/lit/ - Literature

nightmare mode: find threads that match your thread

>currently reading

>>3951417
cba

And its far better than I thought it would be.

I'm not reading anything at the moment. I'm considering reading Russell's History Of Western Philosophy. Should I?

>>3951411
Child of God is awesome. I'd say it was McCarthy's first really good book. The Orchard Keeper and Outer Dark were meh, Keeper had nice prose but no rails and was way too derivative while Outer Dark had some direction, it got dull. Child of God was kind of the turning point where McCarthy's books got gud.
The only really meh book he wrote after that was The Road. I didn't care for it.

>>3951439
yes

>>3951439
No, unless you don't want to be considered an analytically svine! Stick with continental philosophy. Shit, even Copleston is better for such a thing, and he was a christ nut.

>>3951448
lel

>>3951441
I don't like the Road either. To be honest, it almost seemed like he was cashing out on the post-apocalyptic craze. And his talent for that south texas hick horror was nowhere to be found.

But it did turn me to Child of God. Im having a bit of a problem because of the lingo, but so far im loving it.

>>3951449
Solid read

>>3951411
hell yeah mccarthy

>>3951457
Whats it like? Its on my to read list.

>>3951476

My nigga

Really enjoying this.

>>3951476
>overrated

>>3951485
is that book about math or some shit?

>>3951474
It's violent. I'm only about a third of the way through but it's really good and it's interesting because you get almost no information about the protagonist, but the prose is gorgeous.

>>3951494
You sold it well. Will read next.

>>3951487

Or you have not read the book from beginning to end or you do not know anything about literature.

No other author has described so many different scenes and so many different people with the same perfection and lucidity as Tolstoy.

There is no other novel that reaches the same level of War and Peace.

Don't hate my taste please /lit/, I just love the betrayal

>>3951503
In my country War and Peace is mandatory literature in schools, don't perch so high on your horse there. Much like Crime and Punishment, War and Peace is overrated because its seen as a classic. When in fact it is verbose to the point of wanting to drill your eyes out.

Stephen King novels of its time. There i said it. Proceed with the mad.

>>3951490

An allegory on climbing a mountain that unites heaven and the earth. Daumal died before he finished the book, and the fact that it's unfinished makes it all the better. Heavily influenced Alejando Jodorowsky's "The Holy Mountain."

>>3951514
Positivist crap. You do know that even he rejected some notions (like the ones of natural friendship) in his Magna Moralia?

Skylark by Dezso Kosztolányi

>>3951520
love that book to pieces

>>3951512

What's 10/10 literature in your opinion?

>>3951520
>yfw you find out that im related to him.

We were even born in the same city.

>>3951514

How is it? I'm considering starting it after The Stranger.

>>3951533
Don't waste your time on it. Read the Myth of Sisyphus.

>>3951530
Thats for me to know. Why do you care about what other people think?

Even if i gave you a list of my favorite books, and you shot them all down in critics fire, wouldn't change the outlook many people have on War and Peace.

But for the sake of argument, the Stranger would be as close to a 10 out of 10 imho.

Just look ar this cover. I'd rape it if it was a girl. Tell me she isn't asking for it.

Finally a Cormac McCarthy novel that isn't about Mexico.

Also, Harrogate is adorable.

>>3951542

I just think we have different ideas about what is good literature.

I do not care about original ideas or philosophies: the three things I like best in books are:

a) Interesting and original characters; b) interesting and intriguing stories and plots and c) inventive and beautiful language (this is a requesite directed more at works of poetry).

For me Tolstoy has the requisites A and B, and his language, although not inventive and strongly metaphorical, is pure, simple and clear.

Shakespespeare has the requisites A, B and C, although the requisite B derives, in general, from other works and sources.

Camus is considered a writer-philosopher. Although I have great respect for Camus, I do not usually love a work of literature because of its ability to make me see the world differently.

But opinions are opinions: there is nothing scientific about them.

>>3951575
Have you read blood meridian? Which one did you most enjoy?

>>3951599
So far I'm enjoying Suttree a lot more. Judge Holden is a really cool character, but Meridian is far more given to Cormac's typical psuedo-biblical meandering. A lot of people might like that, but it just kinda seems like wordy guff without meaning to me.

Suttree is a much more earnest, human story, and I like the setting a lot more than Meridian's. It calls to mind Huckleberry Finn and his swampland adventures, albeit a lot more magical.

Also, it's funnier.

And the characters are actual characters, instead of these larger than life holograms.

This one. It should be renamed to Fast Times in Qarth.

>>3951628
>Part 1: Steel and Snow

There's no way this is real.

>>3951533
It is accessible. I went into it with little knowledge of philosophy and I did not find it too byzantine. It is essentially the same stuff that has been trumpeted for the past couple thousand years-- golden mean and what not

>>3951518
As I mentioned above, I'm still entry-level. What would you recommend?

>>3951518
You say that like it makes a difference.

>>3951542
I come to share your opinions. Can you say some more book you enjoy? Not for critique - it's pointless, just for recommendation and new titles.

>>3951647
I'm surprised too
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Storm-Swords-Part-Steel-Reissue/dp/0007447841

>>3951775
*books

I'm reading this right now it's a nice light read.

Nearly finished, it's very good.

>all these people reading McCarthy

>>3951628
Stop reading after you finish that book. It doesn't get any better.

I'm torn between starting Walden, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, and The Forever War.

Which would you recommend, /lit/?

>>3951628

To be frank, I've stopped reading Daeny's parts because nothing fucking happens and she is so fucking unlikable.

>>3951896
Walden's ok. There are huge sections of that book that aren't really intellectually stimulating and end up just being kind of boring economy, I think. You'd be better off just reading individual essays of his. I can't speak of the other two

>>3951906
Yeah, Dany is the main reason why I gave up that series.

>>3951934
I haven't read this, but it sounds similar to War of A Thousand Deserts, which I really enjoyed. Does A Glorious Defeat talk about the Native American raids into the border states at all?

>>3951932

Oh, the rest of the series is fine. You just have to know what to read and what not to read

Always worth reading
>Tyrion
>Ayra
>Cersei (for the comedy)
>Jaime
>Davos
>Theon
>Brienne

Almost always worth reading
>Sansa (after the first book)
>Bran

Have to read for plot, questionable enjoyment
>Prologues
>Jon
>Melisandre

Up to your taste
>Catelyn
>Samwell
>All 'Minor' POVs

Unquestionably shit
>Dany

Like most people, I've hit a bit of a brick wall at Oxen of the Sun (though that's more due to tedium than complexity)

>>3951979
keep going circe is GOAT

dis shit rite herr.

Excellent opening and so far the 1st section is very strong. I'm also happy to see a lot of McCarthy in here. Although I know this will sound stupid to some, but I really loved Outer Dark--probably even more than Blood Meridian. Not saying it's better, I just enjoyed it more. I'll probably read Suttree soon.

>>3951647
It's the graphic novel

>>3952095
I've been thinking about reading something by DeLillo. Is White Noise a good start?

I'm reading Trainspotting, just about done with it actually. It's awesome, a new favorite of mine. Any other good books like that?

>>3952113
Not OP but yes, it definitely is.

>>3952095
>dat ending where they cut open the baby and eat him
That evil trio was pretty cool.

>>3952124

ARGHFHFHEIUHEDCIUHCE Goddammit. I accidentally put my mouse over the spoiler >:-|

I know, know...reading for plot is for plebs. I'm still upset.

>>3952113
White Noise is where I started. Yes, good place to start imo.

>>3951952
>Does A Glorious Defeat talk about the Native American raids into the border states at all?
I don't know , I'm only around 1/4 in. So far its main subjects are politics and settlers in Texas .

>>3951421
I need to read (preferably buy) this book again. Last time I attempted it, the library wanted the book back just as I was starting to get a hang of the writing style.

>>3951439
Don't feel obligated to read every single chapter. It's more useful as a cheat sheet when you want to get a refresher on a particular philosopher. I actually find the audiobook "Giants of Philosophy" (narrated by Charlton Heston) to be far more in depth, entertaining, and unbiased.

The third book in the Maze Runner trilogy. I've enjoyed what I've read thus far.

>>3952110
Beautiful book, but I can't help but get irritated when Hugo dedicates 100+ pages introducing a character only to have one little sentence telling you that he died a few chapters later.

The most beautifully written thing I've read since Lolita. Really enjoying it so far.

>>3951511

funny enough i'm reading this

>>3952241
This is my favourite book by far. This is a twisted and complex novel written in a style that is almost poetry

It's great so far. Didn't expect it to get this absurd when I started it but I'm really enjoying it.

>>3952241
Under The Volcano is my favourite book by far. This is a twisted and complex novel written in a style that is almost poetry

curious any recs for books on ancient/medieval history? would appreciate it, didn't see much in the wiki.

>>3951447
>>3951448
>>3952226

Well, I started reading it earlier. Read the first part and so I'm 90 pages into it.

Well I just finished this today, it was thoroughly entertaining. Now I have no clue what to read next, I have the following choices:

>Time Enough For Love
>The Fountainhead
>Neuromancer
>Frankenstein
>Dracula
>It
>Battlecry for Freedom

I'm leaning towards Fountainhead or Battlecry for Freedom since I'm itching for real events, I know fountainhead technically isn't a real event but it presents an ideology, however is there anything else of that list I should read first?

>>3952242
How are they? I stopped reading the series after Fulgrim and it's gotten to the stage where it'll take a serious investment to catch up

Quite confusing when he compares peoples different professions happiness levels. But other than that i'm really enjoying it.

>>3952279

mmm really good i mean you have to remember every author has his own voice and writing style so naturally some are better then others, then some in my opinion are given more interesting primarchs or settings to deal with. The first heretic by aaron dembowski for example i read a few weeks back was great, most books by him i've loved as well. In my opinion you should really atleast read descent of angels, legion, mechanicum, the first heretic, thousand sons, prospero burns, and then if you want read the others inbetween.

now ya i did mention a lot but assuming you like w40k you won't mind.

>>3952291
Love 40k so that isn't a problem. I heard the alpha legion one was really good along with some pretty controversial reveals, worth reading first?

I love Hesse.
This is spectacular so far
[spoilers] Not as good as Narziß und Goldmund though [/spoilers]

I'm reading A Crackup at the Race Riots by Harmony Korine. He's that guy who wrote and directed Gummo.

>>3952307

definitely, that one had me gripped pretty quickly and i didn't want to stop reading as cliche as that sounds it was a very good thing. i had to reread the book a few times after i was done wondering wtf happened, alpha legion after that became one of my favorite legions.

>>3952262
Umberto Eco is your friend.

I just finished this.
Wtf did I just read?

>>3951821
I'm wanting to read this and 2666, but I don't know which I should read first.

>>3952348
Start with Savage Detectives.

I'm currently reading Gary Snyder's Danger on Peaks.

CERTAINLY not his best, I greatly loved Axe Handles, and I feel like with age and life his style has slipped and become much more diluted.

It feels a lot more circumstantial, along the lines of 'isn't everything poetry?' which I feel is a great degradation from his original style of having a short and poignant commentary of his surroundings.

All in all it feels like a reintegration into american society, and he was better when he lived in japan. As opposed to being direct, he appears more conversational... Mildly disappointing, but still good.

The lack of classics here concerns me

>>3952443
Define classic.

>>3952443
Why? We all read classics in high school. Not to mention only reading classics can have a negative effect on your writing. Also there is more to literature than just what the masses have deemed to be 'classics'.

I bet you are that entry level guy who is far more annoying than a complete pleb, like a hypochondriac who goes to the doctor after browsing webMD for an hour and having a cursory, but hollow knowledge of his sniffles.

I've been reading it for two hours and I am two pages away from the end, so it isn't hugely deep or challenging but I would use the words, 'really cool' to describe it.

>>3952463
>entry level
>complete pleb
stop

>>3952443
don't be such a cunt

>>3952314
where the fuck did you find a copy?

>>3952525
not to be that guy, but
http://www.amazon.com/A-Crack-Up-at-Race-Riots/dp/1937112101/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374280043&sr=8-1&keywords=a+crack+up+at+the+race+riots

The origin of the 'historic fart' joke

First time on /lit/....Anyone else like this book? I'm only on chapter 2 and it's pretty good so far.

>>3951906
>nothing happens and the character is unlikeable

Those may be the most meaningless excuses for any medium. I'll never understand this.

>>3951503
Les Miserables and Anna Karenina are better.

>>3952792
>I couldn't relate to the characters
>The characters were not very believable

Currently making my way through Shakespeare's plays, as I've never read any before. So far I've gotten through Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth. Can't decide which one I liked more. Macbeth was a better story, but Romeo & Juliet evoked more emotion from me. Romeo & Juliet were more poetic, but Macbeth provoked more thought. Reading through this now, it's great too.

I have questions. I found Macbeth cryptic and inaccessible. Romeo & Juliet was and Hamlet is easier. Does anyone else agree? Regarding difficulty, where do his other plays rank? Are they more like Macbeth or Hamlet?

>>3951896
i just read the forever war graphic novel and it was amazing, i´m going to read the book now

>>3951963
>>>/tv/

>>3951512
>I'm a retard. There i said it. Proceed with the mad.

>>3952239
Which character are you talking about? The garderner?

>>3951594
>checklist on what's good in literature
You miss the point, brer

>>3951411
>>3951441
>>3951453
>>3951457
Guys, help!

I bough the kindle version of "the Child of God" off of amazon a few days ago, and am reading it. This is the first time i came in contact with Mccarthy and while im enjoying the literature, it sometimes seem to end mid sentence and i checked the page counter and it says 110 and the wiki article says its 220 pages or something like that.

What's the score here? Have i been taken for a fool? Or is this some unfunny abridges shit?

>>3952463
>go to a literature board
>people there dismisses classic literature

>>3952863
Aaaaaaaaaa read this ages ago! I was 12 or 13 yo at the time. Dang, you just busted my nostalgia bone.

>>3952929
Don't make me go all Derrida on your ass.

I mean, how do so many brilliant men stoop to the idea of the posibility of having a universal criteria for literature to be able to call something "a classic" and by its (then) definition, above all others!?

Shit, i liked Wir Kinder Wom Bahnhof Zoo a 1000x better than ANYTHING Shakespeare ever wrote!

A taste in literature is as much an acquired taste as is for food.

>>3952946
'Acquiring taste' is you molding your thoughts into contrived shapes for no God damn reason.

>>3952946
Thing is, classic literature (anything older than 1950) stood the test of time, I know for sure that they are not made for an easily consumption of a generation of narcissists who can't bear reading something that challenges their assumption about the world.

This is the problem with contemporary books, even the best stuff still suffers from its immersion in 20XX. If we want to see things differently, we have to approach them from radically different contexts.

>>3952979
That's an argument for reading classical stuff, it's not an argument for not reading contemporary stuff.

>bargain shelf
check
>WWII
check
>SS
check
>tanks
check

lets do this

>>3952993

Good, now back to Dostoevsky.

So far it's been quite good.

>>3951411
Some days i like to read the book and simultaneously listen to the audiobook. Did this several times with the Child of God. Somehow i feel as if im ruining the medium. Then again i thoroughly enjoy it this way... Wonder if anyone else does this.

>>3952133
Don't worry. No baby eating, just shotgun caused face-vaginaing

>>3951430
Huh, didn't know he wrote a book. What's it about?

>>3952924
read blood meridian next and then forget reading anything in the western genre ever again but it will never get any better.

>>3952469
>tfw reading translations

so many good books but I just know they would never be the same as what the author intended.

Can someone recommend one book to read next?

>>3953296
Just finished that myself yesterday, moved onto Hunger. It's a down-and-out novel, one of those about a poor + starving writer.

Novels in Three Lines, pretty cool

>>3951542
The Stranger is also mandatory reading in many high schools.

>>3951476
I'm also reading this. I started the Constance Garnett version a while ago but stopped, and picked it back up again. Would you say the P&V is worth it to go and buy another copy?

>>3953195
>what the author intended
>what the author
>the author
>author

>>3953195
So what? There are so many fantastic translations, you're really limiting yourself if you only read books in original languages, presuming that you don't know every language.

>>3951512
>Stephen King novels of its time.

Top motherfucking kek, I didn't see this.

You're a moron.

>>3953331
Have you read his other stuff? how does this compare with Beyond Good and Evil? I thought his ideas were nice but reading it was not very fun.

>>3951512
>tolstoi = stephen king
>camus = GOAT

so much smug 15yo it's not even funny

>>3953337
what is GOAT?

>>3953354
a medium-sized bovid.

or "greatest of all time"

>>3951411
Better than some of his other books, but its still riding the wave of his terribly boring fiction so it still holds elements of it. Other than that, a pretty good return to Klosterman-form.

>>3953155

i loved this and the discworld books.

I've been making it last, savoring it. 6 days and I'm only 100 pages in. It's amazing

>>3951439
It can get a little dry, but yes,

Should I honor de ballsack and finish it?

>>3953487
harhar

yes

Almost done, liking it almost as much as I liked Lamb.

shit just got real

>>3953334
I read most of Nietzsches stuff. And reading him as part of "regular" literature will prove a boring and useless task.

As my professor pointed out to me once while i was trying to read Also Sprach Zarathustra, he said: You first have to learn how to read Nietzsche, before you can learn Nietzsche himself.

>>3953337
You see, this is what i find so defeating about lit /lit/ it is so dogmatic about "the classics"! And as EVERY postmodernist philosopher will tell you, and everyone of them will be right: just because every other person on earth loves it, doesn't mean you will too!

I also like Camus more than Tolstoy and Dostoevsky for that matter! Hell, i would put Camus above most classics! Why? Because I like him, and that is all that should matter to me.

I weep for the day when i have to read belletristic sleeping pills from-the-days-of-yore under the excuse of them being "classics"!

>>3953742
That would be a fine opinion to hold if you didn't *just* say War and Peace is "overrated" and "stephen king novels of its day," you idiot.

That's hypocritical on so many levels

>>3953824
1. Im not the that guy.
2. I don't like King either
3. Pull your head directly from out of your ass in a jerking motion.

>>3952924
He doesn't use what you would consider to be complete punctuation, so it confuses the hell out of ebook converter programs.

It is very very hard to find good electronic copies of McCarthy's work, he is far easier read in hardcopy.

>>3953730
>You first have to learn how to read Nietzsche, before you can learn Nietzsche himself.

sounds like a stock phrase he uses for dumb people.