Looking for a Good Read

[mckaysmonkey]

While clearing out all my receipts and other random crap that seems to have accumulated in my bag, I spotted a gift token for Waterstone's book shop I've never cashed in. It's worth £10 in British money, which is roughly $15.50. Now I could just hang onto it and use it as an extra Christmas gift for someone, but I'm tempted to buy a book. Does

Comments

[hilde]

I'll use this opportunity to recommend two Norwegian authors :)

Jo Nesbo
http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/jo+nesbo/don+bartlett/the+leopard/8138963/

and Tom Egeland
http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/tom+egeland/the+guardians+of+the+covenant/6562758/

Nesbo is probably darker, but I love his books. It's a shame they're not all translated into English.

[mckaysmonkey]

First of all, thankyou for reminding me Waterstones have a web site. I'll have to check if they accept gift vouchers, but I can't see why not.

They do have a shop in town, but it's not big so the choice is limited.

I have to admit I like the sound of the Tom Egeland story. It has an intresting mix of mythologies, with Vikings robing an Egyptian tomb and secrets from the old Testament. Also I like the sound of the quirky archeologist hero.

The Jo Nesbo does sound a little darker than I'd normally pick out for myself, but it's difficult to know without actually reading it.

[hilde]

You're welcome! I've used it a couple of times. I always drop by Waterstones when in London. I can spend hours there, just browsing and buying. And then I have to carry it all home :P

If you're not into darker fics, then Nesbo is not for you, at least not The Snowman and The Leopard. He's an amazing writer, though. I absolutely loved The Guardians of the Covenant. It's a bit like Dan Brown, but much, much better written. I also love the Norse angle here. It's all very exiting :) And I adore his protagonist. Here's some more info about him: http://www.tomegeland.com/

[mckaysmonkey]

I think I might try stopping at Waterstones on the way home from work and see if they have a copy. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and it will be in their 3 for 2 offer?

(which means I'll have to choose two more books. Such a hard life ;-) )

[adafrog]

My favorite lately was World War Z-a historical record of the world war against the zombies. Very serious. ITA with you about story attributes, but this one was good-even though there wasn't really a 'main' character, and there was a lot of death. But a happy ending. :D

[mckaysmonkey]

Interesting suggestion hun. I just hope it's not as gruesome as watching my son play Dead Island or Call of Duty Nazi Zombies. Watching zombies cut to bits in high definition is a stomach churning experience.

Actually, the book might make an interesting stocking filler for my son's Christmas pressent, so thanks for suggesting it!

[adafrog]

It actually reads like a war history. There are a few violent parts, but it's in that context.

Yeah, he might like it. There's another book by the same people-'The Zombie Survival Guide' which is more plain zombie, which he might also like.

You're welcome.

[mckaysmonkey]

Thanks hun. I'll have to check it out.

[wanted_a_pony]

My wife-in-law (Hubby's first spouse, a intelligent & interesting person) really likes novels by Charles de Lint, & I've heard several other friends speak highly of his writing. I haven't read them myself (I've gone off reading fiction in recent years except for fanfic) but I've been quite tempted. They seem to be more magical or fantastic than SF, but everyone agrees that he writes extremely well & the characters & plots are 'realistic' within their parameters. A number of my friends have also recommended Neil Gaiman highly, especialy American Gods. I've read & highly recommend Good Omens: The Nice & Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Gaiman & Pratchett--it's wonderful on first or second or seventh read, & crops up in all sorts of fanfic crossovers because it gets into your brain & won't be quiet.

I also have gotten a lot of pleasure & even use over the years from a few books of quotations. My favorites are the snarkiest, of course: books like The Book of Insults by Nancy McPhee, or (since I'm American) books about

[mckaysmonkey]

Are you psychic, by any chance hun?

I dropped into town earlier today to go to Waterstones, and ended up buying two books, one of which was American Gods by Neil Gaiman. I swear I had not read my LJ since last night so I had no idea you were going to recommend that exact book!!!!!!!

For the record, I bought a Corgi paperback edition of Good Omens roughly 20 years ago, and I have it signed by Terry Pratchett. I've read it several times over the years, and it was also the first book that intoduced me to Niel Giaiman. I have read some of his books before but American Gods is new to me.