What have you read recently?

Bret Easton Ellis - The Shards

Bit on the fence with this one. On the one hand, Ellis is clearly a talented writer and there are some beautiful segments in here. However, there is simply very little story or plot across the 600 pages, apart from the last 50 pages. It is literally the same chapter over and over again - and I detested literally every character (although I get that Ellis probably wants you to). I am glad I read it but I wouldnt read it again.

Michael Connelly - The Waiting

The latest Ballard story (with the usual appearance from Harry Bosch). Connelly is definitely slowing down. Previous books tended to have one main storyline, but the latest books seem to have 4 or 5 different storylines, none of which are linked, and it does feel like they are there so he can get up to the obligatory 400 page mark and then finish it off. Saying that, they are always an enjoyable read - and it surely can’t be long before Bosch gets killed off so I’m intrigued how Connelly will handle that

I loved The Shards and I don’t recognise your criticism of it literally being the same chapter over and over again. Total mindfuck of a book imo. It’s like being inside his head.

gcw Shards

This passed me by, big fan, will have a look.

C_J let me revise that it; is the same themes over and over again. I just got a little bored with the repetition I think.

This is probably his 3rd best book though (American Psycho is 1, Less Than Zero is 2) however I shoud caveat that by saying Glamourama and Lunar Park were absolutely dreadful so I can’t even rank them

gcw Have you read Rules of Attraction?

vinnyt77 I had to check back, but no I have not. Looks like that one, Imperial Bedrooms and White ane the 3 works of his that I havent read. I may check it out as its one of his early ones isnt it.

gcw Yeah - second book I think. First to feature the Bateman brothers… Give it a go. One of my favourite of Easton Ellis’ works.

gcw fair enough. I do remember thinking “this book is so fucked up and long, I reckon most people will fucking hate it”.

Definitely not for everyone and not the sort of thing you’d recommend to your dad but I absolutely loved it.

I’m nearly finished Playground by Richard Powers.

Really good 9/10

Halfway through Man Alive by Dr Jeff Foster.

An informitive take on men’s health.

C_J
This put me off from the blurb - “ Rafi and Todd are two polar opposites at an elite high school where they bond over a three-thousand-year-old board game”

No real reason, just a reaction to.

Worth picking up?

Mad_Cyril I’m not sure I’d give it a full recommendation. It’s one of those “popular/critically acclaimed” books that often land on “best of the year” list which can be a red flag for me. It reminded me a bit of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, last year’s big hit that I strongly disliked despite its popularity.

That said, I really liked this one. It’s deep and thoughtful, with multiple points of view, and explores themes like the ocean, life, friendship, and the human condition. It’s not just light entertainment, but if that’s your thing, it might float your boat.

Ok, cheers.

Recently enjoyed In Ascension, which prompted me to dip back into the Booker Lists.

Came up with There There and Orbital, which are up next after wading through Killing Commendantore (a serious trek)

Recently I’ve been reading Peter May crime books, the Enzo series, stumbled across him by accident, turns out they are pretty good!

I’m currently reading a book about anti-gravity lads.

It’s so good I can’t put it down.

TAKE MY WIFE!

Is this how it’s going to be through 2025, Ed?

Top drawer bants delivered with panache?

It is Millsy!

Smallman1 I’m currently reading a book about anti-gravity lads

When Ed says “anti-gravity lads”, he means “men with erections”.