Whatcha Reading, and Whatcha Recommend?
Read a post on this same subject on another site and it generated some interesting responses. I thought I'd see what we can pull together over here.
I just finished the book "Water Wars (Drought, Flood, Folly and the Politics of Thirst)" by Diane Raines. It was an interesting read and really cuts to the heart of what will surely be the next "big" thing we fight over globally- the scarcity of a resoource we cannot live without. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the prospects of warfare in the next 10-20 years.
Before that book, I read a new offering by John Robb, entitled "Brave New World (The Next Stage of Terrorism and the End of Globalization)" . That book really gets into the cost/benefit analysis of the fight between an insurgent force (such as we face in Iraq/Afghanistan), and the conventional enemy they fight (ie.... US!!). If you've ever heard the old addage that "The Guerilla wins if he does not lose. The conventional army loses if it does not win." (Henry Kissinger, 1969), we'll this book ties in nicely with that theme.
Now I am reading Al J. Wenter's "Allah's Bomb (The Islamic Quest for Nuclear Weapons)". It is a bit of a slow starter, but it is packed full of facts which support some analysts within the Intelligence Community's (IC) assertion that Islamist fundamentalists are in fact attempting to acquire the capability to use a CBRN-type device on the good ol'e US of A.
How about you, what are you reading now, what have you read recently, or what do you intend to read in the near future?
Hopefully we'll all be able to pull a few from the list and add them to our collection based on some of each others recommendations.
Cheers,
NS
I just finished the book "Water Wars (Drought, Flood, Folly and the Politics of Thirst)" by Diane Raines. It was an interesting read and really cuts to the heart of what will surely be the next "big" thing we fight over globally- the scarcity of a resoource we cannot live without. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the prospects of warfare in the next 10-20 years.
Before that book, I read a new offering by John Robb, entitled "Brave New World (The Next Stage of Terrorism and the End of Globalization)" . That book really gets into the cost/benefit analysis of the fight between an insurgent force (such as we face in Iraq/Afghanistan), and the conventional enemy they fight (ie.... US!!). If you've ever heard the old addage that "The Guerilla wins if he does not lose. The conventional army loses if it does not win." (Henry Kissinger, 1969), we'll this book ties in nicely with that theme.
Now I am reading Al J. Wenter's "Allah's Bomb (The Islamic Quest for Nuclear Weapons)". It is a bit of a slow starter, but it is packed full of facts which support some analysts within the Intelligence Community's (IC) assertion that Islamist fundamentalists are in fact attempting to acquire the capability to use a CBRN-type device on the good ol'e US of A.
How about you, what are you reading now, what have you read recently, or what do you intend to read in the near future?
Hopefully we'll all be able to pull a few from the list and add them to our collection based on some of each others recommendations.
Cheers,
NS
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quote:Originally posted by Night Stalker
Read a post on this same subject on another site and it generated some interesting responses. I thought I'd see what we can pull together over here.
I just finished the book "Water Wars (Drought, Flood, Folly and the Politics of Thirst)" by Diane Raines. It was an interesting read and really cuts to the heart of what will surely be the next "big" thing we fight over globally- the scarcity of a resoource we cannot live without. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the prospects of warfare in the next 10-20 years.
Before that book, I read a new offering by John Robb, entitled "Brave New World (The Next Stage of Terrorism and the End of Globalization)" . That book really gets into the cost/benefit analysis of the fight between an insurgent force (such as we face in Iraq/Afghanistan), and the conventional enemy they fight (ie.... US!!). If you've ever heard the old addage that "The Guerilla wins if he does not lose. The conventional army loses if it does not win." (Henry Kissinger, 1969), we'll this book ties in nicely with that theme.
Now I am reading Al J. Wenter's "Allah's Bomb (The Islamic Quest for Nuclear Weapons)". It is a bit of a slow starter, but it is packed full of facts which support some analysts within the Intelligence Community's (IC) assertion that Islamist fundamentalists are in fact attempting to acquire the capability to use a CBRN-type device on the good ol'e US of A.
Your lips must be tired.0 -
Gee, I wonder where you could have seen that topic[?][:D][;)]
I'm currently reading Peter the Great by Robert Massie. It's a bit slow going, but pretty interesting overall. I like how Massie digresses a bit and tells about the conditions of the times generally in various places, gives mini bios on other leaders or signifigant people in Peter's life, outlines warfare strategies of the times, etc. It breaks up the book nicely IMO.
Next up on the list, I think I've earned a good novel. There's still some Frederick Forsyth I haven't read. After that, maybe P.J. O'Rourke's take on Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations. Then, who knows? I've got a couple of histories of WWI I've been meaning to crack, maybe Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond, maybe Birth of the Modern by Paul Johnson.
As for recommendations, you can't go wrong with Paul Johnson IMO. Modern Times and A History of the American People are two of my favorite non-fiction books ever. Martin Gilbert's A History of the 20th Century was nothing short of magnificent (available in the original 3 volume work and a condensed 1 volume "reader's digest" version.) The Bell Curve was a real eye-opener, very educational and well worth the time.
Anthony Beevor's Stalingrad (about the epic battle for that city) was tremendous and enjoyable. The 48 Laws of Power is fantastic and fun and useful if you're "ethically flexible" in some circumstances. Evolution: a Theory in Crisis is a fantastic antidote to the Darwinism crammed down our throats by the intelligentsia on a regular basis.
As for fiction, I like Umberto Eco's books. The Island of the Day Before is his best if you ask me, followed by Baudolino. Foucault's Pendulum was dense and hard to understand, but it's been awhile since I read it in college, so I might understand it more now. The Name of the Rose was good, but not mind-blowing. The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loanna was alright, but a bad Eco book is still worth a read IMHO.0 -
quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
quote:Originally posted by Night Stalker
Read a post on this same subject on another site and it generated some interesting responses. I thought I'd see what we can pull together over here.
I just finished the book "Water Wars (Drought, Flood, Folly and the Politics of Thirst)" by Diane Raines. It was an interesting read and really cuts to the heart of what will surely be the next "big" thing we fight over globally- the scarcity of a resoource we cannot live without. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the prospects of warfare in the next 10-20 years.
Before that book, I read a new offering by John Robb, entitled "Brave New World (The Next Stage of Terrorism and the End of Globalization)" . That book really gets into the cost/benefit analysis of the fight between an insurgent force (such as we face in Iraq/Afghanistan), and the conventional enemy they fight (ie.... US!!). If you've ever heard the old addage that "The Guerilla wins if he does not lose. The conventional army loses if it does not win." (Henry Kissinger, 1969), we'll this book ties in nicely with that theme.
Now I am reading Al J. Wenter's "Allah's Bomb (The Islamic Quest for Nuclear Weapons)". It is a bit of a slow starter, but it is packed full of facts which support some analysts within the Intelligence Community's (IC) assertion that Islamist fundamentalists are in fact attempting to acquire the capability to use a CBRN-type device on the good ol'e US of A.
Your lips must be tired.
and you must be having to recycle old material because your writers are on strike too. You've used that lame joke I don't know how many times.0 -
quote:Originally posted by nemesisenforcer
and you must be having to recycle old material because your writers are on strike too. You've used that lame joke I don't know how many times.
Appropriate to the occasion, Alice. Glad you're a fan.
BTW, I didn't know Peter The Great was released as a comic book. Good for you!0 -
quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
quote:Originally posted by nemesisenforcer
and you must be having to recycle old material because your writers are on strike too. You've used that lame joke I don't know how many times.
Appropriate to the occasion, Alice. Glad you're a fan.
BTW, I didn't know Peter The Great was released as a comic book. Good for you!
Haven't the orderlies put you to bed yet? or did you forget to take your relaxing time brain medicine again?
P.S. even a comic book version of Peter the Great would probably be too much for you, but if you'd like, I'll send you a copy. The colorful pictures would provide a nice distraction while the volunteers at the home feed you your strained peas at lunch.0 -
quote:Originally posted by nemesisenforcer
quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
quote:Originally posted by nemesisenforcer
and you must be having to recycle old material because your writers are on strike too. You've used that lame joke I don't know how many times.
Appropriate to the occasion, Alice. Glad you're a fan.
BTW, I didn't know Peter The Great was released as a comic book. Good for you!
Haven't the orderlies put you to bed yet? or did you forget to take your relaxing time brain medicine again?
P.S. even a comic book version of Peter the Great would probably be too much for you, but if you'd like, I'll send you a copy. The colorful pictures would provide a nice distraction while the volunteers at the home feed you your strained peas at lunch.
Good one Nemesisenforcer you must be one hell of a comedian im still holding my sides from that on seriously LMAOROTFTIH.0 -
quote:Originally posted by nemesisenforcer
Haven't the orderlies put you to bed yet? or did you forget to take your relaxing time brain medicine again?
P.S. even a comic book version of Peter the Great would probably be too much for you, but if you'd like, I'll send you a copy. The colorful pictures would provide a nice distraction while the volunteers at the home feed you your strained peas at lunch.
What wit! You cut me to the quick, sir. Usually one must frequent a Bukaki parlor to find a man of your obvious talent.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Cyclonus
im still holding my sides from that on seriously LMAOROTFTIH.
Yes, I'm sure you would be.0 -
quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
quote:Originally posted by Cyclonus
im still holding my sides from that on seriously LMAOROTFTIH.
Yes, I'm sure you would be.
Cmon Sheep get a sense of humor even you have to admit you never saw that burn coming.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Cyclonus
quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
quote:Originally posted by Cyclonus
im still holding my sides from that on seriously LMAOROTFTIH.
Yes, I'm sure you would be.
Cmon Sheep get a sense of humor even you have to admit you never saw that burn coming.
Saw what coming?
You're trying too hard, Cyclonus. Put on your jammies with the feet, have Uncle Ted read you a gladiator story, eat a cookie and go to bed.0 -
Uhh. Book?
Ive never really bothered to actually READ outside of school... But, we're reading uhh.. let me go check my backpack
edit
To Kill a Mockingbird.0 -
quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
quote:Originally posted by Cyclonus
quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
quote:Originally posted by Cyclonus
im still holding my sides from that on seriously LMAOROTFTIH.
Yes, I'm sure you would be.
Cmon Sheep get a sense of humor even you have to admit you never saw that burn coming.
Saw what coming?
You're trying too hard, Cyclonus. Put on your jammies with the feet, have Uncle Ted read you a gladiator story, eat a cookie and go to bed.
Seriously Sheep what in the hell crawled up your a$$ and died oh it mustve been all them hamsters you got up there from when you would force them in there with a pipe. I guess that explains why you have to be such an a$$hat all the time.0 -
"WILKES: His Life and Crimes" by Winston Schoonover - This is NOT about John Wilkes Booth.
"The Rape of Nanking" by Iris Chan
"Word of Honor" by Nelson DeMille
Depends on what you enjoy.
I read about two novels to every non-fiction book.
Doug0 -
The Prince (Niccolo Machiavelli) and this particular book also has some selections from his Discourses On Titus Livy
The House Of The Dead (Fyodor Dostoevsky)
Dostoevsky And The Human Condition After A Century (Ugrinsky, Lambasa, Ozolins)0 -
My favorite authors include
Frederick Forsyth
Ken Follet
John Grisham
Robert Crais
Tom Clancy
Read Avenger, Day of the Jackal, or Dogs of War by Frederick Forsyth
Or Hornet Flight by Follet
Hornet Flight is about a young boy living in Nazi occupied Denmark who stumbles across a Nazi secret military establisment and tries to warn England and Churchill.
Avenger is about a former Tunnel Rat who goes about a new hitman job.
Dogs of war is a story of a few Mercenaries who are hired to take over a self sufficient island for a high powered figure. Big twist at the end.0 -
I am too stoopid. I just reed these forrums... 0 -
Hanta Yo by Ruth Bebe Hill is an excellent read for those that like native american stuff. A pretty accurate account, covering several generations.. 0 -
quote:I am too stoopid. I just reed these forums
Dont feel bad Sarge,I own a book store and hardly ever take the time to read anymore,0 -
I am on an antique book binge. My current read is "The Power and the Glory" by Gilbert Parker.
I am also working my way through the "History of the 121st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry". Two of my ancestors fought with that regiment through the Civil War. One died, one was wounded but survived. Excellent history, with a compendium of survivor tales.0 -
One of my all time favorites...
The Rifle by Gary Paulsen
http://www.amazon.com/Rifle-Gary-Paulsen/dp/0152058397/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196010796&sr=8-10 -
quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
quote:Originally posted by nemesisenforcer
Haven't the orderlies put you to bed yet? or did you forget to take your relaxing time brain medicine again?
P.S. even a comic book version of Peter the Great would probably be too much for you, but if you'd like, I'll send you a copy. The colorful pictures would provide a nice distraction while the volunteers at the home feed you your strained peas at lunch.
What wit! You cut me to the quick, sir. Usually one must frequent a Bukaki parlor to find a man of your obvious talent.
and who would know better than a frequent patron of such places? Tell me, do the stains wash out of your kimono and plaid miniskirts ok or do you have to keep buying new ones?0 -
As to the so called water shortage, I'm sure I'm not the most informed guy on the subject but there has not been one drop of water to ever leave this earth. I don't buy into the idea that there is going to be a global water shortage...until the Lord turns it to blood, that is.[;)]
As for reading material...I have not done much reading lately, but I highly recommend the Bible. It never gets old.0 -
book trivia!
when Dr. Seuss was first asked to write some children's books, he said oh that's easy, no problem, it should take a few weeks. well it wasn't easy. he was stumped for half a year about just what to write.
as it happened, Dr. Seuss would take his cuckoo clock to the remote village of Gletch in Switzerland to get it cleaned and adjusted once a year. he had nowhere to go until it was done. the locals told him of a tiny village waaay up the mountain from where they were, called Uber Gletch.
so up he went to this tiniest of tiny and remotest of remote Swiss villages, and talked to the inhabitants there until it was time to come back down. he thought they were quite odd.
that's where he got his ideas for his books.0 -
"Unintended Consequences" by John Ross
Kinda slow the first 400 pages, then it takes off for the next 400 pages. A good read.
Anything by Vince Flynn.0 -
I, Claudius and Claudius the God.
Also I am about to finish Bernard Cornwells King Arthur series.0 -
the holy bible 0 -
Try "Starship Troopers" By Robert A. Heinlein.
It is a really good read.0 -
+
An absolute Classic.
Much better (and different from) the movie.
Doug0 -
I will read most anything...Reading is truly one of my passions....
You forget the worlds problems for that oh so limited span of time you pick up a book and become involved in the hero/heroine's life...There is really nothing that can be so pleasurable, so fulfilling as reading....0 -
1984 Orwell
Crime and Punishment. Dostoyevski
Inferno Dante0
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