# Khadaji's Whatcha Readin' - March 2013 Edition **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 28, 2013, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578 "2013-02-28T01:15:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![DZedNConfused](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dzednconfused/32/15991_2.png) [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/101 "2013-03-12T01:28:14Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > But how does that matter? Did you tell Amazon to ship everything at once, or something? At the risk of sounding rude, I fail to see how it is your business. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/102 "2013-03-12T01:33:07Z")
Well, you did mention that there would be a seven-month delay before you could read it. In the context of the thread, I think it was a fair question. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/103 "2013-03-12T02:08:57Z")
Another recommendation for The Rook. I read it a few months ago, and just reading everyone’s reviews of it has made me start salivating for the next one. Definitely one of the better books I read last year. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/104 "2013-03-12T03:11:38Z")
[quote=“Misnomer, post:85, topic:651578”] Recently finished (all via Kindle): [li]_ **Amped** _ by Daniel H. Wilson – About a future where some humans are given neural implants that either fix organic problems (like epilepsy) or amplify their intelligence. The setting was predictable – “amps” have come to be seen as separate from/less than unmodified humans – but I enjoyed the storytelling. This was my first Wilson book (I gave it a shot because Joe Hill mentioned/recommended it on Twitter a while ago), and I liked it enough to immediately download another one.\[/li][li]_ **Robopocalypse** _ by Daniel H. Wilson\[/li][/QUOTE] I’ve read both of these recently, and enjoyed both of them. > [@Athena](#): > > Another recommendation for The Rook. I read it a few months ago, and just reading everyone’s reviews of it has made me start salivating for the next one. Definitely one of the better books I read last year. Okay, fine, I’ll read it. 🙂 I just found [The Twelve](http://www.amazon.ca/Twelve-Justin-Cronin/dp/0385669534/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363057720&sr=8-1) by Justin Cronin at the library - the sequel to “The Passage,” a good post-apocalyptic vampire novel. ---
**Author:** ![LawMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/105 "2013-03-12T03:45:37Z")
Oh dear, I seem to have set off a _ **The Rook** _ mini-fad here on the Dope. 😃 I picked up _ **Flashman and the Mountain of Light** _ on my way home from work tonight. I’ll keep the Laundry series in mind for when I’m done. ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/106 "2013-03-12T06:12:05Z")
_Crime and Punishment_ for school _Oxford History of the American People_ ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/107 "2013-03-12T15:16:23Z")
> [@DZedNConfused](#): > > At the risk of sounding rude, I fail to see how it is your business. Dude, you’re the one who said that you wouldn’t receive the book until October, even though it’s available now, and then went on to state that the delay is because you also ordered some other things that won’t be available until October. Which _still_ doesn’t make any sense to me, unless for some reason you told Amazon to ship everything at the same time. Asking about that is hardly nosy or deserving of a “it’s none of your business,” but if you don’t want to explain yourself then don’t make confusing statements. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/108 "2013-03-12T15:35:49Z")
[Sarah Thornhill](http://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Thornhill-Kate-Grenville/dp/0802120245) by Kate Grenville. It’s the third book in the trilogy that started with _The Secret River_. It’s the story of a family of early Australian settlers. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/109 "2013-03-12T15:39:58Z")
I’m reading _Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World_ by Matthew Goodman. I’ve read some about Bly, but I never knew much about Bisland, and her competition with Bly; she left the same day, going the opposite direction. ---
**Author:** ![delphica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9a140/32.png) [@delphica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delphica)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/110 "2013-03-12T16:52:13Z")
Two especially good reads in a row! _Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms: The Story of the Animals and Plants That Time Has Left Behind_, by Richard Fortey. Non-fiction, popular science. Each chapter focuses for the most part on a species that has direct connections with early life, and the author uses that to illustrate various points about evolution. This is great for a layperson who is interested in getting a greater, but not overly technical, understanding of evolutionary theory. _The Long Ships_ by Frans G. Bengtsson. I first learned about it in one of these threads, and boy, it exceeded expectations. Terrific and fun novel about Vikings, a good time all around. ---
**Author:** ![DZedNConfused](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dzednconfused/32/15991_2.png) [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/111 "2013-03-12T17:10:33Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > Dude, you’re the one who said that you wouldn’t receive the book until October, even though it’s available now, and then went on to state that the delay is because you also ordered some other things that won’t be available until October. Which _still_ doesn’t make any sense to me, unless for some reason you told Amazon to ship everything at the same time. Asking about that is hardly nosy or deserving of a “it’s none of your business,” but if you don’t want to explain yourself then don’t make confusing statements. 🙂 Yes they are in one payment because I cant god d\*\*n AFFORD anything right now but didn’t want to forget about it? Are you happy now? ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/112 "2013-03-12T17:38:00Z")
> [@delphica](#): > > Two especially good reads in a row! > > _The Long Ships_ by Frans G. Bengtsson. I first learned about it in one of these threads, and boy, it exceeded expectations. Terrific and fun novel about Vikings, a good time all around. Me too! And I’ve been recommending it to my friends. Great stuff. 🙂 Fun trivia fact: “Bluetooth” technology derives its name … because the creator was a fan of this book. > **[Bluetooth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth)** > > Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks (PANs). In the most widely used mode, transmission power is limited to 2.5 milliwatts, giving it a very short range of up to 10 metres (33 ft). It employs UHF radio waves in the ISM bands, from 2.402 GHz to 2.48 GHz. It is mainly used as an alternative to wired connections to exchange files between nearby portable dev... > [@](#): > > The word “Bluetooth” is an anglicized version of the Scandinavian Blåtand/Blåtann, the epithet of the tenth-century king Harald I of Denmark and parts of Norway who united dissonant Danish tribes into a single kingdom. The idea of this name was proposed by Jim Kardach who developed a system that would allow mobile phones to communicate with computers (at the time he was reading Frans Gunnar Bengtsson’s historical novel The Long Ships about Vikings and king Harald Bluetooth).[5] The implication is that Bluetooth does the same with communications protocols, uniting them into one universal standard.[6][7][8] > > The Bluetooth logo is a bind rune merging the Younger Futhark runes (Hagall) (ᚼ) and (Bjarkan) (ᛒ), Harald’s initials. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/113 "2013-03-12T18:05:34Z")
> [@DZedNConfused](#): > > Yes they are in one payment because I cant god d\*\*n AFFORD anything right now but didn’t want to forget about it? > > Are you happy now? Oh, _now_ I see why you got so defensive! Hey, I’ve been there; I think a lot of us have. I totally empathize. But you know what? In the future, just say “I’m getting that book” or “I added it to my wish list.” Providing unnecessary details that make no sense and then getting snippy when folks ask for more info – i.e., going down the “I’m going to tell you that I ordered it and that it won’t be delivered until October but I’m going to be REALLY GRUMPY if anyone asks me why!!” road – doesn’t do anyone any good. Peace (and lottery winnings). 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![delphica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9a140/32.png) [@delphica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delphica)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/114 "2013-03-12T19:49:00Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > Me too! And I’ve been recommending it to my friends. Great stuff. 🙂 > > Fun trivia fact: “Bluetooth” technology derives its name … because the creator was a fan of this book. OMG, crazy! Good trivia fact! ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/115 "2013-03-12T21:44:54Z")
I finished _The Name of the Rose_ last night. It’s one of those pick up, read a bit, put down, do something else for a while repeat books until the last two chapters when all Hell quite literally breaks loose. Newest addition to the pile is _Transmetropolitan: Back on the Street._ That’s definitely a “finish in one sitting” books. I really need to get the rest of the series but, alas, no tengo dinero. ---
**Author:** ![sinjin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@sinjin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sinjin)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/116 "2013-03-12T22:16:44Z")
Just finished this one based on Zjastika’s suggestion last month > [@](#): > > I’m reading The Last Man on Earth Club and I love it. So much so that at just about 15% into it I emailed the author telling him how much I like it. What a dorky thing to do. But it is just really, really good. I liked it a lot too, the writing was great, but felt the ending was rushed with everything tied together post haste. I identified with Olivia more than anyone else but felt that there should be more about Liss, Elsbet, Katie, Pew and the Doc herself. Maybe in sequels? ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/117 "2013-03-12T23:04:30Z")
[A century of War: anglo-American Oil Politics and the New World Order](http://www.amazon.com/Century-War-Anglo-American-Politics-World/dp/3981326326/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363129066&sr=1-8) and [Myths, lies and Oil Wars](http://www.amazon.com/Myths-Lies-Wars-William-Engdahl/dp/3981326369/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363129066&sr=1-2) by F. William Engdahl. With the gas prices jumping up and down, tired of listening to how “the President” controls the oil prices :rolleyes: , I decided I needed to find out Who Controls all the Black Gold and What’s It All About so I can put the Teabaggers in my life down with a bullet of knowledge. I’ve only skimmed the first book. It is a bit dry for my usual taste. Much like reading a text book at gun point for a passing grade. If I ever get through them, I will share my erudite thoughts. If you never hear from me again on this matter, you may assume that I now believe that the President of the USA! USA! USA! controls the oil prices by pushing a button on his desk in the oval office. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/118 "2013-03-12T23:07:36Z")
Oh, and I’m also reading [Fallen Angels](http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Angels-Walter-Dean-Myers/dp/0545055768/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363129578&sr=1-1&keywords=fallen+angels) by Walter Dean Myer. I’ve always enjoyed a war book. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/119 "2013-03-12T23:28:55Z")
This weekend one of my coworkers invited a bunch of people over so she could give away some books. I could stand to attend a few more parties like that. I picked up three books: _Sybil Exposed: The Extraordinary Story Behind the Famous Multiple Personality Case_ by Debbie Nathan, _The Angel Esmerelda_ by Don DeLillo, and _The Bayou Trilogy_ by Daniel Woodrell. I started with Sybil because I thought it would be the fastest read, and I’m most of the way through it. Spoiler alert: large parts of the Sybil story were fraud and the rest was extreme psychological malpractice. And for that matter journalistic malpractice. The saddest part so far is this: the woman who became famous as Sybil (Shirley Mason) had some serious physical and mental health problems, and after a few sessions with her psychiatrist, she made major strides. She felt better physically, held down a part time job, and lived as an independent adult for almost a decade. Then she went to New York and ran into the therapist again, and within a couple of weeks she was getting hooked on barbiturates and other drugs as part of her therapy, spending too much time on the psychiatrist’s couch to hold down a job, and having her brain scrambled. ---
**Author:** ![Ian\_D.Bergkamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Ian\_D.Bergkamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ian_D.Bergkamp)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578/120 "2013-03-13T00:58:53Z")
> [@tellyworth](#): > > If you like podcasts, Hppodcraft discusses it at length [starting here](http://hppodcraft.com/2011/05/18/episode-77-at-the-mountains-of-madness-part-1/). Thanks! I enjoyed the book a lot, so I’ll definitely give the podcast a listen. Moving on now to _The Call of Cthulhu_ from the same collection. And add me to the chorus of people who really liked _The Rook_, which I read (and posted about) earlier this year. I’m very much looking forward to the sequel. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-march-2013-edition/651578.md?page=7)