particularly from the Behavioral Economics perspective. I'd recommend The Irrational Economist or Dan Ariely's Predictably Irrational.
2 weeks ago

Emily Moore Hey folks! How many of you are book reviewers? I review for a couple of small publishers but am looking to get more involved with larger publications.

5 weeks ago from Book Shelf

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Lori Fagerholm: Mostly I worked putting together part of the catalog. I sized and optimized images of the books' covers, wrote the blurbs describing the books, ...MoreMostly I worked putting together part of the catalog. I sized and optimized images of the books' covers, wrote the blurbs describing the books, and helped choose the books to feature on the website. For a lit nerd, it was heaven!
3 weeks ago

Emily Moore: That's awesome! How did you get plugged in with the publishing house? I'd love to ask you a couple more questions for a blog post I want to write ...MoreThat's awesome! How did you get plugged in with the publishing house? I'd love to ask you a couple more questions for a blog post I want to write - please feel free to send me a PM!
3 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer I know this wouldn't work with fiction, but do you read only certain parts of nonfiction book. For examples maybe you only read the chapters that are most interesting to you, or you skip other ...MoreI know this wouldn't work with fiction, but do you read only certain parts of nonfiction book. For examples maybe you only read the chapters that are most interesting to you, or you skip other things to save time.

What's your take on this strategy to save time? Is the benefit you gain of saving time worth missing something important?

4 weeks ago from Book Shelf

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Sarah Matz: I think it's totally worth it. If the parts you read are worthwhile enough to make you Want to read further, you should do so. But we've got so ...MoreI think it's totally worth it. If the parts you read are worthwhile enough to make you Want to read further, you should do so. But we've got so much information at our fingertips I think it's wise to budget the time and keep yourself from unnecessary information overload!
3 weeks ago

Jason H. Parker: Cam, with the NF books I'll read, I always go into it expecting to glean some particular information. With this goal in mind, I'll skim ...MoreCam, with the NF books I'll read, I always go into it expecting to glean some particular information. With this goal in mind, I'll skim thematically, using the index and/or table of contents first to focus on the most relevant sections. I usually always read the introduction or the "why this is a book and I wrote it" section prior to anything else.
3 weeks ago

Limari Colón Good morning guys :) Do any of you know about any job offers in NYC related to the Publishing Industry? I don't care if it's delivering mail, I just want to start! Thanks ;)

4 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Nadia: Unfortunately I don't know of any available positions in Publishing but I'd recommend checking out which publishing company you would like to work ...MoreUnfortunately I don't know of any available positions in Publishing but I'd recommend checking out which publishing company you would like to work for and see if they have any openings. You can also see if any temp agencies have available temp positions in publishing. That's how I gained my experience in publishing and have the job I have today.
4 weeks ago

Limari Colón: Thank you for the awesome suggestion ;)
3 weeks ago

Sarah Matz I'm currently reading Out of Africa (memoir by Isak Dinesen) and let me tell you it's amazing - particularly if you're at all familiar with East Africa or want to be. Yes, the movie had a hand in ...MoreI'm currently reading Out of Africa (memoir by Isak Dinesen) and let me tell you it's amazing - particularly if you're at all familiar with East Africa or want to be. Yes, the movie had a hand in making me want to read it, but no, the book is so very different from the movie - I know you were wondering. Anyone else out there read it? Thoughts?

3 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Jay Hepner Today--well, yesterday by now, unless you're in the Aleutians--is the 125th Anniversary of the publication of Huckleberry Finn in 1885.

Allow me to offer this humble blog post to ...MoreToday--well, yesterday by now, unless you're in the Aleutians--is the 125th Anniversary of the publication of Huckleberry Finn in 1885.

Allow me to offer this humble blog post to explain just what's so great about The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: http://pragmaticalternative.blogspot.com/2010/02/happy-birthday-huck-fin...

4 weeks ago from Book Shelf

LESLIE i just finished reading No Such Creature by Giles Blunt. Quick read. I have been waiting over a month for Breaking Lorca, same author. Has anyone read this book? Would love to know your thoughts.

4 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Rebekah Wortman I am reading the third book in the Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. Highly highly recommended for any fantasy lovers!

4 weeks ago from Book Shelf

JR Moreau Not to be accusatory... but I know we've got some members of Brazen Careerist who are utterly incapacitated by their literary nerdiness... that being said...

Has ANYONE heard of the ...MoreNot to be accusatory... but I know we've got some members of Brazen Careerist who are utterly incapacitated by their literary nerdiness... that being said...

Has ANYONE heard of the discontinued literary magazine Zembla? +10 points to you if you have and +100 points to you if you know where I can guy back-dated copies... maybe even a finder's commission!

5 weeks ago from Book Shelf

JR Moreau recommended this

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Lori Fagerholm: That's a proper English major, choosing the more dynamic word! Pay attention, people. Word choice is important, dammit. Grumble mumble, insert ...MoreThat's a proper English major, choosing the more dynamic word! Pay attention, people. Word choice is important, dammit. Grumble mumble, insert jaded English lit snob comment here.
4 weeks ago

Jay Hepner: Diction and syntax rule! Mutually appreciated, Lori.
4 weeks ago

Marci Farris "59 Seconds" - exposes self-help myths and gives advice that really works. More"59 Seconds" - exposes self-help myths and gives advice that really works. http://59seconds.wordpress.com/

4 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Lisa Eldred Don't know how many of you are American Lit geeks, but if you are one, I found this article fascinating:
MoreDon't know how many of you are American Lit geeks, but if you are one, I found this article fascinating:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/11/books/11faulkner.html?pagewanted=1&em

5 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Summer Page: I was just reading about this today! crazy!
5 weeks ago

Sarah Matz: Oooh I'm looking forward to reading this one...thanks for sharing Lisa!
5 weeks ago

Mojgan Fay Any Canadians here participating in Canada Reads?

I finally made some bacon ice cream and it was surprisingly inspired by the Jade Peony by Weston Choy: MoreAny Canadians here participating in Canada Reads?

I finally made some bacon ice cream and it was surprisingly inspired by the Jade Peony by Weston Choy: http://www.somethinglemon.com/?p=300.

5 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Lori Fagerholm Wow! This looks fascinating:
MoreWow! This looks fascinating:
http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/

Also, probably the best book I read last year:
http://bit.ly/daHa7d

6 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Jay Hepner: Yes, absolutely on HeLa by RebeccaSkloot. Great review by Dwight Garner of NYT here: MoreYes, absolutely on HeLa by RebeccaSkloot. Great review by Dwight Garner of NYT here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/books/03book.html?ref=books. Totally sold me on book, whereas other reviews hadn't. Can't remember a better review. Doubly interesting, as Garner frames his review in context of best review he's ever read.

Thanks for the tip on McWhorter, too. As a card carrying etymologist/linguist/philologist I'm sure I'll enjoy.
5 weeks ago

Gretchen I don't think anyone here commented about J.D. Salinger's recent passing. Come on, we aren't too young to have appreciated his genius writing, right?! I'm a huge Holden Caulfield fan myself! MoreI don't think anyone here commented about J.D. Salinger's recent passing. Come on, we aren't too young to have appreciated his genius writing, right?! I'm a huge Holden Caulfield fan myself! http://dontforgetlove.blogspot.com/2010/02/holden-caulfield-is-my-ideal-...

6 weeks ago from Book Shelf

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Gretchen: In case you are at all interested in the life Salinger lived in Cornish: MoreIn case you are at all interested in the life Salinger lived in Cornish: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/01/us/01salinger.html?scp=5&sq=Salinger&s...

Yeah, I hope what he left behind does get published, and I hope it includes more hating on the phonies of the world!
6 weeks ago

Jay Hepner: I love goddam Catcher in the Rye, but I love fuckin' Huckleberry Finn better.
5 weeks ago

Tim Ferro My 2010 Reading List MoreMy 2010 Reading List http://www.timferro.com/wordpress/archives/180 - Thoughts?

6 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Daniel Wood: A buddy of mine (Josh Kupetz) is one of the editors/contributors of On The Road, The Original Scroll. Great stuff if you're a Kerouac fan.
6 weeks ago

Limari Colón Hi! (That was all I planned).

6 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Matthew Tiffany Hello - just wanted to drop a note to introduce myself. I'm an active reader and book reviewer. Looking forward to learning from all of you!

6 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Sami Paju I've been way too inactive here, and this is long overdue, but here's the list of 10 best books I read in 2009: MoreI've been way too inactive here, and this is long overdue, but here's the list of 10 best books I read in 2009: http://bit.ly/5PcDiv

And the books are: The Vegetarian Myth, The 4-Hour Workweek, Influence: The psychology of persuasion, Mistakes were made (but not by me), The Game, The E-Myth Revisited, Lila, Less Is More, Tricks of the Mind, The Seven-Day Weekend.

More info about each on the link above. Cheerios! :-)

6 weeks ago from Book Shelf

stanweddle: Great list! The Vegetarian Myth and Lila are on my waiting list. The 4 Hour Workweek and The E-Myth Revisited are favorites of mine. Thanks for ...MoreGreat list! The Vegetarian Myth and Lila are on my waiting list. The 4 Hour Workweek and The E-Myth Revisited are favorites of mine. Thanks for your list.
6 weeks ago

Candice Reed Have any of you read the incredible book, 'The Financial Live of The Poets ' by Jess Walter? So effing good that as an author I was green with envy!. Reading another incredible novel that I had ...MoreHave any of you read the incredible book, 'The Financial Live of The Poets ' by Jess Walter? So effing good that as an author I was green with envy!. Reading another incredible novel that I had not heard of 'The Hungry Season' by T Greenwood- so, so good! Anyway, those are my favorites right now in fiction. As for non-fiction, well, Thank You for Firing Me! By, well., me. It comes out in 30 days!!!! thankyoufirfiringme.org

6 weeks ago from Book Shelf