Mr.E Posted February 25, 2016 Posted February 25, 2016 I'm about half way through The Martian , (Thanks Tesco for the cheap books). its a very light read, and easy to blast through. It does make me want to see the Movie (as I haven't done so yet) to possibly have the story expanded upon a little bit, but otherwise its great
Moderators Chest Rockwell Posted February 25, 2016 Moderators Posted February 25, 2016 Um. I wouldn't hold your breath on that one.. films don't usually expand on books, they usually condense them (unless they're made by Peter Jackson).
Paid Members Carbomb Posted February 25, 2016 Paid Members Posted February 25, 2016 Currently reading "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke. Really enjoyng it so far - a story of magicians in the Napoleonic/Regency era. Written as a pastiche of the style of the historical account novel of the time, and typeset the same way to give it that authentic feel, so lots of fanciful notions interspersed with dry, matter-of-fact descriptions, and plenty of extensive footnotes and references to books with very old-style titles. Definitely worth reading - the story is well-paced, lots of development both in terms of character and plot, and the style is consummately written in capturing the style.
Paid Members Sergio Mendacious Posted February 25, 2016 Paid Members Posted February 25, 2016 I remember enjoying that, but I also remember absolutely nothing about the book, which is either a bad comment on the book, or on me personally. Don't think I've ever read another book that left so little of an impression, though.
Mr.E Posted February 25, 2016 Posted February 25, 2016 Um. I wouldn't hold your breath on that one.. films don't usually expand on books, they usually condense them (unless they're made by Peter Jackson). Ha yes, i mean more in the sense of certain actions being acted out, as the book is a lot of "So I did this, then I did that" which is fine, that's like 1 line for sometimes fairly large actions that could be described a bit better.
Awards Moderator HarmonicGenerator Posted February 25, 2016 Awards Moderator Posted February 25, 2016 Read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell last year, Carbomb, and absolutely loved it. One of the best books I've read in years. Superbly written, the perfect style for the subject, and I'm a sucker for an alternate history novel anyway, so it shot right up near the top of my (hypothetical) favourite books list.
Paid Members waters44 Posted February 25, 2016 Paid Members Posted February 25, 2016 The BBC series of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell was pretty decent too! I will have to add the book to my to read list
Paid Members Nexus Posted February 25, 2016 Paid Members Posted February 25, 2016 The Martian is an excellent adaptation of the book, imo. I'm glad you enjoyed Ender's Game, Chest! Don't research the author though, he's not a pleasant chap! I'd also recommend the Expanse series of books, starting with Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey. I may have already recommended them, to be fair.
Guy Bifkin Posted February 25, 2016 Posted February 25, 2016 Jonathan Strange is a great book, but boy is it long. Took a few more dumps than usual to get through that bad boy. I really didn't like The Martian. I accept I'm in the minority but I just wanted something a bit darker with lashings of existential angst. I will give the film a go eventually. Matt Damon is perfect for the main character.
Paid Members SpursRiot2012 Posted February 25, 2016 Paid Members Posted February 25, 2016 (edited) The Martian is an excellent adaptation of the book, imo. I'm glad you enjoyed Ender's Game, Chest! Don't research the author though, he's not a pleasant chap! I'd also recommend the Expanse series of books, starting with Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey. I may have already recommended them, to be fair. I started reading The Expanse series after getting half way through the SyFy TV version I figured that since I was enjoying the TV show, the books would be better for me in terms of detail etc. I was right. Just finished the second book. I didn't finish The Martian. Got about halfway. Enjoyed the film though. Edited February 25, 2016 by SpursRiot2012
Moderators Chest Rockwell Posted February 25, 2016 Moderators Posted February 25, 2016 I'm glad you enjoyed Ender's Game, Chest! Don't research the author though, he's not a pleasant chap! Ha! Funny you should say that. I was telling my friend to read this because I thought it would be up his street and he said he had already read it, and then proceeded to tell me the author was a total nutcase.
Michael_3165 Posted February 28, 2016 Posted February 28, 2016 I am reading ... Hard Times by Charles Dickens Wonderfully written, I can really see how he has become such an influence over the past few hundred years. His ability to create characters that actually have depth along with the satirical political commentaries is astounding. I recently read Darkness Visible by William Golding which, despite being a great author, was a struggle to get through.
Paid Members Scott Malbranque Posted February 28, 2016 Paid Members Posted February 28, 2016 I've gone through mybold collections and dug up the Viz annual "the Rusty Sherrifs Badge' because it's an inspirational piece of work with regards to my development and growth over the years.
Mr.E Posted February 29, 2016 Posted February 29, 2016 Just started Jurassic Park , which so far I'm highly enjoying.
Moderators Chest Rockwell Posted February 29, 2016 Moderators Posted February 29, 2016 I watched The Martian yesterday btw. It was decent, but I will reiterate my earlier comment and say don't hold your breath for any greater depth on anything you felt was unexplained in the book!
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