What are you reading tonight?

[TANGODANCER]

Brief History is one of the best books I have ever read. Its simply brilliant. The guy is an exceptional writer at times, but that one surpasses everything else he's done.
You've put me in the mood to re-read it Tango. Enjoy. I'd be amazed if you don't.

I'm about 130 pages in right now. I might not totally agree with it re the creation, but I'll enjoy it anyway.

It's very hard not to like the way Bryson tells everything. A brilliant researcher and a highly intelligent man. "His tongue-in-cheek "What we think we know" epitomises his writing. The geology and triangulating of the earth section is fascinating. He also mentions the book,
"Longtitude" which I read a few years ago. Another really terrific book that I'd heartily recommend.

[Bruce Rioja]

I might not totally agree with it re the creation, but I'll enjoy it anyway.

Though you might struggle with that.

[TANGODANCER]

I might not totally agree with it re the creation, but I'll enjoy it anyway.

Though you might struggle with that.

There's the feeling that, in Bryson's writing, one doesn't totally discount the other. He just gives the scientific facts and sort of leaves you to make your mind up. I've never quite seen the topics of science and mathmatics portrayed in such an accesible way. My respect for the man grows by the page.

[Annoyed Grunt]

Picked up Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child, only as it was on offer at Asda.

Also got Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver. New James Bond novel, bloody love Deavers books.

[CrazyHorse]

Razzle.

[General Mannerheim]

Brief History is one of the best books I have ever read. Its simply brilliant. The guy is an exceptional writer at times, but that one surpasses everything else he's done.
You've put me in the mood to re-read it Tango. Enjoy. I'd be amazed if you don't.

I'm about 130 pages in right now. I might not totally agree with it re the creation, but I'll enjoy it anyway.


It's very hard not to like the way Bryson tells everything. A brilliant researcher and a highly intelligent man. "His tongue-in-cheek "What we think we know" epitomises his writing. The geology and triangulating of the earth section is fascinating. He also mentions the book,
"Longtitude" which I read a few years ago. Another really terrific book that I'd heartily recommend.

i picked it up after reading these posts, im up to chapter 5 now and thinking of sacking ot off - boring as fook.

[hisroyalgingerness]

The Writers Tale, a record of an email conversation (and half) between Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies and journalist Benjamin cook. Mega. Very insightful, not just for Doctor Who fans but anyone interested in writing and the process of writing - the joy, the despair, you get it all.

[TANGODANCER]

Brief History is one of the best books I have ever read. Its simply brilliant. The guy is an exceptional writer at times, but that one surpasses everything else he's done.
You've put me in the mood to re-read it Tango. Enjoy. I'd be amazed if you don't.

I'm about 130 pages in right now. I might not totally agree with it re the creation, but I'll enjoy it anyway.


It's very hard not to like the way Bryson tells everything. A brilliant researcher and a highly intelligent man. "His tongue-in-cheek "What we think we know" epitomises his writing. The geology and triangulating of the earth section is fascinating. He also mentions the book,
"Longtitude" which I read a few years ago. Another really terrific book that I'd heartily recommend.

i picked it up after reading these posts, im up to chapter 5 now and thinking of sacking ot off - boring as fook.

I actually don't see this as a book for one session. It's something to pick up and read in between other books. Bryson isn't attempting to teach, even explain science or maths. The book just makes you aware of what really happens behind scenes we don't even bother imagining. Suppose you either like it or you don't. What it does do is make you like the author, at least in my case.

[General Mannerheim]

its meant to be a 'short history' but he goes pretty deep with all the astronomical stuff (yawn) - ill be ok when he starts on the seas & mountains etc.

[P.O.S.]

its meant to be a 'short history' but he goes pretty deep with all the astronomical stuff (yawn) - ill be ok when he starts on the seas & mountains etc.

Actually come to think of it when I read the book although I enjoyed most of it, the bit about mountains and rocks nearly sent me to sleep!

[2399]

I bought a MAD Super Special for $3 at the Salvos. It's from Summer 1980

Took the first price tag of at the counter as I was buying it.

The second while I was walking in the street and I bloody ripped a tiny bit of Alfreds hair off (the cover).

[truewhite15]

Currently reading The Mayan Prophecy, by Steve Alten. I think the phrase is...well-researched. If you're into doomsday stuff, give it a go.

[Bruce Rioja]

Currently reading The Mayan Prophecy, by Steve Alten. I think the phrase is...well-researched. If you're into doomsday stuff, give it a go.

I'm more into Mayan stuff than doomsday stuff (in which I've no interest). Worth a go?

[truewhite15]

Currently reading The Mayan Prophecy, by Steve Alten. I think the phrase is...well-researched. If you're into doomsday stuff, give it a go.

I'm more into Mayan stuff than doomsday stuff (in which I've no interest). Worth a go?

I suspect not. There is quite a bit in about Mayan history, but all of it is linked to the supposed winter solstice prophecy. It's more a sci-fi fantasy novel, not a docu-book...

[Bruce Rioja]

Currently reading The Mayan Prophecy, by Steve Alten. I think the phrase is...well-researched. If you're into doomsday stuff, give it a go.

I'm more into Mayan stuff than doomsday stuff (in which I've no interest). Worth a go?

I suspect not. There is quite a bit in about Mayan history, but all of it is linked to the supposed winter solstice prophecy. It's more a sci-fi fantasy novel, not a docu-book...

Ah, deffo not my thang then, fella. Many thanks.

[Worthy4England]

Currently reading The Mayan Prophecy, by Steve Alten. I think the phrase is...well-researched. If you're into doomsday stuff, give it a go.

I'm more into Mayan stuff than doomsday stuff (in which I've no interest). Worth a go?

I suspect not. There is quite a bit in about Mayan history, but all of it is linked to the supposed winter solstice prophecy. It's more a sci-fi fantasy novel, not a docu-book...

Ah, deffo not my thang then, fella. Many thanks.

Not a book thang, but spotted this Brucie.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13913770" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Recent video footage from within a Mayan tomb...

[Bruce Rioja]

Cheers Worthy.

[TANGODANCER]

A real plus: The second Bryson book I picked up (which I just grabbed happily) The Complete Notes, is actually a two book omnibus of Notes from a Big Country and Notes from a Small Island. Currently thoroughly enjoying a jog back to 70's Britain in Small Island. It's either a "here's how it was" dialogue for younger folk, or, in my case, a trip down memory lane for the older end. Great reading and big fun whichever.

[Bijou Bob]

Sebastian Faulks - Human Traces

I'm hoping it's as good as Birdsong........................oh and a book about Heinrich Himmler as a counterpoint

[Annoyed Grunt]

Also got Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver. New James Bond novel, bloody love Deavers books.

Only about 50 pages in, doesn't read like Bond, more like Lincoln Rhyme.