# Whatcha Readin' Sept 2012 Edition **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 31, 2012, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257 "2012-08-31T13:56:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Politzania](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3ab097/32.png) [@Politzania](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Politzania)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/21 "2012-09-04T14:44:53Z")
Read thru the Kindle version of Truman Capote’s _**[Breakfast at Tiffany’s](http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251688.Breakfast_at_Tiffany_s)**_ - this edition also included the short stories “House of Flowers,” “A Diamond Guitar,” and “A Christmas Memory”. I’m still getting caught up on Capote - started with _ **In Cold Blood** _ & next up was _ **The Complete Stories of Truman Capote** _ - I actually knew very little about the story of _Breakfast at Tiffany’s_, going into it, other than Miss Golightly’s name as I’d never seen the movie, either. It’s a slice of life story about a young writer (quite possibly Capote, but probably not) who meets a lovely young woman who is “traveling” through New York City thanks to the men she meets and greets. Holly Golightly befriends the narrator and as he learns more about her, is both repelled and attracted by her apparent lack of morals. There is drama, there is heartbreak, there is an unresolved ending. Capote’s ability to create characters of a certain sort is wonderful, and he’s quite the storyteller. I also quite enjoyed my re-read of “A Christmas Memory” & am considering re-reading it every holiday season. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/22 "2012-09-04T19:43:30Z")
I am reading an absolutely hysterical historical fiction book called _Sacre Bleu, A Comedy D’Art_ by Christopher Moore. > **[Sacre Bleu: A Comedy d'Art: Moore, Christopher: 9780061779756: Amazon.com: Books](https://www.amazon.com/Sacre-Bleu-Comedy-Christopher-Moore/dp/006177975X)** > > Sacre Bleu: A Comedy d'Art \[Moore, Christopher\] on Amazon.com. \*FREE\* shipping on qualifying offers. Sacre Bleu: A Comedy d'Art Its really quite engrossing and absolutely full of wit. I highly recommend it and I am only about a third of the way through. ---
**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:** [September 5, 2012, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/23 "2012-09-05T01:33:08Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > I’m engrossed in [1493](http://www.npr.org/2011/08/08/138924127/in-1493-columbus-shaped-a-world-to-be), by Charles C. Mann. > > It’s about the global effect of Columbus’ exploration. Well. It’s about that in a minor way. It’s about the world in 1493. > > Picked it up in the Philly airport. Kinda wish I’d read his earlier book, 1491, first. That’s ok. I finish this, and get the other one. > > Superb read. Non-fiction. I loved 1491 and didn’t know Mann had another book out. It’s going on the list, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![tellyworth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/977dab/32.png) [@tellyworth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tellyworth)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2012, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/24 "2012-09-05T11:30:56Z")
I finished _The Third Policeman_ by Flann O’Brien. Excellent, funny, a bit post-modern but very readable. I’m giving _Ivanhoe_ another try now. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/25 "2012-09-05T16:37:13Z")
Finished with _The Life of Objects_ by Susanna Moore (who also wrote _The Postmistress_). It’s about a young Irish girl who goes to live with a wealthy German family in 1938. When the Nazis requisition the family home in Berlin, they move to their country home. It’s well-written but I never connected with the characters. No tension, even with threat of deportation (the wife had a Jewish grandmother) and the advance of the Russian army. I kept reading mostly because I enjoyed the day to day details of survival, tea made from nettles and a pain killer made from willow bark, etc. I don’t think I’d recommend it. Next up is probably _Wool_, which y’all keep raving about. ---
**Author:** ![Eleanor\_of\_Aquitaine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a88e4f/32.png) [@Eleanor\_of\_Aquitaine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleanor_of_Aquitaine)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2012, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/26 "2012-09-05T18:18:05Z")
I just read John Scalzi’s novella _The God Engines_, and I was pleased to find that I liked it. (I’m one of the rare few who was unimpressed with _Old Man’s War_.) It’s the story of the captain of a spaceship powered by an enslaved god, set in a universe where religious faith has literal, tangible power. Now I’m in the middle of Joe Abercrombie’s fantasy novel _The Heroes_, which takes place over three days of a great battle, and is written from the points of view of several people on both sides. I love Abercrombie and this is really good, but as with all his work, it’s relentlessly brutal. And I can’t take a break from it for fear of losing track of the myriad of characters. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2012, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/27 "2012-09-05T18:22:43Z")
I’m probably 2/3 through **Lonesome Dove** and I’m very much enjoying it. Just looking at the ratings for its sequels and prequels, it looks like McMurtry wasn’t able to quite achieve what he did with LD, so I probably won’t continue with the series. But man, what a good book so far. ---
**Author:** ![Politzania](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3ab097/32.png) [@Politzania](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Politzania)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2012, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/28 "2012-09-06T12:06:04Z")
Flew thru the library’s Kindle copy of _**[Amped](http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12678461-amped)**_ by Daniel H Wilson earlier this week. Once again - Wilson explores the plot of technology vs humanity, this time in the form of “amped” people - those who have received neural implants (often augmented with retinal displays and even exoskeletons and/or prosthetics) that make them smarter, faster and/or stronger. After trial runs (including the one our protagonist, Owen Gray is involved in), the government implements an Uplift program, where the disadvantaged receive implants. Not surprisingly, there is a backlash, with the non-augmented starting a movement, which is co-opted by a charismatic politician, Joseph Vaughn. The minority “amps” are soon the objects of discrimination, fear and hate. While the basic concept is intriguing, especially as we learn more about the capabilities of Owen’s implant, the story itself is a bit clunky. The exploration of who the “good guys” are could be a bit less heavy-handed, and Owen himself is not that well drawn a character -reacting to his situation vs taking action. Lyle Crosby was an interesting character, and I really liked the kid, Nick. The last third of the book feels rushed, and the resolution unsatisfying. It’s worth a library read if you’re into the more techy side of SF and enjoy action-oriented stories with a bit of preachiness on the side. ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2012, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/29 "2012-09-06T15:01:05Z")
I have largely finished reading **Life After Murder: Five Men in Search of Redemption** by Nancy Mullane. A fascinating look at our very flawed criminal justice system. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2012, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/30 "2012-09-06T15:09:46Z")
[The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving: A Novel](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616200391) by Jonathan Evison, who also wrote _West of Here_, which I really liked. _Fundamentals_ is about a guy whose two young children were killed in an accident that he feels responsible for (haven’t gotten to the details yet). It’s been two years and he’s pulling himself out of his – what’s a more appropriate word for “funk”? Anyway, he takes a 28-hour course in the Fundamentals of Caregiving and gets a job as a caregiver (not a “carer” - I hate that word and Evison doesn’t use it) for Trevor, a teenager with Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy. There’s a road trip in their future – I love road trip novels. It could be sappy but it’s not, and I’m really liking it. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2012, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/31 "2012-09-06T16:06:13Z")
I love these threads. I go through 'em and add things to my Amazon Wishlist and/or put them on hold at my local library. Then I have a big long list of stuff to read! As for me, I picked up [The Physician](http://www.amazon.com/The-Physician-Cole-ebook/dp/B00840CY8Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346947417&sr=8-1&keywords=the+physician) a few weeks ago when it was the Kindle Daily Deal. Finally got around to reading it, and loved it. I wouldn’t call it a great, perfect book, but it was a very fun read and I recommend it. I bought the same author’s [Shaman](http://www.amazon.com/Shaman-Cole-ebook/dp/B00840D15Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346947480&sr=1-1&keywords=Shaman), and it’s good, but I don’t think it’s quite as good as The Physician. I’d be interested if anyone else has read anything by Noah Gordon, and could recommend some of his other books. I fear that he goes downhill after The Physician - I can see traces of shallow characters and a little too much sex showing up in Shaman, but it could be just that book. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2012, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/32 "2012-09-06T16:22:17Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > I am reading an absolutely hysterical historical fiction book called _Sacre Bleu, A Comedy D’Art_ by Christopher Moore. > > [Sacre Bleu: Moore, Christopher, Morton, Euan: 9780062097408: Amazon.com: Books](http://www.amazon.com/Sacre-Bleu-Christopher-Moore/dp/0062097407) > > Its really quite engrossing and absolutely full of wit. I highly recommend it and I am only about a third of the way through. Christopher Moore is one of my all time favorites. Have you read any of his other books? I just finished **Unbroken** and am getting into **Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter**. ---
**Author:** ![LawMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2012, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/33 "2012-09-06T16:26:32Z")
I’m all-too-quickly coming up on the end of King’s _ **11/22/63** _. It’s a bit long, but that’s King for you. Besides, can I really complain when I’m looking likely to finish it in a week? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2012, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/34 "2012-09-06T18:42:06Z")
I picked up _The Odd Clauses: Understanding the Constitution through Ten of Its Most Curious Provisions_ by Jay Wexler and the new emberverse book, _Lord of Mountains_ by S.M. Stirling a couple of days ago. ---
**Author:** ![yellowval](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/919ad9/32.png) [@yellowval](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowval)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2012, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/35 "2012-09-07T01:45:36Z")
I finished The Dog Stars. I didn’t love it as much asI wanted to, but it was still really good. Now onto Into Thin Air. I’m definitely drawn in already. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2012, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/36 "2012-09-07T06:49:05Z")
Just finished _Across the Great Barrier_ by Patricia Wrede, sequel to _Thirteenth Child._ I reread some of _The Shadow of Saganami_ and _Soon I Will Be Invincible_, and just started Kevin Hearne’s urban fantasy _Hounded_. I’m just in the middle of the second chapter but it seems good so far. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2012, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/37 "2012-09-07T11:45:09Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > _\_ and just started Kevin Hearne’s urban fantasy _Hounded_. I’m just in the middle of the second chapter but it seems good so far. And I just finished it; it was quite good. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2012, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/38 "2012-09-07T12:22:38Z")
Finishing up the audio edition of **World Without End** , the sequel to Ken Folett’s **Pillars of the Eartrh**. **The Conquering Sword of Conan** , the last of the Wandering Star/Del Rey edition of the complete Conanan stories of Robert E. Howard, complete with unfinished drafts and notes, and without L. Sprage de Camp’s rewrites. Philip Jose Farmer’s **The Mad Goblin** (having read the other half, **Lord of the Trees**. I’ve been curious about this ever since I was a kid. They’re obvious pastches of Doc Savage and Tarzan, but I was surprised to learn that Farmer wtrote them as G-rated sequels to an X-rated original (_a freast Unknown_, which I read many years ago). He claims it’s the only time that’s been done. Still reading the collected Clark Ashtron Smith on our Nook. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2012, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/39 "2012-09-07T12:36:01Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > And I just finished it; it was quite good. Five hours between posts? Well, _you_ had a nice afternoon! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2012, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257/40 "2012-09-07T13:04:55Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > Five hours between posts? Well, _you_ had a nice afternoon! 🙂 The _are_ a quick read - but I’m still liking them. The next isn’t out until November, I think. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-sept-2012-edition/633257.md?page=3)