WHERE MUSIC LISTENS TO YOU
SatisfiedMind614
SatisfiedMind614
Add To My Trusted Moggers

When I learned to 'read' for the second time

Posted over 2 years ago
I am sort of saddened to say that I have gotten out of the habit of reading books. I used to read a few books a month, but slowly got away from it as the internet and cable tv kept expanding their reach and improving their content and as I got further removed from my college years.But as i have had intermittent battles with insomnia for the the last year or so, I decided to give audiobooks a shot. Emusic has just added an audio book download section and that makes it super easy for me to download a book right onto my mp3 player and give a listen when or wherever. I picked up Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood'(which I have read but not in years) and Nick Hornby's 'Long Way Down'. I am about halfway through the Hornby book...loving it so far. It's the funny, and sad, story of 4 strangers who meet by chance on New Year's Eve while all attempting to kill themselves,jumping off of the same building...So for all of you readers out there...what have I missed in the last 10 years or so? Drop me a comment and tell me what book will make my life better for having read it.Now...as I am listening to the narration of the Nick Hornby book, this Ryan Adams,song...or lyric...is always bouncing around my head, so i'll play it"Thinking some of suicide, but there's bars out here for miles..."
0

Comments (39)

  1. contrabandwidth
    contrabandwidth says I'll be interested to know what you think of the book when your finished. I like Hornby's characters, they always seem like someone you'd know.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  2. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says I just picked up Long Way Down - $5 new at B&N but I am still struggling to get through the last Potter (not cuz it sucks - quite the contrary... but MOG takes up a lot of my reading time) !!! I ADORED In Cold Blood - read it last year & it changed the way I see literature... should be courses offered in college about it - brilliant that Capote. Kite Runner was genius as well...
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  3. SatisfiedMind614
    SatisfiedMind614 says Contra....agreed...he has a knack for character building! Liz, yeah In Cold Blood floored me too when i first read it....since then I have seen both Capote movies and I wanted to revisit now that I know a little more about Mr Capote himself
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  4. jameson
    jameson says Today, I purchased "Into The Wild", by John Krakauer, a book I've been pawing at for three years. I've grown to love Krakauer's non-fiction storytelling. I'd highly recommend his _Into Thin Air_ (about 1996's tragic Everest events [of which the author was there on the mountain] It's killer.) and _Under The Banner Of Heaven_ (about the history of the Mormon religion and more specifically about the Fundamentalist offshoot of the LDS Church. Fascinating). I'm not much for recommending fiction, though. Not by choice but more by design, I suppose. I prefer to read non-fiction . But I'm taking notes and eyeing this post for some good suggestions. Nick Hornby's a cat I'd love to get into.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  5. Misstee
    Misstee says I'm ga-ga for Hornby in a scary tweener loving Justin Timberlake kind of way, so I'm glad you're enjoying Long Way Down. Its not my favorite of his but a good read all the same. I've been reading loads of nonfiction and memoirs lately and I can highly recommend two musically inclined books: 'But Enough About Me' by Jancee Dunn and 'Love is a Mix Tape' by Rob Sheffield(in another life I wanted to be a Rolling Stone editor). I also loved John Berendt's 'City of Falling Angels' and if you've never read 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' that's a real treat.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  6. jameson
    jameson says 'Midnight..' I think I read in one sitting.... and then saw that p.o.s. movie they made about it. Great , great book.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  7. Misstee
    Misstee says Jameson - the movie broke my heart. With the exception of Kevin Spacey and Jack Thompson it was badly cast and that was just one of its many issues, but its rare that a well loved book translates into a well loved movie.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  8. jameson
    jameson says Only after watching it, I realized that no matter what they did with the scipt, the timeline, or the acting/directing, the possibility of making a decent movie out of that story would have been extremely challenging. I think the actors and producers realized that as well, and probably, like me, only after watching it.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  9. lucystarlite
    lucystarlite says a few recommendations: god-shaped hole tiffanie dibartolo anyone who knows me knows how i feel about this book, and that i tend to recommend it ad-nauseum...but truly it is worth it. it is all about love and music and los angeles, and if you like 'eternal sunshine' and 'lost in translation' and 'once' - i just think you would like this. girlfriend in a coma douglas coupland full of musical references and an interesting take on friends, family, love, reality, and consequence. there's two for you...i have more if you want them. lucy.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  10. Bartleby
    Bartleby says Every month, I have some new "classic" and not "so classic" books (and non-books) in my "recommended readings of the month" on my MOG. It all depends on your likes and dislikes, but if you're a writer and love the art of fiction you might want to try "Bartleby" by Melville. It's one of his less know novellas but definitely his most incisive and genial work.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  11. lucystarlite
    lucystarlite says is that what inspired your mog name? lucy.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  12. amykate55
    amykate55 says Life of Pi is an excellent read. I was also a big fan of Cold Mountain.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  13. darmuzz
    darmuzz says Hey, I found the right post. My favourite authors are Nick Hornby, Douglas Coupland and Banana Yoshimoto. I really liked Microserfs and J-Pod by Coupland, but then I am a techie geek. I also read Love is a Mixtape; highly recommended. If you don't mind hipster writing, check out the rock writer Chuck Klosterman - I liked Killing Yourself to Live (about people's fascination with dead rock stars).
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  14. Slicing
    Slicing says Let's see what have I read lately....SCHOOL BOOKS...ok,some normal books: -The Color Purple by Alice Walker -Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris -Red Dragon by Thomas Harris -You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down by Alice Walker -Wild Seed by Octavia Bulter -Lilith's Brood by Octavia Butler -Death of a Thousand Cuts by Barbara D'Amato Oh, my favorites are by Clive Barker. I read a lot
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  15. amber
    amber says Love Love *LOVE* books. Almost as much as music, and sometimes more. Right now I'm reading a non-fiction tome, This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J Levitin. Its a little dry in the first chapter but I think its amazing. I bet it is actually better on audio book because of the author's ability to give audio examples. I'm also reading The Physician's Tale by Ann Benson. Its early but so far a dark but well written story about a post-apocalyptic world. And speaking of post apocalyptic, nothing beats The Stand by Stephen King. You _have_ read that, right?
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  16. SatisfiedMind614
    SatisfiedMind614 says 'This Is Your Brain On Music' is on Emusic....i will get that one next I think!!
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  17. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says loved Cold Mountain too... My all time favorite - Sophie's Choice.
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  18. Betherz247
    Betherz247 says I'll be interested to hear what you think of Hornby's book as well I finished it just about 2 weeks ago, you'll have to let us know, great book for sure
    Permalink posted 09/27/2007
  19. B42
    B42 says Into the Wild was good but a bit depressing, more than a bit. Your Brain on music is longwinded or I just haven't found the good parts yet North to Katahdin and The Places In Between are both excellent and I highly recommend Laurel Canyon considing your current whereabouts and interests, wait a sec I'll put the link up.
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  20. Anna
    Anna says Well, B, what kind of book themes are you attracted to?
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  21. B42
    B42 says Link Laurel Canyon: The Inside Story of Rock-and-Roll's Legendary Neighborhood Anna; long lonely walks, sex drugs and rock n' roll, humor, and SCI FI naturally.
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  22. Anna
    Anna says Oh, I know what _you_ are attracted to bookwise, I was asking our other B :)
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  23. B42
    B42 says I realized that after I posted, I know what you're attracted to as well ;)
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  24. AnonymousAmy
    AnonymousAmy says wow, i'm late to the party. I'm currently reading A Separate Peace by John Knowles. Recently I finished The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time by Mark Haddon Into the Wild by John Krakaur What Is the What by Dave Eggers The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer Empire Falls by Richard Russo and Comeback by Claire and Mia Fontaine. Holy shit. I've read all those in the last 3 months. I am a total dork.
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  25. SatisfiedMind614
    SatisfiedMind614 says I am thinking Into The Wild is a must...wanna see the movie anyway, so i may as well read the book....Anna, as far as book themes go I like anything that may make me think a little bit...or anything with a hot girl on the cover ;-)
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  26. indiepixie
    indiepixie says wow i always thought that lyric was 'summer suicide' thanks for clarifying :) hate when that happens...saved me from embarassment when belting on a road trip...
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  27. I am
    I am says Hey B. Paul Bowles - You will probably only find "Sheltering Sky". Terry Jones w/ Douglas Adams - Starship Titanic (worth the trip if you into funny) Pick up some Greek classics. The Serpent and the Rainbow - Wade Davis (Creepy, creepy, creepy)
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  28. SatisfiedMind614
    SatisfiedMind614 says Paul Bowles is a name that keeps coming up...I am definitely going to pick check him out...thanks eveyone for the killer suggestions...this will make not sleeping so much better
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  29. Shud33
    Shud33 says Okay so I know it got a lot of positive and negative publicity, but if you like books that you can;t put down, The Da Vinci Code was a very well written book, as was Angels and Demons, Deception Point and Digital Fortress. Dan Brown has a way with writing that captures the reader from page one. So those are some fun suggestions...but WARNING...not for the hyper sensitive as far as religion goes...IT IS JUST A STORY.
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  30. SatisfiedMind614
    SatisfiedMind614 says thanks Shud...this whole thread has restored my faith in people...glad to know so many people are so passionate about reading still...
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  31. indiepixie
    indiepixie says well i am a writer, so that inherentl means I am a reader. Currently reading Ryszard Kapuscinski's book Travels with Herodotus...he is an amazing Polish journalist, "master of literary reportage," who traveled everywhere under the sun...he wrote this book knowingly on his deathbed, and it basically deduces his youth to 275 pages- including how he first left a haggard Poland in 1955 and was send immediately to India and from there far corners of the non-western world. Called Travels with Herodotus bc that story of Herodotus was the first book given to him by his first boss and mentor- he always felt some connection to this infamous traveler born 485 BCE since in Herodotus' time- there was no concept of 'Europe'- the world was viewed through the eyes of Asia.....Amazing how he has vivid memories of his youth- Would you be able to condense your life into 275 pages, knowing this would be the last thing you write? what would it be?
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  32. contrabandwidth
    contrabandwidth says I'll ad that to the echo that "Life of Pi" could be one of the most important works of fiction this century (so far, of course!). Utterly, amazing. For a little lighter read, but one you can't put down, I recommend "The Time Travelers Wife". As for non fiction, a read some fellow moggers hooked me into "One River" by Wade Davis - so good.
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  33. doombilly
    doombilly says Things I read recently: Cryptonomicon Pattern Recognition Lies Inc. currently reading: The Kite Runner I got two for my b-day yesters.. John Peel: Margrave of the Marshes & Quicksilver
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  34. angeldawn
    angeldawn says I second that recommendation for The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffennegger. I keep hoping she will write another. Also loved Scandal of the Season by Sophie Gee -- if you're into historical fiction you might like it. I'm recommending a book by a writer I'm quite fond of - my husband just published his first novel!! It's called The Melancholy Fate of Capt. Lewis. It's historical fiction as well and it's been garnering some early praise. Book Sense selected it for their November list. Blair, check out Book Sense if you don't already know about it http://www.booksense.com/ Good titles recommended by independent booksellers.
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  35. Misstee
    Misstee says I'd also like to add A.D.D. by Brad Listi now in paperback!
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  36. Mike the Knife
    Mike the Knife says Oh you literary-minded MOGgers! Having relished "High Fidelity," I'm intrigued by the new Hornby, and will grab it up. Alas, I get so busy with my own writing, reading the news, scanning comics and graphic novels, and contemplating my navel that I barely have time to crack a real book. I do remain grateful for a college education that enabled me (forced me?) to read and relish the classics...
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  37. SatisfiedMind614
    SatisfiedMind614 says Exactly...i seemed to dislike all of that mandatory reading at the time...but the knowedge has served me SO well...and 10yrs on i am really loving i-books....its a great way to unwind
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  38. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says How to be Good was amazing & a different feel from Hornby than the first three... Loved it actually - still trying to talk Mum into reading it - she's the one who gave me my love of lit !!!
    Permalink posted 09/28/2007
  39. Peggah
    Peggah says I really enjoyed Men and Other Mammals by Jim Keeble, he's British, and it's similar to Nick Hornby's style and and it mentions penguins :D
    Permalink posted 10/07/2007

Comment on this Post

Login using email and password below.

Forgot Password?

Don't have an account?
Join MOG. It's Free!

Top Artist Radio

Top Albums

Top Songs

Top Artists From A to Z

Our Daily Picks

RSS

Featured Playlists

All Featured Playlists

© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved