Book Recommendations

[c.d.]

I am in need of a good book to read. Does anyone have a recommendation? My tastes are pretty eclectic. I enjoy both fiction and non-fiction and a variety of subjects.

c.d.

[Sam Flynn]

Hi CD,

Have you read "God is not great", by Christopher Hitchens, yet? Whatever your opinion on the subject matter, it is certainly a consummately well-written and thought-provoking book, shot through with mordant humour.

[c.d.]

Hi Sam,

I know that atheism seems to be a hot topic of late and that Hitchen's book is considered very good although I have heard that personally he comes across as a real jerk with a huge ego.

Thanks for the recommendation.

c.d.

[Mike Covell]

I have a thing for Andy McNab's stuff, the Bravo Two Zero type escapades!! When I was in and out of hospital, I had his books already packed as I was usually kept under observation for 24 hours, it really passed the time, and kept me going!

Melvin Harris's early work is great fun, especially if your into the paranormal or urban legends.

Timothy Good is an excellent UFO writer, his books are really good and thought provoking, he lists his sources too!

[c.d.]

Hi Sam,

In the same vein, have you heard of Anne Lamott? Her book "Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith" is very good. She was dragged from a very worldly life kicking and screaming into the Christian faith. Her take on spirituality is very refreshing, very sacriligeous and very, very funny.

Check out the reviews (303 of them) on Amazon.com.

c.d.

[c.d.]

I have a thing for Andy McNab's stuff, the Bravo Two Zero type escapades!! When I was in and out of hospital, I had his books already packed as I was usually kept under observation for 24 hours, it really passed the time, and kept me going!

Melvin Harris's early work is great fun, especially if your into the paranormal or urban legends.

Timothy Good is an excellent UFO writer, his books are really good and thought provoking, he lists his sources too!

I have always found it strange that people in England just say hospital whereas here in America we say "the hospital."

c.d.

[Sam Flynn]

Hi CD,

I know that atheism seems to be a hot topic of late and that Hitchen's book is considered very good although I have heard that personally he comes across as a real jerk with a huge ego.

To me, he comes across as a punchy, but eloquent raconteur - backed up by considerable erudition and lucidity of thought. Sure, he has a huge ego - but he's no jerk. Those who have thus described Hitchens to you should look at some of his opponents, like Kent Hovind, and re-calibrate their jerkometers.

Whatever, Hitchens' real-life persona shouldn't affect anyone's enjoyment of the book.

[Mike Covell]

Local slang c.d,
We don't say "Road" we say "row-d"
We don't say child we say "bairn"
I left out "The" as there are so bloody many, and I have been a prisoner/patient in most!

[c.d.]

Speaking of Anne Lamott, one of my favorite passages was when her new found faith was tested when she needed to get somewhere and her car wouldn't start. If I remember correctly, her response was something like "God, if you are so great that you can create the entire universe, why don't you see if you can start this ****en car!" You gotta love that.

c.d.

[Mike Covell]

Anyone else trying to work out what swear word ends in "EN"?

[c.d.]

Anyone else trying to work out what swear word ends in "EN"?

In proper English, it would end in ing. Hope that helps.

c.d.

[Sam Flynn]

If I remember correctly, her response was something like "God, if you are so great that you can create the entire universe, why don't you see if you can start this ****en car!" You gotta love that.

Sounds like my kind of writer, CD. I shall seek out the books of Lamott

Meantime, if you've an hour or so to spare, you may find this Hitchens talk ("Faithless in Seattle", if you like) somewhat entertaining:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9194562685603195515

[Mike Covell]

In proper English, it would end in ing. Hope that helps.

c.d.

Another one of lifes little mysteries solved!! Thanks

[c.d.]

I really enjoyed "Manhunt" by James Swanson, the true story of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth. You come to fully appreciate that Booth was literally the most wanted man in America and probably the world at the time. Secretary of War, Stanton, said that America has no other priority than to capture Booth. The reward for his capture was staggering. You follow the murder of Lincoln and Booth's escape. You really can understand what he was up against as he wondered who he could trust. Damn good book.

c.d.

[Roy Corduroy]

Hey c d

I read Manhunt and liked it a lot. The author built up the tension. Good maps, too.

Here's one, Water for Elephants: A Novel by Sara Gruen.

Roy