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Messages: Recommendations Wanted
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Horror and Sci-fi

So I just finished reading John Dies at the End, by David Wong. I'm looking for a similar or new horror novels besides Stephen King. Any suggestions?

Also looking for any books with a similar sense of humor as Douglas Adams. :)

Audrey Azel
1 year ago
5 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(3 months, 4 days ago)"The Pilo Family Circus" by Will Elliott is another you might like.
Judy
(3 months, 4 days ago)I agree, Jasper Fforde is a good recommendation. Have you read "Callahan's Crosstime Saloon" by Spider Robinson?
Judy
(1 year ago)The Eyre Affair is the first one in the Thursday Next series - highly recommended (it is not necessary to have read Jane Eyre!) Janet
Janet
(1 year ago)I haven't heard of her which book should I read from this author? :)
Audrey Azel
(1 year ago)For similar humor have you tried any of Jasper Fforde's books?
becca
Something absurd/surreal or just generally strange

The problem is that whenever I get excited about a writer and search for his/her books from bookmooch, I can't find anything! It's depressing, so I'd much appreciate it if someone recommended a GOOD book that can actually be found from bookmooch. I wonder if it's possible.. I have a strange taste. And it's difficult to describe it, too :D Well, I like anything deep that doesn't hesitate to get sidetracked in peculiar observations and stream of consciousness is very much appreciated. Also, any books with great, interesting and slightly(or not so slightly) mad characters who make one laugh are always worthwhile. Anything absurd, surreal.. And I don't much care for the new, popular writers though if you think there is an exception, let me know. I like Kafka, Poe and that lot.
I hope you can help me, thanks :)

S
2 years ago
10 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(3 months, 4 days ago)Try "The Wooden Sea" by Jonathan Carroll.
Judy
(1 year ago)It's not surreal, but it's complex: Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle. Not sure it's available on BM, but there are three HUGE volumes, the first one of which, has actually been published in three normal sized paperbacks. I think they are "Odalisk" "King of the Vagabonds" and ummm...something else...you could check on Amazon or LibraryThing for more details.
Robin
(1 year ago)It sounds like our taste is quite similar....The Dog Fighter is very exciting book. My all time favourite in fact. The main character is quite messed up and really keeps you wondering where it's all going.
Jan
(2 years ago)If you're looking for strange and surreal, it's hard to go past Haruki Murakami. The novel "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" is probably his most famous work, but I'm a fan of his short stories as well.
Zoe 
(2 years ago)How do you fancy sci-fi? Stranger in a strange land, by Robert A. Heinlein, should be strange enough to last a while :-)
sapho
(2 years ago)I would suggest Lanark: A life in 4 books by Alasdair Gray, but there are none available at the moment :-(
Mosca
(2 years ago)Andy McDermott books are usually pretty good, and odd.
Sandra
(2 years ago)my husband loves anne rice vampire books, but we have read them all! what else should we read?
katscyril
(2 years ago)You should check out http://www.Librarything.com. Its a lovely site that allows you to inventory your site. Its also a giant social networking site centered around books. If you check out a certain book, it will give you listings for similar books based on members libraries and member suggestions. Its free to use, but if you add more than 200 books to your library, it does require a small charge. when I signed up, it was $20 for a lifetime membership. It might be more now.
thedivineoomba
(2 years ago)Also, I've found that most writers I like a lot are a bit insane, so any insane writer recommendations are more that welcome(I mean, if they can write)! :)
S
Strong Latina subjects for teen girls?

I've found a bunch of great books for African American Teens in the Bluford series. I'm looking for something similar for Latinas.

I'd like them to be strong female protagonists, rather than standard romance novels, but I don't have any idea what authors to look for, or if there are any similar series' or books out there.

Thanks.

Robin
1 year ago
3 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(3 months, 4 days ago)Here's a link to a useful site for teen books: http://www.connectedyouth.org/books/index.cfm?booklist=hispanicteen
Judy
(9 months, 19 days ago)Thanks! I loved the movie.
Robin
(9 months, 22 days ago)Real Women Have Curves by Josefina Lopez,
katrina
history

im looking for accurate historical books on the history of u.s. and european imperialism and intervention worldwide. Im looking for books that are not to biased towards either side.

Desmond H
1 year ago
2 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(3 months, 4 days ago)This is not on US or European history, but it is one of the best least-biased history books I have read. It is the history of Islam: "Destiny Disrupted" by Tamim Ansary
Judy
(3 months, 18 days ago)You might want to read "The Imperial Cruise" by James Bradley. Apparently it's very good.
Courtiron
Looking for recommendations for Humor Books?

Hi bookmoochers,

I run a free lending library for English speakers in Jerusalem. We're pretty new so at the moment I'm getting books in response to reader demand, but I was looking at our humor section and it looks a little small - just 4 Snoopy books and "Playing the Moldovans at Tennis" by Tony Hawks!

So I was wondering if anyone could give me recommendations for good humor books? I'm thinking more funny writing than cartoons, though that might also be useful.

We've had requests for Bill Brysons, but they're really hard to find on BM and expensive to buy, so we haven't any yet. We also have one Tony Hawks book, and I'm hoping to try and get his other one, "Round Ireland with a Fridge", at some point. Other than that, I have no idea.

Any suggestions for authors/books to try gratefully received!

Thanks,

Tzipporah

Tzipporah
2 years ago
19 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(3 months, 18 days ago)"Three men in a boat" by Jerome K. Jerome is very funny, as are all his books.
Courtiron
(1 year ago)Hi Tsipporah -- that was my mom's name! I completely agree about Bill Bryson, Calvin Trillin, David Sedaris. They are all very funny and also intelligent. I would add Dave Barry, Jerry Seinfeld, David M. Bader (Haikus for Jews), and Douglas Adams. Regards -- Judy
Judy
(1 year ago)shopaholic series by Sophie kinsella.
mary
(1 year ago)Stephen Leacock; Alexamder Woolcott; Cornelia Otis Skinner; Lemony Snickett; Sue Welfare
NinaBryna
(1 year ago)David sedaris - he writes essays about his life, current and past, always funny, but in a dry and sarcastic manner. His stuff is what I would call dark humor. There are certain themes in his writing that are not appropriate for everyone, so check out his first books before mooching.
thedivineoomba
(1 year ago)Bill Bryson
Christoph
(1 year ago)If you're still looking I'd thoroughly recommend anything by 'Alexander McCall Smith'. It's fairly gentle humour but personally I find it hilarious, particularly the 44 Scotland Street Books.
Grace Hall
(1 year ago)Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series is hillarious
mary
(1 year ago)Hi! JPod by Douglas Coupland is quite amusing :)
Ashley
(1 year ago)Anything by Calvin Trillin, especially when he's writing about food: American Fried; Alice, Let's Eat; Third Helpings (collectively known as The Tummy Trilogy; Travels with Alice; Feeding a Yen. Or there's his novel about the New Yorker who finds the perfect parking place, Tepper Isn't Going Out. Also lots of books of funny political commentary and politically inclined poetry, which he writes as the Deadline Poet..
Margaret H.
(2 years ago)Thanks Cindy, I'm adding him to my wishlist, as well!
Robin
(2 years ago)I guess this is an older question, but I'm new to this forum. Thought I'd pipe in with who I sort of consider a Canadian Bill Bryson: Will Ferguson. He has written a couple of humourous travelogues (Beyond Belfast, Hitching Rides with Buddha), though he has more than just those two. I'm not sure what/how many of his book are available here, but you could check into it.
Cindy W
(2 years ago)Molly Ivins if you like (liberal) political humor or PJ Rourke for (conservative) political humor. Tim Allen has written a book or two. I have several Dave Barry's on my list, I think. Bill Bryson doesn't have an s on the end of his name, so you want to be sure you're spelling it right. (although that may have just been a plural. :-) ) Mark Twain is classic-look for his essays. Isaac Asimov wrote a number of Science Fiction themed "shaggy dog" stories...mostly found in his short works. Russell Baker, Oscar Wilde, . Tim Cahill is trying to become the next Bill Bryson. I don't think he's as funny, but he does well, so some people must like him. James Thurber is an icon of American Humor, and one of my favorites. More currently, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart both have several books out. David Sedaris is a kind of sharp, painful humor. Also, a lot of "humor" books are more readily classified as "cartoon" books...like the cartoon collections from the New Yorker, or by specific artists like Wiley, Gahan Wilson, Doonesbury, Berke Breathed. Good Luck and happy hunting!
Robin
(2 years ago)PG Wodehouse!
laughingbunstock
(2 years ago)Dave Barry books are hilarious! Also, Erma Bombeck (now deceased) wrote a number of vlery humerous books about home life and raising kids. I find Margaret Maron's mystery series about Judge Deborah Knott in North Carolina humerous, altho being from the US South may be the reason. They are good mysteries, tho. ("Bootlegger's Daughter" is the first in the series.) A new American novel, "Stay" by Allie Larkin is very funny, as the main character, drunk after seeing the love of her life marry her best friend, orders a dog on the internet to be her "new best friend" and receives a huge black dog in two days - Joe.
Cheryl Fox
(2 years ago)I would recommend Douglas Adams, there seem to be a few about...
Mosca
(2 years ago)John Kennedy Toole wrote A Confederacy of Dunces. Check it out.
rich crowe
(2 years ago)Thanks both of you, I'll check those out!
Tzipporah
(2 years ago)I find Elinor Lipman & Robert Crais funny.
Gail
Looking for fantasy....

im looking for something simmilar to Jim Butchers Codex alera or Chronicles of King Rolens kin from R.C. Daniells

most of the books that i can buy in my book store have female leads or are about thiefs. i have read quite a few of those and am having troubles finding books with male main characters particulary warriors or barbarians. something like Conan :) . I loved the chronicles and cant wait for next book to come out. I also read around 15 books about drizzt from salvatore.

i dont like books set in modern times.

any idea is most welcome :D

Whitebeast
5 months, 6 days ago
2 comments

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(4 months, 3 days ago)I like all things extremely classic, that is : dealing with antiquity, literature before the year 1900, in all languages, historical preferred. I appreciate historical novels too, as long as the history is really sound. I always require the morals of the characters to be good, especially those of the main character(s). Could anybody recommend to me such an excellent book ? Thanks very much in advance.
Courtiron
(4 months, 4 days ago)you could try The Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman (first book is Dragons of Autumn Twilight) or The Belgariad series by David Eddings (first book is Pawn of Prophecy) both series have multiple characters
becca
Books on Gaza/Israel/Middle East Conflict

I see this forum hasn't been updated in a while but I'm hoping that someone checks it from time to time! I'm looking for book recommendations on the Middle East conflict, specifically Gaza and Israel although I'm sure a wider perspective would be helpful as well. I have read a lot of fiction based on the issues but they were primarily from a Christian-Zionist viewpoint and I'm sure that isn't the whole story. My niece would also appreciate books about the same thing but for a much younger audience: her children are 9 and 6. Thanks so much!

Jen
6 months, 6 days ago
4 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(5 months, 28 days ago)The series of Omar Yussef books by Matt Beynon Rees take place in that area. They're fiction, mysteries though the murder solving probably takes the backseat to daily life and troubles. I read the first "The Bethlehem Murders", it was written from a Palestinian-side viewpoint but not particularly with an axe to grind IMO, except against general human stupidity, fanatism and the consequences of war.
Aude
(6 months, 5 days ago)No worries! If you do go ahead and read it, stick with it as the writing can be a bit 'dry' to begin with, but once he gets going, it's worth it.
Judith
(6 months, 6 days ago)Thank you so much, Judith, for taking the time to answer! I will be checking that one out for sure!
Jen
(6 months, 6 days ago)Not purely confined to Israel and Palestine, but Robert Fisk's 'The Great War for Civilisation: the Conquest of the Middle East', despite being a weighty tome, is fantastic - informative and a real eye-opener. I really can't recommend it enough.
Judith
Mystery / Thillers / Forensics

Need to find new Authors to read.
I enjoy Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Patricia Cornwell, Jonathan Kellerman, James Patterson, Carl Hiaasen, Tim Dorsey.

Any recommendations for other Authors I might enjoy???

Stella
1 year ago
7 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(1 year ago)Jo Nesbo is a good bet.
ladodson
(1 year ago)You might like the series by Randy Wayne White about Doc Ford. The first in the series is called "Sanibel Flats".
Judy
(1 year ago)The Finn Scott series by David Hosp
Last Words by Mariah Stewart
My copies of these went back into BM circulation recently and will probably be surfacing again fairly soon.

jacquie
(1 year ago)I don't know if it's too late, but I just finished the Bug Man series by Tim Downs. There are 6 of them so far. The main character is a forensic entomologist. If you've ever watched Bones on TV, think Hodgins. They were pretty good books, but reading all 6 at once was a little too much.
sesh
(1 year ago)Since you like Carl Hiaasen, you might enjoy Thomas Perry. Start with Metzger's Dog or The Butcher's Boy (which has a sequel). Then, if you like those, try his Jane Whitefield series, starting with Vanishing Act. When I was reading the first Lee Child book, it made me think of John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee books - they're oldies but still good.
Margaret H.
(1 year ago)You might want to try Kathy Reichs or John Sanford.
becca
(1 year ago)Thank You so much!!! I will give them a try.
Stella
Selfloathing Twilight fan

So against my better judgement...because they were the only unread books on my shelf...and I had them because my room mate moved and left them with me...I read Twilight...and then New Moon...and then Eclipse and Breaking Dawn...and needless to say I'm obsessed. Any recommendations for a self loathing to old to be and yet here I am, Twilight Saga fan?

Sharon
1 year ago
5 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(1 year ago)The Hunger Games is great. Along the lines of great vampire books, try "Sunshine" by Robin McKinley.
Judy
(1 year ago)I joined LT about a year ago, and it was $25 (for lifetime)
Robin
(1 year ago)Vampires are so in right now - It seems like every other book out there has a vampire, zombie, or werewolf! I second the Sookie Stackhouse Series, especially the first few books. Its an adult book with some adult actions. If you want something a bit tamer but adult, take a look at the Kitty Norville Series by Carrie Vaughn. This is my current favorite, and has a werewolf as the main character. If you want something in the same sort of Twilight, go with Need by Carrie Jones. This one has a similar theme as Twilight, but I think the characters seem more like teens. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr is quite excellent, again another book aimed at teens, but I think more grounded in real life. There are all sorts of Twilight like books out there! I'd suggest joining Librarything.com (or Goodreads.com), a library cataloging site where you catalog your books and can get recommendations based on them, plus you can browse books. Most of my BookMooch suggestions come through LibraryThing.com. LibraryThing is free for the first 200 books, after that, its $20 dollars for a Lifetime membership (unless they raised prices since I join). I don't know very much about Goodreads, but did try it out for a bit, and found that Libarything is a much nicer site.
thedivineoomba
(1 year ago)The Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris is extremely popular, much better written than Twilight, and has a few more books, although they are smaller. While the tv series is based on the books, I don't like the TV show, and I love the books. The Hunger Games is very popular, but I haven't read them. it kind of depends upon WHAT you liked about the series. The restraint of self, the attempt to preserve innocence, the ripping good yard, the scary parts...if you could elaborate a bit, it would help to know what to recommend.
Robin
(1 year ago)If you want more adult fare, Christine Feehan's series that starts with Dark Prince is another take on Vampires. Katie Macalister writes more humorous vampire/romance. She also has written a couple of YA books as Katie Maxwell. Eileen Schreiber has a YA vampire series. I love Maria Syndor, especially her first series, fantasy not vampires. And Andrea K. Host's Touchstone series, SF not Vampires.
Cara
Looking for children's books on figure skating and gymnastics

Hi,

I have twin girls (7, almost 8) and another girl (5). Along with swimming and brownies they will be trying out figure skating and gymnastics this year (yes, I am certifiably insane).. One of them wanted hockey too but this mama finally put her foot down.

I am looking for any chapter books (fiction) on either figure skating or gymnastics - stories I can read to the girls before they go to sleep. They are so excited!

I've read them Enid Blyton and Jean Little in the past and they are find with those - so that's the level they can handle!

Thanks for any help!

Elizabeth

Elizabeth
1 year ago
5 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(1 year ago)Apparently 'White Boots' was also released under the name 'Skating Shoes'. It seems that most of her books had alternative titles with the word 'shoes' in them, presumably to capitalise on the success of the first book! Hope you find what you are looking for.
Grace Hall
(1 year ago)Thanks! I'm adding it now!
Elizabeth
(1 year ago)Awhile back, there was a series of books for chhildren, illustrated with photos, called A Very Young _____. I just checked and there was one called A Very Young Gymnast, by Jill Krementz. I'm not sure whether all the books were by the same authors or by different people.
Margaret H.
(1 year ago)Thank you so much! I have "Dancing Shoes" by Noel and will look for this other one!
Elizabeth
(1 year ago)You must try 'White Boots' by Noel Streatfeild, which is a gorgeous book about figure skating. I'd say it's of a similar type/era to Enid Blyton. I remember enjoying 'Ballet Shoes' and 'The Painted Garden' by the same author, I know she wrote a lot if other books too. Good luck in your search!
Grace Hall
Spy Thrillers

I am looking for something new or unusual in a spy thriller for my brother in law. Any thoughts? thanks!

Cara
2 years ago
3 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(1 year ago)I see that I misspelled Manning Coles. His main character, Tommy Hambledon, has a sense of humor, and started his career during World War i (!) in Drink to Yesterday.. A substitute teacher in sixth grade read us part of one of them (Alias Uncle Hugo) and I was hooked. Len Deighton is also good, as is Desmond Bagley (his are more thrillers than spy novels). Michael Gilbert's books with Mr. Calder and Mr. Behrens are great - not enough of them! He might also like Gavin Lyall. Hmm - all the ones I like seem to be British authors and older books. Some of the more recent ones I've tried (Dan Brown comes to mind) made me so annoyed at the badly drawn charactres and ridiculous situations that I gave up reading them after a couple of chapters. There's someone named David Gibbins whose first book (Atlantis) was so unintentionally funny that i did read the whole thing - sort of like the old Doc Savage pulps only three times as thick, and with equally absurd technology. I think I'd better stop now before I dis someone's favorite writer.
Margaret H.
(1 year ago)Thanks Margaret, I'll try those authors.
Cara
(1 year ago)Can you give an idea of which authors he's read and liked? I haven't read many recent spy thrillers, but there are a lot of older ones who I still re-read, like Simon Harvester, John Welcome, and Mannng Coles.
Margaret H.
Shogun for kids?

My nephew is 13, but has a "college level" reading rating. He's been reading Manga about a young Samurai. I'd like to expose him to actual books, and gently direct him to more standard works (although I'm not saying he should give up he Manga, just widen his sources.) I talked to him about James Clavell's Shogun, and he's going to get it from the library but I think it might be a bit too adult for him.

does anybody have any similar suggestions for a more teenaged/YA audience about that period in Japan?

Thanks.

Robin

Robin
1 year ago
2 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(1 year ago)Thanks Margaret!
Robin
(1 year ago)I'd highly recommend Lian Hearn's Across the Nightingale Floor. It's first in a trilogy of what turned out to be, I think, five. It has some elements of 'real' historical Japan, and some slightly fantastical and imagined ones, and lots of action.
Margaret H.
Teen reading recommendations

These articles give some interesting recommendations on books for teens, especially for boys.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/8623402/Column-Sarah-Crompton-on-how-to-make-boys-read.html

Teen fiction - adventure: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/8623091/Teen-Fiction-Adventure.html

Teen fiction - historical: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/8623128/Teen-Fiction-Historical.html

Teen fiction - fantasy: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/8623159/Teen-Fiction-Fantasy.html

jacquie
1 year ago
no comments

[write a comment]
YA by Canadian authors.

I'm participating in a reading challenge set up by a friend of mine. It basically involves reading YA novels by Canadian authors. To challange myself, I decided to make as many of those as I could books that I did not discover because of her.

That eliminates most Fantasy YA novels...

So anyone has any good recommendations for YA by Canadian authors that are not Fantasy? French or English is fine!

Genevieve
2 years ago
5 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(1 year ago)Kelley Armstrong has a YA trilogy set in the same world as her Otherworld novels.The books are The summoning,The awakening,The reckoning.Here's the excerpt to the first book from the author's website. http://browseinside.harperteen.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061450549&pg=1
gluestick
(2 years ago)Thanks! I will go check his books.
Genevieve
(2 years ago)Richard Scarsbrook is fantastic.
Matt
(2 years ago)Thank you!
Genevieve
(2 years ago)Kit Pearson, Alice Munro, Janet Lunn, Jean Little
Cara
fantasy

I'm always looking for some good fantasy novels to read. Anyone have any suggestions? I like all types, though I'm more partial to sword and sorcery and epic fantasy over urban fantasy.

Tanya
2 years ago
8 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(1 year ago)I would like to recommend Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series.Though I was bored with the first one, the 2nd one was more interesting and after reading the 3rd one I was hooked. Here's the link to an excerpt of the 3rd book from the author's website http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/alera/cursors/cursors-fury-chapter-1 I would also like to recommend Covenants - Lorna Freeman Princes of the golden cage-Nathalie Mallet Joust series -Mercedes Lackey The magi of cyador,The scion of cyador,The white order-L.E. Modesitt The curse of Chalion- Lois McMaster Bujold
gluestick
(2 years ago)Some more fantasy I've enjoyed : • The "Gentlemen Bastards" series by Scott Lynch that begins with "The Lies of Locke Lamora" and "Red Seas under Red Skies" with a third installment "Republic of Thieves" to be released in 2011. Maybe best keep clear if you can't bear waiting for a sequel though, as they look like they may come quite apart.
Aude
(2 years ago)I second the suggestion for Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice (or the complete trilogy).
Byenia
(2 years ago)Thanks to Aude as well. All recommendations help. I think I'm going to have to spend more time at the book store, so I know what I want to read. :)
Tanya
(2 years ago)Thanks for this list. I've read some of these, but a lot of them, I haven't. Also, books for younger readers doesn't bother me at all. I like fantasy for all ages. :)
Tanya
(2 years ago)Some classics and more recent works I enjoyed : Robin Hobb : Royal Assassin (long series) Ursula Le Guin : Earthsea first trilogy Fritz Leiber : the books of Lankhmar George R.R. Martin : Game of thrones (long series) Jack Vance : Lyonesse trilogy Janny Wurts : War of Light & Shadow (long series)
Aude
(2 years ago)Do you know if they have a text only version of that page (or even a version without pictures of the book covers)? I have dial up, which makes it very hard for me to access a lot of recommendation pages. I've read quite a bit of fantasy; I'm pretty much looking for stuff that others have read and liked.
Tanya
(2 years ago)What Fantasy have you read? Theres a lot of it out there - From Lord of the Rings to the Belgariad by David Eddings. I would also suggest looking at this list... http://www.librarything.com/tag/high+fantasy
thedivineoomba
Mario Varga Llosa - "best" books?

Hi
I would like to read one or two of Mario Vargas Llosa's books. Which ones would generally be considered his "best"/most popular? Any recommendations will be much appreciated. Oh, I'll be reading the English translations.
Many thanks,
Errol

Errol
2 years ago
no comments

[write a comment]
HELP!!!!!!!

My favorite author is Lora Leigh and i read all the books that i can buy in the stores. I have all the copies i still need to read on BM but they are never available, Can anyone please help me in finding a very similar author????? Please!!!!!

renee
2 years ago
3 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(2 years ago)Try Shelly Laurenston/G.A. Aiken, Allyson James, Bianca D'Arc, or Moira Rogers and also I've heard good things about Joey Hill although I've haven't read any yet.
becca
(2 years ago)Thank You I will!
renee
(2 years ago)Try Lauren Dane or Kate Douglas. You might also enjoy Maya Banks.
Cara
Science Reading for Pre-Teens

My son is 11 and has a strong interest in science. He'd like to read books that are not textbooks. Most of what I find that is any good is written for adults. When a book claims to be for a kid, it tends to be pretty dull. Ideally, I am looking for books that dig deeply into a topic that can grab a kid's imagination. Any leads?

rich crowe
2 years ago
14 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(2 years ago)Thanks!
rich crowe
(2 years ago)If he's interested in fiction as well as nonfiction, "George's Secret Key to the Universe", co-written by Stephen Hawking, is meant to be a really enjoyable introduction to physics for kids. I've heard a lot of good things about it.
Zoe 
(2 years ago)Thanks, Jacquie. I am going to look for some Jenny Green books at my library.
rich crowe
(2 years ago)I have "Breakthroughs in Science", a slim paperback that's very clearly written: Jenny Green : Breakthroughs in Science: Pp:Breakthroughs in Science (Pelican Guided Reading [0582433568] Writing)
jacquie
(2 years ago)OK, Grace. Probably best not to send it then. Thanks, anyway.
rich crowe
(2 years ago)I do indeed have a copy of 'How to Fossilise Your Hamster' but flicking through it it's clear that it is aimed at adults, as some of the experiments involve alcohol! There are a lot of other interesting experiments that you could do with him though, so if you're still interested I'd be happy to list it for you. No problem if not!
Grace Hall
(2 years ago)Thanks, I just located the Arkady Leokum books at my library!
rich crowe
(2 years ago)Most of my young science education was on the vintage All About and The Real Book About series--animals, submarines, volcanos... Very dated by now, but a good foundation in how we got to where we are in science and technology.

They don't write 'em like that any more, unfortunately. The few new good ones tend to cost a fortune. If you want to find good ones for something approaching an affordable price you'll probably have to spend years hitting used book stores, rummage sales, and estate sales. And of course the library. Decade by decade kids' non-fiction books have not only become increasingly dull but increasingly dim. You can often get better science in the newspaper! You might want to widen your search to books published outside the U.S.; for example Britain used to have a good reputation for intelligent kids' books.

Two other books I especially liked were:

"Still More Tell Me Why" by Arkady Leokum. (Presumably his other similar books are of similar quality.) I have continued to find it useful as a quick source of information. Unsurprisingly, it's out of print. This book has a one to two page overview of hundreds of topics, for example: What makes some diamonds more valuable? Why does the moon shine? Why do snakes have scales? What is an electric eel?

I was eleven when I read the Reader's Digest condensed version of "Lucy: The Beginnings of Humankind" by Donald Johanson & Maitland Edey. The arrangement of the text makes it remarkably readable. It IS used as a textbook, but it reads like a novel. It's about the discovery of the Australopithecine fossils and the work to figure out where they belong in the fossil record over a period which saw some quantum leaps in technology. When I reread the full book as an adult I was pleasantly surprised to discover it is also about the history of anthropology and how rapidly scientific study has changed from little better than relic hunting to a genuine multidisciplinary interest in the history of the Earth.
Leela4

(2 years ago)That would be great! Thanks.
rich crowe
(2 years ago)I may have a copy of 'How to fossilize your hamster' at home. I'm away at the moment but could check when I get back in a few days if you're interested?
Grace Hall
(2 years ago)Thanks, Jacquie. I will check these out.
rich crowe
(2 years ago)- Usborne Science series
- 'Science for every kid' series
- The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids - ISBN 047131045X
- How to Fossilize Your Hamster: And Other Amazing Experiments for the Armchair Scientist - ISBN 0805087702

jacquie
(2 years ago)Thanks, Cara. I will check those out.
rich crowe
(2 years ago)The Horrible Science series (Nick Arnold is one of the authors) is very popular with pre-teens.
Cara
Psycological Crime Thrillers

Can anyone recommend me well written psycological crime thrillers as I love the genre but I am invariably disapointed by the quality of the writing.

janet101
2 years ago
8 comments

Recent comments:[write a comment]
(2 years ago)Thanks for all the suggestions I will definately try and get hold of some.
janet101
(2 years ago)You've probably already read Donna Tartt's "The Secret History"...if not, I'd highly recommend it. It's perhaps the classic cerebral psychological crime novel.
Zoe 
(2 years ago)@Cheryl "I can list forensic series (forensic pathologists, forensic archaeologists, medical examiners, etc) if anyone is interested."
Yes, please do!

jacquie
(2 years ago)Dear Janet, I can also vouch for the Lee Child series (except for the latest one). Contrary to such a macho hero, the plotting and writting is great. Just another instance of an author being different than their work. I would also add the Dana Stabenow Kate Shugak series. Sara Paretsky's V.I. Warshowski (sp?) books, and those by Tony Hillerman. Of the last, some of the latter Jim Chee books are some of the best I've ever read. Happy reading, Sarah
lotuscandy
(2 years ago)Thanks I'll give them a go.
janet101
(2 years ago)I led a mystery/suspense book group at my library for about 5 years and choosing books for that (and myself, of course!) was a delight. Here are some of my favorite mystery/suspense writers: Deborah Crombie (Duncan & Gemma eries), Margaret Maron, Sally Wright, Val McDermid, Susan Hill (Simon Serrailier series),Simon Brett,Peter Robinson, John Harvey, John Hart,Lee Child (Jack Reacher series),James Sallis,Tom Cain,Randy Wayne White (Doc Ford series),Kate Atkinson,Cora Harrison (wonderful early Ireland female judge series),Susan Willig Albert (China Bayles series, Sarah Rayne,Abigail Padgett,Ann Salter, Mary Anna Evans, Glynn Alam,Beverly Connor (two fantastic series),William Tapply (now deceased but love both his series)... I could go on and on. I can list forensic series (forensic pathologists,forensic archaeologists, medical examiners, etc) if anyone is interested.
Cheryl Fox
(2 years ago)The sinner came out in 2007 in UK. So yeah I guess so. Since Henning Mankell they are publishing more translations. Thanks for the tip I've just been onto the love reading site, good stuff.
janet101
(2 years ago)I absolutely love P.D James her writing is really top notch. I find the earlier stuff is the absolute best. I also loved The Sinner by Petra Hammesfahr, I'm trying to get hold of a translation of her other book The Lie but have had no luck. I've got a Liz Jensen book but haven't got to reading it yet. Books I didn't like were the R. D. Wingfield, Reginald Hill, Lynda La Plante and Susan Hill but her earlier non-crime books are good.
janet101
BBC television programme - My Life in Books

I saw part of the latest programme oferies 'My Life in Books' by sheer chance last night - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00z0ltv

You can't view the video unless you're in the UK, but the interviewees' book lists are available online.

jacquie
2 years ago
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