JU Book Club

[Trail]

Started this up to see if a) anyone was interested in a book club and b) to get people's current reading recommendations. I hope this thread interests all the readers out there. :D

[Asshat]

Never mind

[P_chan]

Books are for dorks!

But I will post what I'm currently reading or just finished reading. As of right now, it's boring ass books on management and supervision.

[greenflash]

I'm down for a book club. I'd love to get some discussion on books from such a wide variety of people and clubs generally help me branch out to books I wouldn't otherwise read. What kind of books? Fiction/Non-fiction?

[DoctorP]

I like the idea, can't guarantee I would participate though. Taking two classes now and have 3 books on my desk that I haven't even started yet...even though I really want to read one of them.

[socalheart]

I don't think I'd do well in a book club. It reminds me too much of school. I like reading what I want, when I want. If someone else has also read it, it's nice to talk about it. If someone has read something I might want to read, it's nice to get their opinion. Book clubs are too structured for my reading style.

I'd still like to know what y'all are reading or have read though. http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7139&highlight=reading :)

[cellophane]

I would be open to a book club since I am one of the biggest dorks ever. Only I am more into nonfiction than fiction.What book do you have in mind Trailryder?

[roxy_skyy]

I'd love a book club! What kind of books would be reading?

[Jrocka83]

I'm In..

My I reccomend New Earth by Eckhardt Tolle. Truly awsome book. Beyond words.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/member/3/c/1/7/thumb_3735383.jpeg

[dk]

I've got a ton of programming reference books and a few hundred science fiction books. You're welcome to my science fiction books as long as I get them back. I can post a list if anyone is interested. :p

[GIR 08]

Sounds good, too bad the bx doesn't carry many books. Let me know when you get it up and running.

[dk]

Sounds good, too bad the bx doesn't carry many books. Let me know when you get it up and running.
Try living without a decent bookstore for ten years and then saying that lmao. The base bookstore will probably look like Barnes and Nobles next time I visit it. :thumbup1:

[Oki alumni]

More curiousity than a comment. Do YOU guys 'n gals on Okinawa have anything like a place where you can do a "paper-back" swap-out? The library at Yokota USED to have one, but it's since turned into a "Free Book" shelf. I pick up most of mine at our "Airman's Attic" (formerly the Thrift Shop). Good selection, and the price (free) is DEFINITELY right!

-Oki Alumni

[GIR 08]

Hey DK, what do you know about the 'Book Box' on 58 near Foster. Do they carry books in English? AAFES pisses me off, damn shame we have to depend on them for service. Every stateside base I've been to has a bigger and better book selection than they do here. I'm waiting for September for the third Eragon book to come out, the last two were pretty good. I have found a couple of books at the bx that looked good, but it is from the middle of a series, I would rather start from the beginning.

[dk]

Gir, I usually just order from Amazon (or ask my parents to). I've given up on every bookstore on this island. The base NEVER did well for selling technical books. I remember I used to call it the "for dummies" bookstore a decade ago. :D

Wonder if that's changed. I guess I could have also called it "The Yellow Book Store".

[[ashley.]]

what kind of books?

[GIR 08]

I've been checking out Amazon.com myself. Any suggestions on a good series to read?...anybody?...Never read sci-fi before, mostly history and fiction and fantasy.

[[ashley.]]

if you liked the movies the notebook and a walk to remember then a bend in the road and the choice are great books by nicholas sparks.

[dk]

I've been checking out Amazon.com myself. Any suggestions on a good series to read?...anybody?...Never read sci-fi before, mostly history and fiction and fantasy.
The whole Ender's series is BAD ASS. When you finish that, read the series about Bean (side series).

Anything by Robert Silverburg, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ray Bradbury is also bad ass. They are excellent story-tellers, and Ray Bradbury especially takes away the science from science fiction and turns his stories into just that, stories. I love his books/stories.

[Oki alumni]

I myself, haven't ready ANY of the series, but a "Twilight" series seems somewhat popular here at Yokota (credit to http://www.yokotatalk.com )

-Oki Alumni:old:

[GIR 08]

Thanks DK and OKI. I will check these out now that I have a direction to lean towards. Sorry to derail your thread Trail.

[dk]

Twilight series? By whom?

[dk]

Thanks DK and OKI. I will check these out now that I have a direction to lean towards. Sorry to derail your thread Trail.
I have the whole Ender's series except for the first book (Ender's Game). If, after reading that, you want to borrow any of mine, I would have no problem loaning them to you. After all, you are our Secretary of State.

[GIR 08]

That's right!! RESPECT MY AUTHORITY!!!! Thanks for the offer, but I tend to keep all the books I read.

[dk]

That's right!! RESPECT MY AUTHORITY!!!! Thanks for the offer, but I tend to keep all the books I read.
If I get a job, that won't be a problem. I've already read them. I can always buy them again. You are, after all, the Secretary of State!

[GIR 08]

Wish I could remember who gave me that title, it was either doug-p or doc-p...I forgot it was on my sig block, I wasn't really sure what you were referring to a few posts ago.

[Trail]

I am glad people are interested. I am more of fiction person myself but I am down for non-fiction as well. A book club sound like a hit or miss thing here but even if 2-3 people agree to read the same book, we could get a discussion going. I myself am leaning toward reading a western but I am open to suggestions. I've read most late teen fiction as of late as well. (HP, Septemis Heap series) I also like a few autobiographies as well. Michael J. Fox's book was pretty profound and I love my Rolling Stones Book of Interviews.

[Oki alumni]

Twilight series? By whom?

Stolen from a post at http://www.yokotatalk.com in which was stated: "By Stephanie Meyer.
It's about this girl who falls in love with a vampire. It's a young adult series, but it's sooo good.
It takes place in a very rainy town in Washington State called Forks. It's soooo good!! They are real easy reads, and highly addictive.

The first book is Twilight, then New Moon, then Eclipse.
The 4th (and sadly final) book in the series is called Breaking Dawn and will be released on August 2nd."

LOL, just doesn't sound like my type of "reading genre".

-Oki Alumni

[Bones]

I had mentioned a "Book Club" earlier, but it fizzled out. Probably time constraints, as well as people having to travel some distance to acquire the books. But if planned correctly, if members are located within your immediate area, it might work out well.

For myself, I just contribute my newest books to the Kadena library.

Bones

[badkitty]

whoever recommended The Pillars of the Earth, thank you!!! I am enjoying this book a great deal.:thumbup::thumbup:

[Trail]

Stolen from a post at http://www.yokotatalk.com in which was stated: "By Stephanie Meyer.
It's about this girl who falls in love with a vampire. It's a young adult series, but it's sooo good.
It takes place in a very rainy town in Washington State called Forks. It's soooo good!! They are real easy reads, and highly addictive.

The first book is Twilight, then New Moon, then Eclipse.
The 4th (and sadly final) book in the series is called Breaking Dawn and will be released on August 2nd."

LOL, just doesn't sound like my type of "reading genre".

-Oki Alumni

Oki-
To be honest I do not mind the "Young Adult" reads since they do not require heavy thought late at night when I read the most. I find a lighter reading often more enjoyable than heavy, dense reading.

Mr.Trail is a LOTR reader. I enjoy the movies and such and we are both well versed in the series. I however have not made it past the Hobbit in the LOTR series since I find Fellowship hard to get through. Tolkien can go on and on with details. While I appreciate history and detail but a little over 1/2 book is just getting to Rivendell. For me, it's like chewing on cardboard. Maybe if I did not know so much of the story already, it would be more exciting to read.

I've also read the Narnia books. I got as far as Prince Caspian and the series petered out for me. The Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini is a good one. (Eragon, Eldest)

My latest read though is by Dave Pelzer. I have read "A Boy Called It", "The Lost Boy", "The Privilege of Youth" and I am just finishing up "A Man Named Dave."

[Oki alumni]

I read more of what some people term as "trashy paperback novels". My likes are generally SOME science fiction, but mostly murder mysteries (currently reading "The Motive" by John Lescroart), and action/adventure/spy novels. I also enjoy documentary television/movie series such as "The Ten Thousand Day War" and Ken Burns "The Civil War".

-Oki Alumni:old:

[Bones]

As posted by badkitty:

whoever recommended The Pillars of the Earth, thank you!!! I am enjoying this book a great deal.:thumbup::thumbup:

I had mentioned this one in one of my earlier posts. Also, be sure to check out "World Without End". Same author.

If you like reading this type of book, two other books are worth mentioning:

"The Beacon at Alexandria", by Gillian Bradshaw.

" The Silver Chalice", by Thomas B. Costain.

You won't find the last two titles at AAfes, but you may be able to find them at the library.

Bones

P.S.

I bought "Pillars of the Earth" over here, and it was a selection of the "Oprah Book Club". Like you, I couldn't put it down.:thumbup1:

[Trail]

I have heard SO much about the Twilight series. What is everyones take for those that have read the books?

[badkitty]

I have heard SO much about the Twilight series. What is everyones take for those that have read the books?

Hey, I wanna drop the first 2 off to you!!

[paper_monster]

A few Amazing-Life-Changing-Not-Too-Difficult-To-Get-Into-Books I recommend:

Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follet.
I read the book years before it made it's way onto the Oprah reading list.) It's a novel based in Europe during the 12th century. It is quite honestly the best historical I've ever read, and I've read hundreds.
It's successor:
World Without End

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser.
(Morgan Spurlock totally stole most of his "SuperSize Me" movie idea's from this book)

A Child Called "It" by Dave James Pelzer.
It's successors:
The Lost Boy
A Man Named Dave
These are a series of autobiographies of one man's life who was horrifically abused as a child, only to grow up to be a Boom Operator for the USAF.
he later went on to write books and speak at children's schools about his ordeal.
The first book, A Child Called "It", was especially emotional for me to read, and will be for any of those who had a less then amazing childhood.
If you choose to read it though, you have to read atleast the next book where he goes into the USAF. Otherwise, you won't get what the Author is really trying to say.

Roots by Alex Haley.
The freaking 14 hour movie doesn't begin to do it justice.
And it's not just a "African American history book"
It will genuinely change your outlook on life, no matter what color you are.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
Well, mostly because it's written beautifully. It encompasses all aspects of human emotions within just a few characters.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini.
The Author was just 15 years old when he wrote this book.
It is not just a kids book, and I will say it's as good, if not better, then the Harry Potter Series. Much more mature and written well. I'm going to bet it wasn't as popular as the famous HP because the movie it was based on SUCKED.
It's successors:
Eldest
Brisingr

I've got quite a few more to add to this list.

[Blues]

i read non-fiction.

IT related or irrational human behavior.

[Sex Wax]

I just got a new book: Eifelheim by Michael Flynn. Some crazy book about a German town in the 1400's, UFOs and priests & scientists.

I just hope it has some good Schnitzel recipies.

[dk]

I just got a new book: Eifelheim by Michael Flynn. Some crazy book about a German town in the 1400's, UFOs and priests & scientists.

I just hope it has some good Schnitzel recipies.

UFO's in the 1400's? Lemme borrow? :D

[Trail]

I going to reread the Green Mile. I got burned out on Tolkien.

[nicole.chhokar]

I just came across this thread and am looking for a book club in Naha.......does anyone know of one?

[Blues]

I got burned out on Tolkien.

tolkein makes good kindle for bon fires, and plenty copious for toilet paper :army:

[Trail]

tolkein makes good kindle for bon fires, and plenty copious for toilet paper :army:

I really do love the story, history, and characters but Tolkien tends to take forever to get any where. If that makes any sense.

I'm still on the hunt for "Silence of the Lambs" and "Hannibal" at the BX/PX. I have a feeling I will need to order them online. I was lucky one day and found "Hannibal Rising" in the clearance bin for $4 as a hardcover and "Red Dragon" as softback for normal price. :thumbup1:

[Bones]

Reading a book called "Anathem".

It's "supposedly" Sic-Fi", and it's kind of hard to read when you first pick it up. Give it a couple of chapters however, and you won't be able to put it down.

5 Stars, from Bones.:thumbup1:

[Trail]

American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson is brilliant and entertaining. I like him even more after reading his book and I rank him much higher now against the like of Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan, etc. since his comedy is real true to life comedy. The stuff in life that if you weren't laughing, you'd be crying about.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x593079071/g12c0008ede660f2909b07d615e2847fbbcdfc245b0c52d.jp g
Less than clean humor for a less than clean audience.
http://www.amazon.com/American-Purpose-Improbable-Adventures-Unlikely/dp/0061719544/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263184761&sr=8-1

[SpaceGhost]

i am reading freakonomics... it talks about the hidden side of things from an economic...(not moneywise) the data/economic number crunching side...

really really interesting...

[Blues]

i am reading freakonomics... it talks about the hidden side of things from an economic...(not moneywise) the data/economic number crunching side...

really really interesting...

really good book i finished back in 2007. if you like that you should pickup "predictably irrational"

[Richard Burns]

End the Fed

By none other then Congessman and Revolutionary Dr. Ron Paul!!!!!!!!

[Jazz]

End the Fed

By none other then Congessman and Revolutionary Dr. Ron Paul!!!!!!!!

fagetaboutit!:)

[canjap02]

just for fun books, I like reading all types. I just finished reading the Odd Thomas books, there fun

[Rossi46]

I just finished reading “The Battle of Okinawa” it sat on my shelf for years and I regret not reading it sooner.

http://b-29s-over-korea.com/Japanese_Kamikaze/images/The-Battle-of-Okinawa.jpg

[Hollarey]

I have just finished reading Push by Sapphire. It has been made into a movie called Precious. Pretty intense book! Very good.

However, it left me hangin' at the end. I wanted to know more about how her life turned out. If she ever got her first baby back, and if she ever got her GED.

Anxious to see the movie now.

[mwr885]

I have just finished reading Push by Sapphire. It has been made into a movie called Precious. Pretty intense book! Very good.

However, it left me hangin' at the end. I wanted to know more about how her life turned out. If she ever got her first baby back, and if she ever got her GED.

Anxious to see the movie now.

After you told me about that today I kinda want to give it a read. It sounds like a good story.