Curse

Junato · May 29, 2011, 10:19 PM // 22:19

From 2010 to 2011 I haven't read a novel or barely a full newspaper. Now my question for everyone here is that should people (mainly me) read a book per month or per year.

The last book I read was simple genius by david baldacci and that was two years back. It was a great book and now that I have some books laying around like William Gibson - Neuromancer (read back 5 yrs ago), Tomorrow Calling and the Great Gatsby that I haven't read that I find doesn't interest me.

That's my problem I find reading boring and what I am trying to get at is, is there a way for a typical guy to enjoy reading?

I think my preference in novels would have to be not dark, adventurous, sci-fi, Fantasy. Know any good books that start out interesting and end interesting?

I Also bought Guild Wars Ascalon half a year ago and I haven't flipped one page yet..

Yae Mozs · May 30, 2011, 02:31 AM // 02:31

I had the same problem years ago. Reading simply became a chore, and I only read what was required. While trying to find a computer science textbook in the stack of books downstairs, I found an old copy of The Things They Carried . I then read the first page, became engrossed and promptly forgot about the textbook and finished the book.

Later I picked up a couple of books from the same author and I read them...

After that fiasco, I'm back to reading squat again (The occasional news), and can't seem to pick up any other reading material. So I guess some people just prefer to read and other just don't... If you do pick up something, chances are you'll be back to reading nothing again once your done. Well that's from my experience and may not apply to you...

Junato · May 30, 2011, 04:29 PM // 16:29

It might, but honestly I have hard times forming grammar when speaking and writing. At times I don't even make sense when I talk and when I am furious that's where i make the least sense. So I thought about maybe I should read books to have better grammar and vocabulary. However, I am unsure whether or not reading will improve the areas that I lack in.

_Aphotic_ · May 31, 2011, 01:28 AM // 01:28

Start Simple.
Here are some books that are easily understood and well written:
The Book of Lost Things- John Connelly
Good Omens- Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Going Bovine- Libba Bray
If I Die in a Combat Zone- Tim O' Brien (or if you like fiction better, The Things They Carried)

at first, i thought you said you DIDN'T like Scifi, adventurous, fantasy books, but then I realized the "not" only applied to dark ;P
So I guess... if you really like Sci-Fi, go back to it's roots.

Slaughterhouse Five or Breakfast of Champions- Kurt Vonnegut
Foundation or I Robot- Isaac Asimov

For Fantasy, try the "His Dark Materials" series (Golden Compass, Subtle Knife, Amber Spyglass) and if that's a little too overbearing, I would even suggest Murakami's "Kafka on the Shore" (more extensive) or "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World." (simpler) Although, because Murakami's translation are kind-of-Engrishry (Japanese-> English), it definitely won't help your ability to converse with others in ENGLISH. lol

Oh right. The Lord of the Rings. Although it might bore you super quick.
Upon other things; Greek Mythology. It will pique your interest to find out the REAL and FULL tales that many books at present and past base their ideas upon.

Personally, I say stick with the four I mentioned at the top and you won't go wrong.

*Darcy* · May 31, 2011, 02:41 AM // 02:41

For Sci-Fi, start with Andre Norton's books. She wrote sci-fi adventure stories, now usually called space opera, like Star Wars. The books were originally marketed to teenagers who publishers assumed had short attention spans. Thus they are not long-winded.

Also, as said, try Isaac Asimov. Find a book of his short stories, which are fun reading. He originally wrote for the sci-fi magazines so, again, the stories are high-quality, but not long-winded.

For fantasy that is fun, try Piers Anthony's Xanth series. The first book is A Spell for Chameleon.

Remember that reading should be fun, not a chore. And, yes, over time it will improve your grammar and vocabulary simply through repetition.

Snograt · May 31, 2011, 10:59 AM // 10:59

Is Reading important?

Not since yesterday, no.

I yam soooo witty

**cosyfiep** · Jun 01, 2011, 04:53 PM // 16:53

yes the ability to read and comprehend is important if you wish to sound like you have more than 2 brain cells (like, duh, ya'know).....but if you want to sound like you barely made it thru 2nd grade then by all means stop reading.
Actually just reading the news papers (even the ones online) will improve your comprehension as well as add some vocab to your stash. If you enjoy reading sci fi--yeah Andre Norton is a good one (and an easy read). If you like star trek--the older novels were pretty good and there are some good authors that came from their ranks. Like fantasy? then the dragon lance novels will take up a considerable amount of your life (like over 100 books since 1984 when I first picked them up)...now if you are into heavy sciences then greg bear, benford, asminov and the like would be up your alley (hubby likes those).

so anything will help improve your skills--just pick up a newspaper or (gasp) news mag ...or national geographic (if you want a few more fancy vocab words).....

Junato · Jun 02, 2011, 04:17 PM // 16:17

my favourite word is semantics

Absolute Destiny · Jun 07, 2011, 01:20 PM // 13:20

Reading's more like an addiction to me.
I have hardcore ADD, and the only way to keep myself focused is to always have a novel on-hand to dive into.
Even if it's a book I've read twenty times before (Hello again, Harry Potter).

For sci-fi, I heartily recommend any and all of the Dragonriders of Pern novels by Anne and later Todd McCaffrey.
Very detailed, very dramatic, very romantic at times, very badass all around.

For darker fantasy, and for some actually well-written teen vampire fiction, there's the House of Night series by P.C. and Kristen Cast.
Nothing like a corrupt high priestess having sex with a living embodiment of Darkness to get the blood pumping.

As for reading in general, spending time on forums like Guru is considered READING, even without a book in hand.

Blogs, news sites, online instruction manuals...read 'em all, especially if you're worried about being bored by a novel.

Snograt · Jun 07, 2011, 03:22 PM // 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absolute Destiny

As for reading in general, spending time on forums like Guru is considered READING, even without a book in hand.

Yes, but you're not going to improve your literacy that way.

Cuz of ppl that liek to write liek this, k?

(p.s. - don't.)

**cosyfiep** · Jun 07, 2011, 04:27 PM // 16:27

wut u meen????

(sorry snoggy had too)

yeah blogs and forums are not a good place to get a good english primer ----information sites like some wikis usually try to keep the slag to a minimum and are ok.

(I like the deryni series by Katherine Kurtz---as well as the Zelazny amber novels )

Aeronwen · Jun 07, 2011, 09:35 PM // 21:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darcy

For Sci-Fi, start with Andre Norton's books. She wrote sci-fi adventure stories, now usually called space opera, like Star Wars.

oh I used to love those - haven't seen any in many years.

In addition to whats already been suggested....

Orson Scott Card's 'Ender's Game' is compelling and most of his early stuff is good.

Ursula Le Guin is fun and well written , I like 'Left Hand of Darkness' best.

Terry Pratchett's Nightwatch is not only a gripping story but hilarious too

and, yes, reading regularly is not only educational but fun too.

**cosyfiep** · Jun 07, 2011, 11:24 PM // 23:24

yeah Le Guin is a good one--I liked the lathe of heaven (heck, they even tried to make it into a movie!

)
If you want non-sci fi, james michener is a good one--lots of titles under his name.

DreamRunner · Jun 13, 2011, 06:20 AM // 06:20

Yes, reading is very important. It helps generate and boost your comprehensive, and analytical abilities. General reading can also increases your vocabulary and memory. However, it also depends what you're reading. I would suggest reading non-fiction, simply because it can help you understand contemporary perspectives in the world. I would suggest:

Peter Watson - A Terrible Beauty
Richard Tarnas - The Passion of the Western Mind

If you're determined to only read fiction, and only want to read fantasy, sci-fi novels. I would suggest reading Sara Douglass novels.

*Darcy* · Jun 16, 2011, 11:01 PM // 23:01

And I can't believe I forgot to mention Baen Books' Free Library. http://baen.com/library/default.asp Just click on the Authors & Books links on the left side to see what is available for download or reading online.