Always reading, but usually just the classics and/or teen literature (for teaching). Just finished Dune again, and Three Body Problem. On Invisible Man and Tom Sawyer now.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg4kpv3p4zo He thought it was worth a read. A would-be burglar in Rome was caught after stopping to read a book on Greek mythology in the middle of a robbery, Italian media report. The 38-year-old reportedly gained access to a flat in the Italian capital's Prati district via the balcony but became distracted after picking up a book about Homer's Iliad on a bedside table. The 71-year-old homeowner is said to have awoken and confronted the alleged thief, who was engrossed in the book. News of the failed robbery attracted the attention of the book's author, who told local media he wanted to send the man a copy so he could "finish" his read. After being caught off-guard, the alleged robber reportedly attempted to make a quick getaway by escaping via the same balcony, but was arrested shortly afterwards. He is said to have told police he had climbed the building to visit a person he knew. "I thought I had ended up in a B&B, saw the book and started to read it." Giovanni Nucci, the author of The Gods at Six O'Clock, which explains the Iliad from the perspective of the gods, told Il Messaggero: "It's fantastic." "I'd like to find the person caught red-handed and give him the book, because he'll have been arrested halfway through reading it. I'd like him to be able to finish it. "It's a surreal story, but also full of humanity." The thief was reportedly in possession of a bag containing expensive clothing allegedly stolen from another house earlier that evening. Mr Nucci said his personal favourite deity was Hermes, the god of thieves. "He is also the god of literature. It is clear: everything fits," he joked.
Anybody paint? I paint quite a lot, I also used to do a lot of graphic design work for UK ice hockey, Swindon WIldcats in particular for ten years but also the English Ice Hockey Association, the Scottish National League, and a little bit for GB Ice Hockey, I've had about six shirt designs used by UK teams and did all the design work in Swindon's corporate area (which took a long time) I still design for Kirkcaldy Kestrels but mainly now I paint, acrylic and water soluble oils occasionally but usually gouache nowadays. We moved from Swindon to the Scottish Highlands and I thought the long distance was a bit much for the design work, also ten years was about enough for me. Why Saints? I was born in East Dean (Hampshire) but was brought up and lived a long time in Lockerley. I am currently reading Future Proof which is an interesting 'what if' concept and actually reasonably well-written from someone I've never heard of.
I am halfway through The Crucifix Killer by Chris Carter and I am totally absorbed in the story. It so far has the ingredients of a good movie, with “novel” ways of killing the victims and plenty of blood and gore. Strange thing is that I had never heard of Chris Carter until I was reading another detective novel, in which the protagonist’s wife was reading the very same book. Another 12 in the series after this one, to keep a retiree busy.
I have been e joying Claudia Pinieras writing. She is builded as Argentina's best crime writer. They are books about crime as opposed to who done it's. I reconmended Betty Boo for shock value but think ?' The crack in the wall' is the most sophisticated crime plot i have read where there are no truly innocent characters. Have also felt the latest Rebus was a bit of a let down albeit satisfying to see ine character get his come uppance.
Is the latest Rebus the one of him in prison? The last one I read was him in court with the book telling the story leading upto his crime. Shame it's a disappointment if so. Might give that crack in a wall a go, will report back if so. I've just started Peter James' dead if you don't.
I know everyone (rightly) loves the Slow Horses tv series, but I really highly recommend the books that inspired it, by Mick Herron. Superb.
Currently reading From here to Eternity. Started it in March. Love it though. This was the first part to a Thin Red Line for those that don’t know.
Libby I thought that the novel.where Rebus was sent down was terrific and demonatrated how Rankin had managed his hero's decline in previous books. The next book looks like it is being set up as the last with the fortunes of a number of familiar faces changing in the latest book. Rebus is a bit perepheral in this story but the conclusion is satisfying and is really what the book is about. Pineiro is more literary but both books are terrific. Betty Boo is written in the present tense and was full of believable characters. However , the ending is quite shocking and credible and probably uncomfortable for womem . The other book is more traditional yet you do not realise the true story until 2/3rds through. The book is also written from the point of view of someone involved in the crime. Just felt this was very clever.
Yeah I though it was one of the best one I've read for years. I really need to work out which Rebus books I've not read yet. I read around 6 when I was young but can't remember which and I've got around 14-15 on my bookshelf so I might try and fill the gaps next year. Problem is I'm a bit of a tight bastard and tend to buy 95% of my books from charity shops so it's generally a case of just buying them as and when I see them.
You are a mind reader....literally downloaded them onto my Kindle yesterday! @San Tejón did you finish the David Baldacci book? I loved it.
I’ve read another 3 since then. The joys of retirement . Yes I enjoyed it and didn’t expect the twists at the end. I’m wondering if the main characters will form one of his series of books, although I find it so frustrating when you follow his characters and he then drops them after about 6 books and starts a new series with a new protagonist. I currently have 49 of his books on my kindle, so I’m clearly a fan of his books.
Yeah I love David Baldacci. Started with the Camel Club and never looked back. I tend to take 2-3 weeks on a book due to a combo of listening to the audiobook on walks and reading when I can. Did you know that if you have the audible book and the kindle edition, you can chop and change and either device will pick up where you left off? Very clever!
I am listening to, not reading Matthew McConaugheys book, Green Lights. Being read by the man himself. It's brilliant.
I’ve never really considered audio books simply because I sometimes “switch off” and get distracted by things/my thoughts and find myself wondering what is happening in the story. With the written word I can just scroll back a page or two, although I expect it’s easy enough to do similar with audio books.
I’ve just listened to all the strike novels again they were were great……. And worth the time it took.
Yep I only really listen on a dog walk or gardening. Anything else and I am distracted and have to hit the 30 seconds back a few times. Lone car journeys are another good way to listen.
Have to say that i am really adverse to American writers and struggle with theightweight style. The lsdt American writer whose book.i read was ' Underground railroad ' which took.a while to get going. I am wary of writers like Baldacci who are so prolific.
