930 Forums
=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: DeathFromAbove1979 on December 23, 2008, 03:52:09 am
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I just finished reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy and I need a new book. I'm sure a lot of you read and I was wondering if there were any good reads you all have come across in the past and maybe what you're reading right now
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Right now I am reading "Outliers - The Story of Success" (http://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230052576&sr=8-1) by Malcolm Gladwell.
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Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon -- It's the funniest, the saddest, most disturbing, most beautiful, most disgusting, most rewarding, most amazing novel I've ever read, and the best novel I probably ever will read. The writing is so good that you'll want to read it aloud to savor ever syllable. A sprawling cast (you'll need to take notes to keep track of everyone, seriously) set in Europe during the waning months of WWII. If you have an interest in World War II, physics, rocketry, mathematics, psychology, musicals, statistics, sexual deviancy, Tarot cards, drug usage, mysticism, filmmaking, synchronicity, and conspiracy theories, then this is the book for you! It's a challenging post-modern work, but, if you read Cormac McCarthy, you can handle it. I highly recommend reading A Gravity's Rainbow Companion by Steven Weisenburger concurrently for illumination of the more obscure references.
What Jessica said-- hair much shorter, wearing a darker mouth of different outline, harder lipstick, her typewriter banking in a phalanx of letters between them-- was: "We're going to be married. We're trying very hard to have a baby."
All at once there is nothing but his asshole between Gravity and Roger. "I don't care. Have his baby. I'll love you both-- just come with me Jess, please ... I need you...."
She flips a red lever on her intercom. Far away a buzzer goes off. "Security." Her voice is perfectly hard, the word still clap-echoing in the air as in through the screen door of the Quonset office wth a smell of tide flats come the coppers, looking grim. Security. Her magic word, her spell against demons.
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I love Thomas Pynchon's other stuff, but I couldn't even get 1/4 of the way through Gravity's Rainbow. But I also know other peeps who love it and love discussing it with others who've read it. I think your brain just needs to be wired in a very specific way to get it.
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I'll give Gravity's Rainbow a shot, I was looking for something insane. Keep 'em comin!
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If you have want something really insane (and fun!), you should try Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs. That's another book I recommend reading aloud. Or better yet find a recording of Burroughs reading it. That really added to my appreciation.
I love everything Michael Chabon has written. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is a good one to start with. A healthy appeciation of comic books and their history helps with that novel. If that sort of thing doesn't interest you, skip it.
Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury is seriously one of the top three or four best novels I've read.
If you like science fiction, do yourself a favor and read everything Gene Wolfe has written.
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If you have want something really insane (and fun!), you should try Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs. That's another book I recommend reading aloud. Or better yet find a recording of Burroughs reading it. That really added to my appreciation.
That's funny because I was going to recommend the exact same book. The film is pretty good too if you have a head for understanding it all and like that kind of stuff.
I'd also recommend The Town And The City by Jack Kerouac. You have to get past the sickeningly sweet set up but it's important for what is to follow.
Gravity's Rainbow is a serious feast of words. It would also help to have at least of slight bit of understanding of the Tarot in order to follow the plot.
A little Philip K. Dick is always good to get you wondering if all those drugs he consumed opened up some sort of doorway in his mind that allowed him to envision some of the things that were to come.
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I read In Cold Blood recently
what a great book
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i'm currently reading and enjoying Something to Tell You by Hanief Kureishi.
Best book I've read in the last five years was A Thousand Splendid Suns.
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Three really good ones I've recently picked up (if you're into sociology, history/politics and/or NBA hoops):
Outliers (now vansmack approved!)
Team of Rivals
Free Darko Presents the Macrophenomenal Pro Basketball Almanac
Some other out there (though not naked lunch out there) classics, in case you've missed them:
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Confederacy of Dunces
And my favorites from Cormac McCarthy:
The Crossing
All the Pretty Horses
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http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2011/01/04/ac.ridiculist.snooki.book.cnn.html
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My reading time has been curtailed dramatically with kids and a crazy job but I did pick up two over Christmas and am half way through one of them
Skippy Dies
http://www.amazon.com/Skippy-Dies-Novel-Paul-Murray/dp/0865479437/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294146529&sr=1-1
and
A Visit From the Good Squad
http://www.amazon.com/Visit-Goon-Squad-Jennifer-Egan/dp/0307592839
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I'm on a Krakauer roll...
Just finished Under the Banner of Heaven, which points out what a douchey lot the Mormons are. and starting Where Men Win Glory, which prresumably will tell me what a douchey lot the military are.
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Krakauer is great.
My favorite book as of late is Everything Matters! by Ron Currie Jr. Just a wonderful story.
I have also really loved reading the Song of Ice and Fire Series. I am not much of a fantasy reader, and these are just really awesome books. The first one, Game of Thrones, is being adapted for HBO and the producers called the story "Sopranos in Middle Earth". About sums it up.
The Hunger Games series is fun by Suzanne Collins. Young adult, but a good dystopia book. Might not want to read them immediately after The Road, because that's about the best dystopia book I've ever read.
Too Much Happiness - Alice Munro - great short stories. I especially liked this book of hers.
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake - Aimee Bender
History of Love and/or Great House - Nicole Krauss. She is the wife of the guy who wrote Everything is Illuminated. Both are fantastic.
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I just finished Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.
http://www.amazon.com/Shantaram-Novel-Gregory-David-Roberts/dp/0312330529
A great, great read.
Next up is The Damage Done: Twelve Years of Hell in a Bangkok Prison by Warren Fellows
http://www.amazon.com/Damage-Done-Twelve-Bangkok-Prison/dp/184018275X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294149538&sr=1-3
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(http://www.valentinoachakdeng.org/images/whatIsTheWhat_cover_142_192.jpg)
Best book I read in 2010. pretty heartbreaking but overall has an uplifting vibe, testament to the human spirit etc etc. I think Dave Eggers is pretty overrated but I can't fuck with what he did in this book.
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Considering he finished the Road over two years ago, I think he'll be ok. ;)
The Hunger Games series is fun by Suzanne Collins. Young adult, but a good dystopia book. Might not want to read them immediately after The Road, because that's about the best dystopia book I've ever read.
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some good recommendations here. thanks folks.
The Hunger Games series is fun by Suzanne Collins. Young adult, but a good dystopia book. Might not want to read them immediately after The Road, because that's about the best dystopia book I've ever read.
i got in to the hunger games over the holiday break, now on #3 of 3. quite enjoyable. minor complaint: the occasional peppering of chick-lit, primarily in the first book - the longing for her father, back in a time when everything was perfect... ::) otherwise, a fun light read.
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A Visit From the Good Squad
http://www.amazon.com/Visit-Goon-Squad-Jennifer-Egan/dp/0307592839
This is in my "to read" stack. I'm zipping through Kitchen Confidential right now and then diving into the Keith Richards autobiography.
I think the books I enjoyed most in 2010 were Jonathan Lethem's Chronic City and David Goodville's American Subversive
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Currently reading my friend's book. He spent about 2 years writing it. It's a WWII book, but with a nazi experimentation/Indiana Jones twist. I think it's pretty well written and am thuroughly enjoying it. You can read about it more on his site and order a copy. He also has a short story available for download on his site in case you're curious to see what his style is like. The story comes from the 'Lucky Ford Universe'
http://www.unusualoccurrences.com/
If you like action/adventure/WWII stuff, I'd say it's worth the read!
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you should read richard webster's books on each of the four archangels, michael / raphael / gabriel / uriel. they will show you how to contact each and adjusting yourself into the higher planes of reality. then you should read crowley's book of the law. life is balance. i know, i know . . . most people either find crowley to be a evil lunatic or an idiot who fooled the small minded. but book of the law was indeed given to him by something not of this world, and if one pays enough attention while reading it, you can actually feel yourself being dragged into something that opens doors of corruptible realization. i do prescribe not following your footsteps through that door, but instead having the mere knowledge that such things do exist, is indeed fascinating.
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I really want to read the Keith Richards book.
I am currently reading the letters between Julia Child and her friend Avis. They are really cool.
Also reading Freedom, which is pretty great, but really long.
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(http://www.tradebit.com/usr/ebook-reader/pub/9002/510997807867316333101Pic.jpg)
Just about to start this after reading a New Yorker piece on it and having a dream about Cleopatra while masturbating this one time and then I woke up and I was all, wuh? Who is this Cleopatra and what is her story?
Advantage: me
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Advantage: me
That's what Marc Antony said...
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Well we're still talking about him so he must have done something right.
Plus that pimp scored some truly historic pussy. I must pay tribute.
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Advantage: me
That's what Marc Antony said...
HISTORICAL BURN!!!
(http://zanypickle.com/wp-content/gallery//2010/04/zanypickle_TGIF_grabbag25.jpg)
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Did you know that Mark Antony killed himself after a fake report that Cleopatra died? It was on Jeopardy the other night. That Cleopatra book has gotten alot of rave reviews.
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I hated Naked Lunch.
Anyhow, I can also recc The Hunger Games series for a good, light read.
I'm currently reading:
Rob Sheffield's "Talking to Girls About Duran Duran"
and "Mauve: How One Man Invented a Color that Changed the World," by Simon Garfield
Comics I have on deck:
Mouseguard: Winter 1152
The Best American Comics of 2010
and Batman RIP
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I am buying that Mauve book for my mom. Thanks! That is her favorite decorating color.
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Been reading 2-3 books at a time...I switch off when one has a lull
currently:
On The Road/Jack Kerouac
The Wisdom Of Crowds
Washington Confidential (crazy gossip paperback from 50's)
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Been reading 2-3 books at a time...I switch off when one has a lull
currently:
On The Road/Jack Kerouac
The Wisdom Of Crowds
Washington Confidential (crazy gossip paperback from 50's)
you have time to read? shouldn't you be booking shows instead?
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Been reading 2-3 books at a time...I switch off when one has a lull
currently:
On The Road/Jack Kerouac
The Wisdom Of Crowds
Washington Confidential (crazy gossip paperback from 50's)
you have time to read? shouldn't you be booking shows instead?
you have time to notice? shouldn't you be bitching and complaining . . . oh wait.
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Been reading 2-3 books at a time...I switch off when one has a lull
currently:
On The Road/Jack Kerouac
The Wisdom Of Crowds
Washington Confidential (crazy gossip paperback from 50's)
you have time to read? shouldn't you be booking shows instead?
you have time to notice? shouldn't you be bitching and complaining . . . oh wait.
oooooooooohhh!!!
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What? Sweetcell is like the most upbeat, positive person here, pot.
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I just finished Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.
http://www.amazon.com/Shantaram-Novel-Gregory-David-Roberts/dp/0312330529
A great, great read.
Shantaram is indeed quite good. It took me a while to get into the book, though. The narrator (read: author) thinks a whole lot of himself and I didn't quite buy into the quality that everyone everywhere (even in the criminal underworld or the third world) was good at heart. Other than that, an epic read. Are they still making a movie of it?
Anyhow, I can also recc The Hunger Games series for a good, light read.
I just finished this over the holiday break. It was enjoyable. I was surprised at how quickly violent it became. I need to borrow the other two books from my girlfriend.
I just finished Jonathan Franzen's "The Corrections (http://www.amazon.com/Corrections-Novel-Jonathan-Franzen/dp/0312421273)" I just started Greg Milner's "Perfecting Sound Forever: An Aural History of Recorded Music (http://www.amazon.com/Perfecting-Sound-Forever-History-Recorded/dp/0865479380/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294447894&sr=1-1)"
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Im reading the Dexter books now and give them praise. For Burroughs, the Western Lands trilogy is pretty sweet and a good head trip.
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A Visit From the Good Squad
http://www.amazon.com/Visit-Goon-Squad-Jennifer-Egan/dp/0307592839
I don't know about you, but I have been looking for pauses in songs ever since I finished the book.
And the Pulitzer people liked the book too:
http://www.pulitzer.org/awards/2011
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Patti Smith Just Kids . . .is fantastic
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I am going to start Goon Squad soon.
Currently reading book 4 of song of ice and fire and Undaunted Courage.
anyone here on goodreads?
Has anyone else read Everything Matters! One of my favorite reads of last year.
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A Visit From the Good Squad
http://www.amazon.com/Visit-Goon-Squad-Jennifer-Egan/dp/0307592839
I don't know about you, but I have been looking for pauses in songs ever since I finished the book.
And the Pulitzer people liked the book too:
http://www.pulitzer.org/awards/2011
did you guys read it on a kindle? if so, was the reading experience as bad as the first reviewer describes?
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did you guys read it on a kindle? if so, was the reading experience as bad as the first reviewer describes?
The kindle is to reading as the CD player is to music.
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The kindle is to reading as the CD player is to music.
a more faithful reproduction of the art, as the artist intended it to be experienced? that's hardly the case for kindles.
<hides>
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(http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/df/8df0ff75-b4fe-59f7-b24a-786c729cb083/4dfb99b9e43aa.image.jpg)
harDCore, straightedge, AIDS, teen pregnancy, overdoses, even name-checks the 9:30 Club two or three times.
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Does anybody have any suggestions on books about parenting difficult children?
Papa
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Does anybody have any suggestions on books about parenting difficult children?
Papa
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DH87XZTGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
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(http://yonasu.com/wp-content/uploads/51mGxL5j-CL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
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Does anybody have any suggestions on books about parenting difficult children?
Papa
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y32brlftL._SS500_.jpg)
We just got this in my library.
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isn't there some horrible youtube video going around about . . . you know, i don't think i will go there. even i have standards.
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Anyone heard much about the new Umberto Eco?
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I haven't heard much, but Eco's talking about it at Sixth & I Synagogue tonight. Tickets are $12 for the talk, $27 for a signed copy of The Prague Cemetery and two tickets to the talk.
http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/umberto-eco-prague-cemetery
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I'm reading Batman: Year One right now. It's taken me forever to get through cuz I don't have much tim to just read :\ the Borders by my house closed too. Such a shame.
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I'm reading Batman: Year One right now. It's taken me forever to get through cuz I don't have much tim to just read :\ the Borders by my house closed too. Such a shame.
or spell . . . unless tim is a person, and you don't have much of him.
;D
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I'm reading Batman: Year One right now. It's taken me forever to get through cuz I don't have much tim to just read :\ the Borders by my house closed too. Such a shame.
or spell . . . unless tim is a person, and you don't have much of him.
;D
Maybe DeathFromAbove1979 is more clever than we think and he's refering to his distaste for Tim Drake:
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090407082812/marvel_dc/images/thumb/7/7b/Robin_Tim_Drake_0003.jpg/150px-Robin_Tim_Drake_0003.jpg)
Brian
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(http://yonasu.com/wp-content/uploads/51mGxL5j-CL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
You liked this? Just wondering if it's worth my while. Been seeing it alot of places! (Wired, EW, etc)
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Patti Smith Just Kids . . .is fantastic
agreed. Amazing book.
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I'm reading Batman: Year One right now. It's taken me forever to get through cuz I don't have much tim to just read :\ the Borders by my house closed too. Such a shame.
or spell . . . unless tim is a person, and you don't have much of him.
;D
Maybe DeathFromAbove1979 is more clever than we think and he's refering to his distaste for Tim Drake:
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090407082812/marvel_dc/images/thumb/7/7b/Robin_Tim_Drake_0003.jpg/150px-Robin_Tim_Drake_0003.jpg)
Brian
Tim Drake is a snot nosed brat! Practically black mailed Bruce into being Robin. So weak! Kind of. Didn't he also get his face bashed in by The Joker? Hahahaha
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Tim Drake is a snot nosed brat! Practically black mailed Bruce into being Robin. So weak! Kind of. Didn't he also get his face bashed in by The Joker? Hahahaha
No. That's Jason Todd. But it's Dick Grayson who had the mullet....AND a ponytail!
(http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l3r5khLKt61qc7r93o1_500.jpg)
Brian
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(http://yonasu.com/wp-content/uploads/51mGxL5j-CL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
You liked this? Just wondering if it's worth my while. Been seeing it alot of places! (Wired, EW, etc)
It would be a long while. It's more than 900 pages. I am about 300 pages in and the story didn't really get going until after the first 200. So far I am enjoying it, but if you haven't read Murakami before, I would start with The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle or Kafka on the Shore first. I think this book has been getting a lot of attention based on those previous ones than purely on the merits of 1Q84.
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Tim Drake is a snot nosed brat! Practically black mailed Bruce into being Robin. So weak! Kind of. Didn't he also get his face bashed in by The Joker? Hahahaha
No. That's Jason Todd. But it's Dick Grayson who had the mullet....AND a ponytail!
(http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l3r5khLKt61qc7r93o1_500.jpg)
Brian
Fuck all the Robin's. I could care less. Although I think in "Under The Red Hood" Jason Todd is pretty badass. If that's him. Alls I know is Nightwing is kinda weak.
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(http://yonasu.com/wp-content/uploads/51mGxL5j-CL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
You liked this? Just wondering if it's worth my while. Been seeing it alot of places! (Wired, EW, etc)
It would be a long while. It's more than 900 pages. I am about 300 pages in and the story didn't really get going until after the first 200. So far I am enjoying it, but if you haven't read Murakami before, I would start with The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle or Kafka on the Shore first. I think this book has been getting a lot of attention based on those previous ones than purely on the merits of 1Q84.
Familiar with Kafka on the Shore! I know how long it is. Thought it would be a good winter book.
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I think I'm reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand next. Anyone read it? Apparently she went to American and lives in Fairfax...
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ahmet ertegun biography - the last sultan - so many great anecdotes
judy collins autobiography - sweet judy blues eyes - she's wilder than you'd think!
ace frehley autobiography - no regrets - fun read, seems like a regular good guy
of course, keith richards - life - what a memory (!?)
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ahmet ertegun biography - the last sultan - so many great anecdotes
judy collins autobiography - sweet judy blues eyes - she's wilder than you'd think!
ace frehley autobiography - no regrets - fun read, seems like a regular good guy
of course, keith richards - life - what a memory (!?)
except for the judy collins these are all on my list
currently reading the neville brothers oral history "the brothers" with david ritz.... fascinating stuff
finished clapton's autobio....great stuff.. way better than i expected..and ozzy's autobio and a gene simmons book
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ian copeland "wild thing"
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Great Society Subway
Last of the Black Emperors
American Psycho