Ahh that sounds so amazing, Knerd! What's an Orange Alternative Happening?
And now I'm even more jealous. I've wanted to visit Prague for years. I wish I could afford traveling more. I'm the exact opposite though, as I love to wander off by myself in foreign cities.. any city, actually. :D
Orange Alternative
Check it out, it's a pretty interesting form of rebellion against the Polish government.
I like to explore too, but you really have to draw the line someone when you're in a completely foreign city. I didn't speak the language or have a cell phone or even have a clear picture of the city in my head, so it wouldn't have been too wise to wander off on my own. We generally stuck to the same few areas, but I got to see a lot while I was there. :yes:
Dream, I just started watching the True Blood series (only seen the first two episodes so far, so no spoilers please!), have you seen them? I'm wondering how they are compared to the books. The girl acting Sookie annoys me a bit, but otherwise it's off to an alright start.
Knerd, ohh, that's awesome. Sounds very Dada - I'm just starting work on an essay on the Dada/Neo-Dada movement.
Oh, yeah, there's that. Maps are useful, as are cell phones. P:
I didn't read as much as thought when I was away because we didn't spend as much time in the place we were staying as I expected. Which was good in terms of enjoying my holiday. XD
When I turned on my computer I found out my order for The Damned United had been cancelled because the book had been catalogued wrong. It was too damaged to sell and should have been destroyed straight away. The books I ordered before I left have arrived though and I bought a couple of Doctor Who books from the Kelvingrove giftshop.
@ljosberinn
Exactly! Dada is a very good way of describing it. Major took a lot of inspiration for Salvador Dali, especially.
I'm slowly making my way through "Johnathan Strange & Mr Norell." I don't have a lot fo time to read, so I've been reading about 20-30 pages every night. I picked this book to bring with me because it's so long that I knew I'd still have it by the plane flight back. I quite like the story so far - It's written in a format that appeals to me as a historian. The writing is simple, but sometimes you need that in order to concentrate on the characters themselves.
@ljos: I love TrueBlood! I'm addicted to the show. I watched all of season one before I read the first six books.
I'm a little upset. The show is really different then the books. There are some scenes that are identical to scenes from the book, but there's a lot of deviation from the books. It's kinda of nice though because even if you've read the books you don't know whats going to happen. xD
Yet it's not so different that I hate it. The show feels like the books even if they're different.
Dream, I see. Well, I like the feel of the show and I have a feeling I would like the character of Sookie much more if she were played by any other actress. >.>
I might give the books a chance, though seeing how they're always reserved at the library, I doubt I'll be able to get them and read them before I go back to London. I have been considering getting access to the public library there though, just for fun.. we'll see. I want to have a look at the books before buying them - I have such limited space for books.
Mmm, Salvador Dalí. I was just in a role-play session last night that was turning really surreal. We started imagining what it would be like having Dalí as our game master. I think we broke our brains just imagining it.
I like Anna Paquin. xD Though if she'd fix her teeth I'd like her more. xD
The books are really good, they make Sookie a little less innocent and air-headed (not that she to air-headed).
I was trying to get them from my library as well but same as you they were always out. So I just went and bought them. xD Glad I did though. (I do need another new bookshelf now.)
I don't mind her teeth, I just don't like the way she moves. She tends to flail her arms and legs everywhere when she walks and overact with her face. Just like Kristen Stewart in Twilight! It just looks silly when you're always moving your mouth, not dramatic.
They're not very big though, so I don't imagine they're very expensive. I might buy them when I get to London, they'll be cheaper there anyway.
I don't know, her mouth just bothers me because other wise they're really nice teeth. Normally I don't mind teeth at all, I kinda like it when they aren't so aligned and perfect. Just for some reason that little gap. ARG.
On another note I finished the first three books in the Mercy Thompson series. <3
I've finished my first true romance title ever (Megan's Mark by Lora Leigh)... well adult romance *ahem* Funny thing was I didn't know what I was getting into. My friend from work and I were talking and I mentioned I ran out of books to read during our slow season so she offered me what she called 'paranormal/fantasy' books. Never thought I'd say this about any book from the genre but I really liked it. Crazily embarrassed to bring it home but still had trouble putting it down. I'm working on book 2 now in the series ^__^
I know this is really off-topic, but wow nike, your avatar is so pretty. o.o What is that you're wearing? I mean, I recognise the dragon, scepter and blankie, but the dress and the red shawl thing?
Also, I wish I could run out of books to read, it would be a nice change. xD
Why thank you ljosberinn ^^ The dress is Strawberry Silken Gown from Emporio Palazzo, I added the blanket event item in red to my hand to make it look like I'm carrying a shawl but most is part of the dress.
Only reason I ran out was because I've been saving up for my new house so I cut myself off of Borders for the time being. I didn't think it would affect me too much but I've really been missing my books. I'd go to the library but they close by the time I get out of work.
Woo! Books came in the mail! xD I need to stop buying books. T_T
I went to a convention and bought like fifteen mangas and three books, then I went to the book store on Tuesday and bought nine books, and then the box that just came in had seven books and one manga.
Note to self NEVER give myself a 'reason' to need to buy a lot of books. I'm having my surgery next week so I'll be bed ridden for three weeks. Though I think I went overboard. ^_^;
HELLO EVERYONE.
I haven't been around since I hadn't been reading anything, so I felt like I had nothing to offer to the conversation. xD
BUT! last night I finished a book, and it was rly rly good and I wanted to tell you all about it. :D
But first, DON'T GO ANYWHERE AND READ A SYNOPSIS OF THIS BOOK. At least, not like wikipedia or something where it'll spoil the ending. It's soooo much better if you don't know what's going to happen.
Anyway, it's called The Collector by John Fowles (there's a movie coming out with that title, and it's supposedly "based" on this book, but really, it's nothing like the book. >> The movie seems to have the guy as this creepy, cold, heartless, horrific person. In the book, he's quite gentle)
So, this guy becomes enthralled with this girl, and watches her and... well, somewhat stalks her, basically. He wins the lottery (more or less) and uses the money to buy a big house out in the country, with this basement-within-a-basement. He sets it up and makes it secure, then he kidnaps the girl and locks her in the basement.
But... it's just... really unique. Like I said before, he's quite gentle. The first part of the book is narrated by him, and the second part is the same events, but through the woman's diary entries. And you see the flaws in the man, but just in the way things happen... you don't see him as evil, you kind of pity him. And you don't pity the girl that much, since I personally found her very irritating. Her thinking was just so flawed. She'd rant in her diary about society and what was wrong with people, but she was really just as bad, if not worse.
But yeah, do NOT look up a synopsis. It's really better if you have no clue whether or not he ever lets her go or not.
To think I'd thought my buying seven books in a few days was quite extravagant Dream. XD
Ooh, that sounds interesting Cherry. I really need to read novels other than sci-fi/fantasy.
Since I took a break from reading The Devil You Know I've been reading a football (hey USA, you nearly won the Confederations Cup by the way!) trivia book. -_-
Oh, for those of you watching True Blood/reading the books, just know that the two were not meant to be the same! :D
Alan Ball (the director) has nothing to do with the books, and Charlane (sp?) Harris (the novel writer) has nothing to do with the show. They're two completely different things, and I think you should definitely keep that in mind when you're watching the show. I haven't read the books, but I've been thinking about it, as I love the show.
Just be sure to keep in mind that they're separate entities with some similar characters and storyline. :yes:
I read the HBO True Blood message boards, and supposedly Harris has said at her book signings that she has no input on the show, and she's okay with that. :yes:
I love bookstores (such pretty places!) but I rarely venture in because I'm bound to end up buying something. I pretty much never go there unless it's to buy something specific. And even then, I usually march straight to where it's supposed to be, then head straight out. xD
Ohh Cherry, I've read The Collector. It's really good, and it does get you thinking. Because the kidnapper just loves the girl and wants her to love him, and although that does sound creepy and all, it's just his (flawed) way of thinking it. But he comes off as so honest in his adoration that you can't help but feel for him.
Sizzla, ohmygosh, I love the picture in your signature. xD And that's interesting about True Blood, I didn't know that. But kinda cool as well, that way people won't end up comparing the two all the time. I think I prefer that kind of 'book-turned-other-media', where it's just very loosely based on the book. It allows for so much more freedom to do what you want.
Edit: Oh man, the picture changes. They're all aaaawesome, but originally I was talking about this one. :3
Last edited by ljosberinn; 07-29-2009 at 09:03 PM..
Thanks ljos! :XD That's my Supah Sizz picture! XD I like it quite a bit too. XP
And yeah, I think that the True Blood the series will be compared to the Southern Vampire books simply because the show is based on the books, even if loosely. So there'll always be quibbles about who's right and wrong. XP I just appreciate the show for what it is -- pure entertainment that keeps me on the edge of my seat every week. XP Maybe I'll read the books eventually, but probably not until season 2 is over.
Ooh, that sounds interesting Cherry. I really need to read novels other than sci-fi/fantasy.
You should definitely branch out!
Not there's anything at all wrong with sci-fi and fantasy, but sometimes it makes the stories even more interesting when it seems like they could happen at any time to anyone you know.
I'd definitely recommend reading the Collector
Quote:
Originally Posted by ljosberinn
Ohh Cherry, I've read The Collector. It's really good, and it does get you thinking. Because the kidnapper just loves the girl and wants her to love him, and although that does sound creepy and all, it's just his (flawed) way of thinking it. But he comes off as so honest in his adoration that you can't help but feel for him.
Ooh, you have? :D I was hoping to find someone to discuss it with!
(for all you nosy people, please don't read what's in the spoiler tags here if you plan on reading it. The book really is best if you don't know what's going to happen)
SPOILERX
Yes, exactly. I could not bring myself to hate Ferdinand, and it seems that even Miranda had problems hating him consistently. While overall, what he did was awful, his intentions just weren't... evil. He was just so stunted, it was like he just didn't know any better.
I actually disliked Miranda quite a lot. She was so snobby, but it seemed that she had no idea what she was talking about. She'd act like conforming was evil, but then go on and on about how you MUST do something (art-related, or personality-related) one set, specific way or you were just awful and contemptible. At times it seems like she only believed what she was saying because it was what other people had told her to believe.
But still, I was SO shocked when she died. I honestly didn't think Ferdinand would let that happen. That is, until I saw him keep putting off getting the doctor, then I figured she probably would. But I had honestly believed that he might just let her go at some point (before she got sick).
Sizzla, that is true. I just appreciate the show for.. well, to be honest, mostly for Bill. >.> *melts*
The Collector spoilersX
Yes, I felt the same. It's been quite a while since I read it, mind, so I don't remember the details, but I do remember not liking the girl. She was so full of it, and so hypocritical at times.. well, you described her as well as I can remember her, really.
It was obvious he had problems, mentally, but his intentions were so simple and honest and beautiful, at the core, that you couldn't really hate him. Even if the way he did things was very wrong and really quite terrible.
It's so strange sympathising with the 'bad guy'. I've heard of other books that do the same, but I've never read any..
@Kat: I looked at my purchase history for B&N, and I go to the store every other month and buy something. Then about a week later I purchase something online from the store (mostly a few books the store didn't have). Then there's a random Borders visit. XD
My book buying is akin to some girls obsession with shoes. XD
@Sizzla: Oh I know they're completely different, and that's why I like them. I never know whats going to happen, yet I have ideas which how I like it. xD
I didn't read the books until after I watched all of season one. Now I'm hooked on both.
Every now and then I shake my fist at the TV because I wish someone was in it or I feel that someone's not getting enough time but Lafayette and Jessica make it worth it. :3
@ljos: I have never once gone into a bookstore and then walked out with only what I wanted. Hey sometimes I don't even get the book I originally went in for. XD
@ljos: :lol: I'm leaning more toward Eric these days. XP But I don't want to spoil anything for you, so I won't say more. I just think the Sookie/Bill relationship has bored me during season 2.
@Dream: Oh I LOVE Jessica and Lafayette! They're a couple of my favorite characters now. Especially Jessica. I thought she was a total biatch at first, but she's grown on me a lot. I want to know more about Barry the Bellboy though. I watched the preview for the second half of the season tonight, and it looks like it's gonna be a doozy. :XD
I should really read the books at some point, just for comparison's sake. XP
I saw Eric in that one episode at the vamp bar and.. I dunno, he didn't seem like my type really. There's something about Bill, although I'm almost hoping he will get more boring. My fascination is interrupting my enjoying the show. xD
Lafayette is lots and lots and lots of love though.
I just read my first X-Men comic last night, and I liked it. It's strange I haven't read any before now since I've been fascinated with the X-Men ever since I first saw the movies.. Need to pick up more at the library.
Edit: Oh and I just read a book about a group of Icelandic artists for my essay but since half of it is in Icelandic and the other half in English (and obviously I only read it in one language, no point reading it all in both), I'm not sure how to list it. xD
Last edited by ljosberinn; 07-30-2009 at 05:31 PM..
