Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with books

The books you would take to a deserted island

spec80 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:54:05 -0800

I'm looking for books and graphic novels that are meant to be read multiple times. I remember reading in an interview with Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons that Watchmen was written to be fully understood after multiple readings. I've read the same in an interview with Haruki Murakami (I think the book in question was Kafka on the Shore.) What other books and graphic novels were written in this style?

Thirty-three and a third books.

OmieWise — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:08:16 -0800

Which are the best books in Continuum's Thirty-Three and a Third series? I just read Daydream Nation and ended up frustrated and and a bit disappointed. I've been wanting to read into this series for a while, and finally picked up the Daydream Nation book. Daydream Nation is a favorite album of mine, although I don't feel as if it's a particularly personal album for me, but the book did not satisfy me. The book isn't horrible, but it wasn't great, and I expected it to be. The author wrote quite a bit about how "scary" and "mind-blowing" the record is, something that isn't at all true for me. He also admitted things best kept to oneself when writing a semi-critical exegesis like this. (He had, for instance, apparently never considered that "Hey Joni" might have some relationship to Joni Mitchell.)

I do like personal music writing, and I like behind the scenes stories of album creation, and I also like the kind of rank speculation that Greil Marcus engages in (although his pomposity can get a bit grating). I can certainly imagine reading the volumes written by people I'm already interested in (Joe Pernice, John Darnielle). Since the books aren't available at my local library I would appreciate suggestions for which people have enjoyed the most.

Stories about WWI/WWII home fronts

booksandlibretti — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:30:21 -0800

Please recommend me some great books about the home front during WWI or WWII. I'm really interested in stories, not academic histories or anything. Novels, diaries, collected letters, and memoirs would all qualify -- basically, I like stories, fictional or not.

Again, I'm looking for a home front setting, not for soldiers' stories. England, Canada, and America would all be obvious choices, but stuff about noncombatant residents in contested areas (like A Woman in Berlin) is also fair game.

I'm especially interested in the London Blitz and the evacuated schoolchildren, so bonus points for books including those elements. Other examples of what I've enjoyed are The Night Watch, by Sarah Waters, and L. M. Montgomery's Rilla of Ingleside. Heck, even the Chronicles of Narnia qualify around the edges.

Thanks in advance!

Suggestions of memoirs as gifts for my wife

mojohand — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:28:10 -0800

Seeking recommendations for memoirs published in the past two years. My wife's birthday is coming up, and her favorite genre is memoirs (but not biographies.) In the past, she's liked ones by authors working in travel and food, but please don't let that limit you. (and yes, the Fisher, Mayle, Pepin, Reichl, and David lodes were completely mined out as of 2007, and Bourdain is not to her taste.)

Read any you recommend?

BTW, I've asked for your help in years past:
2006
and
2004

Thanks

Robot-themed sci fi recommendations?

olinerd — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:25:31 -0800

What are some good sci fi novels/short stories that focus on robots? Difficulty: no Asimov. I'd love to read some recent sci-fi -- books or short stories -- centered around the theme of robots and AI. I'm less interested in Asimov or Philip K. Dick and more interested in more modern stuff that hasn't been made into movies. For reference, "classic" authors I like are Asimov, Niven, and Vonnegut. More recent types I like are Octavia Butler, Neal Stephenson, and Douglas Adams. I'd like to stay away from Crichton-esque beach reading unless it comes highly highly recommended.

So what have you got? I need some reading material!

Help me find an old fantasy book?

brindel — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:09:28 -0800

I'm desperately trying to remember a fantasy book I read back in the 1980's or early 1990's. This may actually have been part of a series of two or three books. As I recall, the protagonist was a wizard of indeterminate skill who had secured a position as Court Wizard in a small outlying Kingdom/Duchy. He tried to downplay his 'abilities' as much as possible, but he did have some random skill. At some point he invents something like a 'glass telephone' that more easily communicates with the 'Wizard University' than any other method. My tenuous memory also has this story as something of a murder mystery? A Duke or somesuch dies and Our Hero tries to figure out whodunit. The Court Priest/Monk/Holy Man plays a role as foil to Our Hero too, he's also trying to figure out whodunit, but is morally opposed to wizards. I think I'm remembering them developing some sort of uneasy truce by the end.

The 'glass telephone' device was a part of the book's artwork, which I recall as somewhat cartoony, in bright yellows and greens. Does any of this ring any bells for anybody?

Random snippits of memory I also associate with this book:

The 'glass telephone' was goof made by mixing several spells, but it worked better than anybody expected. You could see an image of whoever you were 'calling' inside the body of the phone, that's why it was glass.

The 'Head Wizard' at the local 'Wizard University' seemed to be involved in some kind of plot around Our Hero. The impression was he believed Our Hero to be much more talented/powerful than he let on, as proven by the glass phone, and there was some kind of conspiracy regarding that.

The wizard's power has something to do with demons?

There was also some jealousy towards Our Hero because of his position as Court Wizard, even if it was a small Kingdom/Duchy.

Our Hero uses his ability at one point as Court Entertainment by making sparkles/lights in the Great Hall as well as moving images of people/things. This was a scene that illustrated his iffy ability, because others could have done the same, but with sound added.

The Queen/Dutchess of the Small Kingdom/Duchy was quite power-hungry and ruthless. (I think I remember *her* as being the one who dun it.)

The Court Priest/Monk/Holy Man had a secret in his past, something to do with a scar or brand on his arm?

Our Hero dies and comes back while saving someone's life, possibly the Priest/Monk/Holy Man? (This was the source of the truce between them.)

Hope these snippets actually help as opposed to muddying the waters. Thanks!

Got an (particular) old textbook there?

Squid Voltaire — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:56:46 -0800

I need to know the table of contents for the 2nd edition of Eysenck and Keane's Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook, published in 1990, ISBN# 0863771548 I'm compiling a list of the tables of contents from various Cog Psych textbooks of the past four decades, as a (very) rough way to get a look at how the field has changed. I've managed to find the ToC for Eysenck and Keane's 1st edition textbook, as well as editions 3 through 5--all I need is the second edition to complete the set!

I do realize that this is a ridiculous thing to ask, but you never know. Maybe someone will read this and immediately meMail me the table of contents from E&K's Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook, 2nd Ed., published in 1990. (:

Help me complete the set! I have to catch them all!

I love books, but there are so many out there

reenum — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:50:54 -0800

How do you decide whether a book is worth reading? I've been a voracious reader all my life. This has caused me to have a HUGE reading backlog. So, I try to peck away at my reading list and often end up finishing books. A lot of times, though, I'll have gotten through almost half a book before I realize it's not for me.

I tried to institute a "if it's not interesting after 50 pages, into the bin it goes" policy, but I always feel like I might be missing that one life changing book that gets started on page 51. I guess what I'm saying is that I need to have some quality control standards here so that I read only the good stuff.

So, I ask you MeFites: How do you decide whether a book is worth reading, and when do you decide to abandon a book if it's not for you?

Vacation Reading Recommendations?

Otis — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:43:35 -0800

Can you all help me with some summer vacation reading recommendations? I trust your tastes implicitly. Helpful guidelines inside. Planning a nice quiet summer vacation this year with lots of downtime for reading. I seem to be at a loss for what to take. My all time favorite vacation book was John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces. Also like Douglas Coupland and Michael Chabon. Hunter S. Thompson. John Fante. (Not really looking to depress myself on my vaction though.) Guess I'm looking for some good dark, black humor that I can dive into easily. Thanks in advance.

Can I get the publishing rights to my grandfather's book?

TheManChild2000 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:04:38 -0800

My grandfather wrote a successful buck in the early '40s. He passed away about ten years ago, and just recently I've gotten the urge to see if it would be possible to release the book to Project Gutenberg and also maybe do a Librivox recording. How does one go about finding out about who owns copyrights in this kind of situation?

Looking for books about history of technologies

pombe — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:33:24 -0800

Looking for good books on the history of technologies. Basically, I'm looking for books like The Making of the Atomic Bomb, but about other modern technologies. Long, technically detailed, well-written, and engaging are all positives. I'm not too picky about what the technology is but I'm interested in "big" technologies from the last 100 years - histories of things like rocketry, nuclear power, integrated circuits, etc. are all good.

Bonus question: if anyone knows of a book on the history of accelerator design, that would be especially interesting.

Meg Tilly makes it hard to google for...

goo — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:50:36 -0800

Kids' book filter: Two sisters, possibly twins, one a brunette named Natalie but known as Tilly, English, involves going to stay in the country and horses, most likely published in the early-mid 80s (when I read it), possibly a trilogy or a series. Any help with the title or author would much appreciated!

What religion is Nadir Khan?

MrMerlot — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:31:26 -0800

In Salmon Rushdie's Midnight's Children, is the character of Nadir Khan a muslim or a hindu?

What's a good gift for a first-time author?

melodykramer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:13:47 -0800

My friend has her first novel coming out soon, and I want to get her a neat present to celebrate her major-publisher, first-time author status. Any suggestions? This book is the first of three she has coming out....and I think it's important to celebrate this milestone in a memorable way.

If you're an author, did anyone get you anything incredibly mindblowingly awesome? I've thought about a print of the cover from the artist or maybe asking some of her favorite authors to send her a note? Is that weird? I don't know.

When she found out the books were going to be published, I got her some "This Book Belongs To" insert cards and a lovely journal made from a book, but this is a step up. We're talking major bookstore release, press, the whole shebang. I want to commemorate it in some tiny way.

Thoughts?

How do I get a book repair business started?

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:05:36 -0800

I'm thinking of starting up a home-based business doing repair and cosmetic work on old/damaged books and other artefacts. How do I get started? General knowledge about the logistics of starting a small, home-based business are also welcome. I work as a conservator/archivist in my day job, and every week or so someone will come in with something they are interested in having repaired. Legally, I am not allowed to offer advice about the conservation or preservation (or appraisal) of the object while I'm at work. Invariably, the person who brought the object will ask if I know of anyone who can do the work for them.

I usually have the skills needed to help them, whether its paper repair, book repair, or general artefact care. The materials to set me up in this job wouldn't be prohibitively expensive, and of course I wouldn't borrow anything from my workplace. I could do the work in the evenings or on weekends. I've even thought ahead and toyed with the idea of doing personal archives work, including organizing family papers, research, personal histories, etc.

How do I get the word out about what I'm offering? I've thought about fliers at libraries and craft stores, but is there another option I'm forgetting? Should I set up a website? How do I find customers in general?

Also, I've received varying advice about setting up an LLC. Is this necessary? Will it make tax stuff and write-offs for training and materials easier?

Finally, any advice about the logistics of operating a small business in limited space in one's home are also welcome.

Thanks!

Bathroom entertainment

pilibeen — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:05:17 -0800

Recommend me some books for when I'm on the can. I was reading through my Book of Lists on the john today for the nth time, and realized I need something new.

What are some books which are entertaining and easily picked up at random spots?...I'm thinking something like the book of lists, or the straight dope, etc.

Help me with a horror novel title.

zardoz — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:04:40 -0800

What's-the-title-of-this-book-Filter: I read a review of this novel but can't remember the title or the author. Here's what I - vaguely - remember: a female author released a novel within the last 2 (3?) years, perhaps even more recently. It's a kind of horror novel, I believe, but the author is known for more non-genre fiction. It has something to do with a haunted house or castle, perhaps in England or elsewhere in Europe; I think the book cover had a photo of a gothic-looking castle. It had a really positive review in a major newspaper (NYT?) She's British or American. Again, I think. Ring a bell with anyone?

On preview, now that I think of it, the author could be a man. Just to make things more difficult.

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst

anoirmarie — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:38:56 -0800

Can anyone help me find any books, serious or not, on surviving a global catastrophe (of any kind), and/or any books with a central theme of love and hope (as a sort of guide to living happily while dealing with an extreme anxiety over the future of the planet and humanity)? Perhaps this is a little broad, but any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. These recommendations will be given to an avid reader in his mid-twenties with a terrific sense of humor, but who is struggling with anxiety in regards to the future, i.e the destruction of the planet, raising a family in a post-apocalyptic environment, etc. etc. Anything sincere, anything funny. Please.

Help me find a short story from HS English class.

takenRoad — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:38:36 -0800

Looking for a short story I read in high school English ages ago. Rough story line: Guy dies. Slowly over time pieces of evidence that he ever lived disappear from the world... ...Finally, many years after his death, the last piece of paper bearing his signature is burned. Now the last trace of his life is gone. Sorry I can't give more detail. Probably read this in about 1980, and that's all that stuck. Thanks for your help!

Why polenta but not corn on the cob?

nev — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:41:01 -0800

I want to a read a book about the domestication, Western discovery, spread and eventual assimilation of New World foods. I'm interested in how these crops were transported to and received by different cultures, and how certain New World foods became synonymous with particular Old World cuisines. I'd prefer a high-level history that covered all the major crops (corn, tomatoes, squash, peppers, potatoes) and multiple cultures rather than just one in particular. It's okay if it's an academic text as long as it's not too dry.

Other good food history recommendations are also welcome (I've read "Salt" and "Cod" already).

what makes a good bookstore

MrMerlot — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:40:34 -0800

What specific qualities make for a truly good bookstore other than the content on the shelves?

Reading recommendations for a 14-year-old girl?

quidividi — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:39:41 -0800

I've sponsored the daughter of friends in a charity event. As part of the sponsorship, I can name a book for her to read. Here's where it gets interesting -- My friends' politics are left of center, while mine lean to the right, and I'd like to introduce their daughter to something she might not encounter otherwise. It should be age-appropriate and not over the top (like Atlas Shrugged). All suggestions appreciated.

Recommend some ghostly mystery books, please!

giggleknickers — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:48:51 -0800

I'm looking for supernatural mysteries! I've seen a lot of Asian movies with an excellent, tried and true plot: a person finds out that they, or their home, is being haunted. They set out to investigate why, and the mystery gradually unfolds until it all comes to make sense at the end.

They tend to be billed as horrors, but they aren't scary (or trying to be), just mysterious. Perhaps creepy, but the point of the story is the mystery, not the scare.

I love these kinds of movies, and I remember there were loads of books like this when I was a pre-teen, in the "young adult" section. Unfortunately, I haven't really found any for adult readers.

When I do find them, it turns out that it was just a hoax by some bad guy and there was no supernatural influence at all. That makes me want to throw the book at the bastard author.

Can anyone recommend some books that have such a plot?

Can you rent/borrow books online anywhere?

slavlin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:32:10 -0800

We have Netflix and Gamefly. I want to know if there is a Netbooks or Bookfly equivalent? I love books. I have way too many books. I like libraries, but they never have what I want when I want to read it. Is there a book based service like Netflix or Gamefly? I know it would be more expensive, as books are heavier, but I would like to check out whatever is out there.

Help me find two books I read as a kid

Caduceus — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:41:47 -0800

WhatWereThoseBooksFilter: I'm looking for several unrelated books, or possibly series of books, that I read as a kid. The first involved a family of magic users living in what was the time the modern world. It was probably written in the 80s or early 90s, and I read it in the early to mid 90s (I have the least complete childhood memories of any non-tramautized twenty something I know, so bear with me). If I'm not conflating multiple books, the book was about a family of wizards/magic users who lived in secret in the modern world. I believe it was a YA book, and it focused on the children, though the parents could use magic as well.

I remember that one kid in particular had the gift of throwing small, relatively harmless fireballs, and would get in trouble by using this on his or her siblings. I don't recall if each family member could only do one particular magic act, or if they could all use magic in general and each was just particularly gifted with a single ability. I believe that the kids somehow awoke or pissed off a dragon, and that the family had to band together and fight it. It may have been a series, as well, but I don't remember any details that could have been from other books in the series.

The second book was about trolls. Again, I think it was a YA novel. I remember even less of this one. What I most remember is that they would play this game that I recall as being vaguely like horseshoes, only it would involve throwing what I believe were rocks with etchings filled with copper, silver, or gold in them. The winners would be able to take the losers' rocks. These trolls were fairly Scandinavian, in that they turned to stone in the sunlight, but they were the protagonists of the book.