The Bookshelf in the Parlor

Comment

Comment by Ulrike Clevenger on May 12, 2013 at 3:16pm

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, and please don't stop. I need a new one every few days. Don't know if its a matter of me being addicted, or if the problem lies with writers writing too slow, but I love to find new faves. I have read Gaiman, Adams, Jeeter, (to say nothing of the dog), but a few new ones have cropped up as well and I am now happily looking for them in nook form.

Someone brought up e-readers and private libraries, so I'll throw in my two cents worth: I never thought I could possibly stand reading a book on an e-reader, but then was given one for Christmas. I believe I was very fortunate in that it was a nook simple touch, which has no glare and no colors. My eyes are very bad and sensitive to light. I can adjust the type to a comfortable size and am able to read for hours without strain, something I can no longer do with a real book. Saved my sanity.

It also saved my budget and the peace in my home. I don't believe there is anything snobbish about having a collection of books. My parents apparently felt that floor to ceiling books on three walls of their living room was a reasonable decorating theme, and that's good enough for me. In my case I would soon have to add another room though, rather than another shelf, and that gets spendy. I also have a habit of reading several books at the same time, and they used to be everywhere. In the laundry room, kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom. Yes, I have recovered a few from under my mattress. Believe me, my significant other was not happy about the books taking over his side of the bed either. He donated my nook for project sanity at our house, and we are much happier.

Comment by The Contessa of Vintage on May 12, 2013 at 2:55pm

I have also read "Timeline" by Crichton and "Doomsday Book" (and "Passage") by Willis. Both talented authors!

Comment by James Murray on May 12, 2013 at 5:25am

And the Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart, illustrated by Chris Riddell.

Comment by Ichabod Temperance CP on May 12, 2013 at 5:03am

I would like to recommend Neal Stevensons "The Baroque Cycle."

(Halfway through another Neal Stevenson novel, I had to stop and check the cover to make sure I was not reading a Terry Pratchett novel.)

Comment by James Murray on May 12, 2013 at 3:39am

Oh my gosh, I discovered quite this by accident in the Library the other day. An absolutely hilarious steampunk tale. I recommend it to all and sundry!

Comment by Professor Argon Bats on May 12, 2013 at 12:50am

Oh, and one more time travel: I quite enjoyed Michael Crichton's Timeline.

Comment by Professor Argon Bats on May 12, 2013 at 12:46am

Ulrike, have you read anything by Connie Willis (e.g., To say nothing of the dog, Doomsday Book, Bellweather)? Not sure how steampunk it will be considered, but then, same goes for Pratchett. And of course Neil Gaiman is worth a read if you haven't already (e.g., American Gods, the Sandman series, or co-authored with Pratchett, Good Omens). Some of the Stephen Hunt novels are reasonably entertaining, but I found they grow rather repetitive. And yes, definitely Gibson, including the not so steampunk stuff.

Comment by The Contessa of Vintage on May 11, 2013 at 8:33pm

Ooh! I read "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" many years ago---loved it! Actually, I read "The Restaurant At the End of the Universe"-lots of fun. Hmm...I wonder if Milliways has a take out menu????

 

Comment by A D Cruize on May 11, 2013 at 8:25pm

I think that Glen Cook's Garrett series is similar to Pratchett.

If you haven't read Douglas Adams, you might give the Hitchhiker's series a go . . .

Comment by CoastConFan on May 11, 2013 at 6:28am

Dear Ms Clevenger if you like Terry Prachett you might enjoy The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers as a good read.  Additionally you might also like Morlock Night by Jeter or possibly his Difference Engine by Gibson & Sterling.  All three are early steampunk novels.

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