Book Stuff

Posted on 08/10/2008 07:34 pm by admin

LibraryThing is a wonderful resource, especially its Unsuggester – a tool that shows you what books you are least likely to own or read, based on your own tastes. Delightful for getting out of your comfort zone, and exposing yourself to other points of view.

GoodReads is one I found through facebook. I actually like some parts of this service better, such as its facebook integration and the ease with which you can add ratings and new books. I wish it had the unsuggester. Perhaps the 2 projects should merge?

 

Random Recommendations:

For Urban Fantasy with a historical twist:

Midnight Never Come by Marie Brennan

Urban Fantasy in modern London:

Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman

For Fantasy, Romance and Adventure:

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

For Sci Fi from Heinlein (if Stranger is your only experience)

  • The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
  • The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
  • Time Enough for Love
  • Starship Troopers (forget the movie, the book is incredible)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinlein#Works

For historical fiction

http://www.randomhouse.com/vintage/dunnett/lymond/ <-I’m on book 3

Straight up fantasy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire <-eagerly awaiting the next installment. NOT typical fantasy fare – very well written, somewhat dark. The author seems to take great joy in dismantling clichés of the genre.

Other Fiction:

by Margaret Atwood

  • The Handmaid’s Tale
  • Oryx & Crake