What Are You Reading 2023
04-07-23, 01:02 PM
#76
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04-07-23, 03:19 PM
#77
DVD Talk Legend
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
In the past two or three weeks I breezed through the following:
The Ten-Cent Plague: The Great Comic-Book Scare and How It Changed America by David Hajdu - This one was pretty good but I think it could've been better. It really, really focuses on EC Comics (which is understandable, for the most part) but doesn't go much further than the 1950s/1960s era. I've read about Wertham's "Seduction of the Innocent" and it's terrible impact on the industry, but I did learn some new things. I knew there were congressional hearings and whatnot, but this book paints a much more dire picture than I had ever imagined, really showing just how much hysteria there was at the time. I just kind of wish there was a greater focus on how the Comic's Code of Authority eventually evolved and they could've covered certain instances (which were rare) when Marvel or DC printed issues without the code (like that Green Arrow issue where his sidekick does heroin, etc.), and how the code eventually withered away. But, really, Marvel and DC barely feature in this book, but from a historical perspective, if you're interested in the history of comic books, it's worth picking up.
The Ten-Cent Plague: The Great Comic-Book Scare and How It Changed America by David Hajdu - This one was pretty good but I think it could've been better. It really, really focuses on EC Comics (which is understandable, for the most part) but doesn't go much further than the 1950s/1960s era. I've read about Wertham's "Seduction of the Innocent" and it's terrible impact on the industry, but I did learn some new things. I knew there were congressional hearings and whatnot, but this book paints a much more dire picture than I had ever imagined, really showing just how much hysteria there was at the time. I just kind of wish there was a greater focus on how the Comic's Code of Authority eventually evolved and they could've covered certain instances (which were rare) when Marvel or DC printed issues without the code (like that Green Arrow issue where his sidekick does heroin, etc.), and how the code eventually withered away. But, really, Marvel and DC barely feature in this book, but from a historical perspective, if you're interested in the history of comic books, it's worth picking up.
Based on your comments, I was curious enough to get this - and just finished it. I expected it to be a bit dry, but it was very well done and kept me interested the whole way. I had always thought Wertham was the main driving force behind the Comics Code, but there was so much more to it, as you pointed out. I understand your interest in the CCA's evolution, but I think the focus here was on the overall buildup to it (hence the "ten-cent" part). I never collected EC comics, but reading all the behind-the-scenes stuff that went into them really has me wanting to start hunting those down! (and if it wasn't for the now-prohibitive price of those comics, I would!).
Anyone interested in the Golden Age of comics and how they supposedly destroyed the youth of America should check out this book!
04-07-23, 08:57 PM
#78
DVD Talk Legend
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
I'm really not very familiar with this other than seeing pop up now and then on "books ya gotta read before ya die" lists. Did you like it? Was it enjoyable? Would you recommend it? I've tackled a few huge books in the past couple of years, so that's not a concern (well, maybe a little), but I'd want to know if I was getting into something that ultimately wasn't fulfilling beyond completing another million-page book.
04-07-23, 10:35 PM
#79
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Re: What Are You Reading 2023
I'm really not very familiar with this other than seeing pop up now and then on "books ya gotta read before ya die" lists. Did you like it? Was it enjoyable? Would you recommend it? I've tackled a few huge books in the past couple of years, so that's not a concern (well, maybe a little), but I'd want to know if I was getting into something that ultimately wasn't fulfilling beyond completing another million-page book.
I am proud of finishing it, kind-of in awe, and feel a little bit changed. Did I like it? It was work. Maybe like climbing a mountain at night.
ETA I just found myself missing the odd focused yet disoriented state of mind I had to enter while reading ...
Last edited by L. Ron zyzzle; 04-09-23 at 12:38 AM.
04-12-23, 08:56 PM
#80
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Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Kind of cleansing my palette after Gravity's Rainbow.
'White Dog Fell From The Sky' by Eleanor Morse - The story of a black man fleeing from South Africa to Botswana in 1977 and of an American woman he meets there.
'White Dog Fell From The Sky' by Eleanor Morse - The story of a black man fleeing from South Africa to Botswana in 1977 and of an American woman he meets there.
04-17-23, 11:55 AM
#82
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Finished:
Shorefall by Robert Jackson Bennet. This is the second book of a trilogy (following Foundryside). Unlike the first book, this one ends on a flat-out cliffhanger. Fortunately the concluding book is already out (and I already start it
). Despite being a fantasy book this has strong horror vibes. The villain(s) have a cosmic horror feel to them: ancient, inhuman, and almost inconceivably powerful. And things can get extremely gory. I liked how at a key point the heroes have to choose from a number of equally awful sounding ways to resolve the situation (and if the start of the third book is any judge ... they chose poorly).
Shorefall by Robert Jackson Bennet. This is the second book of a trilogy (following Foundryside). Unlike the first book, this one ends on a flat-out cliffhanger. Fortunately the concluding book is already out (and I already start it
). Despite being a fantasy book this has strong horror vibes. The villain(s) have a cosmic horror feel to them: ancient, inhuman, and almost inconceivably powerful. And things can get extremely gory. I liked how at a key point the heroes have to choose from a number of equally awful sounding ways to resolve the situation (and if the start of the third book is any judge ... they chose poorly).
04-21-23, 01:11 PM
#84
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Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Finished White Dog Fell From the Sky and The Giver as my kid was shocked I hadn't read it yet.
04-21-23, 11:59 PM
#85
DVD Talk Legend
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Finished But What if We're Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman. Interesting and entertaining, but having come out in 2016, it already feels a bit dated due to recent events.
After this and The Ten Cent Plague, I'm ready for something with a plot!
After this and The Ten Cent Plague, I'm ready for something with a plot!
04-22-23, 12:22 AM
#86
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Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Did you ever read The Nineties? I think you said you were interested.
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04-22-23, 08:14 PM
#88
DVD Talk Hero
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas.
I have read it before, but I was in the mood for something easy. This time I paid attention to the mechanics and construction. The book is technically brilliant, with a big cast, and the author keeps all the balls in the air.
I have read it before, but I was in the mood for something easy. This time I paid attention to the mechanics and construction. The book is technically brilliant, with a big cast, and the author keeps all the balls in the air.
04-22-23, 10:12 PM
#89
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Re: What Are You Reading 2023
The Longcut by Emily Hall
At 144 pages, it's another 'challenge' book. I think it's a time-stretch of the thoughts of a solipsistic artist as she walks to a meeting at a gallery. Lots of recursive, lengthy, motif-centric paragraphs so far. Both dizzying and enervating.
At 144 pages, it's another 'challenge' book. I think it's a time-stretch of the thoughts of a solipsistic artist as she walks to a meeting at a gallery. Lots of recursive, lengthy, motif-centric paragraphs so far. Both dizzying and enervating.
04-27-23, 12:59 AM
#90
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Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Finished The Longcut in an ecstatic frenzy. I think it's genius.
05-01-23, 04:47 PM
#91
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Finished:
Locklands by Robert Jackson Bennett. Concluding book of the "Founders" trilogy. Following all of the complications of the magic system continues to be a battle (and this is coming from someone with a science Ph.D. and having just read the earlier books
). But there are also gigantic battles, frightening villains, and emotional heft. I also appreciated how far "out there" by the end, reminding me of other sci-fi books that ended with humanity completely transformed (like Childhood's End and Blood Music).
Locklands by Robert Jackson Bennett. Concluding book of the "Founders" trilogy. Following all of the complications of the magic system continues to be a battle (and this is coming from someone with a science Ph.D. and having just read the earlier books
). But there are also gigantic battles, frightening villains, and emotional heft. I also appreciated how far "out there" by the end, reminding me of other sci-fi books that ended with humanity completely transformed (like Childhood's End and Blood Music).
05-02-23, 12:34 PM
#93
DVD Talk Legend
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman - Good Omens
I enjoyed the tv show, and like Pratchett's Discworld series, but I'm having a hard time getting into this book.
05-06-23, 11:21 PM
#94
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Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Reading The Pallbearers Club by Paul Tremblay. Finished graphic novel Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton. These, and The Longcut by Emily Hall, were all published in 2022. This might be a record for me in contemporary books read in a row!
05-09-23, 10:07 AM
#95
DVD Talk Special Edition
Thread Starter
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Finished
My third McCammon book. While not on the level of Swan Song and Boy's Life, which I consider 5 star reads, this was a very fun romp. A British spy on a secret mission against the Nazi's before D-day....and he is also a werewolf. Yes please.
My third McCammon book. While not on the level of Swan Song and Boy's Life, which I consider 5 star reads, this was a very fun romp. A British spy on a secret mission against the Nazi's before D-day....and he is also a werewolf. Yes please.
05-09-23, 06:08 PM
#96
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Swan Song and Boy's Life are certainly S-Tier books of his. But Wolf's Hour is just a notch below. "Fun romp" really describes McCammon's early work (through the 80's).
I don't know if you had a plan of what to read of his next. They Thirst is one I remember fondly. What Swan Song is to The Stand, They Thirst is to Salem's Lot (instead of a small New England town, vampires take over LA). His Blue World short story collection is really good. From the early 90s, Mine and Gone South were solid thrillers although I remember being disappointed he was moving away from fun supernatural horror.
I remember being mixed on Stinger. It had good parts, but I found it overlong and it seemed really derivative of other sci-fi horror of that time (a mash-up of Terminator, The Hidden, and Critters set in the desert). Then again it's been ages since I've read it.
McCammon pretty much disowns much of his pre Swan Song books, but I remember enjoying them (in a fun goofy "paperbacks from hell" way). Though he noticeably gets much better as a writer by the time we get to Boy's Life.
I wish I could be more of a fan of all his more recent historical mysteries, but I just don't think they're my thing (after reading a couple).
05-10-23, 12:12 PM
#97
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Just finished Walk The Blue Line by James Patterson.
I always look for real life first person accounts of LE and war experiences.
Continuously trying to locate Vietnam books in this format. “NAM”, “365 Days” etc. Recommendations appreciated.
Walk the Blue Line: No Right, No Left--Just Cops Telling Their True Stories to James Patterson. by James Patterson
I always look for real life first person accounts of LE and war experiences.
Continuously trying to locate Vietnam books in this format. “NAM”, “365 Days” etc. Recommendations appreciated.
05-11-23, 08:18 AM
#98
DVD Talk Special Edition
Thread Starter
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Nice! As a teen in the 80s he was one of my favorite authors. I never re-read any of them (I just hardly ever re-read books ... too many things I haven't read once). But it's nice to hear they hold up.
Swan Song and Boy's Life are certainly S-Tier books of his. But Wolf's Hour is just a notch below. "Fun romp" really describes McCammon's early work (through the 80's).
I don't know if you had a plan of what to read of his next. They Thirst is one I remember fondly. What Swan Song is to The Stand, They Thirst is to Salem's Lot (instead of a small New England town, vampires take over LA). His Blue World short story collection is really good. From the early 90s, Mine and Gone South were solid thrillers although I remember being disappointed he was moving away from fun supernatural horror.
I remember being mixed on Stinger. It had good parts, but I found it overlong and it seemed really derivative of other sci-fi horror of that time (a mash-up of Terminator, The Hidden, and Critters set in the desert). Then again it's been ages since I've read it.
McCammon pretty much disowns much of his pre Swan Song books, but I remember enjoying them (in a fun goofy "paperbacks from hell" way). Though he noticeably gets much better as a writer by the time we get to Boy's Life.
I wish I could be more of a fan of all his more recent historical mysteries, but I just don't think they're my thing (after reading a couple).
Swan Song and Boy's Life are certainly S-Tier books of his. But Wolf's Hour is just a notch below. "Fun romp" really describes McCammon's early work (through the 80's).
I don't know if you had a plan of what to read of his next. They Thirst is one I remember fondly. What Swan Song is to The Stand, They Thirst is to Salem's Lot (instead of a small New England town, vampires take over LA). His Blue World short story collection is really good. From the early 90s, Mine and Gone South were solid thrillers although I remember being disappointed he was moving away from fun supernatural horror.
I remember being mixed on Stinger. It had good parts, but I found it overlong and it seemed really derivative of other sci-fi horror of that time (a mash-up of Terminator, The Hidden, and Critters set in the desert). Then again it's been ages since I've read it.
McCammon pretty much disowns much of his pre Swan Song books, but I remember enjoying them (in a fun goofy "paperbacks from hell" way). Though he noticeably gets much better as a writer by the time we get to Boy's Life.
I wish I could be more of a fan of all his more recent historical mysteries, but I just don't think they're my thing (after reading a couple).
I totally missed McCammon when I was growing up, discovering him and then reading Swan Song and Boys Life last year was an incredible experience. Im a bit bummed that it is most likely all down hill from there, but if his other stuff can be as entertaining as Wolf, then I think I will keep going through his books
05-11-23, 03:05 PM
#99
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Thnaks for the recommendations for future McCammon books. I actually have Stinger and Gone South in my TBR pile, but sounds like I may need to bump They Thirst up on that list.
I totally missed McCammon when I was growing up, discovering him and then reading Swan Song and Boys Life last year was an incredible experience. Im a bit bummed that it is most likely all down hill from there, but if his other stuff can be as entertaining as Wolf, then I think I will keep going through his books
I totally missed McCammon when I was growing up, discovering him and then reading Swan Song and Boys Life last year was an incredible experience. Im a bit bummed that it is most likely all down hill from there, but if his other stuff can be as entertaining as Wolf, then I think I will keep going through his books
I wish I did a better job of holding onto all my original paperbacks from the 70s and 80s. I still have a bunch, but an equally large amount that I know I had at one point are gone ... probably lost in a move, thrown out by a parent, or most likely sold back for store credit at a used bookstore 
I checked my collection and the only McCammon I don't have from his first period (1978-1992) are Baal, Bethany's Sin, and They Thirst. And it doesn't sound like any of them are crazy rare. I know you can always get ebooks for cheaper, but for older books there's something about holding it in your hand.
Last edited by brainee; 05-11-23 at 07:45 PM.
05-11-23, 03:30 PM
#100
Re: What Are You Reading 2023
Also finished a couple of horror books:
The Deep by Nick Cutter. Like his first book, The Troop, this seems to be influenced heavily by early Stephen King (especially The Shining and It). And also you can feel the influence of Sphere, The Abyss, and Carpenter's The Thing. I was intrigued by the mystery of the story (the key to curing an apocalyptic plague perhaps being tied to strange alien phenomena at the bottom of the ocean), although it didn't feel like it tied everything together in a completely satisfying way.
Come With Me by Ronald Malfi. My first book by this author and I thought it was very good. More of a mystery/thriller than the ghost horror I was expecting, but that's fine (I can enjoy books of both types). The style of the story being told as narrated by the main character to his dead wife took a little getting used to, but the reason why it was done that way made sense. And overall I liked Malfi's writing. It seems like he's been pretty prolific so there's a lot to choose from if I want to read more.
The Deep by Nick Cutter. Like his first book, The Troop, this seems to be influenced heavily by early Stephen King (especially The Shining and It). And also you can feel the influence of Sphere, The Abyss, and Carpenter's The Thing. I was intrigued by the mystery of the story (the key to curing an apocalyptic plague perhaps being tied to strange alien phenomena at the bottom of the ocean), although it didn't feel like it tied everything together in a completely satisfying way.
Come With Me by Ronald Malfi. My first book by this author and I thought it was very good. More of a mystery/thriller than the ghost horror I was expecting, but that's fine (I can enjoy books of both types). The style of the story being told as narrated by the main character to his dead wife took a little getting used to, but the reason why it was done that way made sense. And overall I liked Malfi's writing. It seems like he's been pretty prolific so there's a lot to choose from if I want to read more.
