[Arkam]

This was a fun read. And despite being published in 2018, it's still incredibly relevant. All in all another red pill book that will never be read by the people who need to.

There were tidbits from the past that I had forgotten about. Like that Google Engineer who was fired for sharing their opinion on gender distribution. And how Google had to fire him to protect the freedom of thought at Google.

 

[Ferdinand the Cowfish]

I was lucky enough to score an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of this book and am about halfway done with it.


I'm really not sure what to say. It's like Abercrombie watched Suicide Squad and decided to write a book.

The book really is just Suicide Squad if it took place in an alternative version Earth's middle ages where magic, elves, vampires, werewolves, etc... were real and Jesus was female and killed on a circle instead of a cross.

It's cliche and tropey as hell.

We've got the street urchin/thief turned princess.
The old soldier who can't die who is gruff but really does care about everyone.
The selfish priest
Elves are supposed to be bloodthirsty savages who eat humans but "our" elf can turn invisible and is nice and is always secretly doing nice things for everyone
and the werewolf who is pretty much just Harley Quinn with a sex drive turned up to 1000.

Oh, I forgot. We've also got a 10-year-old Pope who just happens to be the strongest magic user in the world.

The book started out strong but then dove straight into cliches and tropes.

Not sure I'm going to finish this one.

 

[Calcium]

I'm really not sure what to say. It's like Abercrombie watched Suicide Squad and decided to write a book.

The book really is just Suicide Squad if it took place in an alternative version Earth's middle ages where magic, elves, vampires, werewolves, etc... were real and Jesus was female and killed on a circle instead of a cross.

It's cliche and tropey as hell.

We've got the street urchin/thief turned princess.
The old soldier who can't die who is gruff but really does care about everyone.
The selfish priest
Elves are supposed to be bloodthirsty savages who eat humans but "our" elf can turn invisible and is nice and is always secretly doing nice things for everyone
and the werewolf who is pretty much just Harley Quinn with a sex drive turned up to 1000.

Oh, I forgot. We've also got a 10-year-old Pope who just happens to be the strongest magic user in the world.

The book started out strong but then dove straight into cliches and tropes.

Not sure I'm going to finish this one.

 

[Arkam]

Sekret Machines: War: Sekret Machines Gods, Man, and War Volume 3 by Tom Delong and Peter Lavenda

Ok, so I have now read the two Sekret Machine fiction novels and all three Non-fiction books and I can tell you one thing with certainty.....Tom Delong knows fuck all about 'the truth'. Hey may (or may not) have known about the DoD UAP videos before they were public... but thats it....at most.

So if you are looking for Alien/UFO books I think you should just read the First fiction book Chasing Shadows as it was a fun story and creates the most plausible scenario. The second fiction one gets...weird. On the non-fiction front, skip the first two and just read the third. War has a very good overview of 20th century events and people associated with UFO and the paranormal. Many were new to me, but all publicly known. It also shows a lot of 'odd' connections between early rocket science, the occult, NAZIs and.... the JFK assassination. While it does not prove anything, it REALLY makes you think about crazy possibilities and debases many official narratives.

Delong does let his political ideas bleed into a few chapters and made me want to slap him, but luckily it was only a few times. But where I was really getting annoyed is the constant flip/flopping on what is unknown, unknowable and impossible. Comes off very gatekeeper in some areas. And hugely ironic since he goes on a rant about the UFO community doing this to each other and that it is wrong

 

[prag16]

Stephen King is a fucktard but lots of great stuff especially earlier stuff. I've been rereading the Dark Tower series lately. On book three of eight. Last read this over 20 years ago. Good stuff.

 

[O-N-E]

Stephen King is a fucktard but lots of great stuff especially earlier stuff. I've been rereading the Dark Tower series lately. On book three of eight. Last read this over 20 years ago. Good stuff.

Never read Stephen King and definitely won't now.

I heard Swan Song by Robert McCammon is a better version of The Stand so I have that on the to-read list.

 

[Grinchy]

Stephen King is a fucktard but lots of great stuff especially earlier stuff. I've been rereading the Dark Tower series lately. On book three of eight. Last read this over 20 years ago. Good stuff.

The dark tower series made me hate books, authors, paper, and the invention of words.

I wouldn't wish that series on my worst enemy.

 

[Arkam]

Never read Stephen King and definitely won't now.

I heard Swan Song by Robert McCammon is a better version of The Stand so I have that on the to-read list.

Yea he is a twat assed piece of shit.... but he has penned a few solid (albeit bloated) books. I enjoyed IT enough to read it three times. The Stand was pretty fun too, but I can easily a similar story being written MUCH better. King is the master of turning what should be a short sentence into two pages of text.

 

[prag16]

Yea he is a twat assed piece of shit.... but he has penned a few solid (albeit bloated) books. I enjoyed IT enough to read it three times. The Stand was pretty fun too, but I can easily a similar story being written MUCH better. King is the master of turning what should be a short sentence into two pages of text.

The Dark Tower is bloated for sure. Incredible world building though.

 

[XOR]

Started reading this recently.

 

[Arkam]

Vagabond (manga series)

Finally finished this one off. It was great....... but god damn did they leave you wanting. So many bad ass duels only to spend forever on a farm and never give us the ultimate duel. Fuck!!!!!

Well despite the cockblocking, it was a really strong series. Excellent "the next opponent" format that carries most of the series. Battles are intense and give Musashi depth as he evolves and learns. Of course all the battles were turned up to 11 for both dramatic effect and violence. Recommended for any Manga fan or fan of Musashi. But if you just want a story about his life, probably just watch the Samurai trilogy directed by Hiroshi Ingaki.

 

[Spiders]

I'm listening to (don't @ me) Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier...

This is like a conspiracy/thriller/murder mystery level I CANNOT BELIEVE is real. Just about halfway through... just so much shit I didn't realize how psychology has become piss in the pool we don't even realize we're swimming in.

Didn't even realized we all lived (maybe are living) through a kind of Salem Witch Trial of "repressed memories" and the whole thing if you look into where it came from and the "experiment" the guy did to prove "trauma is stored in the body" is complete fucking voodoo. Scratch that... I think voodoo is more legit.

Vagabond (manga series)

Finally finished this one off. It was great....... but god damn did they leave you wanting. So many bad ass duels only to spend forever on a farm and never give us the ultimate duel. Fuck!!!!!

Well despite the cockblocking, it was a really strong series. Excellent "the next opponent" format that carries most of the series. Battles are intense and give Musashi depth as he evolves and learns. Of course all the battles were turned up to 11 for both dramatic effect and violence. Recommended for any Manga fan or fan of Musashi. But if you just want a story about his life, probably just watch the Samurai trilogy directed by Hiroshi Ingaki.

We be postin' manga up in here? You opened up a door bro

 

[prag16]

I'm listening to (don't @ me) Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier...

This is like a conspiracy/thriller/murder mystery level I CANNOT BELIEVE is real. Just about halfway through... just so much shit I didn't realize how psychology has become piss in the pool we don't even realize we're swimming in.

Didn't even realized we all lived (maybe are living) through a kind of Salem Witch Trial of "repressed memories" and the whole thing if you look into where it came from and the "experiment" the guy did to prove "trauma is stored in the body" is complete fucking voodoo. Scratch that... I think voodoo is more legit.

We be postin' manga up in here? You opened up a door bro

Oh for fuck's sake. Manga doesn't count as reading any more than my 9 year old's Captain Underpants "graphic novels" do.

You are sick sick men. Get help.

 

[Amorous Biscuit]

Oh for fuck's sake. Manga doesn't count as reading any more than my 9 year old's Captain Underpants "graphic novels" do.

You are sick sick men. Get help.

Manga's dope brother.

 

[Arkam]

Hiroshima by John Hersey

I cannot remember where or when I got this little book. But its been on my bookshelf for at least 10 years. Its a small unassuming hardcover, but it packs a punch.

Basically the book is is about six people who survived the a-bomb in Hiroshima. You get a glimpse of their lives before, the experience of the bombing (and horrible aftermath) and then in this edition how their lives played out. The pace is brisk and though Hersey goes into details, he never meanders. Powerful read that impresses the horrors of war and the resilience of mankind.

 

[The Bloody Nine]

The Bone Ships, by RJ Barker. It's not porn.

Then I'll start The Shadow of the Gods. The Faithful and the Fallen ruled.

 

[teezzy]

Just got this in yesterday. Hope to learn a thing or three

 

[Arkam]

The Godfather by Mario Puzo

Had been thinking about reading this one for a few years now, and took the plunge on my Christmas vacation. Damn was it great. While I didnt care for the gratuity of the sex talk (like reading about Sonny's giant dick or the Bride's maids loose pussy), and much of it was truly superfluous. But some of it did actually matter to the smaller details of the story.

I am going to say what has to be said.... it makes the film seem like a cheap speedrun of the story. No I am not saying the film is bad in any way, its actually great IMO. But Coppola went for flair over substance and it was weaker for it. Sure you cannot have all that exposition, but some of the changes completely alter the story. I wont spoil any thing, but some of the most iconic scenes either do not happen in the book, or are wildly different.

A lot of the characters either got shafted or omitted in the film too. Johnny Fontaine's 'side story' never got told and I am confident he was only even in the film for the Horse Head scene. And his buddy Nino isnt included at all. Luca Brasi also gets shafted hard. The film makes you think he was just a big dumb lug....instead of the true monster he was. Which might be for the best since he was one fucked up guy. Rocco gets a few seconds on screen only. And while Al Neri is featured in the film prominently, they never say his name or who he is. He just don's the Police Uniform and kills' Barzini.

Overall, HIGHLY recommended! Great read the whole way through.

 

[Kvally]

 

[skeem]

I haven't finished but I am a good way through. Horror themed. Plus points for the atmosphere and old school horror. But also has some contemporary ideas that are well executed. It is 6 novellas in total. I've been enjoying it so thought I would share.

 

[El Rey]

Finishing Campbell now, moving into Animals as a pallet cleanser, then going into Bhagavad Gita.

 

[The Bloody Nine]

Blood Meridian. Did someone charge this asshole for full stops?

 

[Arkam]

I picked up a collection of Philip K Dick short stories....and dammed if they all were not excellent. The collection was framed as "Minority Report and other works" and since I enjoyed the premise of the film Minority Report, I figured why not check out the source material.

And like clockwork, the source material destroys the motion picture adaptation. Dick's work is concise and to the point while still maintaining the scale of an elaborate (and complex) plot. And the story actually made sense. Then, rewatching the film it felt bloated and while at the same time sanitized. Every aspect of the story has been taken, embellished 10 fold and simplified. I am actually of the faith that Steven Spielberg is awful at film adaptations and got away with the awe of the illiterate and unmotivated who want to be spoon fed sizzle without regard for substance. I guess I have to read Jaws to possibly put the final nail that coffin.

Also I didnt realize that Total Recall was based off a Dick story. In this case the film adaptation was an improvement in many ways. "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" is fun, but it only dips its toe into the idea and never gives you any trip to Mars (memory or reality). It just introduces the idea of Recall and then the idea that the protagonist might have done the things they wanted to Recall. The film however does give you the meat of his 'memory' and its a fun time honestly.

This collection was only 7 or 8 stories, and I know Dick wrote dozens....so ill probably see if I can find another collection of mostly different works.

 

[BlackDow]

Audiobook of Darth Plageius
It's a bit heavy on politics and scenes in reference to the senate scene from the prequels. But it also has some crazy assassination scenes

After that I'm going to get back into the first law series.

 

[DonDonDonPata]

I picked up a collection of Philip K Dick short stories....and dammed if they all were not excellent. The collection was framed as "Minority Report and other works" and since I enjoyed the premise of the film Minority Report, I figured why not check out the source material.

And like clockwork, the source material destroys the motion picture adaptation. Dick's work is concise and to the point while still maintaining the scale of an elaborate (and complex) plot. And the story actually made sense. Then, rewatching the film it felt bloated and while at the same time sanitized. Every aspect of the story has been taken, embellished 10 fold and simplified. I am actually of the faith that Steven Spielberg is awful at film adaptations and got away with the awe of the illiterate and unmotivated who want to be spoon fed sizzle without regard for substance. I guess I have to read Jaws to possibly put the final nail that coffin.

Also I didnt realize that Total Recall was based off a Dick story. In this case the film adaptation was an improvement in many ways. "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" is fun, but it only dips its toe into the idea and never gives you any trip to Mars (memory or reality). It just introduces the idea of Recall and then the idea that the protagonist might have done the things they wanted to Recall. The film however does give you the meat of his 'memory' and its a fun time honestly.

This collection was only 7 or 8 stories, and I know Dick wrote dozens....so ill probably see if I can find another collection of mostly different works.

PKD is a lot of fun. He has the campiness of old sc-fi magazine shorts, but also some really heady ideas to go along.

 

[Zeta Dragoon]

Was starting Stormlight Archives book 4 Rhythm of War, but started seeing way more references to different parts of the cosmology I had no context for when for the most part it had been *mostly* self contained.

Also a far more noticeable and disturbing shift in ideology, with outright bashing of males.

 

[O-N-E]

Audiobook of Darth Plageius
It's a bit heavy on politics and scenes in reference to the senate scene from the prequels. But it also has some crazy assassination scenes

After that I'm going to get back into the first law series.

With a username like that, I'd have thought you'd be caught up by now.

 

[O-N-E]

Was starting Stormlight Archives book 4 Rhythm of War, but started seeing way more references to different parts of the cosmology I had no context for when for the most part it had been *mostly* self contained.

Also a far more noticeable and disturbing shift in ideology, with outright bashing of males.

I'm reading 5 atm.

There's a lot more problems than the sudden insertion of LBGTQ shit. Modern language, not enough repeated info edited out, etc. I'm 60% of the way through and I could've read two decent sized books by now.

I'm sticking with it because this is a fantasy epic I've committed to (Most of the cosmere works, lol), so I want to see all the reveals and how this arc concludes. I'll also likely read the future Emberdark book since I'm interested in that world, but that could possibly be it, unless Brandon gets a hold of himself. Probably won't unless he sees an actual dip in sales.

 

[BlackDow]

With a username like that, I'd have thought you'd be caught up by now.

Gotta let my audible credits accumulate enough to get a first law book every month. That and other books caught my eye. I think I have one more left. Then the devils to get

 

[Zeta Dragoon]

I'm reading 5 atm.

There's a lot more problems than the sudden insertion of LBGTQ shit. Modern language, not enough repeated info edited out, etc. I'm 60% of the way through and I could've read two decent sized books by now.

I'm sticking with it because this is a fantasy epic I've committed to (Most of the cosmere works, lol), so I want to see all the reveals and how this arc concludes. I'll also likely read the future Emberdark book since I'm interested in that world, but that could possibly be it, unless Brandon gets a hold of himself. Probably won't unless he sees an actual dip in sales.

DEI is a cancer. Stormlight Archive was one of my favorite fantasy series. I am absolutely gutted if that's the future of the series. Won't be reading any of his books if that's the psychotic shit he wants to smear into his work instead of prioritizing really good writing.

Dresden Files is another, though that's more a gigantic slog/paces and absolute shit plot developments.

 

[Kadayi]

Heads up on this if you have a kindle: -

 

[Dacon]

Been reading Princess of Mars and quite a few web novels.

The Dark Tower is bloated for sure. Incredible world building though.

It's such a shame what becomes of the series later on, especially with King feeling the need to slip more of his pedo shit in there.

 

[prag16]

It's such a shame what becomes of the series later on, especially with King feeling the need to slip more of his pedo shit in there.

Yeah, for me #3 is probably the pinnacle of the series, and the lead into #4 is good, but then they have that bloated several hundred page flashback sequence, and it kind of never really gets fully back on track after that, for various reasons.

 

[Rock And Roll]

Been reading Think And Grow Rich. Not because I'm trying to make millions, purely because it's a famous book that I thought I should check out. It's really enjoyable, it's more of a philosophy/self help book than anything.

I've also been reading a lot of stuff in Spanish to help me practice. Currently on La Perla (The Pearl) by Steinbeck. I choose novels I have already read so that way I have an idea what's going on and I can follow along easy. Or I read kids/teen books since the words are easier. Probably going to go read another Escalofríos (Goosebumps) after I finish up with La Perla, which should be in about a week or so.

 

[The Bloody Nine]

A heads up.

Amazon is removing the feature that allows Kindle users to download purchased books to a computer and transfer them to a Kindle via USB. This change will take effect on February 26, 2025.234 After this date, users will only be able to download books from the Kindle store to their e-reader over Wi-Fi.3

• Impact on Users: This change will affect users who rely on the USB transfer method for backing up ebooks or transferring them without a Wi-Fi connection. It also means that users will no longer be able to download ebooks to a computer and then move them to a Kindle manually.234
• Reasons for the Change: Amazon is likely making this change to combat ebook piracy, as the USB transfer method could be used to crack DRM protection and distribute ebooks widely.24
• Alternatives: Users can still send Kindle books to their devices over Wi-Fi or use software like Calibre to transfer files to their Kindle.

 

[Arkam]

A heads up.

Amazon is removing the feature that allows Kindle users to download purchased books to a computer and transfer them to a Kindle via USB. This change will take effect on February 26, 2025.234 After this date, users will only be able to download books from the Kindle store to their e-reader over Wi-Fi.3

• Impact on Users: This change will affect users who rely on the USB transfer method for backing up ebooks or transferring them without a Wi-Fi connection. It also means that users will no longer be able to download ebooks to a computer and then move them to a Kindle manually.234
• Reasons for the Change: Amazon is likely making this change to combat ebook piracy, as the USB transfer method could be used to crack DRM protection and distribute ebooks widely.24
• Alternatives: Users can still send Kindle books to their devices over Wi-Fi or use software like Calibre to transfer files to their Kindle.

Shit like this never stops the bad actors. It just inconveniences paying customers. This is ONE of the reasons I dont buy digital books, Comics, MANGA (or even films/Shows). I want to OWN the content I pay money for and be able to do with it what I please.

Cannot wait to read about people getting locked out of their Kindle content when Amazon drops support for a device and they are forced to Upgrade HW.

 

[Spiders]

A heads up.

Amazon is removing the feature that allows Kindle users to download purchased books to a computer and transfer them to a Kindle via USB. This change will take effect on February 26, 2025.234 After this date, users will only be able to download books from the Kindle store to their e-reader over Wi-Fi.3

• Impact on Users: This change will affect users who rely on the USB transfer method for backing up ebooks or transferring them without a Wi-Fi connection. It also means that users will no longer be able to download ebooks to a computer and then move them to a Kindle manually.234
• Reasons for the Change: Amazon is likely making this change to combat ebook piracy, as the USB transfer method could be used to crack DRM protection and distribute ebooks widely.24
• Alternatives: Users can still send Kindle books to their devices over Wi-Fi or use software like Calibre to transfer files to their Kindle.

Lame. Haven't used it in years but managing ebooks through Calibre was my main use. Anyone know you still email pdfs to your kindle??

 

[Rock And Roll]

I have an old Kindle (2011) which I still use to this day and love it. But yeah, I'd never buy another one. A couple years ago they ended being able to access the store on the kindle device, so I can only download books off my desktop now to send them to my device. If mine ever bites the dust, I'll just go back to buying books or frequenting the library

 

[Kadayi]

Lame. Haven't used it in years but managing ebooks through Calibre was my main use. Anyone know you still email pdfs to your kindle??

I believe it still works Spiders

 

[Optimus]

I'm really not much into reading books, but I just concluded The Energy Cure by William Bengston, Ph.D.

It was a really interesting read. Or listen, in my case.

I haven't read the double blind studies. I've confirmed they did happen, and the papers are published. Taking Dr. Bengston at his word, you would then obviously have to entertain that there is something more that exists and is happening with regards to our bodies and our ability for healing. You might even extend it out further beyond just the human body's ability to heal. Some of this stretches into a broader context of whatever reality is and how outcomes are determined. Obviously, if you hold to a rigid scientific understanding of the natural world, then all of this is phooey because countless studies and blah blah blah. But then there is the reality that big pharma creates drugs hoping to land on a concoction that is just barely better, by a sliver, than the placebo. Most of what makes us feel better is purely expectation. How do you grapple with that? The entire cough and flu industry rides on ingredients having no statistical or measurable effect on cough and runny nose. Let it sink in. lol