What are you reading?

[Cuddles]

Personally... I'm addicted to the comic strips! Not the marvel, capcom, DC ones... I mean the funny pages comic strips.

Calvin and Hobbes is my absolute favorite, hands down. I grew up reading Bill Watterson's epic comic strip and own the whole set. I've reread them a dozen times and I love to draw C&H comics.

I also have the entire libraries of Zits, Baby Blues, For Better or For Worse, Mutts, and some underground/unknown ones.

I do read actual books too... I think I'm still reading "We Need To Talk About Kevin", but I'd have to check my Kindle to see what else is on there.

I'm also a sucker for a good romance book, be it lesbian or not. Romance books taught me a lot about how to please a woman growing up. There was a girl, who was just a friend in HS; we'd skip gym class and sit on the bleachers reading our romance books then when we were done with them we'd trade.

[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by Kätzchen

~>> aishah & foxyshaman: when reading any particular book or article, I generally set aside my internal wiring (biases, etc) and read what is before me; as neutrally as possible with the eyes of a child (a child like wonder - Rachel Carson). After I have read the entire book or article, I then go back and re-read with whatever particular application of lens is necessary to help me understand the authors' particular views or other pertinent issues within that particular context of writing (genre, style of writing, method of claim delivery, etc).

When I finish my first reading of Catherine Boo's book on life in a Dubai slum, I'll go back and re-read in a critical fashion as I examine issues set forth in her text and make notes on things that may share sets of interests I study at an academic level. Usually by the time I have read a book for the fourth or fifth time, it's for pleasure - which by then, I've almost memorized the entire contents of said book or article.
[/I](Tawse).

Saying that you inspire me Katzchen would be an understatement. We read differently, but similar. I am a skimmer, always have been. I think that is why I don't read fiction, cause I always just want to 'get to the end'.

I re-read quite a bit because I am a skimmer. I used to be quite different, but I suffered a stroke years ago which completely changed how I process, retain and recall information. I have to re-read something to get it into my brain . I have to take notes, or I cannot retain the information nearly as well. (Yeah kinesthetic learning) I used to have exceptional retention and recall.... alas not anymore. Anyway... I digress. The way that I remember information best is to teach it. I am constantly reading because I am constantly building 'that next workshop' or 'that next lecture' or 'that next ritual', or.... fill in the blank.

Reading this thread is important to me. Not because I am interested in fiction per se, rather I am reminded that reading can be done "just because". I enjoy the different titles. The different authors. The agreement between posters regarding titles, themes, storylines.... this thread is a good human story for me.

[Kätzchen]

I'm on my second cup of coffee now: I'm a kinesthetic learner too, foxyshaman. Well, practically kinesthetic in much of all that is a part of me.

I just realised I mispelled Boo's first name (should be with a K, not a C) and *cough* misplacement of location (not Dubai, but Mumbai).

That's amazing about the stroke you suffered and how you compensate now as a learner in any medium you delve into. My mothers' mom suffered a tremedous stroke before she passed away. Her stroke left her a prisoner in her own body. Seeing her held prisoner was heartbreaking for me - we almost always knew how to communicate with each other via our eyes and a collective memory of everything between us during the time she was imprisoned by her stroke. I miss my grandmother and thank you for conjuring precious memories of her today.

[smouldering]

Stalking Shadows by S.A. Hunter

[Tawse]

Originally Posted by Kätzchen

~>> Tawse: I could identify with Katniss (re: the more time she had to think about things, the worse off she was. That is soOoOOOooo me, at times). I don't read enough dystopian material to know if THG is the series to top; but if THG is the series to top, then this might explain why I don't read material in this particular genre.

Best Lines Ever (in your post): "as long as you don't assault me - I'll work with you. Heck even if you do assault me, if like the way you write - I'll still work with you" (Tawse).

I am not an expert on the genre.. I don't think. lol I've read THG, The Hollowland books (2 so far), Under the Never Sky, and I'm currently reading Enclave. Edited to add: OH yeah and Divergent.. guess the fact that I forgot about it says something. lol

THG was my FIRST - and we all know that we compare everything to our first and that we always remember our first. Ok maybe not - work with me here. Sunshine and rose and all that pukey stuff.

My point is THG was my first time experiencing certain traits for the genre. All stories have Protagonists, Fairy Godmothers, and Antagonists - but I hadn't experienced how these characters would be portrayed in this genre so it was cool watching it unfold. Certain things have proven to be typical of the genre, and certain things have proven to be unique, but THG was the first time I experienced them.

For me - I really like the way the author writes. There was a certain urgency to her writing - I personally felt like I had to keep reading - Katniss was in peril! I needed to read so I could see her happy ending! (no porn smirks please lol)...

Under the Never Sky is second - but it's a far second as far as character attachment - but a very close second as far as plot... there's only been one book so I can't comment on the endings.

Oh something else that may be of note - I HATE reading nonfiction... lol I want my trauma to be all in the pretend world.

[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by Tawse

For me - I really like the way the author writes. There was a certain urgency to her writing - I personally felt like I had to keep reading - Katniss was in peril! I needed to read so I could see her happy ending! (no porn smirks please lol)...


Oh something else that may be of note - I HATE reading nonfiction... lol I want my trauma to be all in the pretend world.

I had to comment on this... when I was young, like a teenager into early adulthood, I used to read a good lot of fiction. BUT!!!!! I always had to read the last page BECAUSE I could not stand the anxiety of not knowing if it was all going to work out. It actually caused me physical anxiety. Once I read the last page I could relax and enjoy the story. I don't do that now, but sometimes I can feel that pit in my stomach start to grow and it feels horrible. Now that I do NOT want to analyze

I laughed... trauma in the pretend world.... bbwwwwaaaahhhhaaaaaa.

[Tawse]

I used to do that as well.. but then I learned something about me. Once I know the ending - I stop reading / watching.

I haven't and won't go see Secretariat or Titanic for that reason. The horse wins and the boat sinks. No point.

I even do that with my own stories - if I figure out the endings too fast - hey I'm good, no point in writing the rest out. Oh yeah - seriously. lol

SO - now I refuse to let myself skip to the end. That being said - in my excitement / anxiety I will skim during the dull bits. I seriously do NOT need to read about how you fold your clothes or what fabric they're made of - or how many friggen veins are in that leaf over there. O.o (good grief Anne Rice - stop it!)

Uhm.. I've digressed. Or maybe not...

Ok I'll step away from the mic now lol

[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by Tawse

I haven't and won't go see Secretariat or Titanic for that reason. The horse wins and the boat sinks. No point.

ME TOO!!! The fricking boat sinks... end of story....
I even do that with my own stories - if I figure out the endings too fast - hey I'm good, no point in writing the rest out. Oh yeah - seriously. lol

Oddly, many of my own stories and poems start with the end and I write my way backwards. I may be onto something strange about me....

SO - now I refuse to let myself skip to the end. That being said - in my excitement / anxiety I will skim during the dull bits. I seriously do NOT need to read about how you fold your clothes or what fabric they're made of - or how many friggen veins are in that leaf over there. O.o (good grief Anne Rice - stop it!)

Uhm.. I've digressed. Or maybe not...

No, heck I think part of reading is discussing the reading. What frustrates a reader. What excites a reader. What makes you throw the book across the room, watch it hit the wall, fall to the floor and take a week to pick it up... or maybe that is just me... <insert distracting whistle here>
Ok I'll step away from the mic now lol

Okay, but it is here if you have any other entertaining thoughts you want to share...

[Tawse]

my stories... usually start with a character. A feel... a smell.. a motive or incentive.

OR

It's like my brain turns off and starts watching a movie and I either write what I see down - or I drown in it. characters have conversations in my head - talk to me, each other etc. I've entertained my therapist but she hasn't sent me away yet so I can't be that bad off.. lol


I can't throw my books across the room - that'd break my kindle! My precious... lol

[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by Tawse

my stories... usually start with a character. A feel... a smell.. a motive or incentive.

OR

It's like my brain turns off and starts watching a movie and I either write what I see down - or I drown in it. characters have conversations in my head - talk to me, each other etc. I've entertained my therapist but she hasn't sent me away yet so I can't be that bad off.. lol


I can't throw my books across the room - that'd break my kindle! My precious... lol

Inspiration hits us in so many wonderful ways. Spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally. Each a different entry into the world we view as reality.

Kindle eh... well one day I will be all grown up and have books that I like available from said ebook stores. I have run across very few titles I read on their lists. Kind of a shame in the big scheme of things.

<shoulder shrug> I will have to content myself with the sound of disappointing books splatting the wall...

[Martina]

The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. Not as funny as she means it to be. But it is keeping my attention.

[SugarFemme]

[Fancy]

The Merlot Murders
A Wine Country Mystery

Ellen Crosby

Not too thrilled with this book. The writing is flat and uninspired. Not even sure I'll finish it, but it's in my list for a library assignment.

Speaking of the assignment, I'm looking for any recommendations of books related to fitness, health, nutrition, or organic living. Fiction or nonfiction...

[Tawse]

Finished reading "enclave" (by ann aguirre) last night. Middle of the road as far as YA Dystopian goes... Had to research to find out if it were the first book of a series or a stand alone. It had that weird of an ending. They finished the story line (I thought) but there were a lot of loose ends that I wasn't sure if we were supposed to find out in a later book - or just build our own...

Yeah I guess what I'm saying is that it's not really even a middle of the road. I'd give it a 2 outta 5. And I think that may be me being nice.


But of course I'll give the second book a read - if I remember the series when the second book comes out.

[Truly Scrumptious]

Originally Posted by Fancy

I'm looking for any recommendations of books related to fitness, health, nutrition, or organic living. Fiction or nonfiction...

Have you read Skinny Bitch, by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin?
Sounds like a diet book I know, but it's so much more. It's not a simple solution to weight loss, it's about eating for optimal health. It mostly promotes going vegan, but if that is not something you're interested in, you will still learn all kinds of things you (probably) didn't know about the food industry in North America (or at least I did).

It's a great read for anyone concerned about what we put in our mouths.

[CrankyOldGuy]

the portable nietzsche

[tonaderspeisung]

i just finished this one
even with cliche characters and the wheels falling off at the end - i think this book is worth a read while on the library wait list for the book you want

it held my interest and given the time period of the story - the language used was easy to follow without being too modern and distracting

rating: borrow it

[funkyfemme]

Stone Butch Blues (for the second time)

I love that book but it's a hard read.

[femmedyke]

Just finished two this weekend, both are starts of new dystopic trilogies. The first was Angelfall by self published author Susan Ee and it was amazing, finished it in less than a day. The second is Divergent by Jasmine by Veronica Roth, which I thought may be frustrating but turned out pretty good. I'm a little bummed that I went through them so quickly; both are scheduled to launch the second book in Summer, I guess, right in time for pool and beach weather. Now I'm starting Unwind by Neil Shusterman this evening; so excited!

[SugarFemme]

Daughters of the formidable Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain, Katherine and Juana were born in to a world of privilege and luxury that came at a devastating personal price. They were trained from an early age to understand European diplomacy and to revere their position as defenders of Catholicism against any threat to their religion. In an age of familiy politics, the sisters were useful only as a way to secure new alliances through marriage; both at the mercy of the men they were to marry. Katherine's marriage to Prnice Arthur apeared to go well until he died suddenly after ten months. Marriage to King Henry VIII did not result in the vital heir, and soon Henry was displaying his despotic nature, with the execution of 'traitors' and high-handed affairs. Juana fared no better with Philip of Burgundy, whose naked amibition and cruelty made her life equally difficult. Julia Fox's new biography vividly portrays the harsh realities of being a queen within a world dominated and run by men. She provides a fresh take on the sisters' characters and interior worlds by setting them within their family and Spanish contexts. In the case of both women, this vibrant biography graphically illustrates the dangers of being a royal commodity at such a perilous time, and gives a highly revealing portrait of two forceful female personaliites thrwarted by the men around them - including the men closest to them who sould have cared for them the most.